[Mac 101] Ask your questions here!

[shawn_sboi]

Thanks for the prompt response.

But when ordering the Macbook, how do we know if we are getting the 32 or 64 bit?

it will be 64bit for sure.

 

[davi502]

Mac OS X is 64bit OS.

 

[bockscar]

Thanks for all the replies!

 

[[[ForeverAlone]]]

Those using snow leopard , on iMac 2011 model <
Do you encounter sometimes while
On your iMac sometimes a loading bar will be show below the apple logo?
Check up apple support site ~
Either hdd is getting faulty or have to do a disk check ~
Problem here sometimes have sometimes don't ~
Apple only stated "if" every time you turn on and encounter this issue most likely is hdd faulty ~
But for my case is sometimes ~

Also check around other Mac forum ~
Some user comment if you press and hold abit it will show this download bar while loading the osx
Some comment just press and let go it will show this download bar ~


Huh there are two types ~

One is below apple logo , with a loading circule and below is the loading bar ~

Another is just apple logo and loading bar~


Is it one is Diskcheck status?

Another one is firmware update?

 

[bockscar]

Planning to get my first Macbook. I'm currently torn between the 13" Pro and 13" Air. Both will be upgraded to 8GB RAM.

Did a fair bit of reading/research.

Based on benchmarks, the 13" Pro (2.9Ghz) is about 28% faster (Geekbench Benchmarks: 8590 for the 13" Pro and 6670 for the 13" Air). I will be doing engineering in uni. but I think the Air's performance will suffice for most software needs. And I can cope with a slower speed for the occasional use of such software cos at most i'll do the module for a semester and i wont use it again.

But more importantly is running Windows on Mac. Did some reading on the difference between Bootcamp and Parallels.

The HDD/SSD space difference between the two is the one that will decide which I will be getting.

Bootcamp
I will need to do a partition on my hard disk. Assuming I get a 13" Air with 256GB SSD, the usable space will probably be lower by about 10-20GB? Not sure of the exact amount cos I've never had a Mac and unsure how much space OSX takes up.

Given that I will only use Windows 10% of the time, how much SSD space will be needed to install Windows and maybe a few programs? Would 50GB be sufficient? That will only leave me with at least 150GB SSD of free space on OSX.

And partitions cant be increased/decreased without having to re-do the entire boot camp setup right?

RAM - While I understand that HDD space will be partitioned? What about RAM. Will they be partitioned? Or will I get to fully utilize 8GB when I'm using OSX, and fully utilize 8GB when I'm using Windows. I notice that for Parallels they assign the amount of RAM.


Parallels

Based on youtube videos I've seen, it's like running Windows in OSX like an app.

When installing the Windows via Parallels, we are asked to assign the RAM. If 2GB is assigned from a the 8GB ram, will that be permanent? Or if I'm not running parallels the full 8GB will be used by OSX and when I open Windows via Parallels only then will 2GB be assigned for separate use?



In a nutshell, I'm deciding between the 13" Air and 13" Pro on its abilities to comfortably support Windows (either via Bootcamp or Parallel). And of course, I will need a Superdrive to install Windows on the Air but I just found a workaround to install via a USB flash drive.

Thanks in advanced.

 

[shawn_sboi]

Planning to get my first Macbook. I'm currently torn between the 13" Pro and 13" Air. Both will be upgraded to 8GB RAM.

Did a fair bit of reading/research.

Based on benchmarks, the 13" Pro (2.9Ghz) is about 28% faster (Geekbench Benchmarks: 8590 for the 13" Pro and 6670 for the 13" Air). I will be doing engineering in uni. but I think the Air's performance will suffice for most software needs. And I can cope with a slower speed for the occasional use of such software cos at most i'll do the module for a semester and i wont use it again.

But more importantly is running Windows on Mac. Did some reading on the difference between Bootcamp and Parallels.

The HDD/SSD space difference between the two is the one that will decide which I will be getting.

Bootcamp
I will need to do a partition on my hard disk. Assuming I get a 13" Air with 256GB SSD, the usable space will probably be lower by about 10-20GB? Not sure of the exact amount cos I've never had a Mac and unsure how much space OSX takes up.

Given that I will only use Windows 10% of the time, how much SSD space will be needed to install Windows and maybe a few programs? Would 50GB be sufficient? That will only leave me with at least 150GB SSD of free space on OSX.

And partitions cant be increased/decreased without having to re-do the entire boot camp setup right?

