Now after six months but the initial euphoria has settled and my personal balance is mixed. As one of many transfer passengers, I would like to address two important aspects in my opinion and prejudice, namely that Apple and that Apple (to) be intuitively expensive.
Intuitive?
Well, coming from Windows, it is not that everything is self-explanatory. Several times I had to google simplest things, knew at the beginning not even know where the at sign is situates etc. Many shortcut keys and station wagons of Windows does not exist here, and how to install a program, and deletes one must first of all work out. So I think that keeps the intuitive aspect, at least initially limited. However, I have not had a single complete breakdown, freezing or similar with the Macbook in the half year. A recently taken into service computers with Windows 8 has within two weeks already four times frozen, each for an update. Oh yes, of this constant Updaterei one remains also largely spared the Macbook.
A few weeks ago then tore at the Macbook - as the only from a total of 9 internet-enabled devices in our household - ever the Internet connection from. Trying to solve this problem at the weekend even robbed me of half days when I rolled several manpages etc.. I felt very reminiscent of Windows, with the main difference being that here everything was new territory for me. If you try to korigieren at the level of the operating system somewhat, the difference is not really much more to Windows. The aspect of the intuitive operation, so my experience has to be seen from there with some reservations. Starting Monday then I called the Apple hotline where you told me that the device is now already more than three months and I for help 79 - should shell out € when it turned out that it was not a hardware defect , I found this outrageous. Mind you I have purchased within a very short time an iPad, an iPod Touch, an iPhone and the Macbook (due to the registration on the same Apple ID for the support staff can be seen), and by this time even made no claims. My enthusiasm has cooled noticeably this time. In the end it turned out that the most recent update of the MacBook was incompatible with the nearly 2-year-old firmware the Fritz box. An update of the firmware of the router procured remedy.
Too expensive?
The Macbook is an excellent workmanship and provides many great details, which one seeks in vain with other manufacturers, for example, the magnetic power connector, making a loose connection or a sagging very unlikely. Furthermore, one has to see that the work programs are supplied been many who would have to purchase at Windows separately. So managing contacts, emails and appointments is absolutely perfect, in Windows you need here extra charged Outlook, which is significantly more difficult to operate and to have a greater susceptibility to errors. The recently when Windows 8 included e-mail management program is highly susceptible to interference, unwatchable. A reliable data destruction program is on the Mac as standard along with a great backup software - alledies must be purchased on Windows separately and should, if you need it, be with pure counted. The annoying habit deliver a new Windows computer with various advertising programs where you should then acquire a paid full version is not even given the Macbook.
At the same time must also be seen that Apple in many other places, the hand stays juicy and prices collected. My fee-processing problems during the warranty period, I've already described. They have a monitor or projector with a VGA connection, or planning a presentation in another locality, where this standard ports are usually required? Thirty euros for the adapter. You want to view your pictures or videos sometimes on the flat screen TV? Another thirty euros for another adapter. These are connections that has any cheap notebook for only a third of the price already. Apple conceded further here and compels one to buy.
My balance before mentioned background is mixed. Perfect synchronization between the units and a stable running system, but alas there are complications. A notebook priced in the Mercedes-Class, which has not even the most basic connections and its support must be paid within three months with juicy prices?
I for myself have decided to separate myself from my Macbook, and here was particularly the support experience and the rolling of various auxiliary pages decisive. Other small toads that I had previously not swallowed, occurred by in the foreground. For example, the only moderate sound from the speakers and the fact that my 13 inch but are a bit too small. The 15-inch model, however, was decidedly too expensive. For my personal applications, it is sufficient if sync iPad and iPhone, the PC other aspects are more important for me. I am returned to Samsung, have now a great 17-inch computer with superior sound and processing power to at least the same level and accept the associated Windows quirks. This notebook has not even tasted thanks to Amazon Warehouse Deals new compared 60% of the Macbook. But everyone must decide for themselves.
But this case I advise not fundamentally dependent on the Macbook, especially if one is just beginning his computer career and you already have to be incorporated into the operation of an operating system itself. Alternatively, if money does not matter.
I pull off two stars because I consider that a manufacturer of premium asking prices should also bring premium value and service. I can not attest against the background of my experience unfortunately.