MAC pedant needs convincing....

[hj2k_x]

Howzit.

I have been using PCs for nearly 15 years now and have always steered clear of MACs altogether. First of all because they were way too pricey and were not at all compatible with Windows in the early days.

Now, the compatibility issue has been dealt with and the prices are a bit more reasonable so I come here to seek advice/persuasion.

My gf is in the market for a laptop for her 21st bday. I have been tasked with providing her with some sort of advice. Up to R10 000 is the kind of price range which means that even the entry-level iBook is out of range.

What can you guys tell me from experience that could convince me to pay the extra few grand to get a mac of some kind?
Went to look at some the other day and they are sexy beasts I have to admit...

She will be using it mainly for varsity work, watching movies, music and the occasional game (not very graphics-intensive). For these needs there are many normal laptops under R10 000 even.

Is the extra cash justified is what I want to know...?:)

I am also going to be looking for a laptop for myself in the near future, but my budget is nearer the R6000 mark. Does anyone know of places to get good quality second hand MAC stuff or would you recommend I either save up and buy new, or settle for a normal lappie in my price range?

hmmm, lots of questions! Any feedback will be much appreciated as always! :)

Cheers

H

[bwana]

lol - I foresee you being very jealous of the g/f and her macbook if you get it for her. :)

BTW the entry level macbook is only r271 out of your range but I'd pony up the additional r2k and get the next model up.

[hj2k_x]

How did i know that you would get back to me first, Bwana? ;)

Sadly I am not at a stage in my life where I can afford to pay for said lappy - it is a gift from her folks and brother. I am just the delegated advisor. :p

The next model up did look tempting, but why are they so much more than normal lappies with similar stats? What do MAC's have that normal lappies don't?

[bwana]

How did i know that you would get back to me first, Bwana? ;)

Sadly I am not at a stage in my life where I can afford to pay for said lappy - it is a gift from her folks and brother. I am just the delegated advisor. :p

The next model up did look tempting, but why are they so much more than normal lappies with similar stats? What do MAC's have that normal lappies don't?These days there's probably not much difference between a MacBook and a high end pc lappy like the dells and hp's.

Amongst other things Mac's have excellent build quality, loads of nifty little feature such as the built in camera and an awesome trackpad, and they run all the operating systems (though I can pretty much guarantee she'll migrate to osx exclusively except for the gaming).

To me the difference has always been in the os. :)

[hj2k_x]

These days there's probably not much difference between a MacBook and a high end pc lappy like the dells and hp's.

Amongst other things Mac's have excellent build quality, loads of nifty little feature such as the built in camera and an awesome trackpad, and they run all the operating systems (though I can pretty much guarantee she'll migrate to osx exclusively except for the gaming).

To me the difference has always been in the os. :)

And this proggie that allows hotswapping between OS X and Windows with the touch of a button is pretty neat if you ask me. Just a pity about the price tag. Still, they are highend as you have mentioned.

[bwana]

And this proggie that allows hotswapping between OS X and Windows with the touch of a button is pretty neat if you ask me. Just a pity about the price tag. Still, they are highend as you have mentioned.Which program? At the moment there are two successful methods - bootcamp which allows for booting into windows - this is native windows and most likely the option she'll use to play games. My missus uses this to play the sims2.

Then there is parallels - which loads up windows inside osx virtually. Some ppl - like landy - love it . Me, well I'm not convinced yet if it's worth the extra $'s. :)

[hj2k_x]

Which program? At the moment there are two successful methods - bootcamp which allows for booting into windows - this is native windows and most likely the option she'll use to play games. My missus uses this to play the sims2.

Then there is parallels - which loads up windows inside osx virtually. Some ppl - like landy - love it . Me, well I'm not convinced yet if it's worth the extra $'s. :)
I was referring to the latter. Guy in the shop made me aware of it. Its like R700 more for the software( if it can't be found on the net somewhere...) and it was literally at the touch of a button, I liked it...

