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cameront120 · 10-14-2008, 05:28 PM

So can anyone translate for me what these new graphics chips/cards translate to in PC terms? I use Autocad and am seriously thinking of switching from PC to Mac. Do these Macs use a true, dedicated video card? Or are they a slower motherboard dependent unit?

A-Merry-Can · 10-15-2008, 04:26 AM

I can't believe they can carve the laptop out of a single piece of aluminum, AND keep it so affordable! It beats the heck out of plastic with aluminum paint on it!

The first gen iPhones are aluminum and glass as well. I haven't upgraded to the 3G because the plastic just feels cheap... kinda like a PC!

JP

DFDureiko · 10-15-2008, 07:44 AM

I use a MacBook, and I connect to the 'net using the Verizon Broadband Access Handset "feature" via Bluetooth and Moto V750 when on the road. The "feature" can be turned on and off and you pay only for the days used which is about 1.98 a day
Dan

purman · 10-15-2008, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cameront120

So can anyone translate for me what these new graphics chips/cards translate to in PC terms? I use Autocad and am seriously thinking of switching from PC to Mac. Do these Macs use a true, dedicated video card? Or are they a slower motherboard dependent unit?

The macbookpro has dedicated ram for the video card..... This are made as graphics machines, And they run windows faster than a pc.

But I would run it in windows if you are using Autocad... Don't get the mac version... I've seen it and it's kinda weird and isn't the same for some reason...

cameront120 · 10-15-2008, 09:39 AM

Ultimately, I'd like to get away from Autocad and use Vectorworks. Then I can kiss Windows goodbye forever.

purman · 10-15-2008, 09:45 AM

Vectorworks???? I might have to look into that... I do house plans and lot plans for a friend of mine when he needs help.... (civil engineer) He is also looking for something new....

Eliminator46 · 10-15-2008, 09:56 AM

I'm Kinda stuck in the PC/Windows world. I run 4 desktops and one notebook at the house. I'm one that's not big on change.

StingrayL82 · 10-15-2008, 10:35 AM

Here at work we have the Dell Optiplex GX620, which is being replaced with the Optiplex 740. It does a good job.

At home I have my trusty '00 Dell Dimension 4100. I max'd out the RAM to 512MB and added a 60GB internal harddrive to supplement the original 10GB. I also have an 80GB external harddrive. The only thing I've really done is to get rid of the original Windows ME that came with it and went to Windows XP and recently upgraded to Vista w/SP1. I like it, but Brooke doesn't.

My HP zd8000 laptop crapped out on me some months ago, and I'm in the market now to replace it, but I haven't found anything I like yet.

purman · 10-15-2008, 10:39 AM

Man, 512mb... I can't run some of my stuff on that.. Wish i could..... seems like I buy a new computer every few years.... My wife's office needs upgrades every two years... She Hates To Wait...... I have 2 gigs of ram in her PC...

StingrayL82 · 10-15-2008, 10:50 AM

When I bought the HP laptop, I got every bell & whistle I could think of. It's a Pentium 4 2.3GHz, I had 2GB RAM in it, I upped the HD to 150GB, I had a CD/DVD burner, and it was a nice silver color. I'm tempted to take it to Best Buy and let the Geek Squad see what's wrong with it. I keep getting the BSOD, when I try to format and reload Windows....seems to get hung up on Luna.mst

Who knows. I can't bring myself to get rid of the Dell, because it's never let me down. I wish I could put more RAM in it, but at that time the Pentium III w/800MHz was the top of the line, and it won't recognize more than 512.

purman · 10-15-2008, 10:56 AM

Problem with HP and compact, once you change somtehing your in trouble, My brother works for EA sports... They won't touch them in his office for testing stuff on... To much trouble...

We use dell at work.. reliable machines...

