Well I have been using my Macbook now for a couple of eventful weeks. Problems unfortunately have never been far away during my experience with using it.
The main issues encountered revolve around the two following areas -
1. Wireless Connectivity – Everyday there has been an issue when trying to connect to my home wireless network. The Macbook blatantly refuses to connect to the Wireless if I use WEP, however three other devices at home have no problems at all connecting. So I went to WPA2. This was working initially up until a few days ago where it would simply refuse to get a dynamic IP address from my router, thus rendering the Internet connection as useful as a chocolate ashtray. I hope that the problems all stem from my router being a little ‘flakey’.
2. Permission Problems – Ever since I had my first major problem when implementing a BootCamp installation using XP, I have been plagued by what I believe to be ‘Permission’ based problems. Numerous errors regarding numerous Applications have been occurring on a daily basis. More frustratingly, a program will work fine one day and the very next day will not even run. Again, I hope this is all due to my initial problems regarding ‘BootCampGate’ which happened a week ago now. I will update this scenario accordingly when I know more.
I will of course try and find the root cause of these problems and repair them, however, that classic line which the typical Mac user uses ‘Macs just work‘ is admittedly starting to grate a little on me as I can only go by my own experiences so far, and unfortunately so far I have had more problems than good times with my Macbook.
Do not get me wrong; I have not given up yet, far from it. I want to get to love my Mac, I want to give it a fair and decent trial period before I throw in the towel and go back to Windows.
Lets see where this journey goes………………..
3 May, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Have you called Apple support? You should on the networking issue. Permissions can be repaired with Disk Utility in your Utilities folder within the Applications folder. Also, have you ever used the Help menu when you’re in Finder? Sometimes your issues may be resolved; but Apple’s free 90 day telephone support covers problems such as yours.f If you recall, they’re rated highest in support.
3 May, 2008 at 2:49 pm
If you would care to fill in a little more detail, I’m sure there are many practiced hands waiting to help resolve your problems.
Do these issues revolve around your Bootcamp installation? or are we talking a mixture of app. problems across both OS’s? What apps are you experiencing problems with? How many apps are you running? How much memory do you have? Have you run Repair Permissions? ~Apps>Utilities>Disc Utility…. ‘tho it is better run from your Installation disc.
Are you running lots of Widgets? Some are very flaky – try turning them all off and restarting.
There’s nothing much to go on in your post.
Without wishing to patronise you, how close are you to an Apple Store. 30mins spent with one will sort out a host of problems and give you lots more clues about how it ‘all just works’ on a Mac. It’s free for goodness sake
I know well the feeling of ‘I should be able to do this’ but nothing is that straightforward when changing platforms.
Good luck anyway
3 May, 2008 at 4:29 pm
I hope this will help, get a linksys router, stop using logitech software for whatever, remove your usb connection to a hd with Tiger installed (if you are using one).
And check your third party apps.
goodluck
3 May, 2008 at 7:06 pm
Hope you figure it out soon. No problems here with permissions or wifi connectivity.
3 May, 2008 at 11:21 pm
Get a new router. Most of them out there are cheap junk, and need to be replaced often. Trust me, I work for a cable company. I know.
4 May, 2008 at 4:42 am
I second what AdamC says: Linksys (or Apple) router, no Logitech software.
I also second flintwall: If you live near an Apple Store… take your Mac in. The Genius Bar is free tech support.
FREE TECH SUPPORT!!!!
…and if you make an appointment on the website, you don’t even have to wait in line.
I’m waiting for my router to die so I have an excuse to buy an Airport Extreme. Stupid, well-built, reliable Linksys.
4 May, 2008 at 7:53 am
Hi, Sorry to hear of your teething troubles.
Which version of Leopard are you using, I had awful trouble with WiFi until I upgraded to 10.5.2. After that upgrade and the latest Airport software update, to 5.3.1 and going through the WiFi setup process after that update all has worked without a hitch. I have an iBook, an iPod Touch, an iMac and a MacPro which all use a “g” network consisting of a Motorola Surfboard Cable modem attached via ethernet to my Airport base station. The network is extended through the house via two Airport Express’s. Try changing the channel you are using. I have two neighbours who are on channel 1 and moving to channel 13 may also have helped ease my connection problems. I do not use Boot Camp or have Windows installed, but from my limited knowledge, these installations should have no effect on your Mac software when booted into Windows. If you care to list the the third party Mac software you have installed, someone may be able to comment on possible problems and fixes.
Good luck and you know that you have the goodwill of the Mac community waiting to help you
4 May, 2008 at 6:01 pm
I’ve just remembered to take my spare WiFi router into work on Tuesday!!!
13 July, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Just wanted to say I feel your pain. I had an early MacBook and it would connect every time to my WEP wireless, never missed a beat. It was remarkable. Really reliable.
Changed to a new MacBook and it refuses to connect. I can reboot the router and the macbook many times, re-enter the details… it’s infuriating. Especially given the G3 and G4 iBooks I have connect on boot, reconnect after falling asleep and never require the details to be entered again.
I have a feeling the hardware has changed and they’ve not been so rigorous with their testing.