Can Windows 7 convert a Mac user?

Wednesday, October 21st, 2009

So PC Pro has set me a challenge. As a Mac user since system 6, as someone who’s stuck by Apple through two major architecture shifts, does Windows 7 have what it takes to lure me into the land of the IBM-compatible PC?

For the next month I’m putting away my Macs to use Microsoft Windows 7. For the record, I do use Windows XP on a monthly basis, but it’s never tempted me to sell on my MacBook. I’ve used Vista fleetingly, and have to say I’m surprised at the bad press it’s received, but again it wouldn’t encourage me to drop the Mac OS.

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First look: four new Packard Bell laptops

Monday, June 1st, 2009

While Packard Bell is making plenty of fuss about its AMD-powered netbooks, the firm’s new line-up of full-size laptops has plenty of potential, too.

The most exciting of the new models is the EasyNote TR series, which takes a leaf out of Apple and Sony’s books by concentrating on design just as much as hardware. And it’s not just any old in-house designers who are putting together these latest laptops, either – Packard Bell has enlisted the help of Italian design house Pininfarina to make sure that the TR can match up to the best in the business.

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Apple’s limited specs appeal

Tuesday, March 17th, 2009

When it comes to in-depth lists of specifications, Apple certainly seems lazier than most. When most other notebook manufacturers seem to love reeling off lists of hardware – take a look at Sony’s exhaustive spec list for the VAIO TT, for instance – Apple take a different tack by being incredibly vague.

A quick glance at its page of ‘tech specs’ for the new 17in MacBook Pro reveals that the machine has either a 2.66GHz or 2.93GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 320GB hard disk with an optional SSD and an 8x slot-loading SuperDrive. But there’s no mention of which model of CPU it is, or the amount of cache on the hard disk.

That’s not the end of Apple’s vague spec-babble, though. I wanted to confirm the technology behind the extraordinary screen that I raved about in my review and, to ensure that I got proper information rather than rumour and gossip, contacted the company directly – and it seems that the vagueness of specification is prevalant throughout Apple.

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The MacBook Pro’s clicky little problem

Friday, October 17th, 2008

I’m a self-confessed Apple fan boy, but I still try to be objective when looking at their new kit. At the moment we have a new MacBook Pro in the labs, and, as normal, I scurried down there to check it out.

Unsurprisingly, I’m really impressed. The new chassis is wonderfully neat and tidy, sturdy and not as heavy as I was expecting. It’s certainly a good looking machine. I’ve only got one little criticism (if you exclude the hefty price) – the touchpad. (more…)

Admiring bottoms

Friday, April 25th, 2008

Admission number one: the publisher of PC Pro is also the publisher of MacUser. Admission number two: he uses a MacBook Pro. Admission number three: he likes it.

I was admonishing him about this in our local pub the other night, when he came up with what I at first thought was a ridiculous argument – but I’m now starting to believe he might be right.

“The thing is, Tim,” he took a sip of beer to punctuate his point, “the thing is, the bottom of your laptop is ugly. Horribly, horribly ugly. The bottom of my Mac is a thing of beauty.”

And he’s right. I wrested it off him for long enough to take the photo you see before you, and I can’t deny the smooth, unblemished contours. In contrast, take a look at my (otherwise fantastic) ThinkPad X60’s underneath. No other word for it: ugly.

So what can we conclude? That the future is beautiful-bottomed laptops? I think so, but that’s only part of it. The fact is he won’t be buying another laptop unless it looks good from all angles. And it’s not only PC manufacturers who should take note, it’s every manufacturer.