We Mac users know that the Apple Mac is way superior to the PC. Hopefully the use of apple Macs should soon start to grow in Nigeria. This thread is for anyone experiencing difficulties with their Mac computer. Hopefully we should be able to help!

Superiority is relative and based on individual perceptions.
I for instance, in my line of work, the tools I use have no mac equivalents; thus to me, mac aint superior!. . .not to mention the "superior" cash savings in buying a PC!

Maleeq:

Superiority is relative and based on individual perceptions. I

For instance, n my line of work, the tools I use have no mac equivalents; thus to me, mac aint superior!. . .not the mention the "superior" cash savings in buy a PC!

Definitely superior, especially so in your case, as you can run windows on any Mac via Bootcamp, Parallels or VM Fusion, thereby giving you the best of both worlds!!

So, you advice me to shell out $$$$ in getting a macbook, and then run Windows on it via some virtualization software? Really? What edge would that give over simply getting my regular PC?

Maleeq:

So, you advice me to shell out $$$$ in getting a macbook, and then run Windows on it via some virtualization software? Really? What edge would that give over simply getting my regular PC?

I would like to know which software you are talking about, as most software these days run on macs.
You do not need virtualization software to run windows on a Mac, as all macs come with Bootcamp.
Why do u think Macs cost an arm and a leg? Because you are getting a superior piece of technology!
If you want to know why Macs are better than PC's then go online and find out, the debate is endless.
Macs are mostly used by professionals who use cutting edge technology and demand top notch reliability. ( No viruses or crashes, Windows is unstable unlike OSX)
But if money is an issue, then I guess you are better of with a PC.

There you go, you just mixed it up! Are you referring, by this argument, to mac/pc as a hardware, or mac/pc as software (OS)? For PC aint limited to Windows, so the crashes and viruses you talk about, I don't experience it running Ubuntu Linux on my PC! 

Well, to each his own, but I have been in the industry for long to know that (case study: Nigerians) people buy Macs just becos it makes them look cool

I've been using Macs for a while and will continue to use them but I also have a few Windows PCs that I use.

Today, a Mac is not necessarily better than a Windows computer especially if you’re comparing apples to apples. Windows 7 is probably just as stable as Mac OS 10x. The real reason Macs don’t get virus is because viruses are not written for them due to having a smaller user base.

Do I prefer a Mac, today? Yes because I don’t have to worry about viruses, which means that I also don’t have to run resource-hogging virus protection program.

However, I do have a few gripes with Macs:
1. Office on a MAC feels inferior and works somewhat differently than Office in a Windows environment. Probably intentional since Microsoft wrote both.
2. Macs are just too expensive for what you get. My power adapter stopped working twice in one year. The crappy power adapter was $79. Magic mouse = $69.
3. Not all software has a MAC equivalent. Quickbook is not Mac compatible. Using Boot is ok but that requires you to buy a Window OS license (XP no longer works with the latest Boot version) and also run virus protection.

Apple will continue to get my money because they innovate. I’m debating buying the 27-inch iMac for myself!

Maleeq:

There you go, you just mixed it up! Are you referring, by this argument, to mac/pc as a hardware, or mac/pc as software (OS)? For PC aint limited to Windows, so the crashes and viruses you talk about, I don't experience it running Ubuntu Linux on my PC! 

Well, to each his own, but I have been in the industry for long to know that (case study: Nigerians) people buy Macs just becos it makes them look cool

On a Mac you can legally run Windows or Linux. You cannot legally run OSX on a PC. So Mac users get the best of both worlds.
There will always be a compatibility issue when running operating systems on a PC, because a the company makes that makes the hardware differs from the one that makes the OS , hence the need for drivers. On a Mac however, Apple makes both the Hardware and the OS, so both are seamlessly integrated, eliminating the need for drivers.
To say that Nigerians simply buy Macs because it makes them look cool is an insult to Nigerians. A lot of Nigerians are intelligent enough to understand the benefits of using a Mac.

Wallie:

I've been using Macs for a while and will continue to use them but I also have a few Windows PCs that I use.

Today, a Mac is not necessarily better than a Windows computer especially if you’re comparing apples to apples. Windows 7 is probably just as stable as Mac OS 10x. The real reason Macs don’t get virus is because viruses are not written for them due to having a smaller user base.

Do I prefer a Mac, today? Yes because I don’t have to worry about viruses, which means that I also don’t have to run resource-hogging virus protection program.