[bwana]

I was referring to the latter. Guy in the shop made me aware of it. Its like R700 more for the software( if it can't be found on the net somewhere...) and it was literally at the touch of a button, I liked it...There's a demo available from parallels.com - you can also pay for it later online if you decide you want/need it.

[JStrike]

hj2k_x : My girlfriend is looking to get a MacBook as well. I have been looking around. It is simply not true that it is more expensive than the same PC laptop.

Then add in great things like iMovie and iDVD (My girlfriend made a profesional looking DVD of Mozam for her dad in no time at all, with only a couple of clicks)

There really is no equivilent on a PC that I know of

If your girlfriend is a student, you can get 5% educational discount on any purchase (eg. uct.zastore.co.za). If you do it via an Apple Store such as DigiCape or Project 3, they will normally give you an additional 3-5% off if you pay cash (Transfer, etc) instead of Credit Card.

And everything about it is just so much easier than on Windows. It is a very, very good buy. I switched over a year ago, and for the first time, don't hate my computer

You can get second hand Macs at project 3 IIRC http://www.project3.co.za/

[hj2k_x]

hj2k_x : My girlfriend is looking to get a MacBook as well. I have been looking around. It is simply not true that it is more expensive than the same PC laptop.

Then add in great things like iMovie and iDVD (My girlfriend made a profesional looking DVD of Mozam for her dad in no time at all, with only a couple of clicks)

There really is no equivilent on a PC that I know of

If your girlfriend is a student, you can get 5% educational discount on any purchase (eg. uct.zastore.co.za). If you do it via an Apple Store such as DigiCape or Project 3, they will normally give you an additional 3-5% off if you pay cash (Transfer, etc) instead of Credit Card.

And everything about it is just so much easier than on Windows. It is a very, very good buy. I switched over a year ago, and for the first time, don't hate my computer

You can get second hand Macs at project 3 IIRC http://www.project3.co.za/

Great help man. Thanks for the feedback :) Will check out the link now...

[hj2k_x]

Doing it through parent's business also takes 14% off the price, which is niice :)

[Skeptik]

The service at Project3 sukcs and they are the most expensive shop. Stay clear!
Try and get the shop to check the machine out before they give it to you. Stuck pixels, etc...

[hj2k_x]

The service at Project3 sukcs and they are the most expensive shop. Stay clear!
Try and get the shop to check the machine out before they give it to you. Stuck pixels, etc...

Ok, i shall bear that in mind...Don't really want something 2nd hand anyway, specially not for those kinda prices.

[noosh]

If your girlfriend is a student, you can get 5% educational discount on any purchase (eg. uct.zastore.co.za). If you do it via an Apple Store such as DigiCape or Project 3, they will normally give you an additional 3-5% off if you pay cash (Transfer, etc) instead of Credit Card.

So could you get a total of 8 - 10% off in total?

[hj2k_x]

So could you get a total of 8 - 10% off in total?

Which is pretty good. Works out to more than a grand off. Which makes them all the more appealing...

[Rewind]

If you know someone going to America ask them to get it for you:

The most expensive Macbook costs $1500 which translates to just under 11 grand. Apple has an international warranty so wont be a problem.

[hj2k_x]

Also worth taking into consideration :)

I have a mate over there. He is coming back in a few months but he is buying himself a MAC as well and reckons that if he tries to get through customs with two lappies then he'll have a hard time claiming he brought them both with him from SA....He is there on his own..

[hj2k_x]

Damn, the USA site is way cheaper. Entry level is like R7800. Crazy man. Pity they don't deliver :p

[bwana]

Yeah - aint it grand :eek:

[JStrike]

hj2k_x : Note that the US Apple Store does not include VAT in the price. But yes, it is cheaper

[hj2k_x]

Indeed. Duly noted. What is VAT in the states nowadays?

[bwana]

Apple is a waste of time for international customers which is why I use amazon - who btw often have better prices ;).

