Others say...

"From PC to Mac...almost"
You know what? It just works. Why 4 stars? It could have included a basic office suite - like an iWorks Lite. Now this wasn't TOO critical for me as I knew it didn't come with an office suite and I primarily wanted this for writing, I had planned on downloading Open Office (I have and the writing module, at least, works well). Also, some things have just not been as intuitive as I thought they would be. I haven't used an Apple in many years. As my 8 year old desktop PC (built it myself) is about out of steam and in need of a new build I started to shop for parts. I have also been more seriously pursuing my creative writing over the past two years and was thinking about a laptop. Until a few months ago I figured it would be a Windows based machine - I HAVE NOTHING BUT THE UTMOST RESPECT FOR XP - IT HAS BEEN FLAWLES FOR YEARS AND I LEAVE MY MACHINE RUNNING 24/7. Then I got to play with a Mac. Hmmm. After some reading and the desire to learn a new operating system (and frankly to see just what all the fuss was REALLY about) I decided I would dive in to the Apple corner. I still have no desire to give up my PC desktop - yet. Now that I have the Mac and have moved iTunes to it, I started to clean my old system and realized that the Mac probably bought me another year with my desktop. At that time I might decide to go all Mac - WAY too early to tell. A few things I really like:

-The machine starts and is ready to use SO quickly that leaving it on in Sleep mode vs. Shut Down is a crisis for me when I am walking away!

-iTunes works faster than I can think! Now I know this is an Apple program and I was using it on an older, bloated (PC) machine that took forever for iTunes to start, but when I click on a song now it starts as I click! It is as if the songs are in flash memory instead of the hard drive. Is this possible? I even tried jumping from song to song to song and they start as I am clicking. That's incredible.

-The slickness factor. Things like Spaces are cool. I didn't think I would use that - but I find that I do and it is especially helpful on a small laptop screen. There are other nice touches like the keyboard which is very comfortable and I am especially impressed by the keys - something that jumped out at me right away. I have used other laptops for work and even my wife's that is quite large and the keys are not nearly as nice as these. I can't really explain it other than they are low and smooth. There are many intangibles in the slickness factor.

A few things that could be better:

-Slot covers. I live in a dusty area and we have two big dogs. As soon as I saw the open USB, Firewire, et al, slots, I was concerned. Now it is too soon to know if they are going to be a problem, but a tip from the digital camera that my wife has - small rubber plugs attached to the body that you pop out (and they stay attached) until you are done would be nice and keep the look clean when everything is covered (and protected). And before anybody says anything about them breaking off or falling out - she has had the camera for about 4 years and we both use it a lot and never has anything fallen off and they still fit their respective holes snugly. I am sure Apple could do as well if not better.

-Cover cont'd - it's a laptop - it's going in your briefcase or backpack or nothing, maybe. It just should have a protective skin - period. It should at least come with something simple. I am quite certain that whatever Apple would package with it (if they ever do) would meet no ones needs - this is why the accessory market is so HUGE and profitable. I knew that I would be carrying this in my backpack and to avoid things scratching it (or poking in to the slots) I purchased the Tucano Second Skin. It absolutely does nothing else but protect my Macbook and exceeded my expectation by actually having a little thickness padding my investment. If I have read the design correctly, the little flap inside (which I had no idea of before I got it) goes over the edge of the computer to keep it from sliding out when you unzip it. Nice touch.

-Volume - preset or some way to control when off. Sometimes it is like a commercial blaring on after a quiet passage from a T.V. show. Either when I am turning it on or when I click on something that produces a sound effect, if I forgot to turn down the volume before, I get surprised. Now it's a laptop with tiny speakers in the back - it isn't shattering my ear drums, but would be nice if I had something more automated as so many other things are.

As I continue to live with and learn the computer I am sure there will be many more things that I learn and like and I am also certain that the plusses will greatly outweigh the minuses.

By the way, did I use (like this) too many parentheses?

Hope this was helpful!


