Macbook query from a soon-to-be convert

[gino_76ph]

Hi there!

I have had Windows PCs in the past but i want some change. i want to do things more quicker & simplier. I have been researching for the past week or so a comparison on Apple Macs and the latest crop of Windows 7 laptops and i wanted to ask questions so i can convince myself once and for all if a Mac (in particular the Macbook Pro) is the one for me:

1. Price
The Cheapest Macbook Pro is down for £999. with the same (or less) of the price for a Windows 7 laptop i can have a high-end laptop with a little more specs inside (disregarding wether you "need" the specs or not). Why buy a Mac?

2. Camera
Does the FacetimeHD Camera allow for 3rd-party software chat like Skype, Facebook video chat, Google talk or Yahoo Messenger?

3. Bluetooth
With Bluetooth on-board will it allow sending or receiving files from a non-Apple device? and/or will it allow 3rd-party peripherals connections such as webcam, keyboard, mice or speakers to work (i.e. compatibility)?

4. DLNA
The Macbook Pro doesn't seem to have DLNA on-board. what if i want to "throw" files to my TV via my PS3 will i need another Apple peripheral to do that?

5. microSD card slot
Is the microSD card slot universal and is compatible with most if not all types?

6. Keypad
It does say somthing as "multitouch". would that mean pinch-to-zoom photos/videos/websites? swiping as well?

7. Software & Programmes
I like my Windows 7 laptop as i can download almost any WIndows-compatible softwares & programmes. things such as a browser (Firefox & Chrome), music management (3rd-party alternative to iTunes), anti-virus, etc. Will the Macbook Pro "in general" allow me to do that as well?

8. Web Apps
Much i am not familiar with these web apps. All i know is they are just like apps on a smartphone. I may be wrong. The Google Chromebook was built for the web and has loads of web apps on its Market. does Apple have a similar system? can i download Apple and also Google web apps on the MBPro?

9. USB ports
The MB Pro has USB ports but can i insert any 3rd-party external/portable peripherals such as hard drive in order to view files such as JPEG photos, MP3 files or AVI movies?
Do i need to download a 1st-party or 3rd-party software in order to view/play those said files?

10. Uploading & Editing photos
I have a 32GB microSD card with photos & videos. i want to upload them to Facebook or Flicker or videos onto Youtube. i can do that on the Macbook Pro can i? do i need a 1st-party or 3rd-party software to do that?
I'm also into basic editing of photos like with Picassa. is there a similar/equivalent product to edit a photo? (like cropping,sharpness, background effects, etc.) and after editing the photo can i easily save it on my Mac and attach as an email easily?

11. Hard Drive
I read its an SSD-type. but can i easily partition the hard drive into equal or uneven parts? do i need a 1st-party or 3rd-pary software in order to do that? (the reason being so to organise my files properly and avoid "errors" in them)

12. Fan Noise
I have a 1-year old HP Windows 7 laptop and after watching a movie for an hour the fan starts to become noisy and starts heating up after 2 hours. do i need to worry about fan noise or overheating with the MB Pro? does it have a fan or an exhaust?

13. Warranty & Buying
What is the standard UK/EU warranty and what does it cover? do i have a choice of an "extended" warranty? or can i just bring in my MB Pro for repairs only on an Apple store or a PC World/Currys store? would it be free if its in an Apple store?
What are the advantages of buying one at an Apple store? more perks/benefits/deals,discounts,etc.? are there finance options?

14. Wallpapers
can i change the wallpaper easily on a MB Pro like in a Windows 7 laptop?

15. Startup & Shutdown
I have heard both processes are quick and fast but is it just a one-touch/one-button press? (unlike with Windows 7 you have to go to the symbol then...you know what i mean)

16. Speakers & 3.5mm jack
Does a MB Pro have dual stereo speakers? do they have any other effects (or say equalizers) i can change or tweal to make it more louder or more surround in sound? can i connect any standard speakers on the standard 3.5mm headphione jack? where are the speakers exactly located?

17. Games
Now, lets face it. most games are on the home consoles then second is for the PC. i want to ask first: can i download games on iTunes and be able to play them on my MB Pro? (e.g. an iPad game) and say if i have a Google account can i (in theory) download games off the Android Market (or Chrome Store) to play on my MB Pro?

18. Browsers
Safari might be better & faster than IE but i like mine Chrome. can i download ANY 3rd-party browsers (like Chrome or Firefox) on the MC Pro?

