Ask MetaFilter posts tagged with MacBook

there's got to be a way to save me money somewhere

kidsleepy — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:14:40 -0800

What's the best way to buy a Mac? I want to purchase a $1,500 refurbished MacBook Pro. I have $450 in Apple gift cards, and a credit card with a 9.99% APR. Other options for payment are using the Bill Me Later system, or getting a Juniper Visa Card. I could pay off the remaining $1,000 over about three months - which way of paying is going to be the best deal? Any promotions or penalties I need to be aware of?

How should I go about using an external hard drive for Time Machine and other things?

MadamM — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:34:59 -0800

I have a Macbook and a new external hard drive. I'd like to set up Time Machine, but I don't want to devote my entire new hard drive to back ups. I'm new to this, but I think I want to partition my drive- how do I go about doing that? And how large of a partition do I need for Time Machine? My Macbook has a 160GB hard drive, of which 84GB are used. The new hard drive is 640GB, so using the entire thing for Time Machine seems like a bit of a waste. I'd like to also use the hard drive to store large video files, which are eating up my laptop's drive at an alarming rate. My questions:

-What is the minimum amount of space I should allot on the new hard drive to Time Machine? My impulse is to divide it in half, which would leave Time Machine 2X my laptop's storage to work with, but I have no idea if this is far too much or far too little.

-I understand OSX has a built in drive formatting utility. Is this the best way to partition my drive? If so, um, how do I actually use it?

A few notes: I am not set on partitioning my drive, but from what I've seen on Apple's site, they intend you to devote an entire hard drive to Time Machine. If you can use a hard drive for Time Machine and also store other stuff on it, well, yay! I just don't want to do my first back up to discover that I'm wrong, and have to start from scratch.

I'm not really looking for other backup programs. I like that Time Machine is easy to use, built in to the OS, and automatic.

Anyone have personal experience with this? My googling and time on Apple's site have not been terribly helpful.

Longtime Thinkpad-using IT professional about to make the switch to MacBook.

Roach — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 12:38:43 -0800

Longtime Thinkpad-using IT professional about to make the switch to MacBook. Could use help navigating options. I've read the most recent few AskMe questions debating the pros and cons of the various generational MacBook flavors (here, here).

I've been an IT manager at various levels for the past 15 years, and have used and supported nothing but Thinkpads for the past 10. I love them, and have no complaints.

By anyone's definition, I am a power-user. In addition to all of the business and development applications I use on a daily basis, I've recently begun to delve more deeply into fairly lengthy video-editing projects.

In two weeks, I am starting graduate school in a non-IT discipline. I have in the neighborhood of $2,000 to spend on a new laptop that will serve as my one-stop shop for (primarily web-based) school, IT consulting, and video editing. I have pretty much made my decision that I'm going to get one of the aluminum-cased MacBooks or MacBook Pros..

My question for you Mac expertss is, given a budget of $1,800 - $2,200, what configuration would you opt for? I'm a little lost as to the revision history of the Macs since the first aluminum-cased machines were released, and it is making following the discussions on relative value difficult.

A couple of additional questions: Is it possible to get a matte screen on the newest 15.4 Macbook Pro? Is AppleCare as solid an investment as the equivalent (excellent) Lenovo warranty?

Thanks for your help!

How do I replace the plastic nub that was affixed to the contact underneath the "I" key on my MacBook Pro?

jcruelty — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 11:48:24 -0800

How do I replace the plastic nub that was affixed to the contact underneath the "I" key on my MacBook Pro? For reasons not worth getting into, it's gone. I still have the key and the two-part plastic hinge, but without the plastic nub I can't really use the key. The nub was attached to the contact, so even if I find a replacement I'm not sure how to reaffix it-- would I need to use some kind of glue? For now I've left the key off and am pressing the contact directly, but it hurts my finger and I'd really like to get this fixed. Thanks!

Ones and Zeroes and the air.

Manhasset — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 16:49:27 -0800

Help me understand wireless. I have an aluminum iMac, a unibody Macbook, and an iPhone 3G. So I do not seem to understand WiFi in the slightest.

Here's what I'd like:

- For my Macbook to be able to connect to the internet when I'm home.

- For my iPhone to be able to do iPhone things without using my phone company (Fido, in Canada, if that matters) as I have no data plan. For instance, I'd like to be able to view Google Maps on my iPhone when I'm at home without fear of it connecting to the internet without the use of my iMac.

- For all of my items to be able to talk to one another regardless of the internet (for instance, can I copy files between the iMac and the Macbook without involving the internet?).

Whenever I try and connect the computers, I end up with a very weak signal on my Macbook that is less than 20 feet from the iMac with no walls between.

When trying to choose a network, I can see all my neighbors' signals with stronger signals than my own computer even though there are heavy brick walls and greater distance between us--however, they're all password protected. How do they all have such strong signals?

