Apple MacBook: Excellent computer or just a style statement?
Macs, by default, use a different operating system, Mac OSX, instead of the usual Microsoft Windows, found on most personal computers, which should not be a problem from a usability point of view for most people, but does mean that some software is available later than for PCs, but the OS runs on a Unix platform (Called Darwin) and various Open Source (i.e. free) software can be used on Apple Macs or Windows can be installed as well as or instead of the Mac OSX (discussed in more detail below)
Viruses and other such malware programs are far less common for Macs, so infection is less likely, but do still exist, so anti-virus software is still recommended.
Here is a review of the Macbook, Mac OSX 10.5 Leopard operating system and other software and alternative laptops to consider. Please also see my review of a suitable backup or additional disk drive for your Apple Mac: LaCie Hard Disk Design by Neil Poulton Hard drive 1 TB
Apples and the alternatives...
- The Basic Macbook
- Apple Stuff
- Free Opensource software for Apple Mac
- Gimp Photo-editing Software
- Used Macs and Mac Stuff
- Apple Macbooks for Sale
- Performance
- Macbook Pro
- Value For Money / Summary
- Good Disk Drives To Use With Apple Macs
- Alternatives (If you really must buy a PC instead of a macbook)
- Used Laptops
- Fujitsu Siemens Amilo
- Related Articles: Photoediting
- Please Leave Some Feedback
- Photography Articles
- Twitter AndyPo
- Gadget Lenses
- About Me...
The Basic Macbook
This Macbook looks great and quite different and is better made than many other machines with similar specifications. In white, which is the standard/cheaper option it looks very different from your average laptop. If you prefer Mac OSX rather than a Windows operating system I would certainly recommend it. I am a fan of unix, which is the underlying operating system for all Macs (i.e. the layer of software below Mac OSX) which is very accessible through a Terminal window, but this is probably irrelevant for most users. If however you prefer Windows (e.g. Vista) it is also possible to run Windows via a program called Bootcamp although of course this would add extra expense unless a copy of Windows is already available, because Apple only supply the one operating system, and this does impact a little on the available disk-space. Personally I think this is an extravagant way of getting a Windows PC , unless you really want that Apple style. Apple Stuff
Free Opensource software for Apple Mac
Some free open-source software is also available, such as Gimp, the Linux photo-editing program (similar to Photoshop), because Linux and Unix are in fact virtually identical, but any software specifically for Apple from any source will generally be as expensive as the PC equivalent and probably available some time later, because there are far fewer users of Apples (unless you run Windows on your macbook)See the related article below:
Gimp Photo-editing Software
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FREE Photo Editing Software: Gimp
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Gimp is a free photo-editing tool similar to Adobe Photoshop, which can be used for anything from simple red-eye reduction, cropping and image size or file format changing to full professional photo retouching. GIMP was originally written for Linux,...
Used Macs and Mac Stuff
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
Apple Macbooks for Sale
Apple MacBook MB403LL/A 13.3-inch Laptop (2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 2 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive) White
Amazon Price: (as of 07/14/2009) 
Apple MacBook Pro MB133LL/A 15.4-inch Laptop (2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 2 GB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD SuperDrive)
Amazon Price: (as of 07/14/2009)
Apple MacBook MB404LL/A 13.3-inch Laptop (2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 2 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive) Black
Amazon Price: (as of 07/14/2009)
Apple MacBook MB402LL/A 13.3-inch Laptop (2.1 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 1 GB RAM, 120 GB Hard Drive) White
Amazon Price: (as of 07/14/2009)
MacBook For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))
Amazon Price: $16.55 (as of 07/14/2009)
Performance
In terms of performance it is a fast machine, with Intel dual-core processors, which can be made ever faster by doubling or quadrupling the RAM (1 GB is standard) although buying extra memory from Apple is expensive so upgrading using non-Apple memory at a later stage could be more cost-effective than buying a higher specification initially. Battery-life is very good at up to 6 hours and the clever magnetic power-cable that detaches if someone trips over it rather than pulling the macbook onto the floor has probably saved me a few quid in repair bills already. Macbook Pro
Apple MacBook Pro MB990LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop
Amazon Price: $1,159.30 (as of 07/14/2009)
Apple MacBook Pro MB470LL/A 15.4-Inch Laptop (2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 2 GB DDR3 RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, Slot Loading SuperDrive)
Amazon Price: $1,569.97 (as of 07/14/2009)
AppleCare Protection Plan - MacBook Pro
Amazon Price: Too low to display (as of 07/14/2009)
Value For Money / Summary
It is however perhaps more expensive than some of its rivals and the screen is quite small for jobs such as photo-editing and I use it mainly with an extra, large monitor, as well, but so far I have had no regrets in paying the extra for this wonderful little machine.After daily use for a year, I have no problems at all, I am still impressed with the styling and the functionality, but if cost were an issue I would buy a linux machine and use just free software. This is only really an option for people who are quite computer-literate. Alternatively a netbook with Linux or an older version of Window is also a very cost-effective alternative if you mostly use a laptop for web-surfing.