"Full Laptop Review + Recommended tips for the first time + Hardware-Software must-haves"
I received my MacBook 1 month ago. The box containing the Mac is beautiful, perfectly designed, unlike any other computer box I've ever seen (all of them are boring cartoon gray). I recommend you order the remote control along with this computer (you'll miss so much fun if you don't). Once you open the box you'll find your MacBook, the MagSafe adapter, and a greeting card size little box containing all the software and a little user guide. The MacBook plastic is a very durable polycarbonate (the one that's used in bullet-proof and glass industry), the display is gorgeous, the MagSafe Adapter is magnetic and great too. The notebook comes with half battery life so there's no need to connect it to the power line for setup, just put it in a firm surface and turn it on. And don't forget to connect the Ethernet cable or a Wi-Fi connection for register. The first time you open it you'll find there's no buttons or nothing, it's just a magnetic latch so be careful when pulling the top.
Then you'll find Leopard is just amazing, the setup is so easy: just selecting your language (you don't need to download language packages or nothing like Vista), creating a user name, registering your MacBook (don't forget to register, it enables your Apple warranty!) and then making a picture of you (make sure to smile :) )
I have a Windows Vista desktop computer with all my docs, images, music, etc. and I just took 1 hour or less to backup and transfer all my data to my new Mac. * MAKE SURE you make a backup DVD in iTunes to transfer all your music the way it was (File>Make Backup Disk) And then the battery died, so you can figure the battery last long. About 3.5 to 4 hours using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth disabled
The must haves hardware/software for my Mac that I recommend are:
- Apple Mighty Mouse: you'll thank me when you discover the trackpad is great for travelling, when you're overseas or waiting to board a plane, but is not fast or practical at all to use in a desktop setup.Plus, this mouse is great, Bluetooth (means doesn't use a USB port) and tactile.
- A bag for carrying the computer: choose anyone that supports 13" display, my suggestion is STM Bags 13" Small Alley, so fashion, beautiful, durable and padded for extra protection.
- An Incase sleeve for MacBook: it's a little neoprene case where you can put your MacBook when you're not using it, this will prevent it from getting dust and scraches for such a valuable product
- A keyboard sillicone protector. With the time you'll find your keyboard is filled with a lot of dust and lint, and this is imposible to clean, so If you are a little obssesive with expensive purchases like this jewel, make sure you get one too
- Microsoft Office 2008 Student & Home Edition (the Standard edition comes with Entourage costing $399 but with Apple mail is perfect for me) And it's the only Microsoft product better than iWork
- Toast Titanium 9, what a great software for burning your DVD's/CD's in the SuperDrive
- Widgets: this is a very difficult choice to make, but besides the one's that comes standard I would seriously recommend BatteryInfo, istat_pro4.71, plasmatube. Those are beautiful in your Dashboard.
- Download all the software updates for your Mac. I downloaded most of this updates (one of them is 500+ MB) in my desktop Windows PC and burn them to a DVD later, so I don't make my little beautiful jewel work too much!
- Make sure to visit www.microsoft.com/mac, they have all the updates for Office 2008 and have the latest Messenger for Mac, etc. * Don't use Windows Media, iTunes is SOOO much better!

Thanks for reading it, I know it's a long review but I want to make sure you have the same amazing experience I had when I first received my little beautiful machine, also when carrying or moving your Mac *don't forget to put it to sleep first (Mac>Sleep) and to wait a few seconds until the sleep light is flashing, this will prevent the hard disk from damages.
If you're a new user like I was, feel free to ask me any question you have or might and ENJOY YOUR NEW JEWEL!
* For Spain/LatinAmerica spanish buyers, it doesn't come with characters Ñ and '. Just standard english ISO keyboard.

"A++"
Exelent product i'm feel do glad to buy on amazon. because i always find the best products

"great laptop!"
I bought a MacBook a couple months ago for college and do not regret it! Being a Windows user for so long, I was a little hesitant about buying an Apple, but after hearing about all of Vista's problems, I decided to give the MacBook a try. So far I have been very happy with my decision! It does take some getting used to, but it doesn't take long and it is very easy to use! I also bought Windows Office for Mac so that I could have Word, Excel and Powerpoint because I didn't like iWork. Overall, the MacBook is a great laptop and easy to use!

"Good performer"
Good machine, fast and reliable. Simple choice really, can run MacOS and Mac apps, and since it's Intel-based, should you want, using software like Parallels, can simultaneously run Windows OS and any such desired PC software alongside native Mac products.