Mike Leary · 10-15-2008, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFDureiko

I use a MacBook, and I connect to the 'net using the Verizon Broadband Access Handset "feature" via Bluetooth and Moto V750 when on the road. The "feature" can be turned on and off and you pay only for the days used which is about 1.98 a day
Dan

That sounds very cool; could you explain this a little more & what was the
upfront investment?

StingrayL82 · 10-15-2008, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by purman

Problem with HP and compact, once you change somtehing your in trouble, My brother works for EA sports... They won't touch them in his office for testing stuff on... To much trouble...

We use dell at work.. reliable machines...

Yeah, I'm leaning towards Dell for our next laptop.

SJ1 · 10-15-2008, 03:49 PM

Mike Leary, I use a Macbook Pro and have a Verizon USB-port broadband card. The Macbook Pro was $2000 and the Verizon broadband card is for unlimited access and costs $60 each month, under a two-year contract. There was no charge for the broadband card or a registration fee. I bought the computer and got the Verizon card just before Christmas last year. The cell phone companies were looking for sales. I just asked what they were each offering and Verizon seemed to have the best offer and coverage.

nayl · 10-15-2008, 04:00 PM

PC (lap top) with USB modem for internet access.

nayl · 09-16-2010, 07:17 PM

Just got a MacBook Pro (15 inch) for my daughter. We also each have an iPod. Not iPhone users because of poor AT&T reception in our area.

We have started to take only one laptop on our trips, so I guess I'll be learning the programs as we travel. I am pretty proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio and really don't look forward to learning how to do these functions on the Mac, but necessity will dictate.

I purchased iWork. Is is worth it or recommended to get Office for Mac?

2airishuman · 09-16-2010, 07:55 PM

hi nayl

lesson 1...

on da'mac, programs are called applications...

unless u mean downloading an episode of a television program.

grab a copy of the pogue book "switching to mac the missing manual snow leopard"

here 4 example...

this book does an excellent job of translating hard core windoz terminology and functions...

into what/how/why they happen on mac.
_________

IF you are totally set on sticking with ms/office,

the mac version is essentially the same bloatware as the windoz app...

except for the basic mac/look/feel and keyboard which THE BOOK will sort out for ya.

the visio thing on mac is best done with omnigraffle, it out does v' in many ways...

and there are free/share ware things that do SOME v' functions.

_________

iwork is a fine application package but it's VERY DUE for an upgrade, like any time now.

IF u buy 09 now, you will still pay FULL PRICE for the upgrade if it comes out tomorrow.

apple doesn't historically do interval/upgrade pricing on life/work bundles.
_________

my approach to finally switching was to simply TURN OFF the windoz machine and do mac.

(after using both for many years with students)

this was a bit like total immersion in learning a new language,

but worked out well and my brain LIKED the exercise.

and it's an old brain...
_________

if you REALLY REALLY wanna stay in the windoz world u can load win7 and have 2 systems in ONE laptop...

1. will be fun, easy and extremely functional...

2. while the other will need virus protection and daily maintenance...
_________

IF u have a mission critical program with windoz dna

and they is NO mac equivalent, setting up a dual boot or parallels/win7 partition makes sense...
_________

but if not just get yer brain into something new.

cheers
2air'

nayl · 09-16-2010, 08:16 PM

Thanks for the info 2airishuman. iWorks due for an upgrade... that's probably why we got a rebate coupon!

The Mac is essentially my daughter's computer, but I do use it to browse the internet. She generously gave me her old Toshiba (absolutely great, little, very reasonably priced laptop) because my (very expensive) Dell is on the fritz.

Hansom-Man · 09-16-2010, 08:51 PM

We use Macs at the house and on the road. On the rare occasion that I need Windows, I run it through an Emulator (vmware fusion) running from a drive partition. Pretty much a seamless interface. Windows desktop can be run in a window or as a replacement desktop.

While the Macs are more expensive I've found them significantly more stable. Switched over when we moved to Africa, as I knew I would have no time to be a system admin for my family. Been pretty happy with the results.

Cheers