[American_Centurion]

As you can see the exact same configuration from Lenovo costs $691 less than the Apple Macbook Pro. Comparable? I think not. Nearly $700 for an Aluminum case and a backlit keyboard (the Lenovo does have a light for the keyboard, just not a back light).

[Terpfen]

Go with the Mac. You won’t regret it.

However, instead of the 15’’ MacBook Pro, go with the 13’’. The 15’’ would probably be a pain to carry around all day, though your daughter will have to visit an Apple Store (or a Best Buy with an Apple section) to decide on that for herself.

[Crusher138]

What it really boils down to is what is more important - price or quality.

As a person who has used PC’s since 1984 and Macs since 2006, I can tell you that Macs are far superior tools. They are easier to use and generally problem free. Apple has a far higher user satisfaction rate than any other computer manufacturer.

I have more agrivation with my PCs. Start up programs, spyware and viruses are a pain. My PCs also tend to do “strange” things - unexpected program shut downs, files that are saved and then disappear, unexpected screen resolution changes, etc. - FAR more than my Macs.

As a student who will virtually live with their computer, reliability and ease of use are worth a few more bucks.

[Brookhaven]

My daughter a HS Junior is doing really well in school. I am planning to buy her a new laptop for school. She currently has a Dell 13" XPS that has been ok, but the battery has been replaced twice, the CD/DVD will currently only play CDs and it is getting slower to start up.

High School Junior (two more years till college.) Currently has laptop that works (dvd player having problems.)

If you buy her another laptop now (I don't care if it is a top of the line Apple) I guran-damn-tee you that in two years she will want (or require) a new laptop when she goes to college.

The solution for today is simple: buy her a netbook and an external DVD player that plugs into a usb port that can be used on both the netbook and her current laptop.

She'll use the netbook for taking notes in school for the next two years, and then take it with her to college (along with the new full sized laptop you're going to have to buy her then anyway) to do the same thing.

Also, netbooks are COOL.

2009-2011 netbook and xps latpop.
2011-2015 (college) netbook and new laptop.

[tubebender]

I haven’t read the thread but my daughter would tell you to get a MacBook if she plans to go on to college. The bookstore at HSU 0nly stocks and sells Apple computers as that is the computer of choice of students attending

[Question_Assumptions]

You should see if she can get a student discount on the Mac as a high school student. College students get one and it cuts the cost. You can also wait until they put out new MacBook models. Either of those is usually worth at least $100-$200 off of the price.

For what it’s worth, I use an older MacBook Pro at home and a Lenovo T500 at work. The MacBook Pro’s keyboard has issues with the key surfaces and the DVD drive has gone out on me but other than that, it’s been fine. The Lenovo lost a latch clip when I dropped it in a case but it did survive a glass of milk being spilled into it while it was on (the spill resistant keyboard actually did work pretty well). I have to reboot the Lenovo more because it starts to bog down or have problems and I’ve seen Lenovos (not just my own) get stuck in a state where they won’t go to sleep and won’t wake up. Personally, I prefer using the Mac, enough that I’m willing to pay more to use one. If I were going to buy a PC laptop for myself, it would probably be a NetBook like the MSI Wind.

[SunkenCiv]

She may be picking your nursing home someday, so get her what she wants. ;’)

[TheBattman]

Other than the slightly less than 2 inches of screen, I don’t quite understand the pricing of a MacBook Pro. The Lenovo, again other than the screen size, is a lot more like the MacBook than the Pro.

I have been using an iBook with 12” screen for several years. Quite honestly, I like the portability (small footprint) more than I like a bigger screen. I have a work HP Pavilion laptop that I have lugged around... sure like the lighter weight and small size better.

That being said - it sounds like you pretty much have your mind made up. If I were planning to spend around $1000-1200, there is no question, I would buy a MacBook.

Also - consider that there is some discount if you go through the Apple for Education page (which you easily qualify for, as it is for a daughter in school). Another consideration is Amazon, as they sometimes have a bit lower price, with free shipping and no sales tax.

[Patrsup]

I came to this discussion late but hopefully can help. I would suggest a windows machine if she is going to do anything other than word processing or watching video’s. I have a nephew who is in an engineering college and he constantly is poking fun at the freshmen who bring macs and hope to do engineering on them. Not being an expert on all the software that engineers use, I cannot comment on that but he also states a lot of them are having a hard time getting connected on the schools internal LAN and using the dorm printers.

I personally like the screen on the macbook pro, but don’t own one - nor will (I don’t buy apple products). I think in a lot of ways the mac is superior but it is a personal preference - when they make a mac that doesn’t use apple components or software (IE third party) - I’ll stand in line to buy it.

Like I said - hopefully just something to discuss and think about.

Get correct views of life, and learn to see the world in its true light. It will enable you to live pleasantly, to do good, and, when summoned away, to leave without regret. - Robert E. Lee

[MayflowerMadam]

The specs indicate it’s a 64-bit system. I recently purchased a 64-bit system — HP laptop. About half of my current software isn’t compatible with 64-bit, and neither is our security application. I hate it. (FWIW...)

[RightOnTheLeftCoast]

I use both. Mac’s worth the extra change for very solid reasons you’re failing to consider in your a:b chip-by-chip comparison. It includes a fantastic backup utility, for example, superior to anything I’ve found for Windows. Doesn’t need antivirus. Doesn’t need a disk defrag utility. Etc., etc. And battery life that beats any other laptop’s, so factor in the cost of a second Windows laptop battery too.

I also have a T40 (and a T60)— Mac laptops hold up way better. Both those ThinkPads have been marvels of cracked plastic bezels. I’m gentle with my laptops but both look like they’ve been hit with hammers.