However, I do have a few gripes with Macs:
1. Office on a MAC feels inferior and works somewhat differently than Office in a Windows environment. Probably intentional since Microsoft wrote both.
2. Macs are just too expensive for what you get. My power adapter stopped working twice in one year. The crappy power adapter was $79. Magic mouse = $69.
3. Not all software has a MAC equivalent. Quickbook is not Mac compatible. Using Boot is ok but that requires you to buy a Window OS license (XP no longer works with the latest Boot version) and also run virus protection.

Apple will continue to get my money because they innovate. I’m debating buying the 27-inch iMac for myself!

Noted! Mac peripherals do tend to be overpriced. I guess we are paying for the aesthetics, which you must agree are second to none. I will however disagree that Macs themselves are over priced, as I personally believe that the OS alone justifies the price.
You do need to buy a licence to run windows via bootcamp, Parallels or VM, but is that not cheaper than shelling out on a new PC?
Quickbooks 2012 is now available for Mac, and yes you can import you files from the windows version!

@Maleeq, the link below is an article from PC Advisor, they are meant to be experts in everything PC. I'm sure you trust their advice.
They state that there are hundreds of reasons why a Mac is better than a PC, they go on to list 8 reasons why your next computer should be a Mac not a PC

http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/news/apple/115151/8-reasons-why-a-mac-is-better-than-a-pc/

Nuff said? Hopefully you will jump ship 

For every link you post pro mac, I can google up 10 pro PC for you. No one made the authors of the review in the link you provided as "Official referee" in the battle. For all I know, its just another Mac faithful (like you ) that wrote it,

Plus its still comparing software/OS. Their basis of comparison is "Mac running Mac OS X over a Windows PC". I repeat:

Maleeq:

There you go, you just mixed it up! Are you referring, by this argument, to mac/pc as a hardware, or mac/pc as software (OS)? For PC aint limited to Windows.

Plus its pitching comparison against Windows Vista, which Microsoft mumbles underneath its own breathes and admits as flawed!

Olisa74:

There will always be a compatibility issue when running operating systems on a PC, because a the company makes that makes the hardware differs from the one that makes the OS , hence the need for drivers. On a Mac however, Apple makes both the Hardware and the OS, so both are seamlessly integrated, eliminating the need for drivers.

And FYI, Apple puts the "closed" into Closed Source! That's monopolistic. . .and please don't try to justify it for in the tech world, monopoly if frowned upon (bet you know that). The "seamless integration" makes the user essentially tied down to what ever (scrap?) Apple wants you to have.

But really, PC ain't just Windows o!

P.S: Sorry for derailing the point of your thread!  For laughs sake, check this out:

[flash=450,366]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-22EpQOm8c[/flash]

@Maleeq,
The Mac vs PC debate can never be just about the hardware or just about the OS. It is a combination of both. I am typing this reply using windows 7, because yes, there are plenty of good things about Windows ( gaming) or Linux ( Low cost & flexibility). So I can enjoy the benefits of OSX, Windows, or Linux, something you cannot do! So not only do I have a Mac, but I also have a PC. Something you cannot say! Is that not an advantage?

I see you are taking the Mac vs PC debate into political territory. The open source vs closed debate is akin to the removal of the oil subsidy debate in Nigeria. There are advantages for both, which I am sure you know about. So no. Closed Source has little to do with monopoly. We all know that open source software are more derivative than innovative. Is Linux not a derivative of Unix? I believe that technology should be mostly about innovation.

Very funny video though! 

@Wallie, go ahead and buy the 27 inch Imac, the current line ups are outstanding, it is a beast of a machine, the best all in one in the market today.

I just posted a problem/challenge at https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-832141.0.html having not seen this thread earlier. I hope you all can be of help .

Please Nairalanders, help me out - my MacBook (2.4 GHz, 250GB HDD, 2GB RAM, 2008) ain't working.

I was using iMovie to edit/join some videos during which I got error messages. Eventually the edits could not be completed. Then the Safari web browser began to slow down with the annoying SBBOD. The startup time got longer and the system got slower. Indexing (from Spotlight) became noticeable and started to last for about 45 mins after booting. Then I used Onyx to carry out checks and repairs, and the system speed increased a bit. I switched it on one evening only to see a grey coloured screen with this symbol -


I tried to use the install disk for repairs but the only option available was to re-install which I started only to find out that it would take about 18 hours. This I had to abort upon considering the Lagos power cuts but there was a warning on the screen about stopping the process - the computer may not startup.

