New MacBook Pro

[MrLahey]

Does anyone have the new macbook pro? Just got it and LOVE it.

As an engineer I have never been able to use a mac, but I hoping that I wont need to run any programs that arnt mac compatable in med school.

Any thoughts if Mac works just as well for med school applications?

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[slatermd]

So far, here are the useful comments that have been posted below. Afterward, I hope you enjoy this cartoon:

If you can afford it, I'd suggest buying a copy of Parallels and importing a copy of XP or Windows 7 (from your previous computer) into it. Your mac will run your Windows seemlessly then and your mac apps will be far better than their Windows counterparts (in most cases). Macs really shine, though, when it comes to music, graphics, video, etc. They're definitely made to be media powerhouses.

I was trying to justify a new Macbook Pro purchase. But mine is only 4 years old and still going strong so I can't really justify it until I start having problems.

I bought this one just before I started medical school. Bought parallels too and then only used it once in 4 years (for a grant application I was submitting for a free clinic). If I hadn't had parallels I would have just used a computer at school. Took parallels off my hard drive 2 years ago, haven't missed it.

Great reliable computer. I highly recommend applecare since they are really good about customer service. I got 2 replacement batteries when they weren't working completely up to par (still worked by I wanted my full 5hrs battery time), then when there was a problem with the video card they replaced it the same day for free.

Second the rec to buy applecare. It's totally worth it. I've literally had my entire MBP replaced by Apple (minus the shell and display... but basically all of the internal components have been replaced because they happened to go out... Apple has probably put in a good $2000 into my MBP because things got worn out faster than they should have due to a faulty power mgmt system that occurred a couple of yrs into my ownership of the machine). Laptops tend to take a beating b/c they get moved around so much so you're almost always better off getting the extended service warranty (i.e., Applecare).

 

[slatermd]

I actually really want a macbook pro, I just think that cartoon is hilarious.

I will probably get one for med school.

As far as apps, there are a couple of threads floating around about good medical apps for iphone/ipad, you should be able to use them on a macbook.

I recommend Medscape and Epocrates.

 

[apumic]

If you can afford it, I'd suggest buying a copy of Parallels and importing a copy of XP or Windows 7 (from your previous computer) into it. Your mac will run your Windows seemlessly then and your mac apps will be far better than their Windows counterparts (in most cases). Macs really shine, though, when it comes to music, graphics, video, etc. They're definitely made to be media powerhouses.

 

[tabascosauce]

I actually really want a macbook pro, I just think that cartoon is hilarious.

I will probably get one for med school.

As far as apps, there are a couple of threads floating around about good medical apps for iphone/ipad, you should be able to use them on a macbook.

I recommend Medscape and Epocrates.

what are medscape and epocrates

 

[slatermd]

what are medscape and epocrates

http://www.medscape.com/medicalstudents

If you don't have an account with them, set one up. It is great for checking medical news, learning about different diseases/conditions, anything medically-related.

They have an app that helps a lot with differential diagnoses and proper workup for specific symptoms.

Epocrates is an app that is great for learning what different drugs do, proper dosages, and checking for drug interactions.

http://www.epocrates.com/

 

[deleted357625]

The cartoon is spot on

 

[the duck]

That cartoon has it perfectly. The only reason I'm not buying a new Ipod, is because its gonna be outdated so fast...

 

[alwaysaangel]

I was trying to justify a new Macbook Pro purchase. But mine is only 4 years old and still going strong so I can't really justify it until I start having problems.

I bought this one just before I started medical school. Bought parallels too and then only used it once in 4 years (for a grant application I was submitting for a free clinic). If I hadn't had parallels I would have just used a computer at school. Took parallels off my hard drive 2 years ago, haven't missed it.

Great reliable computer. I highly recommend applecare since they are really good about customer service. I got 2 replacement batteries when they weren't working completely up to par (still worked by I wanted my full 5hrs battery time), then when there was a problem with the video card they replaced it the same day for free.

 

[apumic]

I was trying to justify a new Macbook Pro purchase. But mine is only 4 years old and still going strong so I can't really justify it until I start having problems.

