Apple MacBook 13-inch 1.83GHz

Reviews: Hardware

Motherboards | Power Supplies | Memory | Systems | Video Cards

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Anthony Fiti
Kurtis
N/A
Aug. 1, 2006

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Testing - Software

Everyday usage of the laptop for watching DVDs and typing up reports is excellent. The keyboard does not have any negative impact on the usability of the device. In my opinion, it really isn't any different than using the keyboard on my desk. Actually, I had a harder time getting familiar with the Command shortcuts (Command-S to save, Command-Q to quit, etc) instead of reaching for where the control key is on a regular PC keyboard. The Command (or as old-school Apple people apparently call it, Open-Apple) key is located next to the spacebar. There are actually two Command keys, one on either side of the spacebar. The other odd key placement I found was another enter key on the keyboard, where the right control key would go on a PC keyboard. It doesn't have any negative impact but it does seem odd (read: redundant) given its proximity to the traditional enter key.

Despite my problems with the hardware, the stability of Mac OS X is also something I want to mention. After the first week, other than reboots required after some Software Updates (so far, only ones that update the core system, e.g. from 10.4.5 to 10.4.6) and for my VPN software to get into work, I have not needed to reboot. The system is stable, and does not seem to suffer the same problems my work PC (Windows XP) has of having to reboot once a week. Although after a while, I did finally start shutting it down properly at the end of the day. While I can use sleep mode on the laptop by just shutting the lid of the device, I have come to realize it's just the same to shut the Mac down when I'm done with it for the night. Using sleep mode will drain the battery slightly as it keeps the RAM powered (so the data doesn't go away).

One of the other applications I had heard about prior to my Mac purchase was iPhoto. I've had people tell me that it just works, and how easy it is. I just figured it was Mac evangelists working too hard. I was very surprised with how well it worked. I had taken several pictures with a digital camera (Canon SD200), and all I had to do was plug in the camera to the laptop, and iPhoto comes up and asks me to download pictures. No software, no drivers, no hassles or headaches. It does indeed just work.

For switchers, you might end up scratching your head about how to install and uninstall software. It's extremely simple. Applications are usually distributed in disk image files (.dmg) that are mounted into the file system and show up in the finder window. Once the image is mounted, you can access files in the image. Some programs have an installer package which you run, select the HD you want to install it on, and then it will copy the files appropriately for you. Otherwise, if there is no installer, you just copy the program to your Applications folder. To uninstall, just drag the application to the trash. That's it. It's almost too simple. There are some additional cleanup tasks you might want to do when uninstalling an application - the most common would be to go through your home folder and remove any application data related to the program you've removed.

Finally, one of the other interesting things to me was that I can run my VPN software for work, and Microsoft makes terminal services client software for the Mac OS. This means I can remote desktop into Windows XP or Windows 2003 Server computers. This means I can lay in bed with my Mac and VPN into work and write code. This was definitely an unexpected but pleasant surprise.

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Page 7 of 14

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Page 1: Introduction
Page 2: Ordering the MacBook
Page 3: First Looks
Page 4: Taking a Closer Look
Page 5: Setup & Packaged Software
Page 6: Testing - Hardware
Page 7: Testing - Software
Page 8: Testing - Interfacing with and Running Windows
Page 9: Testing - Temperature
Page 10: Testing - Performance
Page 11: Testing - Battery Life & MagSafe Adapter
Page 12: Tech Support Experience #1
Page 13: Tech Support Experience #2
Page 14: Conclusion

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