The next time I tried to power on the MacBook - 2-3 weeks before the transition of Steve Jobs - there was no response; nothing to indicate that anything is working apart from the battery indicator. The install disk is also stuck in the optical drive.

Could there be a problem with the hard disk as the MacBook has fallen more than once?
Could there be a problem with the motherboard?

@amor4ce, the initial symptoms of your macbook indicated a failing hard drive. Was the grey symbol flashing? If so then that means there was no system hard drive available to boot from( a failed drive). When you tried to re-install, the long waiting time also indicated a failing hard drive. Aborting the process could have caused an operating system flaw.
Press the control key, the command key, and the power button at the same time and hold on pressing them for about three seconds, hopefully this should restart your macbook. As your Macbook is starting up, hold down the mouse button, or click down on the trackpad, this should eject your disc. If your machine starts up, and the grey symbol is still flashing, then shut it down and replace the hard drive. It is fairly straight forward to replace on a 2008 macbook. Once replaced, start up your mac again put in the install disk, and re-install the OS. Your system should be up and running again. Let us know how it goes.

Thanks for your response.

The grey symbol was static before it stopped working.

I've tried the method you suggested for getting it to power on but that hasn't work. Do you know of any other options as I want to be sure it is just the hard drive.

amor4ce:

Thanks for your response.

The grey symbol was static before it stopped working.

I've tried the method you suggested for getting it to power on but that hasn't work. Do you know of any other options as I want to be sure it is just the hard drive.

Is it possible for you to use another Magsafe Power adapter to try and turn it on? Has the power adapter played up before? When you try and turn it on do you hear the hard drive spinning?

The first Magsafe power adapter blew during a spike in voltage and I got another of which there later was a cut in the wire from the adapter at the region of the rubber bung which I resolved by joining (rolling) the wires together. Because of my return to Naija in 2010 I bought a Tekkeon external battery to use alongside the national grid and generators - it also works as a substitute for the Magsafe adapter. So far, the MacBook hasn't worked with both.

There were times (started this year) that the indicator would be green for a less than 100% charge after which I would let the battery drain till like forty-something percent. Anytime I tried this and subsequently recharged the charge reached 100%.

Perhaps unrelated: a year (2009) after purchase the lower half of the screen started to flicker then became dysfunctional. I bought a LCD screen from Amazon and with the help of a friend replaced the faulty one.

There was no sound as well.

The pic of the kernel panic as displayed on this page seems very familiar though I'm not sure since it has been a while. The comments on that page are also interesting.
I just hope the logic board is still okay.

pls, how can i get a macbook charger i am in imo state

amor4ce:

The first Magsafe power adapter blew during a spike in voltage and I got another of which there later was a cut in the wire from the adapter at the region of the rubber bung which I resolved by joining (rolling) the wires together. Because of my return to Naija in 2010 I bought a Tekkeon external battery to use alongside the national grid and generators - it also works as a substitute for the Magsafe adapter. So far, the MacBook hasn't worked with both.

There were times (started this year) that the indicator would be green for a less than 100% charge after which I would let the battery drain till like forty-something percent. Anytime I tried this and subsequently recharged the charge reached 100%.

Perhaps unrelated: a year (2009) after purchase the lower half of the screen started to flicker then became dysfunctional. I bought a LCD screen from Amazon and with the help of a friend replaced the faulty one.

I am afraid it is starting to look like it might be a logic board problem. They are quite expensive to replace. I think you should try and get a specialist to physically look at it, you might still be lucky!. I am not sure how many specialists they have in Nigeria. I do know some specialists in the UK that you can ship it to, they fix it and ship it back to you. All in all you are looking at quite a bit of money to spend in getting it fixed.

aboyio:

pls, how can i get a macbook charger i am in imo state

Your best bet might be;

The Orchard, Shop 3, Civic Centre Ozumba Mbadiwe Street, VI, Lagos, 07028064109

Give them a call, and see if they can deliver one to you.

I'll try iShopA.com at their Ikeja office perhaps this week or the next and give details of the feedback here.

aboyio:

pls, how can i get a macbook charger i am in imo state

You can try iShopA as well as there's a branch in PH
RDI-SATCOM
9 Estate Road
Woji Port Harcourt
08033400981

ph@AppleNG.com

Chipmunk International has a decoder ring for Macintosh hardware serial numbers. Simply enter your SN into their online form and it will tell you all kinds of facts about your Mac including: name, model, production factory, production year, week and number during that week. The site supports all Apple products including computers, laptops, monitors, printers and batteries.

http://www.chipmunk.nl/klantenservice/applemodel.html

amor4ce:

I'll try iShopA.com at their Ikeja office perhaps this week or the next and give details of the feedback here.

