planning to buy MacBook

[Ernest Friedman-Hill]

Many of you might recall that the first Macs were programmed by cross-compiling from a Lisa; the Mac itself didn't have the horsepower. I think what we're seeing is the beginnings of a return to that kind of world: the programmer types have their machines, and the consumer types have their own. "Computers" once again become a tool for computing (and programming, etc), and mobile devices become the total home entertainment platform that they're obviously destined to be.

[ankur rathi]

Bert Bates wrote:I think that not all 13" MacBooks have the same amount of pixels. I would double check also that the one you choose can do "extended desktop", and not just "mirroring".

Other than that I'll repeat myself and say - you can add memory later, use your budget now on the stuff you CAN'T upgrade later.

MacBook (which is available in only one size 13'') and MacBook Pro 13'' both has same amount of pixels. In fact, both have exactly same specifications except RAM, MBP has 4 GB & MB has 2 GB.
By amount of pixels, you mean higher resolution, right? Like 1280 by 800 will have 1280 * 800 pixels? Both will have same 3-4 resolution options as mentioned in another post by Marc, I guess.

[ankur rathi]

Jothi Shankar Kumar wrote:I guess all the Mac Book Pro's can eat up to 8 GB of RAM.

You mean, 8 GB RAM is good to have?
Currently I am going with standard specification, later I'll upgrade if I feel need.

[marc weber]

Ernest Friedman-Hill wrote:Many of you might recall that the first Macs were programmed by cross-compiling from a Lisa; the Mac itself didn't have the horsepower. I think what we're seeing is the beginnings of a return to that kind of world: the programmer types have their machines, and the consumer types have their own. "Computers" once again become a tool for computing (and programming, etc), and mobile devices become the total home entertainment platform that they're obviously destined to be.

Interesting!

I think it's true that mobile devices -- and even the bulk of consumer "home computers" -- will continue to evolve as total home entertainment platforms. But I wonder whether mobile devices are destined to be less powerful than "real" computing machines. Won't gaming (for example) continue to leverage as much computing power it can get, and consumer demand (money) continue to push that? If so, will that be sufficient to keep these entertainment platforms on par with real computing machines? Or will there be other drivers pushing non-entertainment platforms even further?

[Bear Bibeault]

marc weber wrote:... continue to evolve as total home entertainment platforms.

In other news, the new Mac Mini was just unveiled with a dedicated HDMI out port. Clearly aimed at the entertainment market.

[Ernest Friedman-Hill]

marc weber wrote: If so, will that be sufficient to keep these entertainment platforms on par with real computing machines? Or will there be other drivers pushing non-entertainment platforms even further?

Here's a scary thought: in a reversal of historical trends, perhaps the consumer devices will become more powerful than the general-purpose development machines.

[marc weber]

Bear Bibeault wrote:...In other news, the new Mac Mini was just unveiled with a dedicated HDMI out port. Clearly aimed at the entertainment market...

What? How can this be...?

According to this 2008 Gizmodo article:

Their impression is that — once again — the Mac Mini may be dead dead DEAD for real...

(Along with plenty of user comments pontificating about how "there's no reason the keep the mini on the market.")

Or this 2007 AppleInsider article:

...the point being driven should be clear: Ladies and gentlemen, AppleInsider believes in all sincerity that the Mac mini is dead.

[Bear Bibeault]

Ah, yes.

Gizmodo is to journalism what the Flat Earth Society is to reality.

[marc weber]

Bear Bibeault wrote:... Gizmodo is to journalism what the Flat Earth Society is to reality.

Too true. But don't get me started, because I think the Flat Earth Society is far more grounded than most "online journalism" today.