19. Antivirus
No need? and why?

20. OS
Does the MB Pro come with the latest OS X and with back-up disc on the box? what if for some reasons iot crashes or start having errors can i "recover" my files or the original OS boot?

21. Updates
Like any PC or smartphone how often does Apple release updates for its Macbook range? and how do i update mine?

22. WiFi
With Windows 7 it almost instantly detects existing or nearby wifi signals. does the MB Pro do the same thing? how fast & easy to connect to a standard home wifi connection?#

23. Blu-ray
No Blu-ray player option as an upgrade?

24. Screen
I read there are options for Glossy and Anti-glare. is the price the same for both?

25. Hard Drive
Is the MB Pro able to "format" a device (such as a connected 3rd-party portable hard drive) to Fat32 or NTFS?

[abaxas]

1. Price
The Cheapest Macbook Pro is down for £999. with the same (or less) of the price for a Windows 7 laptop i can have a high-end laptop with a little more specs inside (disregarding wether you "need" the specs or not). Why buy a Mac?

OSX and nice looking

2. Camera
Does the FacetimeHD Camera allow for 3rd-party software chat like Skype, Facebook video chat, Google talk or Yahoo Messenger?

Yes

3. Bluetooth
With Bluetooth on-board will it allow sending or receiving files from a non-Apple device? and/or will it allow 3rd-party peripherals connections such as webcam, keyboard, mice or speakers to work (i.e. compatibility)?

Yes

4. DLNA
The Macbook Pro doesn't seem to have DLNA on-board. what if i want to "throw" files to my TV via my PS3 will i need another Apple peripheral to do that?

Mediatomb from macports

5. microSD card slot
Is the microSD card slot universal and is compatible with most if not all types?

SD slot and is standard

6. Keypad
It does say somthing as "multitouch". would that mean pinch-to-zoom photos/videos/websites? swiping as well?

No idea

7. Software & Programmes
I like my Windows 7 laptop as i can download almost any WIndows-compatible softwares & programmes. things such as a browser (Firefox & Chrome), music management (3rd-party alternative to iTunes), anti-virus, etc. Will the Macbook Pro "in general" allow me to do that as well?

Vmware fusion.

8. Web Apps
Much i am not familiar with these web apps. All i know is they are just like apps on a smartphone. I may be wrong. The Google Chromebook was built for the web and has loads of web apps on its Market. does Apple have a similar system? can i download Apple and also Google web apps on the MBPro?

Web apps should live on the web

9. USB ports
The MB Pro has USB ports but can i insert any 3rd-party external/portable peripherals such as hard drive in order to view files such as JPEG photos, MP3 files or AVI movies?
Do i need to download a 1st-party or 3rd-party software in order to view/play those said files?

May need NTFS driver which is easily obtainable and free.

10. Uploading & Editing photos
I have a 32GB microSD card with photos & videos. i want to upload them to Facebook or Flicker or videos onto Youtube. i can do that on the Macbook Pro can i? do i need a 1st-party or 3rd-party software to do that?
I'm also into basic editing of photos like with Picassa. is there a similar/equivalent product to edit a photo? (like cropping,sharpness, background effects, etc.) and after editing the photo can i easily save it on my Mac and attach as an email easily?

Stupid question, of course.

11. Hard Drive
I read its an SSD-type. but can i easily partition the hard drive into equal or uneven parts? do i need a 1st-party or 3rd-pary software in order to do that? (the reason being so to organise my files properly and avoid "errors" in them)

Yes, if you really want to.

12. Fan Noise
I have a 1-year old HP Windows 7 laptop and after watching a movie for an hour the fan starts to become noisy and starts heating up after 2 hours. do i need to worry about fan noise or overheating with the MB Pro? does it have a fan or an exhaust?

Yes, but a good quality fan that doesnt sound like a cheap vacuum cleaner.

13. Warranty & Buying
What is the standard UK/EU warranty and what does it cover? do i have a choice of an "extended" warranty? or can i just bring in my MB Pro for repairs only on an Apple store or a PC World/Currys store? would it be free if its in an Apple store?
What are the advantages of buying one at an Apple store? more perks/benefits/deals,discounts,etc.? are there finance options?

Edu discount comes with 3 years warranty as standard. hint hint

14. Wallpapers
can i change the wallpaper easily on a MB Pro like in a Windows 7 laptop?

Yes

15. Startup & Shutdown
I have heard both processes are quick and fast but is it just a one-touch/one-button press? (unlike with Windows 7 you have to go to the symbol then...you know what i mean)

?

