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Community Newsletter: Q&A: MacBook or PC laptop for college?
- 8/22/08 4:21 PM
Smiley Face v Date and Time
by jrbettis - 8/11/08 12:31 PM In reply to: MacBook or PC laptop for college? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Wendee congrats on going to college!
First, contact the university and get their system requirements.
Secondly, ask your friends what problems if any they've had with certain brands.
Thirdly, budget. $1500 without ext warranty and shipping and handling?
Mac:Easiest OS, backlit keyboard on some models, low failure rate, battery life, magnetic power cord, pricier, glowing apple logo.
PC:Lightscribe DVD/CD burner, Blu-Ray DVD, extended batteries available,fingerprint login, mouse turn off-HP, tablets available by HP, Fujitsu, toshiba, Gateway may max your budget, cheaper in comparison, dual headphone jacks, Quickplay dvd, SD/XD card reader, 12.1-17 inch sizes, compare repair by brand consumerreports.com and CNET.com
Both:remote control, iTunes, HD screens, firewire for videocameras, webcams, mulitple USB ports, bigger screens pull more battery power.
Have a great semester.
Macbook is the way to go
by manwantok - 8/8/08 8:26 PM In reply to: MacBook or PC laptop for college? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
When is the last time you saw a friend who had a Mac who had a virus or spyware on it? I'm not saying it never happens, but the best part about owning a Mac is you rarely have to worry about spyware, viruses, and other malicious issues with your computer.
As a college student, you will depend heavily on your computer, so I highly recommend getting one that is reliable. Macbooks are very reliable and well built, and not getting viruses or spyware will insure that you're always able to get your work done.
On the other hand, Macs are expensive, you may have to bump your budget up to $2000 if you want to get a Macbook Pro 15.4 inch, which I highly recommend, but if you can't talk your parents into a better budget, then you need to go with the Macbook. The Macbook is every bit as powerful as the pro, it just has a smaller screen size, which might be good for carrying in your backpack at school. If you do want a Macbook Pro, and don't want to spend $2000, Apple has some great deals on refurbished Macbook Pro's on their web site. I have several friends who purchased them, and I can tell you when we opened it out of the box, we couldn't even tell that it was a previously used machine, and they have performed flawlessly for my friends.
Find out about student discounts, more
by jennywren1420 - 8/16/08 2:00 PM In reply to: Macbook is the way to go by manwantokAgain, you must look into what your Mac (and I recommend Mac) will cost with the student discount. There will also be discounts on any software you might need, but then, Macs come with so much that you would ordinarily want, and there also is much free or shareware online. (If you want to download, do be sure to use a reliable source!)
I doubt that the MacBook Pro would cost $2,000 with that discount, but do you really need the MacBook Pro? I don't know, and I don't have either one, but do check it all out. And as someone else said, if you have an Apple Store nearby (or one on or near campus), they'll be able to answer questions. You don't even have to make an appointment with an Apple Genius (you can do it in the store or online); many of the Apple employees wandering around the floor of the store, as they do in the several stores in New York City, can answer just about any question you might have. I have also found them to be pleasant and very patient.
So, do your research anywhere you like and also find out how much either of the laptops will cost you with the student discount. I was a PC user (not by choice) when I began computing and was switched by a new boss at some point. I shall never regret that. My daughter uses a PC; her husband used to but switched recently to Mac and is very happy about that. He is a college professor, so clearly, the PC is not an absolute necessity on many campuses. The Mac has both OS's available, too. . . .
