R50/53 MINIclo's Spring Roadtrip!
>>
>>Soooo...um...what's the difference between Intel's Pentium chip and AMD's Athlon? I know that the Pentium is pricier, but is it really better? Please discuss!
Secondly, AMD vs. Intel...AMD does perform well in a laptop environment, and I have heard that the new processors perform almost as well as Intel for power management (=longer battery life). I've only played around with AMD on a limited basis, but what I did see I was quite impressed with.
>>Soooo...um...what's the difference between Intel's Pentium chip and AMD's Athlon? I know that the Pentium is pricier, but is it really better? Please discuss!
Secondly, AMD vs. Intel...AMD does perform well in a laptop environment, and I have heard that the new processors perform almost as well as Intel for power management (=longer battery life). I've only played around with AMD on a limited basis, but what I did see I was quite impressed with.
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 487
Likes: 0
From: Columbus, OH
>>Soooo...um...what's the difference between Intel's Pentium chip and AMD's Athlon? I know that the
>>Pentium is pricier, but is it really better? Please discuss!
In theory, only cost. Intel being more $$$. The flip side of cost is compatability. I always play it conservatively here and opt for an Intel chip (not the Celeron). I have seen specific requirements on software at CompUSA stating "will only work on Intel processors" or that specifically exclude AMDs.
Like I said, I always play it safe on this decision...Intel.
Bill
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 745
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, Canada
What? Plat it safe? C'mon - personal computing isn't about "playing it safe". It's about productivity and enjoyment. And I'm referring to the PC vs. Apple debate, not Intel vs. AMD. All of that's only smoke and mirrors, IMHO.
All the research proves that Apple users are far more productive than their Wintel counterparts - in every way. And they're happier, ultimately fanatical about their computers.
The issue of compatability is hogwash. There isn't a major program that doesn't run painlessly on both machines.
Go for the smile - get the Apple product.
All the research proves that Apple users are far more productive than their Wintel counterparts - in every way. And they're happier, ultimately fanatical about their computers.
The issue of compatability is hogwash. There isn't a major program that doesn't run painlessly on both machines.
Go for the smile - get the Apple product.
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,620
Likes: 1
From: Chicago
No question in my mind :::: Apple iBook
apple.com/ibook/
5 hour battery = roadtrip nirvana
Not to mention the coolest and easiest to use OS there is = OSX Jaguar
>> :smile:
>>
>>Please share your thoughts on how to hook MINIclo to the net! Thanks in advance, all!
apple.com/ibook/
5 hour battery = roadtrip nirvana
Not to mention the coolest and easiest to use OS there is = OSX Jaguar
>> :smile:
>>
>>Please share your thoughts on how to hook MINIclo to the net! Thanks in advance, all!
Thread Starter
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7th Gear Gal
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 36,087
Likes: 3
From: Weeblegabber West (aka WLA)
:smile:
Just want to be able to burn cd's with pix from the digicam, connect to MCO to let y'all know where I am, and collect my emails and read/answer them! :smile: Is that asking too much of a $1,000 laptop?
I'm going out to several stores tomorrow to shop around and get a feel for them...thanks again for your enthusiastic responses!
Cheers!
Clover
Just want to be able to burn cd's with pix from the digicam, connect to MCO to let y'all know where I am, and collect my emails and read/answer them! :smile: Is that asking too much of a $1,000 laptop?
I'm going out to several stores tomorrow to shop around and get a feel for them...thanks again for your enthusiastic responses!
Cheers!
Clover
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,620
Likes: 1
From: Chicago
Make sure to take a trip to your local apple store ( http://www.apple.com/retail/ if you can. If you must have a cd urner there's a $1300 version that has a cd burner/dvd drive for movies built in + other nice things
>> :smile:
>>
>>Just want to be able to burn cd's with pix from the digicam, connect to MCO to let y'all know where I am, and collect my emails and read/answer them! :smile: Is that asking too much of a $1,000 laptop?
>>
>>I'm going out to several stores tomorrow to shop around and get a feel for them...thanks again for your enthusiastic responses!
>>
>>Cheers!
>>Clover
>> :smile:
>>
>>Just want to be able to burn cd's with pix from the digicam, connect to MCO to let y'all know where I am, and collect my emails and read/answer them! :smile: Is that asking too much of a $1,000 laptop?
