<p>I was more referring to all the essentials, like MS office etc. Obviously there are things (most notably games) that can’t be run and need windows. As for the $500 more, that is why I suggested going to use one before deciding. For some people the feel or the ruggedness is worth the extra money.</p>
<p>even if it’s refurbished, that’s not a bad thing… that just means someone thought there was something wrong with it (most of the time there isn’t) and sent it back to the manufacturer, who fixes anything and puts it back on sale.</p>
<p>if you’re in engineering, getting a licensed copy of Windows isn’t a big deal.</p>
<p>6.8 lbs doesn’t seem that heavy til you carry it around. the size is also a big factor. however, apple laptops are usually lighter and thinner than their Windows counterparts, so it may not be as much of a hassle as it is for most people.</p>
<p>
The major variable in this one is how much you are willing to spend, and the rest of what data said?</p>
<p>
:rolleyes:</p>
<p>Just use get the Dells with Ubuntu.</p>
<p>I think it is quite weird for people to use windows on an apple, you spent 500 dollars more so you can get a computer that runs the same system?</p>
<p>the one from ucla store is not refurbished, but they probably only have a handful left and they want them out. its the last generation, and if you google that model number it shows the specs i listed earlier.</p>
<p>You need to ask yourself one question: [Do</a> you want to be part of the Mac community?](<a href=“http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/c.cgi?u=macs_cant]Do”>One thing PC users can do that Mac users can't...)</p>
<p>Good ol’ Maddox.</p>
<p>6.8 pounds isn’t light for a laptop…</p>
<p>i have a 7+ pound one and i deeply regret it. :(</p>
<p>woah an xps is only around $1k now with discount? holy…</p>
<p>piece of crap inspiron!!</p>
<p>mbp >> overkill, like many have mentioned. i splurged bc i do a lot of HD video editing and photoshop junk. plus.</p>
<p>mb>> beautiful machine, do it. don’t expect to play many video games, though, bc of the onboard graphics</p>
<p>dells>> they’re a dime a dozen, as are any other PCs. great computers nonetheless and if cost is a concern, something is better than nothing</p>
<p>pc>mac transition? seemless. I haven’t needed to install any virtualization software (VMware/parallels/bootcamp). </p>
<p>Software to get on a mac:
office2008
VLC (to watch your torrented videos - divx, xvid, mkv)
adium (AIM, et al)
twitterific (if you’re into microblogging… see [Twitter</a> / shaanr](<a href=“http://twitter.com/shaanr]Twitter”>http://twitter.com/shaanr) )
logmein (remote access to your computer from any web browser on any os)
mozy (remote storage/backup)
grub (for adium notifications)
transmission (for you bit torrent pirates out there 
)
Adobe CS3, firefox, skype and the other ‘obvious’ ones </p>
<p>also nobody has mentioned the Asus EEE PC and the MSI Wind. Both excellent, RIDICULOUSLY affordable ultraportables. i’m considering one to complement my mbp.
*run full windows xp (or linux or osx, with tinkering)
*brilliant displays and unbeatable form factor
*CHEAP (300-500$)</p>
<p>NO NO NO. Dell’s with ubuntu is a RIP. Why? Because it costs almost the same as the ones that come with windows… this is from what I have previously known, and it may be very different right now, go look it up. If this is the case then just get it with windows and put ubuntu on it yourself, so you always have the option of windows if you’d like/need. COMPIZ FUSION kills mac/windows GUI. Mac stole that ****. </p>
<p>BTW Maddox is the ****. And Yo Yo Ma too.</p>
<p>I still CANNOT get over the fact that macs STILL make ONE BUTTON mouses and touchpads. Their mighty mouse line of stuff sucks too, and WAY overpriced too, just like all their stuff. I’d use macs, but I don’t prefer them. Way too overrated… hypebeast ****. Their customer service is the best though.</p>
<p>The Asus EEE pc is VERY nice. Ideally I’d go with one of those and a desktop thats overclocked off the charts with molten lava cooling.</p>
<p>**** the apple vs windows ****. Linux all the way!!!</p>
<p>The Mighty Mouse supports right-click, does Apple make another mouse?</p>
<p>dont all macs come with the mighty mouse now?</p>
<p>the laptops, ill give you with only having one button. but with multi touch its really not an issue at all. single finger tap to left click, two finger tap to right click. i never use the physical buttons on my laptop in the first place, except for when i need to right click.</p>
<p>i made up my mind and im going with the dell…the mac is a little too big…
however i have to wait a little while to tell my parents to buy it cuz i got in trouble yesterday lol…i just hope the dell deal doesn’t end</p>