[BC] Laptop thoughts?

[Broadcast List USER]

Apple's MacBook PROs are kind of weak on WiFi.  The MacBooks were  
never a problem.

The issue is that the darned antenna is inside the case, and on the  
Pros, the case is metal!

The MacBooks were all plastic until the just released newest  
generation.  I don't know for a fact, but I believe the top two will  
have the same problem.

However, the $999 entry model is STILL PLASTIC.  It should be fine.

An easy fix, and I admit it is stupid to have to do it, is an  
external WiFi unit, like Apple's Airport Express.  You connect it to  
the machine with an Ethernet cable.  I have used others when staying  
in hotels with weak coverage.  They ALWAYS have them at the front desk.

I am on my third 17" Mac.  First two were G4 PowerBooks, and now an  
Intel MacBook Pro.  I have my home airport turned down to 10% power,  
and I have no trouble anywhere in the house, and over most of the  
yard.  I believe I am going to move the AP to the basement to further  
limit coverage as 10% is as low as it will go.

The BEAUTY thing about the Mac is it doesn't run Windoz.  It comes  
out of the box running both Mac OS X.5 AND UNIX.  You can add Linux  
if you want under Parallels or better yet,  VM Ware Fusion.

Now, if I had to equip a staff, I wold get them the plastic MacBook.   
The MacBook line was designed for schools, and children.  It is no  
Toughbook, but it is 1/4 the cost, and darned sturdy.

--chip

On Feb 2, 2009, at 12:14 AM, broadcast-request at radiolists.net wrote:

> Message: 17
> From: Barry Mishkind <barry at oldradio.com>
>
>          Asus makes PCs now under $400, even under
>          $300 for some models.
>
>          I have had several Lenovo and Apple laptops
>          in the past five years. Each has had some strong
>          points and weak points.  (Apple is week on WiFi,
>          for example).
>
>          If were going to buy a new one right now, it would
>          be more determined by usage and needs than
>          brand name. From what I saw at CES, Lenovo
>          is a good machine ... of course politics aside.
>          Apple is also good, but you do pay for the
>          name/hardware compatibility.
>
>          b