There is a law in the states called the Internet Tax Freedom Act. Basically if the merchant you buy from has a brick and mortar store you get to pay tax, if they dont then you dont have to. Apple has physical stores so you'd most likely pay tax - what percentage depends on what state. Amazon on the other hand doesnt have a store so more often than not no tax. :D

[hj2k_x]

Apple is a waste of time for international customers which is why I use amazon - who btw often have better prices ;).



Amazon always seems well-priced. Pity you need a credit card though :p

[icyrus]

Hardware specs wise Apple is competitive on price with dells and hps, but the real advantage is OS X and the associated software. Until you have spent some time getting used to it (if you come from windows) you won't fully appreciate it. Eventually though you will see how far superior it is to windows.

[hj2k_x]

Hardware specs wise Apple is competitive on price with dells and hps, but the real advantage is OS X and the associated software. Until you have spent some time getting used to it (if you come from windows) you won't fully appreciate it. Eventually though you will see how far superior it is to windows.

And for R700 you can get the proggie that allows you to run both operating systems and hotswap between them. Awesome :)

[noosh]

I should have a MBP in my hands sometime next weekend. :D

[bwana]

I should have a MBP in my hands sometime next weekend. :DLucky - zastore says they're out of stock until Feb 2nd so looks like I'm in for a wait. :o

[hj2k_x]

hmmm, Cheap, new macBook here : http://mybroadband.co.za/classifieds/showproduct.php/product/119/cat/3

[JStrike]

That is a damn good deal. I would buy it in an instant, but I am looking at the model above that one

[hj2k_x]

That is a damn good deal. I would buy it in an instant, but I am looking at the model above that one

That is what i thought. I wonder why he wants to get rid of it? I'd ask if i hadn't just bought meself a lappie :p

[bwana]

It certainly does seem like an unbelievably good deal.

[PeterCH]

Apple is a waste of time for international customers which is why I use amazon - who btw often have better prices ;).

There is a law in the states called the Internet Tax Freedom Act. Basically if the merchant you buy from has a brick and mortar store you get to pay tax, if they dont then you dont have to. Apple has physical stores so you'd most likely pay tax - what percentage depends on what state. Amazon on the other hand doesnt have a store so more often than not no tax. :D

Amazon doesn't ship hardware outside of the States. They don't ship software either.

[bwana]

Amazon doesn't ship hardware outside of the States. They don't ship software either.A mere technicality - where there is a will there is a way he says surrounded by amazon products ;)

[hj2k_x]

My toshiba laptop seems to only have 2 hours battery life :(

What kind of life do you guys get out of your various macs?

[bwana]

My toshiba laptop seems to only have 2 hours battery life :(

What kind of life do you guys get out of your various macs?3-4 on mine but the battery is close to 2 yrs old now. It also depends on what I'm doing with it. When I'm striving for longevity there are a few things you can do but 2 hours seems pretty bad to me.

[hj2k_x]

Seems the same to me as well. I managed to watch about two episodes of smallville and then it was dead already...

[bwana]

Seems the same to me as well. I managed to watch about two episodes of smallville and then it was dead already...Lemme get this straight - you bought a Toshiba . . . from Vodacom . . . and expected something good to come out of it? :confused:

[hj2k_x]

Well I am happy with it man. For the price, you can't beat it :)

[bwana]

Well I am happy with it man. For the price, you can't beat it :)Here's the very real difference - at 18 months from now you'd still be happy with a MacBook - sure you might want to buy a bit more ram before then but I'm willing to bet the c2d cpu in the MB is leagues better than the cpu in the toshiba you bought.

All our employees use macs now and even though they might cost a little more they last much longer and it saves us a load of money. ;)

But I am glad you like it - I've added a calendar reminder for Jan 2009 to make sure you still do. :D

[hj2k_x]

Here's the very real difference - at 18 months from now you'd still be happy with a MacBook - sure you might want to buy a bit more ram before then but I'm willing to bet the c2d cpu in the MB is leagues better than the cpu in the toshiba you bought.