I bought this one just before I started medical school. Bought parallels too and then only used it once in 4 years (for a grant application I was submitting for a free clinic). If I hadn't had parallels I would have just used a computer at school. Took parallels off my hard drive 2 years ago, haven't missed it.

Great reliable computer. I highly recommend applecare since they are really good about customer service. I got 2 replacement batteries when they weren't working completely up to par (still worked by I wanted my full 5hrs battery time), then when there was a problem with the video card they replaced it the same day for free.

Second the rec to buy applecare. It's totally worth it. I've literally had my entire MBP replaced by Apple (minus the shell and display... but basically all of the internal components have been replaced because they happened to go out... Apple has probably put in a good $2000 into my MBP because things got worn out faster than they should have due to a faulty power mgmt system that occurred a couple of yrs into my ownership of the machine). Laptops tend to take a beating b/c they get moved around so much so you're almost always better off getting the extended service warranty (i.e., Applecare).

 

[Helen Wheels]

Yes, definitely sign up for Medscape because it is free and you can browse medical articles from different fields of medicine. I have been reading stuff in there from time to time for a few years - I figure it can only help.

I have always been an Apple aficionado. 🙂 Own a Macbook that is three years old and going strong. Plus a time Capsule and four iPods. Thinking of springing for an iPhone or iPad before school starts.

I would check with the schools you think you might attend before buying a new computer. My school (LECOM) requires a Windows machine - they sent matriculation info sternly stating that they won't support Macs, even ones running Virtual Windows or Bootcamp. I felt terrible going over to the Dark Side but I bought a Windows laptop. It is okay, but I still prefer my Macbook. I am keeping my Macbook and will just be using both laptops. Kind of nice to have two laptops, actually. 🙂

 

[apumic]

Yes, definitely sign up for Medscape because it is free and you can browse medical articles from different fields of medicine. I have been reading stuff in there from time to time for a few years - I figure it can only help.

I have always been an Apple aficionado. 🙂 Own a Macbook that is three years old and going strong. Plus a time Capsule and four iPods. Thinking of springing for an iPhone or iPad before school starts.

I would check with the schools you think you might attend before buying a new computer. My school (LECOM) requires a Windows machine - they sent matriculation info sternly stating that they won't support Macs, even ones running Virtual Windows or Bootcamp. I felt terrible going over to the Dark Side but I bought a Windows laptop. It is okay, but I still prefer my Macbook. I am keeping my Macbook and will just be using both laptops. Kind of nice to have two laptops, actually. 🙂

So what happens if you bring an MBP running Windws in Bootcamp/Parallels/Fusion? Does the Dean's head explode or something? Does IT come stomping in with a giant gavel to smash your treasured machine? I mean... I doubt the machine's going to have any issues running their software....

 

[the duck]

I was trying to justify a new Macbook Pro purchase. But mine is only 4 years old and still going strong so I can't really justify it until I start having problems.

I bought this one just before I started medical school. Bought parallels too and then only used it once in 4 years (for a grant application I was submitting for a free clinic). If I hadn't had parallels I would have just used a computer at school. Took parallels off my hard drive 2 years ago, haven't missed it.

Great reliable computer. I highly recommend applecare since they are really good about customer service. I got 2 replacement batteries when they weren't working completely up to par (still worked by I wanted my full 5hrs battery time), then when there was a problem with the video card they replaced it the same day for free.

My feelings exactly! I've had mine a bit over 2 years, and its going strong, haven't had any technical problems and haven't needed repairs of any kind. Though I'm gonna be buying a new battery pretty soon. I tend to think the extra money one spends on a mac versus a PC is worth it in the end. Not just because it lasts longer, but we spend so much time in front of the computer, its great to have a really nice one!

 

[Helen Wheels]

So what happens if you bring an MBP running Windws in Bootcamp/Parallels/Fusion? Does the Dean's head explode or something? Does IT come stomping in with a giant gavel to smash your treasured machine? I mean... I doubt the machine's going to have any issues running their software....

No, but if you happen to have trouble one day with getting your email or accessing other things they are probably going to tell you that they warned you, they won't help you, and you are SOL. I know I don't need that in my first year of med school.

 

[apumic]

No, but if you happen to have trouble one day with getting your email or accessing other things they are probably going to tell you that they warned you, they won't help you, and you are SOL. I know I don't need that in my first year of med school.