16. Speakers & 3.5mm jack
Does a MB Pro have dual stereo speakers? do they have any other effects (or say equalizers) i can change or tweal to make it more louder or more surround in sound? can i connect any standard speakers on the standard 3.5mm headphione jack? where are the speakers exactly located?

It also has a mini subwoofer (vvvvvv small one). 3.5 jack is standard but also doubles as optical out (with correct adapter).

17. Games
Now, lets face it. most games are on the home consoles then second is for the PC. i want to ask first: can i download games on iTunes and be able to play them on my MB Pro? (e.g. an iPad game) and say if i have a Google account can i (in theory) download games off the Android Market (or Chrome Store) to play on my MB Pro?

Does your xbox play ps3 games? No.

18. Browsers
Safari might be better & faster than IE but i like mine Chrome. can i download ANY 3rd-party browsers (like Chrome or Firefox) on the MC Pro?

Yes

19. Antivirus
No need? and why?

ClamAV is free.

20. OS
Does the MB Pro come with the latest OS X and with back-up disc on the box? what if for some reasons iot crashes or start having errors can i "recover" my files or the original OS boot?

Yes, yes and more yes

21. Updates
Like any PC or smartphone how often does Apple release updates for its Macbook range? and how do i update mine?

Updates come, you choose if you want to install them. Major updates will need a reboot, small ones not. Number of updates is small in comparison to windows.

22. WiFi
With Windows 7 it almost instantly detects existing or nearby wifi signals. does the MB Pro do the same thing? how fast & easy to connect to a standard home wifi connection?#

Easier than wiping your own bottom.

23. Blu-ray
No Blu-ray player option as an upgrade?

Physical media is on the way out.

24. Screen
I read there are options for Glossy and Anti-glare. is the price the same for both?

No idea.

25. Hard Drive
Is the MB Pro able to "format" a device (such as a connected 3rd-party portable hard drive) to Fat32 or NTFS?

[/QUOTE]

Yes but NTFS is a bad idea for maximum compatablity with other computers.

[Guy]

Tried to fill in some of the blanks.

Hi there!

I have had Windows PCs in the past but i want some change. i want to do things more quicker & simplier. I have been researching for the past week or so a comparison on Apple Macs and the latest crop of Windows 7 laptops and i wanted to ask questions so i can convince myself once and for all if a Mac (in particular the Macbook Pro) is the one for me:

1. Price
The Cheapest Macbook Pro is down for £999. with the same (or less) of the price for a Windows 7 laptop i can have a high-end laptop with a little more specs inside (disregarding wether you "need" the specs or not). Why buy a Mac?

Not going to answer this one as it opens a can of worms!

2. Camera
Does the FacetimeHD Camera allow for 3rd-party software chat like Skype, Facebook video chat, Google talk or Yahoo Messenger?

On my old Macbook Pro it did, I haven't tried on my current one, but I would say it can be used like any other webcam.

3. Bluetooth
With Bluetooth on-board will it allow sending or receiving files from a non-Apple device? and/or will it allow 3rd-party peripherals connections such as webcam, keyboard, mice or speakers to work (i.e. compatibility)?

Yep, sent files from my phone to my Mac before using the bluetooth.

4. DLNA
The Macbook Pro doesn't seem to have DLNA on-board. what if i want to "throw" files to my TV via my PS3 will i need another Apple peripheral to do that?

Pass, I'm only 2 days back into regularly using a Mac as my main laptop after a break of a couple of years!

5. microSD card slot
Is the microSD card slot universal and is compatible with most if not all types?

Yes.

6. Keypad
It does say somthing as "multitouch". would that mean pinch-to-zoom photos/videos/websites? swiping as well?

Yep, I am currently in Chrome, and the 'gestures' work fine.

7. Software & Programmes
I like my Windows 7 laptop as i can download almost any WIndows-compatible softwares & programmes. things such as a browser (Firefox & Chrome), music management (3rd-party alternative to iTunes), anti-virus, etc. Will the Macbook Pro "in general" allow me to do that as well?

Yes the majority of programs out there have or offer Mac versions.

8. Web Apps
Much i am not familiar with these web apps. All i know is they are just like apps on a smartphone. I may be wrong. The Google Chromebook was built for the web and has loads of web apps on its Market. does Apple have a similar system? can i download Apple and also Google web apps on the MBPro?

Have a look yourself. Here is the Apple App store: http://www.apple.com/uk/mac/app-store/

9. USB ports
The MB Pro has USB ports but can i insert any 3rd-party external/portable peripherals such as hard drive in order to view files such as JPEG photos, MP3 files or AVI movies?
Do i need to download a 1st-party or 3rd-party software in order to view/play those said files?