Advantages: small, compact, fast, good battery life, stylish, well-made, Mac OSX/Unix
Disadvantages: Mac OSX/Unix?
I have included a review of one of my other computers below - a suitable alternative if you prefer Windows Vista machine instead of Mac OSX
Good Disk Drives To Use With Apple Macs
LaCie Hard Drive Design by Neil Poulton (1TB)
I have several Lacie external hard-disks attached to my Apple Mac computers and have mostly found them to be reliable, quiet and fast, until a few weeks ago when one of them (a 500GB Porsche designed one which I purchased about 18 months ago) failed. I needed a replacement and after quite a lot of research decided to risk buying a Lacie again.I did a lot of research and chose a Lacie Disk Drive by Neil Poulton1
Alternatives (If you really must buy a PC instead of a macbook)
Fujitsu Siemens Amilo Pi 2515
The Fujitsu Siemens Amilo Pi 2515 is a very good-value laptop. It is relatively inexpensive, at about £550, but comes with a good feature set, reasonably fast dual-core Intel processor (1.8 GHz), but the 2GB of RAM means it will actually run surprising fast with some more memory intensive software (e.g. photo-editing software). It also comes with a large disk drive (minimum 120 GB but larger ones are also available) It seems robust and well-made although I have mostly used it at home and have treated it carefully, so I haven't really tested this assumption. The screen opens and closes fairly smoothly and doesn't feel fragile like some cheaper models, although I still treat it carefully because I have had laptops in the past that in later life have started to flex near the hinges.The Fujisu Siemens Amilo Pi 2515 has Microsoft Vista home premium installed, which has been surprisingly robust, rarely crashing. Vista Home Premium provides a good feature set to cover most of my non-business needs, without needing to pay the extra for the more advance versions of the software. I use Apple Macs as my work computers. Vista is not my preferred operating system as I have been using unix for almost 20 years, so I would prefer either Linux or Apple Mac OS X which are both based on unix instead of Microsoft DOS, but most people however will be very familiar with Vista.
The finish and feel of the casing are good when compared to the cheapest of it's competition, with dual colour, silver and black, casing that makes it seem slimmer, although not as stylish as some more expensive models such as my Apple MacBook nor as indestructible as my old IBM T42. The keyboard also has a reasonable "weight" to the keys, which don't feel flimsy, as can be the case with cheap laptops. I find the touch-pad annoying. It is too sensitive for me and the tap to select function gets triggered all the time when I don't want it to. This can actually be adjusted or turned off, but I haven't found the right settings yet, for me, and I share this computer with someone else who finds these setting almost perfect. Plugging in a mouse, of course, resolves the problem completely.
The screen is very clear, sharp and bright and a good size, 15.4", which makes it big enough to use for photo-editing etc. but without being too big to carry. Battery life is not great, often lasting less than 2 hours, but acceptable, and a spare battery would be a good idea if using it away from a power socket.
Overall the Fujisu Siemens Amilo Pi 2515 laptop it is a very good package that looks and feels a cut above many similarly priced laptops.
Summary: Good inexpensive laptop
Used Laptops
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byFujitsu Siemens Amilo
FUJITSU - SIEMENS AMILO D7830 AC Adapter (Equivalent)
Amazon Price: $43.95 (as of 07/14/2009)
4GB Memory Upgrade RAM For Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Xi 3650
Amazon Price: $98.95 (as of 07/14/2009)
Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo D5500 Laptop Battery
Amazon Price: (as of 07/14/2009)
Related Articles: Photoediting
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FREE Photo Editing Software: Gimp
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Gimp is a free photo-editing tool similar to Adobe Photoshop, which can be used for anything from simple red-eye reduction, cropping and image size or file format changing to full professional photo retouching. GIMP was originally written for Linux,...
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Lensography: Retire Young and Travel The World...
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I am a semi-professional travel photographer (i.e. I once sold a few photos) and semi-retired consultant physicist (i.e. unemployed boffin) but with a keen interest in finance (i.e. how to get rich quick) I live in Richmond-upon-Thames in West Londo...
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How to Scan Photographs, Negatives and Slides
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Do you still use a film camera, or do you have lots of 35mm negatives, slides or photographs from years ago that you want to get onto your computer? This article is about my experiences with digital film/slide scanners, a couple of scanner reviews,...