Jenny
Go For A Mac
by iwuzbord - 8/8/08 8:27 PM In reply to: MacBook or PC laptop for college? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Wendee,
I actually just made my switch from PC to Mac on August 6th 2008. So Far, i think that it is the best choice i have ever made. At first, i was somewhat skeptical as well, especially because of the price difference between a mac laptop and a PC laptop. Since you are a student, i suggest looking @ apple's Education discounts. You can get a free ipod touch or nano when you buy a new mac so i suggest taking them up on that offer. But when it comes down to it, personally, it seems that with a mac, you get more bang for your buck. Pros for mac: Value, the ilife suite which can help make multimedia projects look more professional, reliability (unix platform helps prevent viruses). Cons: possible incompatibility with some windows networks, less software options. With a PC , i have no problems with them, but at first they may seem like a bargain, but when you start realizing that you have a project due and need software that will cost a pretty penny, regret starts to sink in. pros: starts out cheaper, more software options, compatible with most networks. Cons: viruses, not compatible with many peripherals without drivers from a disk.
Bottom Line: For College go for a mac. Macbooks are great student tools, and many things that may seem like useless extras now, you may find yourself using more and more.
MacBook or PC laptop for college
by Herbner - 8/8/08 8:27 PM In reply to: MacBook or PC laptop for college? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
My opinion is that if you can afford the MacBook, go for it. The MacBooks routinely are rated higher in terms of quality of construction and components, and support from the manufacturer.
What makes them different is that they use the much more stable, Unix-based, Mac operating system (OS). While applications on a Mac can and do sometimes lock up, full blown crashes of the Mac OS are rare events. Someone having a Mac OS crash can generate lots of discussion on the Mac forums. If an app on a Mac locks up, it takes about 3 clicks of the mouse to force-quit it and restart the app.
The best thing about a Mac is the Mac OS. I can't even begin to describe all of the neat features. I recommend going here:
http://www.apple.com/getamac/whymac/
and here:
http://www.apple.com/getamac/faq/
I have an old PowerMac G4 tower that runs the newest version of the Mac OS just fine. I'm a heavy user, and I've never defragged this machine. I've run Intego VirusBarrier for years. Supposedly, there are some viruses that Macs can catch, but VirusBarrier has never alerted me to anything. All of those viruses and adware that Windows machines can get? The Mac OS isn't susceptible. I keep thinking that I've got to buy a newer Mac, but this one keeps serving me well. In short, my Mac runs and runs and runs. I have a Dell laptop that my company provides me, but I am going to by a MacBook for my family to take on the road when we travel.
And now all Macs come with the chips that allow you to have Windows and the Mac OS on your one laptop together. So if you've got that favorite video game that is Windows-only, or you have some Windows-only app that you need for school or work, you can launch Windows on your Mac and run those just as if you were on any Windows-only machine.
I truly don't know why anyone would choose a make other than a Mac. Whatever the extra expense of a Mac is, it's worth it to me.
Lastly, I have some connection to the federal law enforcement community. Most of the feds' computer-forensics folks have or are in the process of migrating to Mac Pros for their labs and MacBook Pros for their field work, primarily due to most of the reasons I cited above.
advice from an imac owner.
by ifigenim - 8/15/08 6:44 PM In reply to: MacBook or PC laptop for college by HerbnerBuy a PC and save money for parties 
j.k
For me iWork is not a match for Office 2007 in Windows (you can even check on Apple's career page that they are looking for people who can use Office not iWork ) and I believe Office 2008 in MAC is not as good as 2007. I really find Ribbon interface fascinating , "smart , fast and effective.
You can have nice tablet PC with Office Ultimate Package ( Hopefully Microsoft will repeat the "Ultimate Steal" promo where you can the 699 package for 70-80 dolars i think )
PC producers adapted Vista' s ridiculous requirement I dont see any laptop coming less then 2 GB ram.
If you are PC user you need some time to adapt to MAC ( but does not take so much time from my experience ) But you will need to relearn many things. Like which software is needed for what.
I love iLife but it has 3rd party alternatives in PC. iPhoto- Picasa iMovie Windows Movie maker or other commercial movie software. iWeb is cool at the beginning but gets annoying very rapidly because of its limitations.
IF you are person who gets virus every 2 months Mac will be a good option.
