MacBook?

[ahoudet]

I've sold my laptop and I'm considering a MacBook...

Budget is around R7k - what can I get and will it be good? I'm currently looking at a mid-2012 MBA 11" 128GB for slightly over budget

I'd obviously prefer a 13" screen and could do with a MBP but I'm coming from a 4th Gen i5 Ultrabook... Would it be better to get a MBA or MBP?

I might need to run Windows too - bootcamp? I didn't fill up my 180GB SSD so I should manage on space...

How easy are they to resell if I decide it's not for me?

Thanks!

PS: feel free to offer your one if it's for sale!

 

[Enigma_]

A few questions from my side:

Why did you sell your previous laptop if it was a relatively recent model (presumably)?
What is the main purpose of the new laptop?
If you're running Windows, why not stick with a Windows machine?

I don't think you're going to get something in-line with your old laptop at that price level in Macbook format. You should be able to get a 2013 MBA, or a 2012 MBP. I'd have a look around the DigiCape classifieds section and Carbonite

In your case, I'd look for another Windows replacement.

 

[ahoudet]

A few questions from my side:

Why did you sell your previous laptop if it was a relatively recent model (presumably)?
What is the main purpose of the new laptop?
If you're running Windows, why not stick with a Windows machine?

I don't think you're going to get something in-line with your old laptop at that price level in Macbook format. You should be able to get a 2013 MBA, or a 2012 MBP. I'd have a look around the DigiCape classifieds section and Carbonite

In your case, I'd look for another Windows replacement.

Sold it because I wanted to try something else - quite possibly a MacBook. I had my precious one for 1,5 years.

Main purpose will be emails, browsing and Word/Excel so I should not need Windows but would like it in case I need it once in a while...

I have considered sticking to Windows and I know the Windows laptop will be better specced for the same price but I wouldn't mind trying a MacBook as mentioned... It was something I considered when I last changed too but I got my laptop for a good price.

I made an error when I mentioned the one I'm looking at - it's actually a 2013 unit with a 4250U - my HP was a 4300U so it's not a huge difference

 

[FiestaST]

Comments?

https://www.groupon.co.za/deals/gg-groupon-goods-332374-89

" Channel your inner Steve Jobs and become a part of the Apple community."...Lol

 

[ahoudet]

Comments?

https://www.groupon.co.za/deals/gg-groupon-goods-332374-89

" Channel your inner Steve Jobs and become a part of the Apple community."...Lol

Old stock at high prices it seems

 

[Way69]

Sold it because I wanted to try something else - quite possibly a MacBook. I had my precious one for 1,5 years.

Main purpose will be emails, browsing and Word/Excel so I should not need Windows but would like it in case I need it once in a while...

I have considered sticking to Windows and I know the Windows laptop will be better specced for the same price but I wouldn't mind trying a MacBook as mentioned... It was something I considered when I last changed too but I got my laptop for a good price.

I made an error when I mentioned the one I'm looking at - it's actually a 2013 unit with a 4250U - my HP was a 4300U so it's not a huge difference

Aside from wanting to tryout Mac, is there any other reason you would like to switch?

This probably isn't going to be a popular statement, given that I am in the apple section. I own two Macs and I prefer Windows 10.

There was a period during Windows 8.1 where I'd had enough and switched to Mac but now with Windows 10, I can honestly say that I personally prefer the UI.

What the Mac really has going for it is hardware. Just don't getting anything that doesn't have an SSD. You will hate the experience without it.

 

[Enigma_]

Aside from wanting to tryout Mac, is there any other reason you would like to switch?

This probably isn't going to be a popular statement, given that I am in the apple section. I own two Macs and I prefer Windows 10.

There was a period during Windows 8.1 where I'd had enough and switched to Mac but now with Windows 10, I can honestly say that I personally prefer the UI.

What the Mac really has going for it is hardware. Just don't getting anything that doesn't have an SSD. You will hate the experience without it.

Yep, I much prefer Windows 10 over OSX, I'd personally stick to a Windows machine, too late for me, not so late for OP.

 

[DrJohnZoidberg]

Aside from wanting to tryout Mac, is there any other reason you would like to switch?

This probably isn't going to be a popular statement, given that I am in the apple section. I own two Macs and I prefer Windows 10.

There was a period during Windows 8.1 where I'd had enough and switched to Mac but now with Windows 10, I can honestly say that I personally prefer the UI.

What the Mac really has going for it is hardware. Just don't getting anything that doesn't have an SSD. You will hate the experience without it.

Good question.

Unless you've used a Mac for a period of time and decided you enjoy the experience over Windows then the decision is easy.

Changing over to a Mac just to try it may not have the best outcome, many longtime Windows users struggle getting to grips with OS X as it is very different. Users of Linux will find the transition a lot smoother however as both have their roots in Unix.