Let us know how it goes, Goodluck!!!

amor4ce:

Chipmunk International has a decoder ring for Macintosh hardware serial numbers. Simply enter your SN into their online form and it will tell you all kinds of facts about your Mac including: name, model, production factory, production year, week and number during that week. The site supports all Apple products including computers, laptops, monitors, printers and batteries.

http://www.chipmunk.nl/klantenservice/applemodel.html

Very useful tool!!!

Hi all i just got me a Macbook Pro and i cant seem to get acquainted with using it even tho i'm not a pro with computers but i still find it complicated when compared with others.For instance i tried downloading something and when i needed to open the stuff it kept asking me what application to use in opening the download and i got stuck.Another is the copy and paste which i've always known to be ctrl+c or highlighting all which is ctrl+a and so on but on the mackbook pro i dont know what keys to use.I cant also right click like in other computers also.I do not have adobe on mine too do i need to install this as well.

I would appreciate a lil tutorial on how to get on with my macbook pro.

chillbabe:

Hi all i just got me a Macbook Pro and i cant seem to get acquainted with using it even tho i'm not a pro with computers but i still find it complicated when compared with others.For instance i tried downloading something and when i needed to open the stuff it kept asking me what application to use in opening the download and i got stuck.Another is the copy and paste which i've always known to be ctrl+c or highlighting all which is ctrl+a and so on but on the mackbook pro i dont know what keys to use.I cant also right click like in other computers also.I do not have adobe on mine too do i need to install this as well.

I would appreciate a lil tutorial on how to get on with my macbook pro.

Hello, getting started with a mac, the first thing you have to do is go to system preferences to change certain settings to suite your needs. The default settings can be quite frustrating. Click on System Preferences, then on the second row click trackpad. You can then enable a tap with two fingers for right clicking, and a host of other gestures. There are videos to the right of each gesture explaining what they do. I suggest you tick all of them and get yourself acquainted with them. After a while, they become second nature. Any gesture you feel uncomfortable with, simply untick the box.
To copy and paste is similar to windows, you use the command key (cmd) instead of Control (Ctrl) on windows. If you enabled gestures, you can simply tap on the highlighted item with two fingers, a list of options appear, tap copy, then tap with two fingers again where you want it pasted to, then tap paste ( much easier if u ask me).
When installing programs on a Mac, after downloading it, double click on it to mount it. Once mounted, double click on it, and drag the program to your applications folder( it is important you do this or else the program would not install). The program should then install on your mac.
Most importantly, keep playing around with your Mac to get the hang of things. Most settings are in system preferences so have a bit of a wonder around there to understand what settings do what.

Stickying this thread to first page! About time a mac lounge is started.

Olisa74:

Hello, getting started with a mac, the first thing you have to do is go to system preferences to change certain settings to suite your needs. The default settings can be quite frustrating. Click on System Preferences, then on the second row click trackpad. You can then enable a tap with two fingers for right clicking, and a host of other gestures. There are videos to the right of each gesture explaining what they do. I suggest you tick all of them and get yourself acquainted with them. After a while, they become second nature. Any gesture you feel uncomfortable with, simply untick the box.
To copy and paste is similar to windows, you use the command key (cmd) instead of Control (Ctrl) on windows. If you enabled gestures, you can simply tap on the highlighted item with two fingers, a list of options appear, tap copy, then tap with two fingers again where you want it pasted to, then tap paste ( much easier if u ask me).
When installing programs on a Mac, after downloading it, double click on it to mount it. Once mounted, double click on it, and drag the program to your applications folder( it is important you do this or else the program would not install). The program should then install on your mac.
Most importantly, keep playing around with your Mac to get the hang of things. Most settings are in system preferences so have a bit of a wonder around there to understand what settings do what.

@olisa
loadsa thanks broda, hugs

Maleeq:

Stickying this thread to first page! About time a mac lounge is started.

Nice one Maleeq!!!!!!!!

The thread says ' Post Your Imac, Macbook And Macbook Pro Problems Here.' so why all these MAC and PC arguments?