All our employees use macs now and even though they might cost a little more they last much longer and it saves us a load of money. ;)

But I am glad you like it - I've added a calendar reminder for Jan 2009 to make sure you still do. :D

So just about when I finish paying it off , I will need an upgrade :p

But yes, I am happy. The MacBook would have been twice as much and I really can't afford that ATM..

[PeterCH]

A mere technicality - where there is a will there is a way he says surrounded by amazon products ;)

If you have friends or family in the States they could order for you and ship to you, is that what you mean? I have friends in the States but they are way too busy to order stuff for me.

[bwana]

If you have friends or family in the States they could order for you and ship to you, is that what you mean? I have friends in the States but they are way too busy to order stuff for me.Thats certainly an option - Amazon are more than happy to accept a non-us credit card so you'd just need to get the friends to ship it - you could even arrange that yourself online :D

[hj2k_x]

Here's probably a silly question but if Macs now run on Intel hardware can i install Os X on my PC ??

[Syndyre]

Here's probably a silly question but if Macs now run on Intel hardware can i install Os X on my PC ??

I don't think you'd be able to get drivers etc. because its not designed to be run on non-Apple PC's.

[hj2k_x]

I don't think you'd be able to get drivers etc. because its not designed to be run on non-Apple PC's.

But if the Apple PC's are Intel-based....?

[bwana]

You can do it - but it's a hack and it breaks down every time apple updates the os. One of the main strengths of the mac is the synergy between the os and the hardware, it's why it just works. You cant duplicate it with a generic pc.

[hj2k_x]

Hmmm, that is all very odd. Have found some info on it online, but it doesn't seem to be worth the effort :p

[bwana]

Hmmm, that is all very odd. Have found some info on it online, but it doesn't seem to be worth the effort :pI doubt it would be worth the effort and the experience wouldn't be nearly the same.

[hj2k_x]

Bottom line. Save up and get a real Mac or stick with what you can afford, which is a PC...

[bwana]

Bottom line. Save up and get a real Mac or stick with what you can afford, which is a [-]bottom to mid range[/-] PC...Edited for accuracy ;)

[hj2k_x]

Edited for accuracy ;)

ouch :( What is with you lately? Jees!

[bwana]

ouch :( What is with you lately? Jees!Perfectly fair (even though I crossed it out) the top of the range pc laptops cost the same as mac's.

Sorry :o

[hj2k_x]

Perfectly fair (even though I crossed it out) the top of the range pc laptops cost the same as mac's.

Sorry :o

Indeed, as I said before it is just sad that Mac don't cater for all price ranges and all customers' needs...They are doing so well that I don't think that that is going to change any time soon either!

[bwana]

Well dont worry - I just ordered a new MBP so if history is anything to go by there will be a bump in specs and a drop in price a few days after it's delivered. :o

[hj2k_x]

hehe, We live in hope...

[adsl3g]

Well dont worry - I just ordered a new MBP so if history is anything to go by there will be a bump in specs and a drop in price a few days after it's delivered. :o

Then its definitely going to drop in price since I got mine last week - 10 days is usually the time between when I get something and a special comes out.:p

[bwana]

Then its definitely going to drop in price since I got mine last week - 10 days is usually the time between when I get something and a special comes out.:pI've got an iPod Photo, mini, and a iBook that prove it :eek:

[Synaesthesia]

Three things which may be useful to you :

1. You can install OS X on an ordinary P.C. It's worth it! It's called the osx86 project. However it is piracy, and it does make you want to buy a mac, so watch out!

2. You can save money through an educational discount if you or your girlfriend are students. For example at the tuks zastore (tuks.zastore.co.za), I get 10% discount which means a basic macbook is like R9700.

