Andre Andraos asks:

I’m buying a new laptop (Macbook Pro), and was contemplating whether I should get glossy or matte finish screen. What are advantaged and disadvantaged to each? I am using this laptop both indoors and out, and planning to use it for: playing high-end games, schoolwork, web and graphic designing, computer programs, etc. What would you recommend?

Glossy vs Matte is a matter of personal preference, and my personal preference happens to be Matte. Ponzi likes glossy.

On the heels of that email, comes a vote of confidence (and question) from Michael Gutierrez:

First, I just wanted to send you some feedback regarding a recommendation you made for me about VMWare Fusion for Mac OS X. I took your advice shortly after the you recorded the video and downloaded the 30 day trial. I was amazed how advanced Fusion was compared to Parallels product. I particularly like Unity, VMWare’s setting allowing you to run your windows apps alongside the Mac desktop instead of full screening the virtual OS. After the 30 day trial, I purchased a license and have been using it ever since. So, thank you for making that recommendation.

Second, I have another question I was hoping you can help me with. I noticed on your 15” MacBook Pro that was sponsored by lijit.com was equipped with a red Speck SeeThru hard shell case. I have been looking to purchase one of these for my MacBook Pro because I have had gotten a few scratches on my laptop that I am not happy about. What is your opinion of these? Do they provide good protection for the exterior of a MacBook Pro? Does it add any significant weight to the laptop?

Ponzi loves her red Speck shell, although she doesn’t like the actual Mac inside it because she says it’s… “too heavy.” I still use it all the time, although my preference would have been either a clear or black casing. Personal preference.

My third Mac question of the day came from Rich Schindler:

I used PC’s and Mac’s. I have used Mac’s for many years. My question is what can you suggest to run video from websites that use WMP? I usually use my one of my PC’s to watch these video’s. I am running OSX 3.9 and I can get these videos to run if I use Safari and flip4mac, but the quality of the frames is poor. Was wondering what you suggest?

VLC, which apparently also has an output setting to render the video into (color) ASCII art on the screen. As far as embedded WMP on Web pages is concerned, I… would look for different Web sites, or just run IE in Unity mode in VMware Fusion (or the equivalent in Parallels). The only other choice is purchasing Flip4Mac, which I’ve never done. Download the WMV files and watch ‘em with VideoLAN.

Just when I thought I was finished fielding Mac questions, another one arrived courtesy of “cybersheath” a few minutes ago:

I’ve ordered my first Mac, a 20″ iMac, and I have a few Mac related questions. I have noticed that there are several posts on the Apple discussion boards about screen brightness issues. People claim that their iMacs, both 20″ and 24″, have unevenly lit screens. I was wondering if you have heard anything about this? I was concerned about this at first, but I think that it may just be people nitpicking. I was also wondering if you have used a program called Circus Ponies, for mac. It seems like an interesting and useful piece of software, and I was wondering if it was worth paying the $50 price tag. My last question is just for fun. You often refer to yourself as a “power user”. How exactly do you define a power user?

I’m not sure what Apple’s policies (or tolerance level) for perceived LCD problems happen to be, but you’d be wise to pick up an AppleCare contract. The only time I ever needed one was when I didn’t have one. Mind you, I’m tripping into the Apple store tomorrow to see what’s wrong with my ol’ MacBook. Hardware is imperfect, regardless of manufacturer or OEM.

As far as that software is concerned, no – I’ve never used it (let alone, heard of it). Still, since they seem to have some kind of 30-day demo, you’d be smart to try it before buying it – and then make sure you’ve tried the viable alternatives just to be sure you’re getting what you want and need. There’s plenty of Mac shareware out there to try without fear of getting infected with viruses or spyware.