I have always been a PC user but am currently very tempted to purchase the new Apple Air laptop given its lightweight construction and therefore portability.
I will be needing a new laptop for my upcoming trip to France, mainly for the purposes of photos backup, uploading, web browsing and email.
As more and more wifi places pop up, not only in France, but all around the world, I have read in the past that Macs have more problems connecting to these wifi hotspots than PC. Can someone enlighten me on this?
Many thanks!
s
Posts: 47 | Location: Sydney, Australia | Registered: 29 November 2006
I know Mac fans rave about them, and I am becoming increasingly tempted.
In the past year or so it has become possible to run both the OSX (Mac) and Windows software on the same machine. It uses free Mac software called bootcamp, but you will need a Windows disk. After installation, when you turn on the PC you are able to choose which system to use.
TimW
Posts: 833 | Location: Hampshire, UK | Registered: 28 March 2005
I am a huge Mac fan, but I would wait until the Air Book has been out for at least a couple of months (it still isn't in the stores) before buying one. That will give you time to read reviews and be aware of any problems (often the case with any new design, whether a computer, car, etc.).
Also, it is more expensive than the regular MacBook, so you are paying a premium for that light weight.
We have taken Mac laptops all over Europe on several trips, and connecting to wifi hotspots is a breeze. The only problem I can recall is in one apartment when we couldn't pick up the signal from the router downstairs. The owner installed a booster in our apartment, and then it was fine. I think sometimes the aluminum laptops don't have as wide a range as the plastic ones.
Depending on what you want to do with your laptop, you might give some thought to the iPod Touch. It gives you wifi and email in a very small, affordable device -- and of course also works as an iPod for music, photos, and movies. However, it isn't great for storing documents.
If I was shopping for a new laptop I would be looking for one that has proven to work and not go with the latest that might fail or has problems that come to light by other users.
If you are backing up photos and it fails what are you going to do? Loss your photos?