>>
>>I'm going out to several stores tomorrow to shop around and get a feel for them...thanks again for your enthusiastic responses!
>>
>>Cheers!
>>Clover
Thread Starter
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7th Gear Gal
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 36,087
Likes: 3
From: Weeblegabber West (aka WLA)
Gabe wrote:
>>Make sure to take a trip to your local apple store ( http://www.apple.com/retail/ if you can. If you must have a cd urner there's a $1300 version that has a cd burner/dvd drive for movies built in + other nice things
>><<
Thanks, Gabe!
I'll check out the Apple store, too. There's one nearby in Santa Monica. I must have a cd burner...would like a dvd burner, too....but, I know that's asking a lot with my budget constraints!
Cheers!
Clover
>>Make sure to take a trip to your local apple store ( http://www.apple.com/retail/ if you can. If you must have a cd urner there's a $1300 version that has a cd burner/dvd drive for movies built in + other nice things
>><<
Thanks, Gabe!
I'll check out the Apple store, too. There's one nearby in Santa Monica. I must have a cd burner...would like a dvd burner, too....but, I know that's asking a lot with my budget constraints!
Cheers!
Clover
Banned
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,805
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, Ca
Clo,
I have a Sony Vaio here on my desk and a 14inch iBook.... I have no need for them to be compatible, and if they need to be, they can be.
We use the Ibook for travel....
Using a cell phone for internet connection is not really worth it. Use your cell minutes for talking. There really is no need for a direct connect from the cab of the mini... unless you are broadcasting a live event, and you better be getting paid to do that. Use a hardwire connection when traveling, local dialups from hotels are free, keyword, LOCAL. So Call your ISP for local dialups.
The 14" iBook comes with a CDburner built-in. It's so easy to use.
Great thing about the iBook is versatility...
We used our iBook on our last trip to Phoenix, mostly to watch DVD's on the road *laugh* and to upload and edit photos.
connecting our digital cam and uploading on the fly, it was fast, easy and fun. Remember also, you will want to connect an adapter to your cig lighter to save your batts....
I chose the iBook for more reasons than to have a Mini Cooper Computer, it's great for design and art, webpages, multimedia, etc., and great for when I have to leave the city/state/country for business.
This is just my opinion
but it's some more food for thought.
GOOD LUCK!
-Doug
PS- Oh yea, my girlfriend loves it, she said she prefers Apple to PC for easy user interface and simplicity of actions needed to complete tasks. But, for financial programs, she says PC is built for that.
_________________
I have a Sony Vaio here on my desk and a 14inch iBook.... I have no need for them to be compatible, and if they need to be, they can be.
We use the Ibook for travel....
Using a cell phone for internet connection is not really worth it. Use your cell minutes for talking. There really is no need for a direct connect from the cab of the mini... unless you are broadcasting a live event, and you better be getting paid to do that. Use a hardwire connection when traveling, local dialups from hotels are free, keyword, LOCAL. So Call your ISP for local dialups.
The 14" iBook comes with a CDburner built-in. It's so easy to use.
Great thing about the iBook is versatility...
We used our iBook on our last trip to Phoenix, mostly to watch DVD's on the road *laugh* and to upload and edit photos.
connecting our digital cam and uploading on the fly, it was fast, easy and fun. Remember also, you will want to connect an adapter to your cig lighter to save your batts....
I chose the iBook for more reasons than to have a Mini Cooper Computer, it's great for design and art, webpages, multimedia, etc., and great for when I have to leave the city/state/country for business.
This is just my opinion
but it's some more food for thought.
GOOD LUCK!
-Doug
PS- Oh yea, my girlfriend loves it, she said she prefers Apple to PC for easy user interface and simplicity of actions needed to complete tasks. But, for financial programs, she says PC is built for that.
_________________
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,241
Likes: 0
From: USA
Clo,
I am not sure what you want to be able to do on the road with what you are carrying.....but Athlon is my choice....if you just want email..a Blackberry for
$499 from Nextel with Direct Connect and cellphone.