What, exactly, do I have to do to achieve the above?

why is library wifi keeps redirecting me

compound eye — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 00:55:24 -0800

free library wifi keeps redirecting me to: http://the url i want + :65002/www.the_library's_website.com. librarians don't understand why, and don't know how to help. can you? I live near a great library, (http://www.slv.vic.gov.au)
and i like to go there and work.

The library has free wifi and I have successfully used it once before for about half an hour and then it started doing something strange
which it has since done every time i visit the library.

i can access the library's website : http://www.slv.vic.gov.au

but if i try and access anything outside the library eg:

http://www.theage.com.au

i get redirected to the non existant url

http://www.theage.com.au:65002/www.slv.vic.gov.au

always that format:

the url i want + :65002/www.slv.vic.gov.au

I can't access the wifi login page either by the url or by the ip address
and it certainly isn't directing me there when I first connect, as the system is supposed to do.

other people seem to be accessing the net just fine, including people on the similar model macbooks

(
MacBook3,1
OSX 10.5.6
2.2 Ghz intel core duo 2
4 GB 667 Mhz DDR2 SDRAM
)

the library staff don't know what's going on and i don't have access to the library IT staff.

some of the staff thought it reminded them of something they had heard about laptops being 'quarantined' if they were running software that 'advertised itself to the network' but couldn't remember much else.

there's nothing of any use on the library wifi troubleshooting page:

http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/about/using/wireless/troubleshooting.html

so i'd be grateful for any suggestions.

cheers

mathew

Mac alternatives?

Pasa la bola chetu — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 12:13:19 -0800

What are good MacBook alternatives (non-apple)? I love MacBooks but I cannot rely on Apple. Apple software is awesome but whenever I have hardware issues it can take forever to resolve.

I've taken the view that working on a MacBook is like drinking fine coffee, it is nice but I cannot rely or get too accustomed to it because it can go away. And hardware issues/replacements are $$$.

I resolved the last hardware issue by buying a $400 windows box and restoring backups to continue working while Apple took 60 days to return the warrantied-applecared machine.

I find the $400 HP desktop performance be comparable to the $3k Xeon. There must be a similar solution for portables. Powerful and inexpensive enough that if stolen or have a hardware issue I dont feel like I am held hostage.

What takes up space on my computer?

howgenerica — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 06:10:51 -0800

The memory on my Macbook is apparently completely full, but I don't know what could be taking up so much space. What can I do or download to find out?

Noooo! Your trypical Macbook Pro crash story.

drpynchon — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 22:57:43 -0800

OS X crisis.. Please help with a system that won't boot Mac gurus. So I finally got around to installing the last security update to OS X 10.4.11 on my MBP (C2D) and after reboot my system hangs. It sits there on the grey apple screen and spinning thingy. The interweb reports that this is not uncommon so I followed the typical advice of loading Disk Utility off install DVD. Ran, found some glitches in the permissions and disk and repaired them successfully. It can see and mount the drive as well as report the free space and all that. Still a no go -- again hanging on the boot screen as my fan starts to whirl.

Considered Archive and Install but after selecting my hard drive volume and the Options button, it reports that it can't perform A&I and must erase the contents of the drive. GAH!

This sucker has some seriously important work that was recently completed on not yet backed up. Help me restore and I will be indebted to you forever.

Why can't I copy and paste in OS X 10.5.5?

milkman — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 09:34:27 -0800

Why won't my new Macbook let me copy and paste text in X 10.5.5?? Actually my girlfriend's computer. A Macbook 2.4GHz 4 GB. Just purchased it and installed the newest version of Leopard that came with the machine. The Copy and Paste function doesn't work.

In Firefox, pasting gives us a long line of what looks like some kind of hypertext code. In word, pasting yields nothing at all. It doesn't matter whether we use keypad shortcuts or the pull down menus to copy/paste.

I found this discussion on the apple help forums, but there doesn't seem to be any clear idea of what is happening. Is it possible that this has been going on for a couple of months and Apple hasn't addressed it? Do I just need to reinstall?

thanks

Wine + Laptop = No work

fishmasta — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 08:20:22 -0800

How can I save my drunk macbook? I had a few friends over last night and my MacBook was set up playing music in the living room, when suddenly my friend accidentally spilled wine all over the keyboard. The machine immediately shut down and now the next morning I am stilll unable to get it to start back up. Is there any chance of saving my machine? How likely is it that I'll at least be able to get my data off of it? Any advice you can give a worried Mac owner would be appreciated.