I suppose.... In reality, though, at least my mac has never had any issues with that kind of stuff (except when a school decides to add one of those crappy "security" applications to their network...which often results in all sorts of chaos on the network).

 

[Musclemass]

I tend to think the extra money one spends on a mac versus a PC is worth it in the end. Not just because it lasts longer, but we spend so much time in front of the computer, its great to have a really nice one!

Most big name PCs (the Apple kind and the not-Apple kind) are made of mostly the same components. Without doing any real stat analysis, it seems my friends with Macs experience hardware problems with about the same frequency as those with PCs.

What you get for your extra money is Apple hype and the privilege of paying more for accessories and replacement parts. What they do well - their products work well and work easily for novice users. The downside of that is that non-novice users can get frustrated using Apple products because of their lack of flexibility/configurability. You use their products how they decide you should and no other way.

 

[apumic]

Most big name PCs (the Apple kind and the not-Apple kind) are made of mostly the same components. Without doing any real stat analysis, it seems my friends with Macs experience hardware problems with about the same frequency as those with PCs.

What you get for your extra money is Apple hype and the privilege of paying more for accessories and replacement parts. What they do well - their products work well and work easily for novice users. The downside of that is that non-novice users can get frustrated using Apple products because of their lack of flexibility/configurability. You use their products how they decide you should and no other way.

Well...maybe.... if you go to an Apple store. If you go elsewhere, any decent service center/store will do what you ask of them. You simply have to know what you want and "tell" them. If you request a custom 10k RPM HD in your shiny new unibody MBP along w/ 8 gb of non-Apple ram, etc. you'll get it. You simply have to push sometimes and knowing what you want helps as well.

What really makes Apple products great, though, is the technical support when go wrong (and they will -- with any product by any manufacturer -- if you use them long enough and hard enough). Additionally, because they only have to build their OS to support their own hardware, it tends to be streamlined. The proprietary element of Apple pays off well in their products.

 

[sugarcrash56]

haven't even read any of this thread, just had to say:

pc > mac

everyday of the week. i challenge anyone who doesn't agree.

 

[iqe2010]

haven't even read any of this thread, just had to say:

pc > mac

everyday of the week. i challenge anyone who doesn't agree.

Viruses.

 

[SFO-IST]

haven't even read any of this thread, just had to say:

pc > mac

everyday of the week. i challenge anyone who doesn't agree.

uhm.. no you don't because you haven't even read what the people who don't agree wrote! That's probably why you still use a PC.


Meadzealot I love the cartoon. I've had my macbook pro (classic) that I bought on clearance for $1,150 after rebates in 2008 replaced a few months before the warranty ran out in 2010 with a brand new $2,000 MBP by Apple. The first one had some issues, but Apple stood behind their product.

Even if I still had my 2008 MBP right now, I would still be using it. It's an incredible machine. I've since bought iPhones and I will get this new ipad.

 

[BJJ]

I have a macbook pro...and it's straight. The only problem was the GODERMN chemistry lab write ups. HOO MYY GARD every saturday was spend hauling my ass to campus (I commute) to use the computer lab because of excel and word. Now I know that you can get excel for mac, but it is not the same as the one of Windows. All the instructions I have had for the lab were for Windows Word.

I've had it for about a year and a half, and for the most part it has done what it should be doing (for $1000 it had better). But I am going back to Windows if I can get into med school and going to get a toughbook. My macbook pro has died on me once which cost me 1 week + 40$ to repair and now the charger doesn't work well (I need to unplug a couple times before it starts working). I need a toughbook because I need rugged things because I am pretty clumsy.

I am not worried about viruses because if you're reasonably computer savvy you will know how not to get viruses. So my next computer will be a toughbook, not going back to mac but they haven't failed horribly.

 

[movax]

Does anyone have the new macbook pro? Just got it and LOVE it.

As an engineer I have never been able to use a mac, but I hoping that I wont need to run any programs that arnt mac compatable in med school.

Any thoughts if Mac works just as well for med school applications?

Look a thread in Technology about the new Macs

haven't even read any of this thread, just had to say:

pc > mac

everyday of the week. i challenge anyone who doesn't agree.