Yes, and depends what the files are.

10. Uploading & Editing photos
I have a 32GB microSD card with photos & videos. i want to upload them to Facebook or Flicker or videos onto Youtube. i can do that on the Macbook Pro can i? do i need a 1st-party or 3rd-party software to do that?
I'm also into basic editing of photos like with Picassa. is there a similar/equivalent product to edit a photo? (like cropping,sharpness, background effects, etc.) and after editing the photo can i easily save it on my Mac and attach as an email easily?

Mac's come with iPhoto as standard, very much like Picassa. Don't like iPhoto then just use Picassa.

11. Hard Drive
I read its an SSD-type. but can i easily partition the hard drive into equal or uneven parts? do i need a 1st-party or 3rd-pary software in order to do that? (the reason being so to organise my files properly and avoid "errors" in them)

On the Macbook Pro's the default HDD is a mechanical drive, but SSD's are an option.

12. Fan Noise
I have a 1-year old HP Windows 7 laptop and after watching a movie for an hour the fan starts to become noisy and starts heating up after 2 hours. do i need to worry about fan noise or overheating with the MB Pro? does it have a fan or an exhaust?

It does have a fan, and on the whole it's fairly quiet. Obviously depends what you're doing, and what surface the laptop is on.

13. Warranty & Buying
What is the standard UK/EU warranty and what does it cover? do i have a choice of an "extended" warranty? or can i just bring in my MB Pro for repairs only on an Apple store or a PC World/Currys store? would it be free if its in an Apple store?
What are the advantages of buying one at an Apple store? more perks/benefits/deals,discounts,etc.? are there finance options?

Sorry to sound a bit blunt, but have you tried googling some of these questions or even having a look around the Apple website?

14. Wallpapers
can i change the wallpaper easily on a MB Pro like in a Windows 7 laptop?

Yes...

15. Startup & Shutdown
I have heard both processes are quick and fast but is it just a one-touch/one-button press? (unlike with Windows 7 you have to go to the symbol then...you know what i mean)

16. Speakers & 3.5mm jack
Does a MB Pro have dual stereo speakers? do they have any other effects (or say equalizers) i can change or tweal to make it more louder or more surround in sound? can i connect any standard speakers on the standard 3.5mm headphione jack? where are the speakers exactly located?

17. Games
Now, lets face it. most games are on the home consoles then second is for the PC. i want to ask first: can i download games on iTunes and be able to play them on my MB Pro? (e.g. an iPad game) and say if i have a Google account can i (in theory) download games off the Android Market (or Chrome Store) to play on my MB Pro?

18. Browsers
Safari might be better & faster than IE but i like mine Chrome. can i download ANY 3rd-party browsers (like Chrome or Firefox) on the MC Pro?

Yes!

19. Antivirus
No need? and why?

Can of worms.

20. OS
Does the MB Pro come with the latest OS X and with back-up disc on the box? what if for some reasons iot crashes or start having errors can i "recover" my files or the original OS boot?

Yes it will come with OSX 'Lion'. No recovery media included, Lion is a download off the App store afaik for recovery purposes.

21. Updates
Like any PC or smartphone how often does Apple release updates for its Macbook range? and how do i update mine?

22. WiFi
With Windows 7 it almost instantly detects existing or nearby wifi signals. does the MB Pro do the same thing? how fast & easy to connect to a standard home wifi connection?#

The same as any laptop...

23. Blu-ray
No Blu-ray player option as an upgrade?

Nope.

24. Screen
I read there are options for Glossy and Anti-glare. is the price the same for both?

I don't think? (I could be wrong) that you have options for glossy or matte screens anymore?

25. Hard Drive
Is the MB Pro able to "format" a device (such as a connected 3rd-party portable hard drive) to Fat32 or NTFS?

[redddraggon]

4. DLNA
The Macbook Pro doesn't seem to have DLNA on-board. what if i want to "throw" files to my TV via my PS3 will i need another Apple peripheral to do that?

http://www.yazsoft.com/products/playback/

Playback works awesomely, and I wish they made a windows version too.

[Pancake]

As for 12, MBP's run very hot compared to a decent laptop (IE not your HP) because Apple are so clever they decided to have almost no exhaust and intake.

EG: http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/26/c...sius-your-lap/

Also just google around, the bottoms of them also become very hot.

