Posted on 08/17/2009 9:15:12 AM PDT by ozaukeemom
Sorry for the vanity, but I think this is the one place I can find some reasonable opinions on the pros and cons of Mac versus PC.
Thanks, but you didn’t answer the question. Do you know for a certainty that this machine will even be used for graphics greater than downloading videos from YouTube for the first year?
My point is that ozaukeemom should purchase sufficient to meet the requirements (including video) but not hand off a high-end machine (unless they are made of money) as a first-time computer to what is quite likely a teenager.
From one mom to another:
First, just go ahead and bite the bullet. Get the MacBook Pro. But, shop around. Apple frequently offers educational discounts, not only on the laptop, but your son will be able to use his educational discount on software that he’ll need.
Why did I say to just bite the bullet? Because if you send him off to school with a Windows computer, you can count on him asking you to replace it with a Mac about 2 weeks into the semester. And, believe it or not, he’ll say “But Mom, everybody else has one!” and he’ll prolly be mostly right. Macs are known for their graphic abilities. Also, the MacBook Pros can run Windows applications, if he really needs to use one.
What you WON’T hear from him is “I can’t email you, my computer got a virus and can I have $100.00 to get it fixed?”
I bought the MacBookPro I’m typing on about 1 1/2 yrs ago. I have never had a virus, and only had to have some optical drive thingy replaced (the Apple store agreed, it DID sound like a helicopter was landing on my desk!) at no cost to me. Buy the service plan. Yes, I know it’s more money, but it’s totally worth it.
I have never had to have my son work on my computer, Macs are so easy to use that even I, who sometimes need help opening a jar of mayo, can handle whatever comes up. And when I can’t, Swordmaker has always been a great help.
Spend the higher bucks now, it will save you money in the long run. But remember, look for the education discounts. Also, Apple sells refurbished units on their website.
Oh, and these threads? Ignore the Mac bashers, they’re just jealous! Somedays I think the boys should just pull out a ruler and settle it once and for all!
blu, you said to ozaukeemom — What you WONT hear from him is I cant email you, my computer got a virus and can I have $100.00 to get it fixed?
—
Well, I was talking about that very thing with another FReeper and got the following answer back... YIKES!
It recently cost me $400 to sanitize and innoculate
my computer from over 100 malwares and viruses.
So... Im thinking next time, its a Mac.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2316229/posts?page=21#21
He absolutely won’t have any virus problems with his Macintosh computer...
If it was my son and I could afford it I would get him a Macbook Pro for the following reasons:
A) Unless he sits on it or drops it into water it’s going to last 5+ years at least.
B) It will do everything he will ever need, whether its writing papers, creating artwork, playing games, listening to music, research via internet & email.
C) It is a more secure system and less likely to come down with a virus. The hardware is superior to most Windows laptops. It just works!
D) Refer back to A)
Good luck to your son!
Four years is asking a lot for a laptop, particularly when the student will be needing a top line laptop more at the end of that timeline than he will at the beginning.
The idea of buying an $800 laptop now and a $1500 laptop in 2 years is not bad considering the $1500 laptop in two years will likely be more capable than any $2300 laptop you can get today.
Flip4mac should allow you to play .wmv files.
I disagree. It may "last" 5 years, but it won't be a top of the line computer in 5 years. It will be far below a basic computer in 5 years.
I tell my people to view computers as 2 year rentals. If you can keep going after 2 years with it, great! If not, you haven't rented the machine for too much money.
Good advice. I bought a MacBook Pro 15" on an education discount a bit over a year and ten months ago. It is absolutely the best. No real problems on communicating with PC stuff since it translates almost automatically with Mac software. That said, I downloaded Openoffice.org for those docs that need Word and Excel formatting. The other good thing about Macs for college kids is iTunes, iPods, and the cool factor.
Oh, plus the fact that Apple has the best customer service anywhere. I was in to visit the Genius bar just last week and got a free, new charging plug on extended warranty. Try that with a Toshiba PC.
Will a new Macbook Pro bought today be “top of the line” in 5 years? Of course not. It will, however still be a fantastic computer and Apple operating system upgrades will work on it 5 years from now with no need to upgrade hardware.
At that point, he can buy his own! lol
I am going in to the Apple Store tomorrow and take a look around. I had thought of the desktop Mac and PC mini, but don’t know if that will work or not.
Exactly, he can get his own after graduation. But in the meantime, get what not only his current courses need, but future courses need.
Notebooks are generally better for school than desktops. The Mac Mini also isn’t exactly a high performance machine...
Yeah, the Mac mini is not anything I am looking at. I am so pleased with all of the info I am getting here!
*kids, don't try this at home or on mom or dad's laptop...you might not get so lucky. And don't drink water out of those tacky plastic bottles! A glass is much harder to knock over.
No matter the brand, a computer for graphics animation should be "top of the line", and have:
As I mentioned, I "do" animated graphic presentations and cartography (map making). A 17" Macbook Pro, configured as above, is my "indispensible tool"...
Good luck to both of you!
Apple offers good education discounts and you can also buy refurbished Macs with the same warranty as new for considerably less. Look for the close outs and refurb store at the lower left on the Appl. Store’s home page. The education store link is usually on the lower right.
Re: “Now youve done it. This thread is gonna explode.”
*********
Yes, it will explode — so I hope you’ll indulge one (me) who is so tech challenged that I can’t even post my own thread, and would like to ask a quick question about phones —
I am going on vacation (to Mammoth, CA area) and would like to get a different cell phone — one that will allow me to surf the internet a little AND check and send e-mails.
I rarely use the phone feature itself except for emergencies.
Any suggestions as to what to get? A Blackberry of some sort? I have NO idea. Thanks!!
LOL!!! Glad your baby survived.
My Macbook is my 1st laptop of any kind. I’m pretty careful when I do move it off my desk, which is rarely. Had it for 2 years now. I keep it clean and it just works and works some more for me. I used it as a DAW and it’s never let me down yet. Have it hooked up to a 22” LCD and its purdy too :)
Pingapalooza
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