3. Look around for second hand macs, at www.c3.co.za and the MyAdsl classifieds. At c3 classifieds, I just saw a black macbook (usually 13 grand) going for R9000.

Enjoy your Apple Computer!

[hj2k_x]

Three things which may be useful to you :

1. You can install OS X on an ordinary P.C. It's worth it! It's called the osx86 project. However it is piracy, and it does make you want to buy a mac, so watch out!

2. You can save money through an educational discount if you or your girlfriend are students. For example at the tuks zastore (tuks.zastore.co.za), I get 10% discount which means a basic macbook is like R9700.

3. Look around for second hand macs, at www.c3.co.za and the MyAdsl classifieds. At c3 classifieds, I just saw a black macbook (usually 13 grand) going for R9000.

Enjoy your Apple Computer!

This is all true...

There is a nice AMD duo Packard Bell at Incredible that my gf is keen on...Only R8500

[LandyMan]

I was referring to the latter. Guy in the shop made me aware of it. Its like R700 more for the software( if it can't be found on the net somewhere...) and it was literally at the touch of a button, I liked it...

Yep, that would be Parallels Desktop for Mac. Can be bought online (http://www.parallels.com) and at last check it went for $79 (±R600). The advantage of ||s, and why I like it so much, is the fact that I can have my M$ Project and Visio programs running while still benefiting from the MAC OS X environment.

Next big test for ||s would be Vista, connected to a domain, and linking client server apps (M$ Dynamics environment) over VPN ... should be testing it next week sometime. :D

[LandyMan]

This is all true...

There is a nice AMD duo Packard Bell at Incredible that my gf is keen on...Only R8500

But its a Packard Bell :eek: :sick:

[hj2k_x]

But its a Packard Bell :eek: :sick:

Is this a bad thing? The specs are really good and the lappie looks ok as well...

*searches for link

[hj2k_x]

This one here... (http://www.incredible.co.za/services/catalog/moreinfo.asp?sku=59589)

[LandyMan]

From my experience I would stay away from PB notebooks (one of my consultants had one a couple of years ago), and it was pretty much a piece of crap. VERY poor build quality (feels too plastic for my liking) and I was not impressed overall with the notebook

[hj2k_x]

From my experience I would stay away from PB notebooks (one of my consultants had one a couple of years ago), and it was pretty much a piece of crap. VERY poor build quality (feels too plastic for my liking) and I was not impressed overall with the notebook

For the price the specs are really good though...It seemed ok when we looked at it in the store...Will find the other two that we were considering as well...

[LandyMan]

Oh, and I see it has WinXP Home ... stay away!! If you are used to Professional, you might find yourself wondering where certain things are (can't remember exactly what) just to realise it is not in XP Home ;)

[hj2k_x]

This HP looked really nice (http://www.incredible.co.za/services/catalog/moreinfo.asp?sku=59984)

And

So did this Acer (http://www.incredible.co.za/services/catalog/moreinfo.asp?sku=51187)

[LandyMan]

For the price the specs are really good though...It seemed ok when we looked at it in the store...Will find the other two that we were considering as well...

My recommendation: Go for an Apple with either Bootcamp or Parallels ... if you are still put off by the price, rather look at a HP than a Packard Bell. Before my MBP, I've had 3 HPs, one of which is still in operation (3 years old), wife's got a new one, and the 6 year old one is now in the hands of The_Librarian (running SUSE of all things on it) :p

[LandyMan]

This HP looked really nice (http://www.incredible.co.za/services/catalog/moreinfo.asp?sku=59984)

And

So did this Acer (http://www.incredible.co.za/services/catalog/moreinfo.asp?sku=51187)

The Acer's got nice specs. Just a little short on Ram.

Pop on over to www.notebook.co.za and compare machines/prices there

[bwana]

Landy's right - go for the HP.

[hj2k_x]

Cool , thanks for the feedback. I shall pass the message on the the other half :)

[hj2k_x]

Landy's right - go for the HP.