RAM - While I understand that HDD space will be partitioned? What about RAM. Will they be partitioned? Or will I get to fully utilize 8GB when I'm using OSX, and fully utilize 8GB when I'm using Windows. I notice that for Parallels they assign the amount of RAM.


Parallels

Based on youtube videos I've seen, it's like running Windows in OSX like an app.

When installing the Windows via Parallels, we are asked to assign the RAM. If 2GB is assigned from a the 8GB ram, will that be permanent? Or if I'm not running parallels the full 8GB will be used by OSX and when I open Windows via Parallels only then will 2GB be assigned for separate use?



In a nutshell, I'm deciding between the 13" Air and 13" Pro on its abilities to comfortably support Windows (either via Bootcamp or Parallel). And of course, I will need a Superdrive to install Windows on the Air but I just found a workaround to install via a USB flash drive.

Thanks in advanced.

1) Mac OSX is 10-12GB roughly.

2) Since u are going to use 10% of windows then i would recommend 30GB on bootcamp.

3) I would recommend installing on bootcamp and get parallel as parallel can open ur bootcamp drives on Mac OSX

4) Ram question if u install on bootcamp they will use all available ram

Uni student doing engineering do get air13" or pro13"

air13" have better and faster speed in term of drive and application boot up.

yes work around is using refit however the process is gonna be tough. tried it before.

 

[zitseng]

But more importantly is running Windows on Mac. Did some reading on the difference between Bootcamp and Parallels.

The HDD/SSD space difference between the two is the one that will decide which I will be getting.

Bootcamp
I will need to do a partition on my hard disk. Assuming I get a 13" Air with 256GB SSD, the usable space will probably be lower by about 10-20GB? Not sure of the exact amount cos I've never had a Mac and unsure how much space OSX takes up.

Given that I will only use Windows 10% of the time, how much SSD space will be needed to install Windows and maybe a few programs? Would 50GB be sufficient? That will only leave me with at least 150GB SSD of free space on OSX.

And partitions cant be increased/decreased without having to re-do the entire boot camp setup right?

RAM - While I understand that HDD space will be partitioned? What about RAM. Will they be partitioned? Or will I get to fully utilize 8GB when I'm using OSX, and fully utilize 8GB when I'm using Windows. I notice that for Parallels they assign the amount of RAM.


Parallels

Based on youtube videos I've seen, it's like running Windows in OSX like an app.

When installing the Windows via Parallels, we are asked to assign the RAM. If 2GB is assigned from a the 8GB ram, will that be permanent? Or if I'm not running parallels the full 8GB will be used by OSX and when I open Windows via Parallels only then will 2GB be assigned for separate use?

RAM is not partitioned. When Parallels does not run, OS X and its apps has all 8 GB. If you use Bootcamp, Bootcamp has all 8 GB.

Personally, I would recommend to go with a virtualization solution instead of Bootcamp. It is much more convenient to be able to run both OS X and Windows at the same time. The SSD will make things so snappy that any performance loss due to virtualization becomes negligible. Apart from Parallels, you can also consider VMware.

 

[shawn_sboi]

RAM is not partitioned. When Parallels does not run, OS X and its apps has all 8 GB. If you use Bootcamp, Bootcamp has all 8 GB.

Personally, I would recommend to go with a virtualization solution instead of Bootcamp. It is much more convenient to be able to run both OS X and Windows at the same time. The SSD will make things so snappy that any performance loss due to virtualization becomes negligible. Apart from Parallels, you can also consider VMware.

If you do realize, having a bootcamp partition is good in a sense that if you require to use windows at times.

VMware and parallels allow u to open the bootcamp partition without creating a VMware/parallel image. which is even better.

 

[bockscar]

1) Mac OSX is 10-12GB roughly.

2) Since u are going to use 10% of windows then i would recommend 30GB on bootcamp.

3) I would recommend installing on bootcamp and get parallel as parallel can open ur bootcamp drives on Mac OSX

4) Ram question if u install on bootcamp they will use all available ram

Uni student doing engineering do get air13" or pro13"

air13" have better and faster speed in term of drive and application boot up.

yes work around is using refit however the process is gonna be tough. tried it before.

Thanks for your prompt response and advice.

With regards to your points:

2) 30GB sounds ideal. But of this 30GB any estimate how much space the Windows 7 will take up. I'd like to set aside about 20GB after installing the Windows 7.

So it'll be Windows 7 + 20GB free space.

3) Meaning to say. I install bootcamp. And then install Parallels on Mac OSX. Then the Parallels will allow me to virtualize the bootcamp (Windows OS) when I'm in Mac OSX?

