Thinking about a 17" MacBook Pro Purchase

Well, I'm going to the Apple store this weekend to look at the MacBook Pro models. I'm willing to fork out the coin for a tripped out 17". This is a big purchase for me. I haven't purchased a computer since 2001 and my 1998 Dell tower is basically a giant paperweight. My first computer purchase was a Mac but that was in 1991 and I've only had 2 computers since then ... the two dinosaurs I have now. I'm way overdue for an upgrade.

The question I have is do any of you MacBook users find any benefit in using a mouse? I'm not a big trackpad fan in that it can get uncomfortable. I'm basing this on my experience with my 2001 Dell Inspiron 8000. Ergonomically, the mouse seems to make more sense.

Are there any other hardware essentials or 'must have's' that I should consider? I'm been away from the Mac for a while so not too sure what fun toys exist out there.

I've been reading all the Mac posts religiously over the past few months and appreciate the knowledge out there. I feel so much more prepared for my Apple Store visit. I have no doubt I will enjoy the OS change; however I cannot complain about Windows XP Pro which I currently run on both computers. I may even consider Boot Camp for running Office and an external monitor is a 'must have' at a later date.

Lastly, I come from a film based world (Hasselblad) and currently am enjoying my new Panasonic DMC-LX3; however a pro D-SLR is in my future (hence the reason for a new computer purchase) ... one step at a time. TIA!

Tammy
--
Have a day. :-|

MrsNikon said:

The question I have is do any of you MacBook users find any benefit
in using a mouse? I'm not a big trackpad fan in that it can get
uncomfortable. I'm basing this on my experience with my 2001 Dell
Inspiron 8000. Ergonomically, the mouse seems to make more sense.

Click to expand...

I'd never met a trackpad I liked until I tried one of the new MBPs. My former laptop was an Asus A8JS, on which the scrolling 'regions' were completely unreliable and I could never get the sensitivity exactly how I liked it. 95% of the time, I ended up using a mouse. I've had my MBP for less than a week, but so far mouse usage has been less than 20%. Gesture support makes the glass trackpad infinitely more usable.

I still prefer a mouse for extended use, but I no longer feel like it's a necessity.

A few thoughts:

1. Be sure to compare the matte vs. glossy screens on the 17" MBP. (The in-store comparison makes the matte look so very much easier on the eyes)

2. Buy with minimum RAM (4GB) and, if you want the 8GB get from OWC or Crucial

3. Get a firewire external drive for backup/scratch-disk (from OWC)

4. Using mouse is for image editing is the way to go. ( I use a Logitech wired laser mouse)

5. Consider buying an Apple 'refurb' 17" (saves about $200)

6. Buy "Applecare" extended warranty -(From http://www.LAComputercompany.com )

I hope I have the same experience as you when I visit the Apple store. I will definitely put it to the test! -Regards, Tammy

--
Have a day. :-|

Congratulations on your next purchase. I am doing the same soon. I was at the Apple Store last night checking out the 17"s. I definitely am getting the matte screen. I also want the 7200 rpm hard drive, so I will have to order from Apple online. It's quite a computer! I can't wait.

Don't worry about the track pad. It takes some practice but what a sweet design! Comparing the new Apple track pad to the old Dell is kind of like comparing an Olympic Ice Skating arena to a frozen over toilet. You'll love it.

Good luck, let everyone know how you like it.

Darby said:

Be sure to compare the matte vs. glossy screens on the 17" MBP.

Click to expand...

Yes, this is on my list to do. Maybe I won't be concerned with glossy and if that's the case, I may opt for the 15". Will have to see in person to make determination.

Darby said:

Buy with minimum RAM (4GB) and, if you want the 8GB get from OWC
or Crucial

Click to expand...

Another thing I learned here on Mac Talk.

Darby said:

Get a firewire external drive for backup/scratch-disk (from OWC)

Click to expand...

Another thing I learned here on Mac Talk.

Darby said:

Using mouse is for image editing is the way to go. ( I use a
Logitech wired laser mouse)

Click to expand...

An easy/affordable purchase to make.

Darby said:

Consider buying an Apple 'refurb' 17" (saves about $200)

Click to expand...

Will do!

Darby said:

Buy "Applecare" extended warranty -(From http://www.LAComputercompany.com )

Click to expand...

Apple Care no doubt was not going to be passed by.

---
Have a day. :-|

pptphoto said:

Congratulations on your next purchase. I am doing the same soon. I
was at the Apple Store last night checking out the 17"s. I
definitely am getting the matte screen. I also want the 7200 rpm
hard drive, so I will have to order from Apple online. It's quite a
computer! I can't wait.

Click to expand...