Mac laptop or PC laptop
by R07913 - 8/8/08 8:28 PM In reply to: MacBook or PC laptop for college? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I have both. I had Windows computers for 10 years before getting a mac so I may be biased as to the learning curve but it seemed to me that the learning curve was rather steep for the first few weeks. I was constantly getting frustrated because I could get the mac to do what I wanted it to do. Having said that though, now that the initiation is over, I like the mac just fine even though I could have gotten an equivilent PC for about a third of the price. Mac users will tell you that the mac is much better at graphics related tasks. Not so, but you will pay a premium for Windows software to get the equivilent capabilities. Long story short: Unless you have a very good reason for wanting a Mac, save your money and get a PC, you can get a very good Vista laptop for a less than $700.
Answer for Wendee -- MacBook or PC laptop for college
by i1marine69 - 8/8/08 8:35 PM In reply to: MacBook or PC laptop for college? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
As a father, Thank you for going to school.
1st You should be asking your Father the same questions.
2nd You already know the present answer.
As a freshman BOTH are EQUAL!
You will need to concentrate on studying your college course ware.
You already know how to use a PC.
Stay with that operating system but
GET a GOOD fast laser printer and an Excellent FLAT bed (legal size).
Make sure you have web cam and digital cam capabilities to record classes.
[ WITH school & professor approval. ]
3d If you go into a heavy science major then consider changing to Mac.
4th If you go into a heavy Graphics, you may want to consider an Amiga.
Computers will out date you present choice by then.
Good Luck from a father.
Amiga?
by technewsjunkie - 8/10/08 12:40 PM In reply to: Answer for Wendee -- MacBook or PC laptop for college by i1marine69Huh?
PC or Mac
by Squerryes - 8/8/08 8:48 PM In reply to: MacBook or PC laptop for college? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Wendee - If you are already familiar with PC programmes, I see no point whatever in you changing to Mac. Query: are you trying to run a small town or just want a personal computing facility? If the latter, $1500 is well over the top - $1000 more than enough to get decent laptop + accessories. Peter, Westerham, UK
Compatibility Comes First
by Impreza WRX - 8/8/08 8:49 PM In reply to: MacBook or PC laptop for college? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Since your desktop PC runs Windows, you might be getting a laptop with Windows as well. However, if your college is an exclusive Apple customer, you might want to get a MacBook. The reason I recommend the MacBook is if the school system uses Apple PCs exclusively. Its more important to be unified with the school system than to try and deal with issues like incompatible file formats and the like, or needing to convert files from one type to another, or even needing to relearn all the apps you are learning on because you have to use the "port" of the software (whether it be the Mac or the Win or even the Lin) at "home".
As for the hardware, the MacBooks are alright, they run an all Intel setup, with Core2Duo, Integrated Graphics, audio, and Networking, all Intel Chipset. Don't expect the graphics card to be a killer, it's not. But the processor is plenty fast, and the same as you would find on your modern Intel Windows PC. Just make sure it has 2 GB of RAM or more. Modern software is heavy on the system, no matter if it's OSX or Vista. Don't skip on the hardware, and don't let them sell you the one with the least amount of memory or CPU power. The difference between "Adequate" and "Quick" is huge.
If you are going Windows laptops, there is no shortage of ones available. The trick is to find the ones that are most reliable and give you the most for your money. I spent $899 on an Acer laptop on Newegg that came with Vista, 3 GB of RAM, a 250 GB HD, built in GeForce 9500M GS (very fast), and it's a 2.2 GHz Core2Duo. Granted it's overkill for Word Documents, but since it gets 2-4 hours battery and it's a 16" laptop, I consider that fair game for a functional desktop replacement!
No matter, which ever path you take, make sure it's one that your College can best connect to you with.
