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Can I completely format a MacBook and install just Windows?

post #1 of 18
6/11/06 at 4:04am
Thread Starter 
Ok, so I'm thinking about buying a MacBook, because I think they are some of the best looking notebooks out there. However, I use Windows heavily and simply can't be without it for my work. And yes, it involves more than just using Microsoft Office.

I'm wondering if I can completely format the Hard Drive on the Macbook, and install Windows XP, and use it just like any other Windows based laptop.

I know about BootCamp, and while it would be nice to have two OS's on my MacBook, I simply don't anticipate using the Mac OS all that much. I would rather remove the partition containing the Mac OS, in order to obtain more hard disk space. Again, for my work.

Is there anything that would keep me from having a perfectly functioning Windows OS on the MacBook, things like driver issues, performance issues, etc.? Is there any propietary "Apple Hardware" in the MacBook that Windows would not be able to access, use, take advantage of?

Thanks for any help?
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post #2 of 18
6/11/06 at 4:24am
Google is probably your best bet, as things are changing daily with Windows on the MacBooks. Also check out Apple>Support>Discussions .

If you've no desire to run OS X, seems a bit of a waste to get a MacBook, as there are some nice Windows only machines out now (e.g. ASUS, ACER, etc).
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post #3 of 18
6/11/06 at 5:07am
There's no point in buying a Mac if you're just going to run Windows.
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post #4 of 18
6/11/06 at 6:46am
It is possible, they had to totally reformat to install vista and that means you can install windows without osx. Google it to find out more.
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post #5 of 18
6/11/06 at 10:53am
If you aren't going to use OSX or any of the Mac software there isn't any point to getting a Mac. You can get an Intel based laptop cheaper elseware.
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post #6 of 18
6/11/06 at 4:05pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by m0e
If you aren't going to use OSX or any of the Mac software there isn't any point to getting a Mac. You can get an Intel based laptop cheaper elseware.

I knew I would annoy some avid Mac fans, but again, that's not my intent.

As I said, I love the design of the MacBook. I really love the slot loading drive. Sure, I can get a laptop for cheaper elsewhere, but there IS a point in me getting a MacBook and using Windows. The MacBook looks freakin' awesome! That's the point! And for around $1100, it's not bad for a laptop.

I'm wondering if I can simply format the hard drive and install nothing but Windows XP. Can I find all the necessary drivers for the MacBook's internal components to run under windows? Will there be any noticeable performance differences between a MacBook running Windows and any other similarly spec'd laptop running Windows?

Thanks again for any help.
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post #7 of 18
6/11/06 at 4:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by benjamonous
I knew I would annoy some avid Mac fans, but again, that's not my intent.

As I said, I love the design of the MacBook. I really love the slot loading drive. Sure, I can get a laptop for cheaper elsewhere, but there IS a point in me getting a MacBook and using Windows. The MacBook looks freakin' awesome! That's the point! And for around $1100, it's not bad for a laptop.

I'm wondering if I can simply format the hard drive and install nothing but Windows XP. Can I find all the necessary drivers for the MacBook's internal components to run under windows? Will there be any noticeable performance differences between a MacBook running Windows and any other similarly spec'd laptop running Windows?

Thanks again for any help.

I was wondering the same thing, to be honest. I have been searching for a 13" notebook to run vista, and I can't seem to find anything besides the sony and I hate sony. The macbook seems to have it all.
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post #8 of 18
6/11/06 at 8:33pm
Keep in mind Bootcamp still hasn't got all the bugs worked out, and somethings like the iSight don't work at all in it.
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post #9 of 18
6/11/06 at 8:43pm
benjamonous - understand your reasoning. The issue now is Boot Camp is still in beta - there is another program Parallels that supports Windows on the Macs.

I wouldn't want to run Windows just now because of driver issues...some work, but others take some tweaking. For example, my function keys don't properly control the sound when I'm in Windows. I'm sure I can find a work around, and ultimately people will find solutions to these issues. It just depends on how adventurous and patient you are, as to whether you want to jump in and be a Windows only guy on a MacBook.
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post #10 of 18
6/11/06 at 10:03pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by shazza
benjamonous - understand your reasoning. The issue now is Boot Camp is still in beta - there is another program Parallels that supports Windows on the Macs.

I wouldn't want to run Windows just now because of driver issues...some work, but others take some tweaking. For example, my function keys don't properly control the sound when I'm in Windows. I'm sure I can find a work around, and ultimately people will find solutions to these issues. It just depends on how adventurous and patient you are, as to whether you want to jump in and be a Windows only guy on a MacBook.


Shazza, thanks for the info. So, would you recommend just holding off for now from buying a MacBook until the Windows driver issues are fixed?

Thanks
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post #11 of 18
6/12/06 at 12:33am
Yep - I'd hold off for now, if it's going to be only a Windows machine...see what happens in the next few months.
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post #12 of 18
6/12/06 at 3:31am
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post #13 of 18
6/12/06 at 4:52am
Good points, m0e. I'd be really surprised if they make a 13.3" aluminum Pro model (although I'd love to see one with a dedicated graphics card).

On a side note, I was very impressed with OS X (Panther) when I switched about 4 years ago. At that time it was a great improvement over Windows 2000 and ME. Now that I've used XP for a couple of years, I don't find as big a difference - but I still prefer OS X. Vista will be interesting, once (and if) the bugs get ironed out. My primary preference for Macs now is very much due to the styling.
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post #14 of 18
6/12/06 at 11:45am
I have read enough comments about people still using their 12” PowerBooks because of the portability and comments about the missing features on the MB compared to the MBP so I think there is a market out there for a 13.3” MBP and I would guess Apple has seen this also. Whether a 13.3” MBP could be built and run stable enough is another question, this is why we never saw a G5 PowerBook. Even in the 20” G5 iMac there were heat and power issues and that was nowhere near as small a form factor as a 13.3” notebook. But I can still dream.
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post #15 of 18
6/12/06 at 7:14pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by m0e
It didn’t really annoy me.
He'd annoy the crowd over at AI though. They hate anything that doesn't worship Apple.
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post #16 of 18
6/19/06 at 1:40pm
The MacBook is a pretty weak machine considering it uses integrated graphics and is a mac. Why even consider getting one? There are plenty of "cool looking" ultraportables that run OS's you can use your software without bother in such as Sony SZ, etc. that provide far better graphics then this "MacBook". The MacBook pro on the other hand is nice...256mb x1600 with an OK 15.4 screen with nice materials and 1" thick. Once vista and merom come out and it is either hacked to all hell or apple releases something and you can wipe the drive this MIGHT be a viable solution for you. But IMO the macbook is not worth the hassle as it really isn't a very desirable or unique system considering the components.
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post #17 of 18
6/19/06 at 7:22pm
The Intel iBook is IDENTICAL to the Intel PowerBook save for the fact that it has integrated graphics.

Integrated graphics is only a concern if you play games extensively or if you do any type of 3D modelling/animation/CAD work.

Do your bloody homework and stop trolling.
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post #18 of 18
6/19/06 at 9:19pm
i dont see the macbook as a pretty weak machine. it has everything a xps1210 has.(the int solution.)
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