The hardware is identical, you pay for the chassis and the operating system. A lot of design work goes into the product (you have two wireless radios that function perfectly in what is essentially a Faraday cage...) and they are generally considered to be aesthetically pleasing.

Software dictates the platform choice: if you use Final Cut/etc that is only available on the Mac, you should buy an Apple product and be thankful they left PowerPC behind.

Also, Office 2011 for OS X is light years ahead of 2004 or 2008. The only thing that could make it better is OneNote. Hopefully OneNote gets ported for the next Office release. (snarky comment: why aren't you using LaTeX for lab reports? )

Viruses.

Macs are worse in this aspect because Apple turns a blind eye to many software vulnerabilities, and there isn't the plethora of anti-virus and anti-malware software available like there is for Windows. Microsoft releases patches almost every Tuesday, whereas god knows how long Apple leaves 0-day exploits open. I'd be much happier if they'd just admit every piece of software is vulnerable and release patches consistently.

 

[apumic]

haven't even read any of this thread, just had to say:

pc > mac

everyday of the week. i challenge anyone who doesn't agree.

Just like a PC user to not do his homework.


Still a classic video:

[YOUTUBE=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QdGt3ix2CQ]Windows Vista[/YOUTUBE]


Vista release date: January 30, 2007
OS X 10.4 release date: April 25, 2005

In other words, Microsoft was TWO YEARS behind on ALL of Vista's features. Now compare OS X 10.6 to Windows 7. Both are essentially the same as their previous version but streamlined and better built. Guess which came out first (OS X 10.6). Consider the implementation of features.... For instance, that annoying authentication window Windows now puts up? It has been in OS X since before I started using it (10.3). The thing is it's a pain in the butt b/c Microsoft did such a poor job implementing the feature. In OS X, the implementation only activates the window when it is truly necessary (i.e., the system will be modifying non-user libraries or settings, which is controlled by the file system itself, not some arbitrary authentication script).

 

[Musclemass]

What really makes Apple products great, though, is the technical support when go wrong

This is an n=0 comment unless you have knowledge or experience with PC tech support from the likes of HP, Dell, Sony, Toshiba, etc.

Additionally, because they only have to build their OS to support their own hardware, it tends to be streamlined.

The flip side of this is that you're limited as to upgrades and replacements, since many components (that people with PCs can use) are unsupported and thus unusable in a Mac.

I'm not an expert, but I've been told much of the "streamline" as you describe it in OSX is because it's ultimately a flavor of Linux. I've also heard that Microsoft did a good job with slimming down Win 7.

Apple also has a tendency to drop software compatiblity with new OSX versions. Win, on the other hand, can run stuff that is really old. That must add bulk, I guess you can't have it both ways

The proprietary element of Apple pays off well in their products.

It pays off well for Apple.

 

[movax]

I'm not an expert, but I've been told much of the "streamline" as you describe it in OSX is because it's ultimately a flavor of Linux. I've also heard that Microsoft did a good job with slimming down Win 7.

UNIX-based, took a lot of improvements from NeXT and uses the Mach microkernel. Win 7 is plenty slimmed down, considered the sheer amount of hardware and software it has to support out of the box. Microsoft takes backwards compatibility very seriously, which adds to the apparent complexity of their OS.

I like my MBP as a portable, but my desktop is still a Windows 7-based Sandy Bridge powerhouse. I use VMWare Fusion on my MBP to run Windows apps when I need them (or reboot into Boot Camp).

 

[waltzendless]

my dad just got his 15" pro with all the upgrades. it definitely does feel snappy, but as he only uses photoshop he'll never take advantage of the radeon HD6490m gpu. also it's nowhere near as portable as the 13". the 13" might not have as much grunt, especially in the graphics department, but i don't think people buy macbooks to play crysis anyways.

i think the macbook air is begging for a hardware update. its core 2 duo internals are 2 generations old now

 

[Torr]

Down with Mac! 👎

 

[movax]

i think the macbook air is begging for a hardware update. its core 2 duo internals are 2 generations old now

It will probably get one this fall when ULV Sandy Bridge CPUs are available. No denying that their current internals are pretty old.

