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 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?”
—
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... I’m thinking next time, it’s 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...
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.