I dont get what you mean by bootcamp drives.

And looks like I will need a superdrive to make things easier.

RAM is not partitioned. When Parallels does not run, OS X and its apps has all 8 GB. If you use Bootcamp, Bootcamp has all 8 GB.

Personally, I would recommend to go with a virtualization solution instead of Bootcamp. It is much more convenient to be able to run both OS X and Windows at the same time. The SSD will make things so snappy that any performance loss due to virtualization becomes negligible. Apart from Parallels, you can also consider VMware.

Ah. Seems like the SSD will outweigh the small difference in CPU speed of the 13" Pro. Thanks.

So when in Parallels, if I assign 2GB to the Virtualization, whenever I use the Windows, my OSX will automatically switch to 6GB to run on?

Btw, I read your page - http://zitseng.com/archives/4070

Good insight.

If you do realize, having a bootcamp partition is good in a sense that if you require to use windows at times.

VMware and parallels allow u to open the bootcamp partition without creating a VMware/parallel image. which is even better.

I dont quite understand this part. Can elaborate on the 2nd paragraph?

Thanks.

 

[shawn_sboi]

Thanks for your prompt response and advice.

With regards to your points:

2) 30GB sounds ideal. But of this 30GB any estimate how much space the Windows 7 will take up. I'd like to set aside about 20GB after installing the Windows 7.

So it'll be Windows 7 + 20GB free space.

3) Meaning to say. I install bootcamp. And then install Parallels on Mac OSX. Then the Parallels will allow me to virtualize the bootcamp (Windows OS) when I'm in Mac OSX?

I dont get what you mean by bootcamp drives.

And looks like I will need a superdrive to make things easier.



Ah. Seems like the SSD will outweigh the small difference in CPU speed of the 13" Pro. Thanks.

So when in Parallels, if I assign 2GB to the Virtualization, whenever I use the Windows, my OSX will automatically switch to 6GB to run on?

Btw, I read your page - Choosing A MacBook for NUS Students | Zit Seng's Superwall

Good insight.



I dont quite understand this part. Can elaborate on the 2nd paragraph?

Thanks.

Windows 7 takes around 10-12GB if i remember correct. so 30GB is just fine. the minimum disc space to install windows using bootcamp is 25GB if i remember correctly.

3) Meaning to say. I install bootcamp. And then install Parallels on Mac OSX. Then the Parallels will allow me to virtualize the bootcamp (Windows OS) when I'm in Mac OSX?

I dont get what you mean by bootcamp drives.

Let me elaborate on this.

You install Windows 7 using bootcamp.

Then install parallel or VMware.

Parallel will allow u to virutalize the bootcamp drive which u have already install windows 7.

Hence u can run Windows 7 + mac osx

I dont quite understand this part. Can elaborate on the 2nd paragraph?

Thanks.

I will give u an example.

If you were to install windows 7 using parallel or vmware. parallel/vmware will create a image on ur Mac OSX. Which take space on ur mac osx drive.

So if you use bootcamp, parallel/VMware can just open the bootcamp drive withut needing to create the image. Simple?

 

[bockscar]

Windows 7 takes around 10-12GB if i remember correct. so 30GB is just fine. the minimum disc space to install windows using bootcamp is 25GB if i remember correctly.

Let me elaborate on this.

You install Windows 7 using bootcamp.

Then install parallel or VMware.

Parallel will allow u to virutalize the bootcamp drive which u have already install windows 7.

Hence u can run Windows 7 + mac osx

I will give u an example.

If you were to install windows 7 using parallel or vmware. parallel/vmware will create a image on ur Mac OSX. Which take space on ur mac osx drive.

So if you use bootcamp, parallel/VMware can just open the bootcamp drive withut needing to create the image. Simple?

Ohh I think I get it.

Install the Windows 7 on bootcamp, and then install Parallels/VMware to virtualize the bootcamp drive. Doing this will be better instead of purely using Parallel which will create an image on the OSX, and taking up space.

 

[shawn_sboi]

Ohh I think I get it.

Install the Windows 7 on bootcamp, and then install Parallels/VMware to virtualize the bootcamp drive. Doing this will be better instead of purely using Parallel which will create an image on the OSX, and taking up space.

Correct

 

[davi502]

Just a note, using that approach won't allow you to perform any snapshots in that vm - any changes made on the disk is permanent.

And isn't creating a bootcamp partition taking up space in the first place? It's just not residing on the same partition your Mac OS is.

