I would like to save up for a new laptop. My current laptop is an original (2006) black MacBook. Should I save up for a new/refurb MacBook [Pro/Air], or are there less expensive but high-quality PC laptops out there?
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posted by WasabiFlux
on Jan 26, 2013 -
13 answers
I'm a web developer / eLearning developer on Windows 7 looking to: 1) Get a Mac because I need to be able to test sites quickly and easily on my own; 2) Get a Windows-bootable unit that can act as my backup machine when my
Asus throws a tantrum as it did this week; and 3) Get a reasonably portable Windows-bootable laptop that can handle Photoshop and other resource hogs so that I can work on it at client sites without having to barely squish the Asus (aka "The Clydesdale") into my largest backpack. Ideally, I could get all three in one machine that wouldn't cost the earth. Please join me as I anguish over the MacBook Air, the MacBook Pro, the Mac Mini, and other options.
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posted by maudlin
on Dec 15, 2012 -
16 answers
Need advice on how to update an older MacBook Pro with a new hard drive. I have a late-2008 MacBook Pro: 2.53 GHz, 320GB hard drive, 8GM RAM (4GB in two slots). My drive is getting full and I don't have the cash at the moment for a brand new laptop. Should I replace the optical drive with a SSD? Or just upgrade the regular hard drive with a new one with 750GB or 1TB?
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posted by barnone
on Nov 23, 2012 -
15 answers
My dad's computer was (mildly) compromised a few months ago - he visited "one of those sites" and ended up clicking "ok" to the dialog boxes and installing an unwanted (and very hard to get rid of) toolbar, which also changed his search engine and home page. This happened TWICE, just a few weeks apart. I've since installed a browser add-on that will prevent that particular type of mischief from happening again. But...
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posted by jcdill
on Jun 12, 2012 -
9 answers
What does it mean if overnight my 5 year old MacBook Pro stopped working without being connected to power?
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posted by spicynuts
on Apr 23, 2012 -
17 answers
I have an old Mac laptop from 2006, it works pretty good. The main problem is that 4 keys don't work on it, I spilled water on the keyboard and "r", "s", "f" and "4" don't work. Should I just donate the computer? Who would want it? Should I try and sell it on craigslist? Would anyone want it?
posted by raspsgirl
on Jan 10, 2012 -
10 answers
Internet works on one windows 7 laptop via ethernet but not on a macbook pro and not on another windows 7 laptop. Ethernet is my only option right now, router is not available.
I want to fix this particular issue not internet connection sharing (thank you for thinking though).
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posted by iNfo.Pump
on Dec 22, 2011 -
4 answers
Need specific mac buying advice: I marinated my 2008 MacBook in coffee this morning and will likely need to replace it after work today or tomorrow.
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posted by midmarch snowman
on Nov 30, 2011 -
19 answers
I'm overheating because my MacBook Pro's wrist areas get very hot. What's the best way to fix this?
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posted by gentle
on Aug 4, 2011 -
12 answers
How do I buy a non-Apple battery for my 2008-era Macbook Pro and ensure it's the right one?
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posted by critzer
on Jun 27, 2011 -
8 answers
Notebook PC: I'm considering getting a nicer Windows notebook to use in addition to my MacBook Pro and there is one key feature that I've only found on Macs: 2-finger scrolling on the trackpad.
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posted by nickthetourist
on Mar 27, 2011 -
26 answers
Please -- please! -- help me troubleshoot a vexing wireless connectivity problem. Just to put this front and center: I am not knowledgeable about computers.
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posted by BlahLaLa
on Feb 24, 2011 -
8 answers
ComputerBuyingFilter: My beloved iBook is on his last legs. I haven't owned a Windows computer in nearly 7 years, but I'm considering buying one as my next computer. What would you tell a longtime Mac user who's considering going Windows?
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posted by kagredon
on Feb 11, 2011 -
19 answers
why would my macbook decide to power on some days, but play dead with me on others?
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posted by sammich
on Jan 14, 2011 -
5 answers
Wireless internet conundrums. After internet signal problems being repaired by the internet provider and plugging into the modem directly showing that the connection itself is fine, the wireless goes out every few minutes for the Macs in the house, but works fine for the PC.