Apple's OK :)
by i_made_this - 8/8/08 9:07 PM In reply to: MacBook or PC laptop for college? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Your Dad has given you a healthy budget - 13 years ago when my daughter started college, I gave her half of your budget (and she bought a Mac, but that was then and this is now). The issue you face is the 40% Rule - basically, you're paying 40% more for any notebook than for an equivalent desktop. And your Dad feels the same as I do because he bought you (almost to the penny) the iMac that meets your budget:
The new 20-inch 2.66 GHz iMac, for a suggested retail price of $1,499 (US), includes:
* 20-inch widescreen LCD display
* 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with a 1066 MHz front-side bus
* 2GB of 800 MHz DDR2 SDRAM expandable to 4GB
* 320GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm
* a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
* ATI Radeon HD 2600 PRO with 256MB GDDR3 memory
* built-in iSight video camera
* built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking & Bluetooth 2.1+EDR
* mini-DVI out (adapters for DVI, VGA and Composite/S-Video sold separately)
* built-in stereo speakers and microphone; and
* the Apple Keyboard, Mighty Mouse and infrared Apple Remote.
That's a lot of good machine for the money, but it's not formally a laptop - it's an iMac.
But if you absolutely must take it to classes, the library and carry it around a lot, the sad fact is that a Macbook doesn't really do too much except the very most basic computing functions that you have listed. But if you want great speed, high quality DVD playing, 3D graphics rendering etc, you should wait til you can afford a Macbook Pro to test drive what it is about Apple that people are such fanatics about.
The companies that are making the best Windows laptops within your budget right now are Sony, Asus and probably best is VelocityMicro dot com. Go to VelocityMicro's site (you can click on their back to school thing to make selection easier) - their "NoteMagix C90 Ultra" is one heck of a machine - leave the base configurations as is, except for two things - improve your RAM to 2GB and improve your CPU to the Intel E6400. This will bring you right up to under your Dad's budget - including taxes and shipping lol.
Whatever you do, I'd recommend staying as far away as possible from Dell, HP or Gateway. And I'd get used to buying your systems on the net direct from suppliers - now's better than ever to start with the machine I suggested for you. Take a look, research VelocityMicro and be your own judge. Good Luck and Happy Computing!
imac.
by jigmeg - 8/8/08 10:29 PM In reply to: Apple's OK :) by i_made_thisWell, wendee won't be able to lug that box around, but as a new owner of the machine u describe I can say it's a work of art and science. It's the best desktop I have ever owned for the money, and I have had them all. We are currently using this one and the new 24" versions for video and music production at the high end, with only one macpro left still running. Great machines!
jigs
buy the macbook and save the headache
by midnightrider379 - 8/8/08 9:18 PM In reply to: MacBook or PC laptop for college? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
by far mac is the best thing for college simply because the software and if you get a macbook and find out half way through the semester youd like a xp or vista machine instead you can run bootcamp or vm ware fusion and run xp nativly inside leopard os X and youll run it faster on a mac than a pc thats not my opinion thats just what pc world says. if you go with a windows machine i owned an ibm thinkpad and it was a wonderful laptop i was more impressed with that than my current toshiba laptop, and just a tip if you go with a windows machine don't go with hp or dell ive owned both and there systems are just junk. and on that note good luck in school
Macbook.
by jigmeg - 8/8/08 9:48 PM In reply to: MacBook or PC laptop for college? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Wendee, you asked what makes them different then a PC laptop. The short answer, not much! Macbooks can be set up just like a PC laptop, run Vista, XP, etc. Even in a window on the Apple desktop. So if there is a PC-only program u need in college, and u can't find the OSX equal, no problem there. It will take you about a day (if that) to figure out OSX if u are using XP now. U just click on different things to do the same stuff...and inmo, OSX is just more fun to use. For 1500$ u can get upgrades and u will have a great macbook. Get more memory, a nice protective cover and a laptop backpack. The downside, and there is only one really, is the graphics chip (GPU) used in the Macbook (an Intel) is not good for gpu-intensive gaming. But u should be studying anyway no? Good luck, no matter what u decide!
coocoo
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