Please Leave Some Feedback
Tipi wrote...
in reply to JaguarJulie I agree that Andy is tops as the photo guy. I've never used an Apple or a Mac....but I would love to give them a try. Might not have experienced some of the problems I have with either. - Another great lens, you sure do have a lot of them!!!! Wow!
Posted July 01, 2009
AndyPo wrote...
Hi Julie, thanks very much for the comments. Yes I do have some Apples: just two at the moment, including my old iMac (maybe I should add a review of that too - they are still very popular on the second-hand market) and the macbook. I have also had various PCs, mostly for work - the silicon-chip design industry doesn't generally use Macs for design work, but I prefer them for my photographic work. I added my review of my Fujitsu Siemens laptop just to give a bit of contrast to the Apple. I have actually worked on the design of computer CPUs, but never had any input on the ergonomics or design of the case etc. I shall add some more detail of my experiences with Macs, especially for photography work. [in reply to JaguarJulie]
Posted June 08, 2009
JaguarJulie wrote...
So Andy -- you have an Apple? It might be neat to showcase more about personal experiences with your Apple provided you do have one and talk about PCs if you've used them. I still think of you though as THE photo guy! You are the tops in that department.
Posted June 07, 2009
AndyPo wrote...
in reply to Shelly
Hi Shelly,
Thanks very much. I think the break-away cord has save my macbook a few times.
Posted April 21, 2009
Shelly wrote
I got a MacBook in August--my first computer! I was frustrated at first as I had never used a Mac before, I think it's worth getting through the frustration, I do love it. One day Tipi will get a Mac too--it's on her wish list. As ever, another work of excellence you have here. I also have appreciate the break away cord several times!
Posted April 10, 2009
Photography Articles
I use my computers mainly for photoediting. Here are few of my photography articles.-
Classic Cameras and 35mm Slide Photography
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Digital photography is now so good, why would anyone still use film? Surprising a few people still do. The days of 35mm film photography may be numbered, but there are still some reasons to persevere with the old technology, even if you are just goin...
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Which Digital SLR Camera?
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There are so many good digital SLR cameras on the market now, with a wide range of prices and specifications, but which one should you buy and from which manufacturer? Why should you buy an SLR instead of a compact? What other features should you loo...
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Wildlife Photography
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Wildlife Photography from all over the world: I have been traveling the world taking photographs of animals and nature for many years, so here are some of my photographs and some of my experiences, travel tips, recommendations and advice. I have wri...
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Travel Photography
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This article is about travel-photography all over the world including Brazil, China, Peru, USA, Canada, UK, Morocco, Mexico, Egypt, India, Thailand. I have published several travel photography articles, which I have listed below with some of the pho...
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Lensography: Retire Young and Travel The World...
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I am a semi-professional travel photographer (i.e. I once sold a few photos) and semi-retired consultant physicist (i.e. unemployed boffin) but with a keen interest in finance (i.e. how to get rich quick) I live in Richmond-upon-Thames in West Londo...
Twitter AndyPo
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- @gospain Sorry. I did a lot of work on my Squidoo pages and shouldn't have auto tweeted all of them when I republished them.
Gadget Lenses
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How To Choose The Best Television For You
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How do you choose a television? What size do you need to get a full Home Cinema effect? LCD or Plasma? Projector or flat-panel. I have covered all of these subjects in the article below. Please also see the full review of an excellent, relatively in...
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Stylish 1TB Disk Drive: Lacie by Neil Poulton 1TB
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External disk drives are an essential piece of kit, even if just for backing up everything on your laptop or desk-top hard-drive. If it is just for back up it needs to be inexpensive, as it may be used infrequently, but must also reliable. Which one...
About Me...
Lensmaster AndyPo, aka Andrew Porter, has been a member since July 7 2008, has rated 1,561 lenses, favorited 1,448, and has created 104 lenses from scratch. This member's top-ranked page is "Le Mans 24 Hour Race". See all my lenses
My Bio
Hi, I am Andy. I live in the U.K. but have worked and travelled all over the world. I am a semi-professional wildlife and travel photographer (i.e. I sold a couple of photos once), semi-retired consultant physicist (i.e. unemployed bofin) with a keen interest in finance (i.e. get rich quick..ly):
My Home Page, More About Me!, My Blog and My other publications
Lens Of The Day (Twice) and a purple star: "Rain Forests of Borneo" - 20th AND 30th November 2008 
Please also check out my Zazzle Gallery
And a few other publications:
My Consulting Company (Training, IC Design and Technical Author):
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