Laptops I like are Toshiba and HP. I'd stay away from Sony on a roadtrip. PM me and tell me what you want to be able to do. :smile:
I am not sure what you want to be able to do on the road with what you are carrying.....but Athlon is my choice....if you just want email..a Blackberry for
$499 from Nextel with Direct Connect and cellphone.
Laptops I like are Toshiba and HP. I'd stay away from Sony on a roadtrip. PM me and tell me what you want to be able to do. :smile:
2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
okay, since everyone else has thrown their $.02 here goes...
IMHO, it really doesn't matter whether you get an Apple Powerbook, an Intel powered laptop, or an AMD powered laptop. From the statements above from the statements above it's really hard to separate the facts from the opinions. The truth of the matter? The ALL do what you need (i.e. handle digi pics, connect to the internet, burn cd's, etc.) fairly easily. Sure, the Apple will probably be easier to use when setting up new hardware components. But, a Windows machine (for the same price) will probably give you alittle more space to save digi pics and videos on. But, price isn't really a factor any more because an Apple (as previously shown) can be had for below $1k with a 20GB HD (which should be plenty of space for you digi pics). The Apple would probably be easier to connect to the various WiFi places around the country. But, your NetZero acct limits you to Windows machines. Someone mentioned earlier that it would not be a good idea to switch to something you don't know. That's a good point. But, as others have stated that Apple's are fairly easy and intuitive to learn (which is true). But, compare the GUI or user friendly-ness of an Apple and an XP machine and they are both pretty easy to use.
So, which one should you get? That's really something only you can decide. Go to the nearest computer store that has a good sample of laptops and try them all.. Me personally, I have a Gateway laptop (from work) that has the same features that were mentioned above (i.e., wifi, cd burner, dvd player, fire wire port, USB 2. ports, fast ethernet port, 56kbps modem port, etc.). I haven't had any problems with it and it's been really easy to use to transfer pics from Cannon digi camera to my laptop and then to the internet. BUT, I'd probably spend my money on the Apple Powerbook that someone listed for $995. I dunno why. I just would. Maybe because it's different. I dunno. Just like I dunno why I like smaller cars like the Mini. They just seem to be more fun to me and I don't even own one yet. Either way it don't matter as long as you're happy with the purchase and you get a good price. good luck!
IMHO, it really doesn't matter whether you get an Apple Powerbook, an Intel powered laptop, or an AMD powered laptop. From the statements above from the statements above it's really hard to separate the facts from the opinions. The truth of the matter? The ALL do what you need (i.e. handle digi pics, connect to the internet, burn cd's, etc.) fairly easily. Sure, the Apple will probably be easier to use when setting up new hardware components. But, a Windows machine (for the same price) will probably give you alittle more space to save digi pics and videos on. But, price isn't really a factor any more because an Apple (as previously shown) can be had for below $1k with a 20GB HD (which should be plenty of space for you digi pics). The Apple would probably be easier to connect to the various WiFi places around the country. But, your NetZero acct limits you to Windows machines. Someone mentioned earlier that it would not be a good idea to switch to something you don't know. That's a good point. But, as others have stated that Apple's are fairly easy and intuitive to learn (which is true). But, compare the GUI or user friendly-ness of an Apple and an XP machine and they are both pretty easy to use.
So, which one should you get? That's really something only you can decide. Go to the nearest computer store that has a good sample of laptops and try them all.. Me personally, I have a Gateway laptop (from work) that has the same features that were mentioned above (i.e., wifi, cd burner, dvd player, fire wire port, USB 2. ports, fast ethernet port, 56kbps modem port, etc.). I haven't had any problems with it and it's been really easy to use to transfer pics from Cannon digi camera to my laptop and then to the internet. BUT, I'd probably spend my money on the Apple Powerbook that someone listed for $995. I dunno why. I just would. Maybe because it's different. I dunno. Just like I dunno why I like smaller cars like the Mini. They just seem to be more fun to me and I don't even own one yet. Either way it don't matter as long as you're happy with the purchase and you get a good price. good luck!
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,620
Likes: 1
From: Chicago
CDs burned by each computer are readable in the other. Further if you have Word for the PC and Word for the Mac the files are completely cross platform compatible. There are really very few things that aren't compatible anymore.
This is a great site for tons of answers regarding switching or buying a mac for the first time: apple.com/switch/
As you can probably tell the Mac community is a lot like the MINI community :smile:
>>
>>Oh, 2minis, you have a PM!
