220 Questions on Compatibility with PC Files & Peripherals
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Macbook Air 13" vs MacBook Pro 13" SSD - PLEASE HELP :/
Hi, I'm getting a MacBook for high school. I was convinced on getting the Pro before my friend told me about how much faster and more reliable the flash storage is. Now I'm convinced that I want the flash storage but I'm wondering if, with a very limited budget like mine, it is really worth paying an extra $200 and getting a Macbook Pro upgraded to SSD or should I just get an Air?
Here's what I know:
- I want SSD
- I have a limited budget - I will only shell out the extra money for the Pro if I know it is really worth it
- I don't really care about size/weight
- I HATE laggy computers
- I'm not a big gamer but with the Mac app store right there I'll probably get some games
- I don't use much storage - 128GB is enough
- I'm not big on photo/video editing, but who knows what I'll pick up in high school? ;)
- I don't use DVDs/CDs much but occasionally I do
- I have an iPad 3 so now I really notice screen resolution - I know the MacBook Air has better resolution but is it that big of a deal?
And what I don't know:
- Is the MacBook Air processor powerful enough to handle high school assignments etc, some gaming and possible photo/video editing?
- I have heard that the MacBook Pro lasts much longer than the Air, would it be significantly better for lasting 3-5 yrs? (I'll get a new laptop for university)
- Is the hardware upgradeability on the Pro a big deal? What can I all upgrade?
Now I know the Pro is obviously better for what I need/want, but is it so much better that it'd be worth putting that extra dent in my wallet? (remember I have a limited budget)
I'd love to hear your thoughts and advice as I am somewhat in a bit of a pickle. I will probably want to buy my MacBook within 3-4 weeks so any advice to assist me in my decision will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance for your help - please don't be afraid to reply. ;)- Asked by Mark S from Calgary
- Jul 5, 2012
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Best Answer
From your description, it sounds like you'd be best off with the mac book air now... but...
If cost is a big concern, you can always go for the cheapest MacBook Pro 13" now, and upgrade it in the future... by the time you are ready for college, SSD's will be very cheap and you could easily upgrade the 13" MBP.
The 500 GB i5 macbook is fine for every day use. I'd wait for SSD to come down in price. Right now SSD's are about 1 dollar per GB, HDDs are about .07 cents per GB. In 3 years, SSDs will be a fraction of what they are now and you can breath new life into the MBP before school.
But really, either would be fine... if all else fails, trust your wallet. :)- Answered by Justin H from Saint Charles
- Jul 10, 2012
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can i transfer my past years turbo tax files from my pc to my mac and use them for this years turbo tax mac version? IF so how do I convert past file
- Asked by Cathy S from Victoria
- Apr 2, 2013
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Answer
Yes. I saved my files to a thumb drive and when launching a new return in Turbo Tax, it asks what location your 2011 returns are in. TT had no issues reading the files generated on a PC. Hope this helps
- Answered by Gordon R from Waipahu
- Apr 3, 2013
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Mac Book Pro 13'' or Mac Book Pro 13'' Retina, Or a Mac Book Air?
I'm currently studying at uni and I need a new mac book, im still unsure on what one to get. I'm doing a biomedical science degree.
- Asked by Hayden R from Newcastle
- Mar 29, 2013
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I need a new computer. I've always had a Mac. All I need it for is Quicken. Can I get another Mac, or do I have to switch to Windows?
I've heard that Apple will no longer support Quicken.
If I have to switch to a PC, I will. just don't want to.- Asked by Leo R from Morris
- Mar 12, 2013
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Answer
Just for interest - it may help.
I've been a Quicken used since first it came to the UK (now, sadly, no longer available) and currently run Quicken XG2004 UK Version R2 on my iMac (OSX 10.8.3) on a virtual PC running under VirtualBoxVM.
Originally, I had Quicken installed on my PCs and used it for several years running under Win XP-pro, but when I decided to get an iMac 3 years ago, I had a similar dilemma that you now have.
However, I was encouraged to try Oracle's VirtualBoxVM and install a virtual PC on the iMac. This works a treat - although you'll need a copy of Windows to install on this virtual PC. During set up, you allocate basic memory, storage size and display memory sizes, IDE controller etc using the VirtualBox manager, which is very easy to use.
When ractive, this virtual PC acts exactly as a stand alone PC running any PC applications (Word, Excel etc), except it's much faster. You can have it interface with the iMac, display it on the same screen at the same time as Mac software. The best thing about it is that VirtualBox is free !
VirtualBoxVM can support several pseudo systems - you select what you want to run when opening. My version is configured the same as, and effectively mimics, my old PC. Give it a try - you won't be disappointed.- Answered by David N from Winslow
- Mar 28, 2013
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can i use any non apple keyboard on the mac mini
- Asked by Verissa T
- Apr 21, 2013
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Will the 27" Thunderbolt Display power a USB SuperDrive?