I for one hate working on Windows these days. I grew up using Windows from Windows 3.1 days, the last version of Windows I used much was Windows XP then moved to Linux primarily and a bit of Windows 7. For the last 3 years been using OS X and I most likely will never return to Windows (or Linux for the desktop for that matter).

 

[Moosedrool]

I have a macbook pro 16" retina. Payed way too much for it and i'm not nearly as impressed considering what the same amount of money can buy without having the little apple light behind the screen.

They are sturdy laptops and that's about it. Don't expect to run consecutive tasks that requires performance on a macbook without it's temperature raising in a few seconds ro the point where the cpu gets throttled down. They are excellent for short bursts but overheat easily.

Sorry but my preference is not a device with uncontrollable high end hardware that throttles the cpu and gpu to remain in acceptable bounds.

 

[Viva]

I have a macbook pro 16" retina. Payed way too much for it and i'm not nearly as impressed considering what the same amount of money can buy without having the little apple light behind the screen.

They are sturdy laptops and that's about it. Don't expect to run consecutive tasks that requires performance on a macbook without it's temperature raising in a few seconds ro the point where the cpu gets throttled down. They are excellent for short bursts but overheat easily.

Sorry but my preference is not a device with uncontrollable high end hardware that throttles the cpu and gpu to remain in acceptable bounds.

Must be one of a kind..

Probably meant 15"

 

[Moosedrool]

Oh yeah the 15. Sry my bad.

 

[$m@Rt@$$]

I switched to Mac a couple of years ago. And I'll never look back.

I would say try and get a good second hand one and if you don't like it you'll easily sell it off. There is a big market for second hand Apple goodies.

 

[Viva]

Good question.

Unless you've used a Mac for a period of time and decided you enjoy the experience over Windows then the decision is easy.

Changing over to a Mac just to try it may not have the best outcome, many longtime Windows users struggle getting to grips with OS X as it is very different. Users of Linux will find the transition a lot smoother however as both have their roots in Unix.

I for one hate working on Windows these days. I grew up using Windows from Windows 3.1 days, the last version of Windows I used much was Windows XP then moved to Linux primarily and a bit of Windows 7. For the last 3 years been using OS X and I most likely will never return to Windows (or Linux for the desktop for that matter).

I switched to mac earlier this year, without any experience with a mac before this. It took about 2-4 weeks to get accustomed to the new environment, UI, keyboard shortcuts etc. Now I can't imagine going back to any other laptop. For me, the magic really happens where software and hardware meet. The trackpad is a case in point. A simple thing like scrolling just works intuitively. Scrolling on a windows laptop seems to be such a chore. There are more examples of this, but the point is the same.

 

[DrJohnZoidberg]

I have a macbook pro 16" retina. Payed way too much for it and i'm not nearly as impressed considering what the same amount of money can buy without having the little apple light behind the screen.

They are sturdy laptops and that's about it. Don't expect to run consecutive tasks that requires performance on a macbook without it's temperature raising in a few seconds ro the point where the cpu gets throttled down. They are excellent for short bursts but overheat easily.

Sorry but my preference is not a device with uncontrollable high end hardware that throttles the cpu and gpu to remain in acceptable bounds.

Got a latest 2015 model 15" MBP from the work, this thing is a beast. If you're running into heat issues I would check that the system has enough ventilation room and nothing is blocking the fan outlets.

 

[DrJohnZoidberg]

I switched to mac earlier this year, without any experience with a mac before this. It took about 2-4 weeks to get accustomed to the new environment, UI, keyboard shortcuts etc. Now I can't imagine going back to any other laptop. For me, the magic really happens where software and hardware meet. The trackpad is a case in point. A simple thing like scrolling just works intuitively. Scrolling on a windows laptop seems to be such a chore. There are more examples of this, but the point is the same.

Mac trackpads are great, especially the new force touch ones. With 99% of Windows laptops I have to use a mouse, never needed an external mouse with any Macbook.

 

[nfbs]

To run Bootcamp you probably want a 256GB drive to split the two OSs otherwise you'll have too little space

Don't hink you'll get a 256GB Macbook for less than R7000 unless it's stolen.

 

[ahoudet]

Well, I've installed Mac OS up to Lion on my desktop but it was such a hassle to set it up that I gave up quite often... Last setup was last year.

So I do know the OS and I quite like it actually... I've just never used it as a primary OS. My installation was more as a challenge and for some fun

 

[ahoudet]

Nobody got one for sale?

 

[Viva]

Nobody got one for sale?

No - most people with macs tend to hold on to them! I'm sure you'll find a good deal somewhere - keep looking!

 

[andrieso]

No - most people with macs tend to hold on to them! I'm sure you'll find a good deal somewhere - keep looking!

Try MacMan in Centurion. No web site address, only FB. Seems to have items in the price range you are looking for.