I also would choose the 7200 rpm hard drive, based on comments I've read here.

So I assume there are only certain configurations that you can take home from the Apple Store.

pptphoto said:

Don't worry about the track pad. It takes some practice but what a
sweet design! Comparing the new Apple track pad to the old Dell is
kind of like comparing an Olympic Ice Skating arena to a frozen over
toilet. You'll love it.

Click to expand...

Now that is quite a visual!

pptphoto said:

Good luck, let everyone know how you like it.

Click to expand...

I sure will and thank you.

--
Have a day. :-|

MrsNikon said:

The question I have is do any of you MacBook users find any benefit
in using a mouse? I'm not a big trackpad fan in that it can get
uncomfortable. I'm basing this on my experience with my 2001 Dell
Inspiron 8000. Ergonomically, the mouse seems to make more sense.

Click to expand...

Tammy

Whatever you do do not buy a wireless Apple mouse. If you are used to a PC mouse with two buttons just buy one of these that fits you. I use a mouse from time to time with my MBP-17 especially when I am editing photos. There is no way I can do outlines and make accurate selections with any track pad. You will like the Mack Trackpad and you may not need a mouse all of the time but as a fellow photographer I can tell you that I need a mouse.

--

JohnCote
http://www.johncotephotography.com

'Cameras are just cr@p we have to lug around because there is no direct brain to printer connection...yet!'

I had an Inspiron 8200 (same design as your 8000) just before I bought an iBook and now a MacBook. Believe me, there is no comparison in ease of use between the pads on the Macs and that of the Dell. And the new buttonless design is fantastic. I don't mind not using a mouse at all, although I do have one for heavy action.

--
Equipment in my User Profile.
Personal gallery at http://almy.us/gallery

Hi, I switched just over a year ago and initially felt lost without a mouse so ironically I bought a Microsoft Bluetooth mouse! - I would recommend getting a Bluetooth mouse so you don't need any dongles to fiddle with and take up USB ports, and get a minimum of a 2 button one as the right click pulls up context menus as in Windows.

If I am doing a lot of photo work I'll use the mouse but 90% of the time I just use the trackpad and the multi-gestures are great.

For photo work I would recommend that you get a calibration tool such as the Spyder 3 pro - or if you can borrow one from a friend do that for now. I have callibrated mine (made a big difference) but when I check it I have found it to still be accurate - at least enough for amateur work.

Take a USB stick to the store with you with some of your own images as this will help you decide between the glossy and matt screen - the matt is great!

Make sure that you are entitled to the cheap upgrade to snow leopard (which comes out in September).

Someone mentioned an external drive for scratchpad - you should configure this for Time Machine also so that you get your content backed-up.

Have fun!

Check out the iPhone when you are there!

John Cote said:

Whatever you do do not buy a wireless Apple mouse. If you are used to
a PC mouse with two buttons just buy one of these that fits you. I
use a mouse from time to time with my MBP-17 especially when I am
editing photos ...

Click to expand...

Jon, thanks for that information. I didn't know you could just use any mouse. I thought the mighty mouse was my only option.

--
Have a day. :-|

nc3 said:

Hi, I switched just over a year ago and initially felt lost without a
mouse so ironically I bought a Microsoft Bluetooth mouse!

Click to expand...

Have I been under a rock or what. Bluetooth Mice ... sounds like a good idea to me.

nc3 said:

For photo work I would recommend that you get a calibration tool such
as the Spyder 3 pro - or if you can borrow one from a friend do that
for now. I have callibrated mine (made a big difference) but when I
check it I have found it to still be accurate - at least enough for
amateur work.

Click to expand...

Calibration is a big topic here that I have been following. It isn't a life or death thing for me however I am sure any photographer, amateur or professional wants the best out of their images and that includes correct color. Great advice.

nc3 said:

Take a USB stick to the store with you with some of your own images
as this will help you decide between the glossy and matt screen - the
matt is great!

Click to expand...

More great advice ... why didn't I think of that?

nc3 said:

Make sure that you are entitled to the cheap upgrade to snow leopard
(which comes out in September).

Click to expand...

Been reading about that too ... $29.

nc3 said:

Someone mentioned an external drive for scratchpad - you should
configure this for Time Machine also so that you get your content
backed-up.

Click to expand...

I read through and became familar with Time Machine, Capsule and the other one.

nc3 said:

Check out the iPhone when you are there!

Click to expand...

If I bought an iPhone, I probably wouldn't have time to use the computer due to the fact that there are just too many cool/fun apps for the iPhone. I'm on Verizon ... so maybe someday.

Thanks for all the advice.