[RichieLee]

My macbook has been utterly reliable over the last 3 years and still serve well as my workhorse. The user interface is really slick.

Bear in mind though, they're not gaming machines.

As for running hot, yes they do! Mine's currently warm and toasty on my lap but it hasn't notably detracted from performance.

[gino_76ph]

Slowly i am learning the things about a Macbook and so far i like what i'm reading. yes, its true that i need to go to the shop and try it myself which is the best thing to do.

So far after learning things about the Macbook (Pro) i have some reservations.

1. Apple Care - £199 for 3 years is still a bit steep. i might sell my Mac after a year. but another question comes in mind. this is in regards updates. with (supposedly) regular updates by Apple will i be needing my Macbook beyond 12 months with improved features, usability, etc.?

2. lack of DLNA. - would be nice if everything in your home (well, mainly connected devices such as PC's, Macs, game consoles, internet TV) can communicate to each other isn't it. why do i need to buy a 1st-party peripheral or a paid app just to "throw" files to my TV?

3. price of a "basic" 15" Macbook Pro is still a bit steep. i suppose i'm buying a premium device and a top-notch OS along with it. but equally a £1500+ Windows laptop is really top, top end and has more features.

4. how do i partition the hard drives?

5. fan noise issue - i was told that it wasn't an actuall issue wether its an 13" or 15" MB Pro. but is it true the 13" ones only have one fan? would having only 1 fan be an issue in the future if we are to consider what i will be doing to my Mac (which is basic internet surfing, basic photo editing, uploading, transferring to another device like a portable hard drive, downloading and uploading music & video to my Android phone, printing documents to a printer, listening to music files et al) would a 13" MB pro be fine with me?
As regards heating would i need those fancy laptop "pillows" that you place underneath to avoid too much heat?

6. Graphics card - why would i need 2 cards on a 15" Mac where 1 is enough on a 13" one? does the "solo" graphics card be enough with the ones i'm doing? does it have a "dedicated" memory for the actual video rendering bit?

7. why recovery via the Mac & Apple website? why not a physical disc like Windows?

8. resale value - does an Apple Mac have really good resale value even after say beyond 12 months of use? (if i decide to sell it)

9. does all Macs have an SSD hard drive or only the 15" ones? i heard SSDs are really good and boots up really quick.

10. on the issue of file formats. i don't know if i read it correctly.
for example, i have a brand-new portable hard drive (connected to the MB Pro) and want to partition & format it as Fat32. can i do i do that on a Macbook?

[Pancake]

Why not just get a decent PC?

[redddraggon]

SSDs are optional on MBPs. You can partition drives using Disk Utility I think.

There's plenty of free DNLA apps like PS3 Media Server, but Playback seems to work better.

[spoon_]

Slowly i am learning the things about a Macbook and so far i like what i'm reading. yes, its true that i need to go to the shop and try it myself which is the best thing to do.

So far after learning things about the Macbook (Pro) i have some reservations.

1. Apple Care - £199 for 3 years is still a bit steep. i might sell my Mac after a year. but another question comes in mind. this is in regards updates. with (supposedly) regular updates by Apple will i be needing my Macbook beyond 12 months with improved features, usability, etc.?

2. lack of DLNA. - would be nice if everything in your home (well, mainly connected devices such as PC's, Macs, game consoles, internet TV) can communicate to each other isn't it. why do i need to buy a 1st-party peripheral or a paid app just to "throw" files to my TV?

3. price of a "basic" 15" Macbook Pro is still a bit steep. i suppose i'm buying a premium device and a top-notch OS along with it. but equally a £1500+ Windows laptop is really top, top end and has more features.

4. how do i partition the hard drives?

5. fan noise issue - i was told that it wasn't an actuall issue wether its an 13" or 15" MB Pro. but is it true the 13" ones only have one fan? would having only 1 fan be an issue in the future if we are to consider what i will be doing to my Mac (which is basic internet surfing, basic photo editing, uploading, transferring to another device like a portable hard drive, downloading and uploading music & video to my Android phone, printing documents to a printer, listening to music files et al) would a 13" MB pro be fine with me?
As regards heating would i need those fancy laptop "pillows" that you place underneath to avoid too much heat?

6. Graphics card - why would i need 2 cards on a 15" Mac where 1 is enough on a 13" one? does the "solo" graphics card be enough with the ones i'm doing? does it have a "dedicated" memory for the actual video rendering bit?

7. why recovery via the Mac & Apple website? why not a physical disc like Windows?