My SuperDrive works only if I plug it directly into my Retina Display MBP, thus taking up one of the USB ports. My powered USB hub will not power the SuperDrive, and neither will the USB ports on the back of my 30" Cinema Display monitor.
If I get the 27" Thunderbolt Display, can I plug the SuperDrive into one of the USB ports on the back of the display and draw enough power from it?- Asked by Roger B from Los Angeles
- Jan 13, 2013
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- Asked about: Apple Thunderbolt Display (27-inch)
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Accessing iTunes and iPhoto from Time Capsule. Which Mac should I get?
My iTunes and iPhoto libraries are housed in Time Capsule. Thus far, this has been very labor-intensive for my 4.5 year old Macbook. I plan to buy an new Mac but unable to decide which machine: 13" Air (possibly w/ 8GB RAM) or 13" Pro? Can Mac Air handle accessing these files easily with its limited processor? thank you
- Asked by Fadi H from Ashland
- Apr 17, 2013
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What do I need to connect a MacBook Pro with retina display laptop to a projector
I just bought a macbook pro with retina display and don't know what I need to connect it to a projector for my power point presentations. What do I need to get?
- Asked by Corinne V from Columbia
- Mar 16, 2013
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- Asked about: Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adaptor
Answer
You would have to buy a Mini display port to VGA adapter. On the left side of your mac there should be 2 tiny ports that are mini display ports. buy that piece and plug it in to one of them. But don't forget you need a computer cord to plug the 2 together. After the projector is connected to your laptop, it should turn as a blue screen on the mac. then you must go to setting, go to displays, and turn display mirroring on till the projection comes on. then you are ready to go
- Answered by Bryce Y from Laurel Springs
- Mar 26, 2013
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Can I buy a docking station for macBook Pro? I would like to be able to dock my MacBook Pro onto a docking station and work with the larger screen.
- Asked by Tanya S from Adelaide
- Jan 19, 2013
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Best Answer
You probably already have your answer, but yes. A few of the options that I have been looking into are the Henge Dock, BookEndz, and the ViDock. The ViDock isn't specific for any laptop; rather it works for any laptop with a pc card slot. None of the options are as powerful as, say, an HP docking station. You will have multiple things to plug in still. Apple needs to pull their heads out of their nether regions and realize that professionals would like to use their equipment, but have needs for docking stations and multiple monitors.
- Answered by Nathan R from Olympia
- Mar 23, 2013
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If i plug it in to my tv can i watch a movie from itunes on my tv?
- Asked by Rachel C from Seattle
- Mar 4, 2013
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- Asked about: Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adaptor
Answer
in short, yes! but only if your tv has a vga input and it wouldnt be HD but good enough to watch a movie from itunes on
- Answered by Jacob T from Nottingham
- Apr 3, 2013
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will this work with TEAC HD Radio Receiver? Used previously with iphone 4s
docking for iphone, ipod, or nano
- Asked by Cathy H from Johns Creek
- Apr 11, 2013
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- Asked about: Lightning to 30-pin Adapter
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Is a 85w Magsafe Pro2 Power adapter compatable with a MacBook Pro with 13-inch Retina display?
- Asked by Steve G from Belleville
- Nov 15, 2012
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Asked about:
Apple 60W MagSafe 2 Power Adapter
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Best Answer
Yes it is. Power adapters for Intel-based Apple notebooks are available in 45W, 60W, and 85W varieties. Although you should always use the proper wattage adapter for your Apple notebook, you can use an adapter of a higher wattage without issue.
Source: Apple Tech Article: HT2346- Answered by Eric D from Alexandria
- Jan 24, 2013
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Best Answer
Short answer - yes. Microsoft has a Mac Native version of Office that comes in Home/Student and Professional flavors. I like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2011 on the Mac better than the current version of the same programs on PCs. Unless you need to interface with an Exchange Server and require the full functionality of Outlook, go with the home/student version that doesn't include Outlook.
Alternatives: Apple's iWork components are Office Compatible and they do a pretty good job for a smaller price tag. There's also Open Office which is a free, Open Source effort (like Firefox) that is also pretty good. However, neither option is a complete replacement for MS Office.- Answered by Christopher H from Virginia Beach
- May 28, 2012
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Best Answer
Yes, but you'll need to purchase "Microsoft Office for Mac". The current 2011 version is available in the apple store for £89
- Answered by Michael B
- Sep 2, 2012
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Is a Mac Pro good to use with my HD PVR?
- Asked by Michelle D from Greenville
- Apr 10, 2013
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can i run microsoft money on a mac
- Asked by Kim M from Cameron Park
- Mar 17, 2013
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