>>
>>Cheers!
>>Clover
This is a great site for tons of answers regarding switching or buying a mac for the first time: apple.com/switch/
As you can probably tell the Mac community is a lot like the MINI community :smile:
>>
>>Oh, 2minis, you have a PM!
>>
>>Cheers!
>>Clover
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,620
Likes: 1
From: Chicago
You may want to check this out. I'm sure they're not as good as the Motorolas but they're tons cheaper.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...1&start=25
>> :smile: I saw a great pair of them at Costco today...Motorola with 22 channels, I believe, for $99. Is that a good deal?
>>
>>TIA!
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...1&start=25
>> :smile: I saw a great pair of them at Costco today...Motorola with 22 channels, I believe, for $99. Is that a good deal?
>>
>>TIA!
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,620
Likes: 1
From: Chicago
DOH! Wrong URL. Here's the FRS radio deal I wanted to give you:
http://shop2.outpost.com/product/3132810
http://shop2.outpost.com/product/3132810
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 689
Likes: 0
From: Cardiff CA
Coordinator :: Pitt Stop MINI
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,919
Likes: 1
From: Steelers Country
MINIclo,
I got the $99 set at Costco. It was a 2-pack with the rechargeable system, yes? Mine are the T6400WX model. I also sent in for the rebate ($25/radio), but now I'm wondering if they'll honor it, because the rebate read "for the 6400 model only." We'll see if the "WX" disqualifies it or not, I suppose. Even so, $99 is a good buy on these radios. I like mine so far, but I have only had limited opportunity to use them. Look like this:
>
I also direct you to the informative (if lenghty) previous discussion. Also, note that Motorola has updated their rebate offerings since some of the postings in this thread.
_________________
The SharkFin antenna is 2 fun! Click for info!
<a href=https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=phpBB_14&file= index&action=viewtopic&topic=2936><i mg src="https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...uot;></a
I got the $99 set at Costco. It was a 2-pack with the rechargeable system, yes? Mine are the T6400WX model. I also sent in for the rebate ($25/radio), but now I'm wondering if they'll honor it, because the rebate read "for the 6400 model only." We'll see if the "WX" disqualifies it or not, I suppose. Even so, $99 is a good buy on these radios. I like mine so far, but I have only had limited opportunity to use them. Look like this:
>
I also direct you to the informative (if lenghty) previous discussion. Also, note that Motorola has updated their rebate offerings since some of the postings in this thread.
_________________
The SharkFin antenna is 2 fun! Click for info!
<a href=https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=phpBB_14&file= index&action=viewtopic&topic=2936><i mg src="https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...uot;></a
2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: Tustin CA
Clover,
I am a SysAdmin by trade and as such I carry a Laptop around wherever I go in the event that I need to connect to one of my sytems. I have my own preferences (Dell) but they are skewed to my particular needs.
Personally I feel that although Apple's OS X has made their computers some of the finest systems available, this is still a Windows world. You already have a Windows sytem at home, are you up for learning an entirely new operating sytem? If so, go for it, they are very good.
I enjoy exploring operating systems and have Linux, XP, and Win2K Advanced Server running on my home network (I would love to get an OS X machine running at home but can't abide the price), but I find that most of my users have problems with the simple changes brought by program upgrades, not to mention quantum shifts like OS changes.
So, if you think you might be up for a big change go down to the local Apple store, talk to a salesman and try one out. If you want something less expensive and more familiar go for a Windows system. Don't worry too much about the Processor (as long as it is AMD or Intel), just find one that has features that you feel are important and a price you can afford. Be sure to try out the keyboards and pointing devices and see if you actually like the way they fall to hand.
Good luck, I hope you have a great trip! I look forward to seeing your postings from the road.
I am a SysAdmin by trade and as such I carry a Laptop around wherever I go in the event that I need to connect to one of my sytems. I have my own preferences (Dell) but they are skewed to my particular needs.
Personally I feel that although Apple's OS X has made their computers some of the finest systems available, this is still a Windows world. You already have a Windows sytem at home, are you up for learning an entirely new operating sytem? If so, go for it, they are very good.