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posted by elpea
on Dec 8, 2010 -
20 answers
How should I reconfigure my Mac powerbook G4, and other mac-related growth advice.
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posted by Tchad
on Oct 25, 2010 -
18 answers
I've been generally a loyal PC user, but I'm thinking about getting a 13" 2.66GHz Macbook Pro. I'm looking for a lightweight and sturdy laptop to carry from class to class. For my purposes, is this the right laptop for me?
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posted by jennz
on Oct 21, 2010 -
29 answers
Weird internet blockage—problem resolved, but mystery remains. Macintosh and Time Warner cable internet inside…
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posted by klangklangston
on May 13, 2010 -
3 answers
Macbook vs. Macbook Pro: are FireWire and the aluminum exterior worth the extra $200? Is there another difference I'm missing?
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posted by lunasol
on Feb 22, 2010 -
17 answers
I'm trying to make my "main computer" my 2 year-old MacBook Pro instead of my home-built desktop. How can I best do this? Does anyone have any dock recommendations for that MacBook Pro?
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posted by decrescendo
on Jan 13, 2010 -
21 answers
I've been a happy Pc-er for the last couple years. That is, until a few months ago when my AVG failed me and my pavilion got all virused up... Twice. Ultimately I had to d-ban the poor thing. Since I was only 'mostly sure' I still had the original operating system disks, I have since been using my mom's mac. While I've been slowly getting used to the system (on a casual basis, no work yet, just internet) I still miss the windows format. My old tower is past it's prime, even with a new system. I'm about to become a student in English and am highly discouraged by previous Windows failings. Should I release the ghost and go with the more 'secure' mac? Or stick with my roots?
I would like some advice on my next computer purchase. I'm looking for a laptop that can handle a students workload for the next... lets face it, many years, with minimal extras. The only thing it needs, is to be fast. I break things that go slow. I'm not looking to game (much) or download + store music (at all), I just need to research crap at high speed.
All suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Cheers!
posted by Miss Mitz
on Nov 24, 2009 -
39 answers
My good friend just purchased a $3k Apple laptop, which she received today. I spent four hours this afternoon installing software and setting it up for her. Once we were all done, and ready to go out and celebrate good times, new laptops, and Friday nights, we high fived, and I shut the laptop gently...with the tiny, clear, flexible, plastic charger cap unknowingly inside. Now the screen is completely cracked, fractalled, damaged, and very sadly colorful. What can I do?
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posted by iamkimiam
on Oct 24, 2009 -
29 answers
DHCP giving out IP address leases with pre-existing DNS entries for the wrong machine causing network chaos on a mixed windows & mac environment, and it's the macs who are having the problems.
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posted by jmd82
on Oct 2, 2009 -
12 answers
I'm donating a Mac laptop, and it's loaded with 10.6.0. I want to upgrade it to 10.6.1, but then still have the computer start up for them "virgin" (i.e. with the "welcome to macintosh" rigamarole and with no other accounts appearing). [NOTE: you may believe that's a silly thing to desire. Your disdain has been pre-registered, but I stupidly persist in hoping for this result]. Is there any way to update the OS and then completely erase my own footprints?
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posted by jimmyjimjim
on Sep 20, 2009 -
9 answers
Best time to buy a MacBook Air between now and mid November? Are there any speed bumps or price reductions on the horizon?
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posted by mosk
on Sep 10, 2009 -
15 answers
My four year old Mac PowerBook suddenly (after behaving perfectly for this long!) won't run any programs--won't even open up system preferences or terminal. Help! What should I do？
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posted by soviet sleepover
on Sep 8, 2009 -
10 answers
I bought a MacBook Pro in June 2007. Since then, its needed a new hard disk drive, right cooling fan, and DVD read/write drive. Is this normal wear and tear?
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posted by uaudio
on Aug 31, 2009 -
38 answers
I need to get a new laptop. I'm considering a Mac or a Lenovo (based on what I've read on AskMe), and I am in need of some advice.
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posted by Four-Eyed Girl
on Jul 13, 2009 -
44 answers
When it comes to re-purposing old laptops, it seems like the only option people really talk about is to turn it into a picture frame. There's got to be more that an
old iBook can do... right?
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posted by alexherder
on Apr 2, 2009 -
21 answers