8. resale value - does an Apple Mac have really good resale value even after say beyond 12 months of use? (if i decide to sell it)

9. does all Macs have an SSD hard drive or only the 15" ones? i heard SSDs are really good and boots up really quick.

10. on the issue of file formats. i don't know if i read it correctly.
for example, i have a brand-new portable hard drive (connected to the MB Pro) and want to partition & format it as Fat32. can i do i do that on a Macbook?

1. Get 1 year of basic warranty and extend if needed?

2. PS3 Media Server and Serviio are both free, Google them.

3. No comment here, user preference and/or amount of cash.

4. Disk Utility once you start the OS install.

5. Cannot comment as I don't own a laptop of any kind.

6. 2nd GPU will be used only if needed by the OS or software/game. Otherwise its off and the integrated one is used to do web browsing etc. Its saving power and battery life...

7. You can burn your copy of OSX Lion on a DL DVD, no issues here. I keep .dmg file of my missus iMac Lion disk that way. Also use TimeMachine which makes recovery of any kind two mouse clicks.

8. Not sure but it definitely does. Mac Mini which my missus owned sold for £40 more than when she bought it 2 years later down the line!

9. Not sure...

10. You can. Already mentioned Disk Utility will do this for you.

[gino_76ph]

I don't know who said that MB Pros have 2 graphic cards. but am i correct in saying that there is a dedicated "section" of the graphics card solely just for graphics?

how do i create a recovery disc from the recovery file off the MB Pro? (in case say the recovery file gets corrupted or wiped out accidentally)

fan noise again. is it true the 13" only has 1 fan and the 15" has 2? do i really need 2 fans with the things i will be doing to my MB Pro?

currently my hear is set for the base 15" MB Pro but i have to maybe "upgrade" the hard drive to an SSD-type for faster startup/shutdown and loading of files. i might just retain the basic graphics card whatever is installed in there.

[spoon_]

Re SSD, the already mentioned iMac has a random Seagate either 5.4k or 7.2k mechanical hard drive but that doesn't stop OSX Lion from loading in 25 seconds flat to BBC website... If you're getting an SSD solely for startup/shutdown then save the money!

Burning .dmg file onto a DL DVD or flash drive:

http://lifehacker.com/5823096/how-to...or-flash-drive

[Pancake]

Re SSD, the already mentioned iMac has a random Seagate either 5.4k or 7.2k mechanical hard drive but that doesn't stop OSX Lion from loading in 25 seconds flat to BBC website... If you're getting an SSD solely for startup/shutdown then save the money!

Burning .dmg file onto a DL DVD or flash drive:

http://lifehacker.com/5823096/how-to...or-flash-drive

Battery life will be better, and its lighter and less likely to fail due to shock. It also makes for a quieter PC and much faster, 25 seconds is nothing to brag about.

OSX boots much faster than windows, yet still good laptops with SSD's can boot to windows in 9 seconds.

[spoon_]

Battery life will be better, and its lighter and less likely to fail due to shock. It also makes for a quieter PC and much faster, 25 seconds is nothing to brag about.

OSX boots much faster than windows, yet still good laptops with SSD's can boot to windows in 9 seconds.

Battery life - debatable, minutes at the very best.
Weight - We not gonna talk about grams here, are we? Small HDDs like 160GB lets say will be heavier by hefty 5 grams... 500GB pushes the difference to 80 grams which is nothing.
Fail due to a shock - Cannot argue as there is no moving parts in SSDs.
Noise - Again HDDs will never be 100% because of the moving parts.

What works against SSDs is support of TRIM and the fact they will eventually die from to many writes.

The 25 seconds I'm on about is OSX installation I did on OSX Leopard on a Mac Mini [2008] which was upgraded to OSX Snow Leopard then moved onto the iMac [different hardware all together] and upgraded to OSX Lion few months back. So technically speaking its 3 different OS versions and 2 types of hardware and almost 3 years old...

OSX boots faster than Windows? Probably. Cannot say on my own PCs as I have 3 RAID cards and as many BIOSes to go through so my boot time is long anyway.

9 seconds to Windows? I would like to see that, maybe I can ditch my cards!

[Pancake]

I got an extra half hour, from 9 hours. So thats enough to warrant a difference. As for the failing due to writes, this is all a load of rubbish IMO. I have a 40GB intel drive i use for my downloads that i got when it was new. I download about 8GB a night and its been going over 2 years now (i think? maybe 1 and a halfish)

And yeah fair enough, you got me on the weight, but still. Every little helps

[Pancake]

Lenovo fastboot link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJsV...eature=related