Question:
Apple MacBook v. HP dv2000t
I am a college student trying to choose a suitable laptop. I have narrowed my choices to the MacBook and HP's dv2000t. With the discounts for either, the price is virtually identical. I will primarily use the laptop for taking class notes, writing papers, internet, and research. I am not a gamer, so the dedicated graphics (or lackthereof is a non-issue). I have never owned a Mac, though Windows often freezes or has cryptic error reports.
I value clever design and ease of use. I like keyboards that are close to desktop feel, but not clicky and loud. I also do not want a laptop that is always hot and/or running a loud fan. I would purchase MS Office for Mac as I would need Word for most of my papers.
I solicit your general advice, especially if any of you have had experiences with both brands. Thanks. (I will post this identical thread in the HP forum as well).
Answer:
Re: Apple MacBook v. HP dv2000t
Flip a coin.
You can't go wrong with either one.
Answer:
Re: Apple MacBook v. HP dv2000t
You shouldn't cross-post........but anyway, I'd get the dv2000t. The dv2000t weighs the same as the Macbook, but has a larger screen. The webcam on the dv2000t is 1.3 megapixels whereas the Macbook's is only 0.3. Also, since you're using Office, the $15 remote for the dv2000t that slides into the expansion slot works with Powerpoint unlike the included remote with the Macbook that only works with Keynote. There's no place to put the Macbook remote, unlike the dv2000t, so you may lose it or find yourself forgetting to bring it along if you need it. Speaking of expansion slots, the dv2000t has one and the Macbook doesn't. Someday, if you need that expansion slot because a certain feature is necessary that you don't have, such as new Wi-Fi technologies or faster plug-and-play ports, you'll be happy you purchased the dv2000t. The dv2000t also has an additional USB port- IMO, 2 ports on the Macbook is a bit low. The DVD burner on the dv2000t can burn double-layer DVD's, but the Macbook drive can't.
Finally, I think the dv2000t looks much nicer compared to the cheap-looking white plastic of the Macbook. Of course, that's just my opinion.
Reasons why you'd want the Macbook over the dv2000t are you like OS X more and the slot-fed drive is more convenient. These two reasons clearly pale in comparison to the reasons why the dv2000t is better.
Answer:
Re: Apple MacBook v. HP dv2000t
I'm in this same position. Trying to decide between the MacBook and the HP dv2000z (64 bit processor for Vista, or so I hear)
I'm in the same student situation as onionion, and regarding OSX usage, I probably wouldn't load XP if I can perform everything on OSX (my worry is transfering data from a Palm PDA).
Answer:
Re: Apple MacBook v. HP dv2000t
You shouldn't cross-post........but anyway, I'd get the dv2000t.
Big P
Great comparison!
I just received my dv2000t, and it's a great machine. Love the scratch resistant lid, the speakers are a big improvement (loudness wise and sound quality) over the earlier dv1k, and it's a great looking laptop!
I happen to also really like Macs, but if you're not adverse to getting a Windows machine, and you aren't a big gamer, you could do much worse then the dv2000! Lack of an ExpressCard on the Mac is a prety big negative, and I love the built in remote! Use it all of the time.
Answer:
Re: Apple MacBook v. HP dv2000t
Go macbook, OS X is so amazing, and if there are any specific programs you need, there is the option of bootcamp/parallels, if you can go to an apple store or some place, and you'll fall in love!
Answer:
Re: Apple MacBook v. HP dv2000t
I like keyboards that are close to desktop feel, but not clicky and loud.
I would try the macbook keyboard if you have a chance. I think it's least the like a desktop keyboard of any notebook I've seen. I'm not sure if it's really loud, but the one I tried had "wiggly" keys that seemed to slip around and the keys are a different size/shape too. That said, some people like it.
I also do not want a laptop that is always hot and/or running a loud fan.
Though the macbook fan isn't very active (I think), the notebook is supposed to get pretty hot.
I would purchase MS Office for Mac as I would need Word for most of my papers.
You may want to try openoffice (openoffice.org) before you buy oOfice. It's free and I think it's available on all operating systems. It is not completely bug-free and I don't think you'll have any fewer problems with Mac Office or XP.
Trying to decide between the MacBook and the HP dv2000z (64 bit processor for Vista, or so I hear).
You're not going to need a 64-bit processor for Vista. They will probably not be necessary for some time. Any notebook you buy with a core duo and a gig of memory will be plenty fast for any office task on any operating system. Unless you're hoping your notebook will last more than 5 years, I'd get a core duo. You'll get better battery life, better multitasking, and better heat management.
I have never owned a Mac, though Windows often freezes or has cryptic error reports.
I'm not sure what version of XP you've used, but I haven't had any OS freezes or cryptic error reports since using XP Pro SP2 (~1.5 years). I know it's not the most lovable OS, but it works very well for me and plays well with others.
Answer:
Re: Apple MacBook v. HP dv2000t
Go MacBook. You will love OSX and will forget Windows even exists, trust me. As for the keyboard, I actually like. The comment above that said the keys are different size is wrong, unless he was talking from key to key. But vs a regular notebook keyboard they are the same size. They just go straight down. They dont taper.
Answer:
Re: Apple MacBook v. HP dv2000t
Any opinions on which display is better? I know they are both glossy, but I'd love to hear if anyone has done side-by-side comps....