--
Have a day. :-|

MrsNikon said:

MrsNikon said:

Make sure that you are entitled to the cheap upgrade to snow leopard
(which comes out in September).

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

MrsNikon said:

Been reading about that too ... $29

Click to expand...

If you buy certain machines now, before September you can get the upgrade for $9.95 + tax - see: http://www.macrumors.com/2009/06/16/apple-details-snow-leopard-up-to-date-program/ (Not that $29 is not a bargain in itself!!)

Here's the BT mouse!! http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/ProductDetails.aspx?pid=099 and they even do a Mac specific one now (whatever next) http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/ProductDetails.aspx?pid=103&active_tab=overview

MrsNikon said:

Jon, thanks for that information. I didn't know you could just use
any mouse. I thought the mighty mouse was my only option.

Click to expand...

MrsNikon,

I think just about any mouse will work with your Mac. Just plug it in and go. By default the left button on a 2 button mouse will be the main button and the right will bring up a properties box like on a PC. If you want to adjust how the mouse performs, go to the Apple menu and select System Preferences and in the hardware section click on Mouse and Keyboard.

--

JohnCote
http://www.johncotephotography.com

'Cameras are just cr@p we have to lug around because there is no direct brain to printer connection...yet!'

On systems bought now, the upgrade cost is $10.

MrsNikon said:

MrsNikon said:

Make sure that you are entitled to the cheap upgrade to snow leopard
(which comes out in September).

Click to expand...

Been reading about that too ... $29.

Click to expand...

--
Equipment in my User Profile.
Personal gallery at http://almy.us/gallery

nc3 said:

If you buy certain machines now, before September you can get the
upgrade for $9.95 + tax - see:

http://www.macrumors.com/2009/06/16/apple-details-snow-leopard-up-to-date-program/ (Not that $29 is not a bargain in itself!!)

Click to expand...

Heck, a savings is a savings.

nc3 said:

Here's the BT mouse!!

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/ProductDetails.aspx?pid=099 and they even do a Mac specific one now (whatever next) http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/ProductDetails.aspx?pid=103&active_tab=overview

Click to expand...

Oooh, that mouse certainly would look nice along side a MacBook. I love the idea of it freeing up a USB port. Will they fight at night when no one is looking? Will the MacBook self-destruct within a certain range of a Microsoft product? All kidding aside, I certainly wouldn't hesitate to buy it.

--
Have a day. :-|

I am using a M* o* ft Wireless Lazer mouse 8000, this is a full size Bluetooth mouse if you find the notebook mouse too small, nothing in the specs about it being Ok with OS10 but it seems to work. The reason for selecting a wireless mouse was the the computer only had 2 USB sockets, I tried a USB hub as a means to get more connectivity but felt the mouse was less than responsive compared with connecting directly to the computer. I initially purchased an Apple wireless Mighty Mouse which was great to start with if a little quirky to use with no actual buttons and the small button for multi direction scrolling, I found that the scroll button needed cleaning on a regular basis and some of the right click actions were inconsistent so I purchased the MS mouse above and generally it seems to be fine, very occasionally it loses contact with the computer but reconnects in a few seconds.

My future plans include moving up from my 1st generation 15" Mac Book Pro to a new 17" model
--

A selection of my images can be found at http://www.photo-genesis.net follow the galleries link then select the Jacks gallery

Art Jacks said:

I am using a M* o* ft Wireless Lazer mouse 8000, this is a full size
Bluetooth mouse if you find the notebook mouse too small, nothing in
the specs about it being Ok with OS10 but it seems to work.

Click to expand...

The Mighty Mouse looks like a potato - with no right or left mouse click I think this would be my biggest Windows to Mac challenge.

Art Jacks said:

My future plans include moving up from my 1st generation 15" Mac Book
Pro to a new 17" model

Click to expand...

Congrats!

--
Have a day. :-|

John Cote said:

I think just about any mouse will work with your Mac. Just plug it in
and go.

Click to expand...

Thanks

John Cote said:

http://www.johncotephotography.com

Click to expand...

John, I enjoyed viewing your photography at your site. I noticed that your camera lens tripled in size and your glasses got proportionally smaller!

--
Have a day. :-|

The Apple mouse does work it just takes a bit of getting used to rocking the whole outer shell left and right as opposed to having well defined buttons, the biggest continual problem was keeping the scrolling button free from dust/grit etc. it only seems to take a minuscule amount of dirt to stop it scrolling completely.

My plans of purchasing a 17' MBP depends on concluding a successful domestic negotiation with my wife ! I am sure she really needs a 3 year old 15" MBP

--

A selection of my images can be found at http://www.photo-genesis.net follow the galleries link then select the Jacks gallery