New MacBook could take consumer laptop market by storm

I just made the switch from

I just made the switch from PC to a MacBook Pro, Core 2 Duo, and installed Windows XP Pro on a divided partition. After 2 days of playing, I've figure out the funky little keyboard differences, and switching back and forth between the two is second nature. Now - I'm ready to get down to business. Would love some opinions --

I've thought about using the MB to run a small business consulting practice, and need esp.

1/ access to contact management SW (preferably ACT, but it looks like that's only available on the PC side, so that's where I'll install it & run it -- I need to be able to import mailing lists, which are usually only available for Outlook or Act);

2/ Quicken (I know there's a Mac version, but it seems limited and I need the full functionality that most of my PC clients have, so I'll install it on the PC side);

3/ MS Office - I need all the apps to trade docs with clients, make presentations, etc. Question is -- I don't have a clue as to whether I should get the PC version or the Mac ... any thoughts? (I'm thinking that if I'm importing mailing lists into PC-based Act (#1) or Outlook, then the best bet is to install the PC version of Office. OR -- could import into a PC based Outlook and then easily use the data on the Mac side (my preference).

It's possible I could be left with using Mac only for the internet (which I use a lot in my work), music, and photo apps. Although I love the look and feel of the Mac, I'm wondering if I shouldn't just stick with a PC for my business?? What, I'm wondering, are the benefits of the Mac if I have to run most daily biz apps on the PC side - which is unsupported & a pain to switch to easily when in Mac OS mode? Also, am I not just as susceptible to viruses, etc., as I was before - at least on the PC side?

I agree that Macs have the apps for small biz, but maybe my need for communication and integration with the PC apps is bigger than most business (e.g., my need for a variety of mailing lists that seem to cater to the PC crowd; my desire to have an integrated contact management tool (where the best one, Act, comes in PC only), and my need to share Office docs readily with clients).

I've had my macbook pro for

I've had my macbook pro for 6 months now and I love it. I will tell you the truth i'm not a huge fan of osx and mostly use ubuntu. Every now and then I play counter-strike on windows. Can't beat this for a gaming laptop. x1600 256mb. Its a great for all applications. The new core 2 duo version is absolutly crazy, it blows away most high end desktops. Great hardware!!..but really if you have never used linux. You need to switch! My macbook never gives me problems and I can do anything on it. Thats the way a laptop is supposed to be.

I've been a MAC user or

I've been a MAC user or years and finally talked my daughter into buying the new Macbook. Sorry to say I have come to regret it now. She has had it 2 months and is on her third one. Always the same problem. Shut down, close lid and hard drive conitnues to run becoming extremely hot and sometimes will not turn on. Apple has problems with this model but does not seem to want to admit it. I would wait until all the bugs are taken care of before buying.

After reading all of your

After reading all of your important opinions, I decided that hardware durability is more important for me: 9MIL-STD 810F certification and also IP54 certified. I could not find that on Apple laptops.
At my previous job, a construction firm; had a Rocky Unlimited laptop that proved to be worth what it cost. But I'll go for a Panasonic Toughbook. It will allow me to combine both professional and personal use.
To support Matthew Whited commentary, there is testimony of Public Agencies and Private Sector at:
http://www.panasonic.com/business/toughbook/fire.asp?case_study=chulavista_h
http://www.panasonic.com/business/toughbook/solution_home.asp

I hate to sound so

I hate to sound so pessimistic... but the eventual proliferation of MAC's into the REAL world is best left as the happy ending of a fairy tale. Until Apple wakes up and understands that the real home and business consumers of the world want a choice (read OEM deals), theirs will be but a failed science project. Relegated to a diminutive minority. They should learn from the EVIL MSFT empire and learn that the real money is in the software anyway... OEM OSX, IPOD SW, etc... Make that change and watch the shareholder rejoice!

Apples are for eating, not

Apples are for eating, not for working. Macs have always been toys and they always will. I have used a Mac and the only reason they are more "secure" from viruses are that no one cares about making a virus for the little fish. Its the same reason that Linux, Unix, and Netware are safe. Again I have used all of these operating systems and by far my favorite is Linux. But it's the user that's the problem with Windows machines not the operating system. I have had more problems and downtime with OS-X per hour than any other operating system I have used. Also when it comes to servers the Xserve line is a joke. The ACLs and file management leave a lot to be desired.

In the long run people need to make up their own mind on what systems work best for them. And for me its Windows XP and Slackware Linux.

The only use of a Mac is to sit there and look pretty.

-Matthew Whited,
Consultant, Programmer, Engineer

I switched to Mac last year

I switched to Mac last year with the purchase of a Powerbook G4 15". I really wanted to like the machine, but it has proven to be unreliable thus far. Six months from purchase, the lower memory slot failed. Apple replaced the main logic board under warranty, but of course, I was without my machine for a week. Now, five months from that repair the machine has experieneced another major failure. It is currently back at Apple for another warranty job. The good part of this story is that I do not have to depend on this machine for my work. If that were the case, this purchase would be a disaster. As it is, the failures are merely an inconvenience and the loss of my home computer for a week or so. However, for the price of a Powerbook, one should expect better reliability than two major repairs in 12 months; warranty or not. Based on my experience, if you are planning on using a Mac notebook for your primary work machine you had better have a back- up. And that friends, is a real shame.

To Anonymous: every new mac

To Anonymous: every new mac comes with Quicken 2006 (full version, not trial). Or at least the MacBook does.

If you already own games and Windows XP SP2, you can load them on the mac, and play them there. Microsofts End-User Licensing Agreement won't let you have Windows on more than one computer, so you'll have to remove it from your existing computer. The Windows computer you have did come with Install CD's right? At least Macs come with Mac OS X both loaded and on a spare Install CD/DVD.

The MacBook also comes with both analog audio in/out and optical/digital audio in/out. So you can connect it to stereo sound. The mini-DVI port also lets you connect to either an external monitor or TV.

Not sure what Dragon is, but I'm sure that capability is available for mac. It might even be built into the OS X software bundle.

Any other questions?