Mac PC/Notebook

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networkn

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#72399 25-Nov-2010 13:07

Hi There!

I am trying to find a cost effective way for me to buy a mac PC or notebook for testing. We are a support company and we get asked at least once a week if we can support mac OS.

I don't want to spend massive money given it's likely to be a while before we derive any money from it, but I want to make sure we are learning the latest version.
Seems like to do that I need one of the core2duo intel machines, that supports vga/dvi connection and has a keyboard and mouse. Can such a thing be had for $500-600?

My guess is that 1GB would be the minimum amount of memory required?

Anyone have something they want to sell?

magu

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#409447 25-Nov-2010 13:26

TradeMe would be your best bet. Look for Core 2 Duo MacBook Pros in either 13" or 15" form.

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networkn

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#409523 25-Nov-2010 16:12

Yah I have been keeping an eye out, I am not sure if I am not realistic about what I need, or if I am blind, but I don't see much.

fastmikey

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#409600 25-Nov-2010 19:07

If you want cheaper, you could always go for a Hackintosh...

b0untypure1

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#409735 26-Nov-2010 08:41

there is not much, for that price.
well, there is nothing.

the cheapest i seen that meets your requirements is $900

there is one that was a low reserve and is currently at $350 but i believe it will be bid up

gehenna

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#409761 26-Nov-2010 09:11

Yeah I think you'd need to bump up your budget to around $1000. A Mac mini would suit your needs and can be bought 2nd hand for $1k or under.

A new "refurb" model from Apple directly will set you back $1200ish. That's the cheapest "new" one you could get.

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#409848 26-Nov-2010 11:57

You can run Mac OS X in VMWare on windows.

However, requires using a modified/tweaked versions of the OS , bit of a grey area.

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b0untypure1

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#410030 26-Nov-2010 19:49

yea personally id run virtual os of mac os. much cheaper

b0untypure1

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#410034 26-Nov-2010 20:02

a legal way it can be done
http://oreilly.com/windows/archive/PearPC.html

seems quite basic, although the guy had some trouble "when I booted into Mac OS X, it prompted me to restart my machine. But after several attempts, it worked"

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#410076 26-Nov-2010 22:49

Running OS X virtualised or on a hackintosh is "illegal". You're better off getting a 2nd hand mac or buy a mac mini new, etc.

b0untypure1

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#410117 27-Nov-2010 06:19

even if you purchased the operating system?

kyhwana2

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#410131 27-Nov-2010 08:56

b0untypure1: even if you purchased the operating system?

Correct, you're only licensed to run OS X on Official Apple Hardware.

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#410162 27-Nov-2010 10:22

I'm assuming something along the lines of http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=334029218

Would be fine for you. Only problem with Apple Laptops is if you need to use an external screen you have to buy the display port adaptor

networkn

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#413907 7-Dec-2010 10:10

I found one for $600, but it has a screen flicker problem I have read seems quite common when they come out of sleep mode. What are the chances that apple would deal with it outside of warranty if it's a known defect? I know companies like HP/IBM do.

magu

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#413924 7-Dec-2010 10:44

They'll happily fix it. For a price.

"Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads." - Doc Emmet Brown