Advantages and Disadvantages of MacBooks
Unlike the bevy of manufacturers and operating system versions that fill the Windows laptop market, consumers looking for an OS X laptop are limited to Apple's MacBook line of computers. Models in Apple's notebook series sport a stylish and functional design and come with a simple and usable operating system. Despite these advantages, users looking for a more customized laptop or a budget system may want to look elsewhere.
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Hardware Advantages
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Design aesthetics, durability and overall hardware quality provide one of the MacBook's main advantages over other laptop systems. Two of the three models -- the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air -- feature one-piece aluminum construction, and all three use Apple's chiclet style keyboards and a glass, multi-touch capable trackpad. Apple laptops carry a reputation for reliability, and a 2009 SquareTrade study found Apple to rank fourth overall among leading hardware providers. Used MacBooks command a significant portion of their original price, making a MacBook resale a more profitable proposition than with many other computer systems.
OS X Built In
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Apple's choice to preinstall the OS X operating system can represent either an advantage or disadvantage, depending on the needs of specific users. OS X boasts a user-friendly design; several built-in software suites for productivity, Web browsing and media playback; and native compatibility with other Apple products such as iPods, iPhones and iPads. On the other hand, OS X still lacks compatibility with a large number of Windows programs, and users comfortable with Microsoft's operating system may find OS X initially difficult to navigate. OS X's Boot Camp software lessens the disadvantages, allowing users to install a separate copy of Windows for a dual-boot machine.
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Lack of Custom Options
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MacBooks come in three varieties as of early 2011: the standard MacBook, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. Unlike systems from many other computer manufacturers, none of these models have any significant custom options available at purchase, with each having only a single configuration and locked-in hardware specs. Consumers will find it difficult to make upgrades or repairs, as even a DIY battery swap requires opening the MacBook's case and voiding Apple's warranty.
Price
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The MacBook is not a budget-level machine, and the MacBook Pro hikes the price even further beyond the cheaper varieties of Windows machines. While the parts may well be worth the expense for many, some users won't ever need the performance advantages of the MacBook, and may be better suited with a more modest laptop at half the price.
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References
- Photo Credit Brian Kersey/Getty Images News/Getty Images