 

[gravitywave]

But I am going back to Windows if I can get into med school and going to get a toughbook. My macbook pro has died on me once which cost me 1 week + 40$ to repair and now the charger doesn't work well (I need to unplug a couple times before it starts working). I need a toughbook because I need rugged things because I am pretty clumsy.

I am not worried about viruses because if you're reasonably computer savvy you will know how not to get viruses. So my next computer will be a toughbook, not going back to mac but they haven't failed horribly.

don't get a toughbook, you will look like a silly person who paid too much. you're not going out and fighting forest fires in tanzania, you're going to med school.

buy a thinkpad. plenty rugged, cheaper, and makes you look wicked smaht, dude.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

The only flaw I find with my macbook pro is its overheating when you use it for skype or any video game ( There are ways to get around this). Other than that it's arguably the best laptop I've ever had.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

don't get a toughbook, you will look like a silly person who paid too much. you're not going out and fighting forest fires in tanzania, you're going to med school.

buy a thinkpad. plenty rugged, cheaper, and makes you look wicked smaht, dude.

A Thinkpad is a pretty standard comp. However they are extremely bland in design.. I'd have to go ask a 2nd grader for their sticker box so I can make it presentable .

 

[gravitywave]

A Thinkpad is a are pretty standard comp. However they are extremely bland in design.. I'd have to go ask a 2nd grader for their sticker box so I can make it presentable .

sticker it up all you want, it is pretty corporate looking i admit. but just pick one up, and then pick up a Dell or a Toshiba. The difference in build quality is obvious. Apple is closer but i dont care for the cost or the fanboy image it throws off.

 

[slatermd]

Apple is closer but i dont care for the cost or the fanboy image it throws off.

👍

 

[calvnandhobbs68]

sticker it up all you want, it is pretty corporate looking i admit. but just pick one up, and then pick up a Dell or a Toshiba. The difference in build quality is obvious. Apple is closer but i dont care for the cost or the fanboy image it throws off.

No joke, don't buy an overpriced toughbook. You can pretty much throw those Thinkpads out of a second story window and they'll still be okay.

 

[Pierson5]

Just like a PC user to not do his homework.


Still a classic video:


Vista release date: January 30, 2007
OS X 10.4 release date: April 25, 2005

In other words, Microsoft was TWO YEARS behind on ALL of Vista's features. Now compare OS X 10.6 to Windows 7. Both are essentially the same as their previous version but streamlined and better built. Guess which came out first (OS X 10.6). Consider the implementation of features.... For instance, that annoying authentication window Windows now puts up? It has been in OS X since before I started using it (10.3). The thing is it's a pain in the butt b/c Microsoft did such a poor job implementing the feature. In OS X, the implementation only activates the window when it is truly necessary (i.e., the system will be modifying non-user libraries or settings, which is controlled by the file system itself, not some arbitrary authentication script).

Kind of expected this thread to turn into a mac vs. pc debate. Can't we all just get along?

Just for laughs: http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/c.cgi?u=macs_cant

 

[slatermd]

^That page was pretty funny. The best part by far:

 

[gatorade848]

i have a 2010 macbook pro... from what I heard the new model has a better processor but worse graphic card. I guess i am still even lol

 

[Propylene]

Another very cool Medical app is called "Prognosis". It's definitely more tuned to people with a decent knowledge of medicine, but it's a fun and interesting way to learn. It updates with a new case every week, too.

 

[JonnyL]

I'm on a macbook pro right now. I'm not a big fan of Apple products but their laptops are definitely their best product.

I will admit though ignorant Apple fanboys seriously irritate me.

 

[BJJ]

No joke, don't buy an overpriced toughbook. You can pretty much throw those Thinkpads out of a second story window and they'll still be okay.

but.......you can't do this with a thinkpad can you?

[YOUTUBE]YClt8Pq_rjs[/YOUTUBE]

I reallly just want to be able to throw it around/pour water on it/run over it with my car.

If I get into med school I think my rents would be so happy they wouldn't mind shelling out the money for this.

 

[gravitywave]

no, you can't do that with a thinkpad. but you'll still look like a knucklehead bringing one of those to school. just sayin' 🙄