I enjoy exploring operating systems and have Linux, XP, and Win2K Advanced Server running on my home network (I would love to get an OS X machine running at home but can't abide the price), but I find that most of my users have problems with the simple changes brought by program upgrades, not to mention quantum shifts like OS changes.
So, if you think you might be up for a big change go down to the local Apple store, talk to a salesman and try one out. If you want something less expensive and more familiar go for a Windows system. Don't worry too much about the Processor (as long as it is AMD or Intel), just find one that has features that you feel are important and a price you can afford. Be sure to try out the keyboards and pointing devices and see if you actually like the way they fall to hand.
Good luck, I hope you have a great trip! I look forward to seeing your postings from the road.
Neutral
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Tucson, AZ
I made a cross country trip last spring - Boston to Tucson. Since you have received plenty of good advice to help you with your laptop decision, I will not go on and on about how much I love my iBook :smile: . Gather up all the good advice, visit both Apple and other stores, then make your own decision.
Whatever you decide to get, my advice is, if you can, buy the laptop ahead of time so you can get used to it, tweak out any possible problems, but most of all, get it set up with whatever internet service you will be using.
I was a good example of whatever COULD got wrong, just about did....
Since selling my house back in Massachusetts was my main concern - and we closed on GOOD FRIDAY - if only I had known the problems ahead of time, that would have been the first thing to change.... anyway, at home, I had there as I do here, cable internet access.
My plan was simple. Get an Earthlink acct just for the trip, and since the hardware is already provided on my computer, it all should be a piece of cake, right?
Well, at the motel - in Massachusetts, where we had to remain for a while, because of Easter and all - for some reason, I couldn:t connect with Earthlink.
Enter what I saw as my only choice - AOL.
:evil:
desertbear
Whatever you decide to get, my advice is, if you can, buy the laptop ahead of time so you can get used to it, tweak out any possible problems, but most of all, get it set up with whatever internet service you will be using.
I was a good example of whatever COULD got wrong, just about did....
Since selling my house back in Massachusetts was my main concern - and we closed on GOOD FRIDAY - if only I had known the problems ahead of time, that would have been the first thing to change.... anyway, at home, I had there as I do here, cable internet access.
My plan was simple. Get an Earthlink acct just for the trip, and since the hardware is already provided on my computer, it all should be a piece of cake, right?
Well, at the motel - in Massachusetts, where we had to remain for a while, because of Easter and all - for some reason, I couldn:t connect with Earthlink.
Enter what I saw as my only choice - AOL.
:evil:
desertbear
Thread Starter
|
7th Gear Gal
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 36,087
Likes: 3
From: Weeblegabber West (aka WLA)
Mini2Go wrote:
>>MINIclo,
>>
>>I got the $99 set at Costco. It was a 2-pack with the rechargeable system, yes? Mine are the T6400WX model. I also sent in for the rebate ($25/radio), but now I'm wondering if they'll honor it, because the rebate read "for the 6400 model only." We'll see if the "WX" disqualifies it or not, I suppose. Even so, $99 is a good buy on these radios. I like mine so far, but I have only had limited opportunity to use them. Look like this:
>>
>>>
Thanks, Mini2Go!
Yes, these are the Motorolas I saw at Costco yesterday! I'll check out the lengthy thread...thanks for the link! I want to motor with MINIacs all across the country, so I'll be needing the walkie-talkies! Also, as VP of SCMM, I'll need them for all the fun MINI Meets that are being planned!
Cheers!
Clover
>>MINIclo,
>>
>>I got the $99 set at Costco. It was a 2-pack with the rechargeable system, yes? Mine are the T6400WX model. I also sent in for the rebate ($25/radio), but now I'm wondering if they'll honor it, because the rebate read "for the 6400 model only." We'll see if the "WX" disqualifies it or not, I suppose. Even so, $99 is a good buy on these radios. I like mine so far, but I have only had limited opportunity to use them. Look like this:
>>
>>>
Thanks, Mini2Go!
Yes, these are the Motorolas I saw at Costco yesterday! I'll check out the lengthy thread...thanks for the link! I want to motor with MINIacs all across the country, so I'll be needing the walkie-talkies! Also, as VP of SCMM, I'll need them for all the fun MINI Meets that are being planned!
Cheers!
Clover