 

[shawn_sboi]

Just a note, using that approach won't allow you to perform any snapshots in that vm - any changes made on the disk is permanent.

And isn't creating a bootcamp partition taking up space in the first place? It's just not residing on the same partition your Mac OS is.

Yes won't have any snapshots of the VM. which means u can't pause it. you got to shut it down.

However it's at least better this way for me. up to individual preferences.

Yes creating bootcamp and doing an image via parallel also uses space.

 

[bockscar]

One last question, is the Macbook Air compatible with other superdrives?

Reading some reviews of the Apple Superdrive and some say that it's not good. ie. problem reading some types of CDs.

If can, would rather get other brands which are cheaper.

Thanks once again.

 

[shawn_sboi]

One last question, is the Macbook Air compatible with other superdrives?

Reading some reviews of the Apple Superdrive and some say that it's not good. ie. problem reading some types of CDs.

If can, would rather get other brands which are cheaper.

Thanks once again.

Yes other brand works fine. Remember seeing a student using a lenovo cd drive.

 

[tamago_]

Planning to get my first Macbook. I'm currently torn between the 13" Pro and 13" Air. Both will be upgraded to 8GB RAM.

Did a fair bit of reading/research.

Based on benchmarks, the 13" Pro (2.9Ghz) is about 28% faster (Geekbench Benchmarks: 8590 for the 13" Pro and 6670 for the 13" Air). I will be doing engineering in uni. but I think the Air's performance will suffice for most software needs. And I can cope with a slower speed for the occasional use of such software cos at most i'll do the module for a semester and i wont use it again.

But more importantly is running Windows on Mac. Did some reading on the difference between Bootcamp and Parallels.

The HDD/SSD space difference between the two is the one that will decide which I will be getting.

Bootcamp
I will need to do a partition on my hard disk. Assuming I get a 13" Air with 256GB SSD, the usable space will probably be lower by about 10-20GB? Not sure of the exact amount cos I've never had a Mac and unsure how much space OSX takes up.

Given that I will only use Windows 10% of the time, how much SSD space will be needed to install Windows and maybe a few programs? Would 50GB be sufficient? That will only leave me with at least 150GB SSD of free space on OSX.

And partitions cant be increased/decreased without having to re-do the entire boot camp setup right?

RAM - While I understand that HDD space will be partitioned? What about RAM. Will they be partitioned? Or will I get to fully utilize 8GB when I'm using OSX, and fully utilize 8GB when I'm using Windows. I notice that for Parallels they assign the amount of RAM.


Parallels

Based on youtube videos I've seen, it's like running Windows in OSX like an app.

When installing the Windows via Parallels, we are asked to assign the RAM. If 2GB is assigned from a the 8GB ram, will that be permanent? Or if I'm not running parallels the full 8GB will be used by OSX and when I open Windows via Parallels only then will 2GB be assigned for separate use?



In a nutshell, I'm deciding between the 13" Air and 13" Pro on its abilities to comfortably support Windows (either via Bootcamp or Parallel). And of course, I will need a Superdrive to install Windows on the Air but I just found a workaround to install via a USB flash drive.

Thanks in advanced.

i use 50GB for Windows and 206GB for Mac on my 256GB SSD. Don't recommend Parallels if you only have 256GB total. Just boot to Windows and do your things there, definitely faster and cooler than using virtualization due to lower overheads. You'll use Mac most of the time anyway.

 

[zitseng]

So when in Parallels, if I assign 2GB to the Virtualization, whenever I use the Windows, my OSX will automatically switch to 6GB to run on?

That's about right. Remember that to OS X, Parallels is just an app. The app can ask to lock 2 GB of real memory, so that leaves OS X left with 6 GB (or less) to run other apps.

 

[cracker]

just received my order of refurbished macbook air (2011) 2 weeks ago, does it qualify for the free upgrade to mountain lion ? Cant find any information on refurbished set in apple website.

 

[limpe84]

just received my order of refurbished macbook air (2011) 2 weeks ago, does it qualify for the free upgrade to mountain lion ? Cant find any information on refurbished set in apple website.

Apple - See if you qualify for a free OS X Mountain Lion upgrade.

Key phrase :

The OS X Mountain Lion Up-to-Date upgrade will be available at no additional charge from the Mac App Store to all customers who purchase a qualifying new Mac system from Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller on or after June 11, 2012.

Refurbs don't count as new, so I am afraid you won't be getting the free upgrade.