It certainly was the best looking lappie there. The only thing is the Celerom M processor which is the same as the one in my toshiba. If it is, then the battery life is going to suffer a whole lot!

[BobJones]

Yep, that would be Parallels Desktop for Mac. Can be bought online (http://www.parallels.com) and at last check it went for $79 (±R600). The advantage of ||s, and why I like it so much, is the fact that I can have my M$ Project and Visio programs running while still benefiting from the MAC OS X environment.

Next big test for ||s would be Vista, connected to a domain, and linking client server apps (M$ Dynamics environment) over VPN ... should be testing it next week sometime. :D
Have you looked at OmniPlan and OmniGraffle (http://www.omnigroup.com/) as replacements for Project and Visio? They both allow you to export MS format files. I used OmniPlan while it was in beta and its a whole lot friendlier than Project, and the exporter worked fine too. Far less bloat, but no project server support yet.
Also try having a look at Merlin (http://www.merlin2.net/).

[bwana]

It certainly was the best looking lappie there. The only thing is the Celerom M processor which is the same as the one in my toshiba. If it is, then the battery life is going to suffer a whole lot!Perhaps she could get the toshiba too - then you can both sit around moaning that you should have got the MB. :p

[LandyMan]

Have you looked at OmniPlan and OmniGraffle (http://www.omnigroup.com/) as replacements for Project and Visio? They both allow you to export MS format files. I used OmniPlan while it was in beta and its a whole lot friendlier than Project, and the exporter worked fine too. Far less bloat, but no project server support yet.
Also try having a look at Merlin (http://www.merlin2.net/).

Yes I have. Can't recall the price of the software, but when I last looked it made more sense to pay $50 for Parallels, and using the Partner licenses for Visio and Project ... no cost to me

[bwana]

OmniPlan and OmniOutliner seem to have come pre-Instaled on my mbp.

[hj2k_x]

Perhaps she could get the toshiba too - then you can both sit around moaning that you should have got the MB. :p

lol, thanks for that! :p

I shall start a new thread in the proper section and see what other people reckon

[BobJones]

OmniPlan and OmniOutliner seem to have come pre-Instaled on my mbp.

What a bargain... I got OmniOutliner for free, I use it all the time. OmniPlan is >$100 so you really scored if they included it as well. The Omni guys must be making out like bandits if Apple is bundling OmniOutliner and OmniPlan.

@Landy - the mac software is much cheaper than the MS stuff, so if you we're buying there is quite a saving to be had, but if ur getting it for "free" now, its not much of a contest.

BTW what do MS partner programmes cost pa?

[bwana]

What a bargain... I got OmniOutliner for free, I use it all the time. OmniPlan is >$100 so you really scored if they included it as well. The Omni guys must be making out like bandits if Apple is bundling OmniOutliner and OmniPlan.My bad - it was OmniOutliner and OmniGraffle - I managed to confuse myself along the way :o

[LandyMan]

BTW what do MS partner programmes cost pa?

Nothing basically. Just need to be able to provide certain functions in certain areas within the MS space.

[LandyMan]

My bad - it was OmniOutliner and OmniGraffle - I managed to confuse myself along the way :o

You're lucky ... I only got Omnioutliner :(

[BobJones]

Nothing basically. Just need to be able to provide certain functions in certain areas within the MS space.

So this is a reseller program or a developer program - what sort of licensing comes with the software?

[bwana]

You're lucky ... I only got Omnioutliner :(It's possible that it is a artefact from an earlier migration. I dont think I've done a totally clean install since 10.1 :o

[hj2k_x]

HP with a nice pattern design on the machine itself.
15" crystalbright display
120GB HDD
AMD X2 dual core @1.5GHZ
1GB RAM
Seperate 256MB geforce graphics
5 in one card reader
Windows Vista Premium
R8999 on promotion

Is it just me, or does that beat a MAC? :)

[bwana]

Is it just me, or does that beat a MAC? :)It's just you.