My scanner won't work with my mac--help!

leesh — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 20:43:07 -0800

My ancient scanner isn't playing well with my Macbook. This specific model (Microtek 4850) doesn't have drivers for Leopard yet (if it ever will), and the Tiger ones don't work. Do I have any options here, or do I need to shell out for a new scanner? I'd really like to not have to spend money on a new scanner--I'm about to move and don't have a job lined up--but I really really really want to scan a bunch of old photos in (so I can unload some of my many heavy photo albums). Is there any way to use the scanner with the mac without the driver? Is there some other program I can download?

If not, can anyone recommend an affordable scanner that will actually work with my computer?

Were there any parts left over when you were done?

DandyRandy — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:57:59 -0800

So how hard is it really to swap out the Superdrive in a MacBook? I've looked through the step-by-step procedure at fastmac.com, and I think I have a handle on the process, but I'd like to hear from someone who's actually done it, and who doesn't do it for a living.

How'd it go? Were you able to disassemble and reassemble with no major hitches? What should I look out for?

Many thanks!

Is Civilization worth the angst?

spinturtle — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:05:20 -0800

I've finally convinced myself that it's time to get Civilization IV, but after reading some reviews I'm worried about the lag/crashing problem (although even the reviewers that complain about the lag still seem to love the game). I've read this question and this question, but was wondering if anyone has more recent info - new patches, newer Macbook eliminates the issue? I'm using a Macbook purchased in January of this year (OSX 10.5.5), but I'm honestly not technical enough to know what other info you might want to know (if you tell me *exactly*where to look, though, I'm sure I could figure it out). So my question boils down to this - will I be ripping my hair out as the game crashes every 4 minutes, or will I enjoy myself for hours on end and only experience infrequent moments of lag?

HDCP on DVDs?

middleclasstool — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 07:32:02 -0800

What is the future of HDCP -- are DVDs likely to adopt it, and is it going to mess me up? I'm going to buy a laptop, quite possibly as soon as Black Friday, and the new Macbook appears to be the big winner. My only concern now is the new revelation that Apple put HDCP in the new Macbooks, limiting your options on playing protected content on external screens.

This blows but is normally is not an issue for me, because I try like all hell to avoid downloading DRMed content and never shop iTMS, but what's the likelihood that future DVD releases could start putting HDCP protection on them? I anticipate using this as a DVD player while traveling, and I'd hate not to be able to hook it up to a TV or external monitor to watch a movie while on the road.

hep e wth y keybard

pised — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 10:25:56 -0800

Posting for my partner, who writes: Yesterday I attempted to clean some discolouration on the wrist-rest area of my white Macbook with a Mr. Clean magic eraser (as per instructions like these ones). Not only did this fail to remove all of the discolouration, but now my keyboard doesn't work! Okay, so I think I must have accidently got some moisture in the keys. Initially, few keys in relatively a straight line--T, G, B--didn't work. I let it sit for a while, and when I came back, I, L, M, No, O, and U stopped working, while the others were all better. Moreover, the track pad was having trouble accepting my tapping. I then let it sit, upside-down, over night. This morning, the track pad was all better, but the rest of the keys were still off.

I have read this AskMe, and it sounds like a similar situation except with water. My question is, though, what should I do next? I absolutely need my computer--I am a PhD student currently trying to finish a chapter before December 1. Do I just let it sit overnight again and hope that it fixes, or can I replace the keyboard part of the Macbook, or am I stuck using an external keyboard forever? Can I go to an Apple store and just buy a replacement keyboard and then replace it myself, or do I have to leave it in-shop? Would that be prohibitively expensive?

It is an older model Macbook. 2GHz, 13", and not under any warranty anymore.

Thanks!

Macbook or Macbook Pro for web development.

bernsno — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:19:32 -0800

Macbook or Macbook Pro? I'm currently working on an older powerbook doing web development (front and back end) and it's time for a new machine. My powerbook has treated me well over the years and I'll miss her dearly, but it's clearly time to move on. As I see it I have two options: Macbook or Macbook Pro. This will be a machine I work on everyday, running your standard adobe app's while simultaneously running tests (in memory hogging ruby) and passenger locally. I really, really want the MBP, but its really, really expensive and chances are I'll end up replacing my next rig in 2-3 years max. So my question is: can the Macbook stand up to the challenge or will I become frustrated with lagging tests and spinning umbrellas? Either laptop will be a great improvement over my 5 year old Powerbook, but I'm having a very difficult time making a decision. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

MacBook wireless networking problems in the Czech Republic

cardamom — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 10:22:41 -0800

I have been living in a small university town outside Prague in the Czech Republic since the summer. I am using my 2006 Apple MacBook MA254LL/A (running 10.5.5) to connect to the internet. However, I have experienced a lot of problems connecting to free wireless internet hotspots. My laptop takes a while to locate the network by scanning, and then either asks for a password or tells me the network is unavailable. I know that my Airport works fine elsewhere, and that the connection usually happens automatically. I will ask one of the workers at the store if there is a password, and the answer is always no. Moreover, I see PC users connecting to the internet without a problem. Does anyone know what the issue is with wireless networking on a Mac in the Czech Republic? [I would post this question to the Apple support forums, but it appears that their new accounts system is down]

Aluminum or plastic Macbook?