[PeterCH]

Here's probably a silly question but if Macs now run on Intel hardware can i install Os X on my PC ??

It's been done. Google for it.

[PeterCH]

Oh, and I see it has WinXP Home ... stay away!! If you are used to Professional, you might find yourself wondering where certain things are (can't remember exactly what) just to realise it is not in XP Home ;)

Home and Pro are virtually the same. The only major difference would
be harddisk encryption. However you shouldn't be using that anyhow,
there are apps like TrueCrypt which are superior. Use Home on Desktop
(with Adobe Premiere) and Pro on laptop and I see no differences.

[PeterCH]

Is it just me, or does that beat a MAC? :)

Not it doesn't beat a Mac because MBPs use Core 2 Duo Processors
which are faster/use less power than the AMD equivalents.

Also not sure about the GPU, the MBP may have a faster one,
plus obviously the HP uses Windoze not OSX.

Still it all depends on what you want to do with a PC.
If you just want to play games, use MS OFFICE, internet,
email and watch DVDs, a MBP is not necessary. Windoze
XP can chug along doing that. If you want to
edit video or photos on it OS X is your answer.

[Syndyre]

Home and Pro are virtually the same. The only major difference would
be harddisk encryption. However you shouldn't be using that anyhow,
there are apps like TrueCrypt which are superior. Use Home on Desktop
(with Adobe Premiere) and Pro on laptop and I see no differences.

I think Home doesn't have remote desktop server either, no major difference though.

[PeterCH]

I think Home doesn't have remote desktop server either, no major difference though.

Probably. However if you don't use that feature, why waste the $?

XP Pro and Home use the same 32 bit Windows NT architecture.
That's the main benefit. The only reason I have Pro on my laptop
is that it came OEM'd with it from Acer :). I would never
have ordered Pro on purpose :).

[hj2k_x]

Not it doesn't beat a Mac because MBPs use Core 2 Duo Processors
which are faster/use less power than the AMD equivalents.

Also not sure about the GPU, the MBP may have a faster one,
plus obviously the HP uses Windoze not OSX.

Still it all depends on what you want to do with a PC.
If you just want to play games, use MS OFFICE, internet,
email and watch DVDs, a MBP is not necessary. Windoze
XP can chug along doing that. If you want to
edit video or photos on it OS X is your answer.

Fair comments. But for the price, it is more than R1000 less than the entry -level macBook and like half the price of a macbook pro...

[LandyMan]

So this is a reseller program or a developer program - what sort of licensing comes with the software?

Nope, neither ... this is a Business Solution Partner. Not too sure about the exact licenses, but for instance we get 100 Office 2007 licenses, to name but one

[BobJones]

Probably. However if you don't use that feature, why waste the $?

XP Pro and Home use the same 32 bit Windows NT architecture.
That's the main benefit. The only reason I have Pro on my laptop
is that it came OEM'd with it from Acer :). I would never
have ordered Pro on purpose :).

right, no one orders Windoze on purpose... :D


Nope, neither ... this is a Business Solution Partner. Not too sure about the exact licenses, but for instance we get 100 Office 2007 licenses, to name but one
ok, so its in the wholesale support channel not retail. So its not really relevant when it comes to man-in-the-street prices.

[hj2k_x]

What would you MAC guys pay for a 3-month-old iMAC 17" 2GB dualcore like the one here (http://www.zastore.co.za/imaccore2duo.php)?

*edit. One is being advertised for R9500. Wanted to see what you guys thought...

[adsl3g]

What would you MAC guys pay for a 3-month-old iMAC 17" 2GB dualcore like the one here (http://www.zastore.co.za/imaccore2duo.php)?

*edit. One is being advertised for R9500. Wanted to see what you guys thought...

I take it it its the R12500 one advertised on ZA Store. I'd buy it in a shot provided its not damaged.....and all the cd's are intact.

[hj2k_x]

Yes it is that one. R12500 new.