Danf — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 16:04:11 -0800

New Aluminum Macbook (low end) or slightly cheaper, previous generation? I am buying a Macbook this week, because my old laptop is beyond beyond. . .My choices are a new one, or, online a previous generation or refurb polycarbonate one. The new ones have a 2.0 gHZ processor, compared to a 2.4 gHZ processor. Does this make any difference?

Also, does the added graphics card really matter?

I am leaning towards getting a previous one (the black one) online, but I could go down and buy a new aluminum one in 10 minutes.

Does any one have any opinions they care to share?

Thanks.

Middle click on the new MacBooks?

stopgap — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 23:05:26 -0800

I find myself unexpectedly in the market for a new laptop, and I'm considering switching to a Mac. I know the new MacBooks can finally do a proper right-click, but can they also do a middle-click without some awkward key combo? On my current laptop I just tap in one corner of the trackpad to middle click, and I can't imagine browsing the web without middle clicking. Bonus question: My current computer is a Dell Latitude X1, which is essentially a rebadged Samsung. If I don't go with the Mac, are there any similar ultraportables? It looks like Samsung finally started selling their own computers in the US, but they're all bigger than what I've got now. The X1 is about an inch thick, weighs 2.8 pounds (less than the MacBook Air!) and has a 12" screen. I don't want to give up the portability I love about this computer but it seems like the ultraportable category has disappeared in the last few years, leaving a hole between too-big 13.3" screen computers and too-small netbooks.

How much is my Macbook worth?

karizma — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:31:17 -0800

I need to sell my very lightly used white Apple Macbook. What should I reasonably expect to receive for it? More details inside. I have a white Apple Macbook that I purchased in March of 2008. I have used it literally just a handful of times. It has been in a protective Incase hardshell since unboxing. It is in like new condition and I have had zero problems with it. I am in need of money so I am going to try and sell it, possibly on Craigslist, but maybe to an acquaintance. I know that Apple recently refreshed (for better or worse) the Macbook line, so I would like to know what I should reasonably ask in terms of price for it. I do not have AppleCare on it.

Here are its specs: 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB DDR SDRAM, 160GB hard drive, 8x Superdrive.

I have all the original packaging, documentation, disks, etc. It is a well taken-care of item.

What price should I set for it?

Did OSX delete my pictures?

iknowizbirfmark — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 12:48:00 -0800

Did I lose the photos I had in a guest account on my MacBook? About a year ago, I enabled a guest account on my MacBook (or did I create another non-guest account?) and uploaded some vacation photos there from my camera for my family to look at. (I did this to not have to worry about my family seeing other work or personal stuff on my regular account.)

Now, I can't find those pictures anywhere. I must have disabled the guest account at some point - now that I've re-enabled it, the pictures aren't there. Did it delete them when I disabled guest access? Are my pictures lost forever?

Problems Swapping HDD into new MBP!

brandoniain — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 18:53:15 -0800

Why am I having problems changing my new MacBook Pro's hard drive? I bought a new MacBook Pro. It came with a 250gb hard drive. I wanted to put it in my (one month old) 320gb hard drive that came out of the old MacBook.

So, I did the following:

Removed 320gb hdd from old MacBookM/li>
Put 320gb in external USB enclosure

Connected 320gb hdd to new MacBook Pro

Formatted 320gb hdd and zero'd out data, using Journaled Mac formatting

Used Carbon Copy Cloner to clone my internal hdd to the 320gb external hdd

Then I tried booting from the 320gb external hdd and it didn't work. Grey screen with the apple logo and the spinning progress meter. Then the computer restarts and boots from the internal drive.

I also tried with the drive in the new MacBook Pro directly. Same thing. Spinning progress meter - nothing else.

This is exactly the process I used when I upgraded my MacBook last month and put this 320gb hard drive into it and it worked just fine.

Any ideas?

Can my Macbook hard drive be revived?

salmacis — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 02:32:32 -0800

Is my Macbook hard drive dead? Last night my Macbook hard drive apparently failed. After a hard reboot, I got a flashing folder with a question mark, which indicates no bootable media found. When I booted with the install disk, there was no sign that the disk even existed in Disk Utilities. Is the disk totally dead or is there anything I can try to revive it? I'm comfortable with the idea of installing a new disk, and it's not like there was anything important on there, but it would be nice not to lose everything.

What concrete benefits does the new 13in MacBook offer over the white $999 model?

j0hnpaul — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 12:56:05 -0800

What concrete benefits does the new 13in MacBook offer over the white $999 model?