New Macbook Pro???

Forums › Laptops and mobile computers › New Macbook Pro???

alana1033

1 post

Wannabe Geek

#56599 18-Jan-2010 17:43

Im starting uni this year and I'm looking for a good laptop. I really like the new 13 inch macbook pro. I no they're good for design and stuff (which I'm not doing). Would they be worth the money or would it be easier and cheaper to go for a PC laptop?

Wilstar

71 posts

Master Geek

#291830 21-Jan-2010 12:09

You are going to get biased answers to a question like this. What will you be studying? I recently bought a laptop for study and got a 1.4 GHz solo acer timeline. This is by no means a great laptop, but it does last for upwards of eight hours between charges which is very handy for uni, as sometimes power points are scarce.

If this will be your only computer I would suggest getting something a little bit more powerful than mine, but don't buy a MacBook just because all the cool kids have one, and definately don't buy one before the next revision is released.
Things you should be thinking about; where will I use it most?, what programs do I need to use? How heavy is it to take to school? if I spend all my money on a MacBook, will I still ave some left for beer?
Ideally you want something with a balance between power, screen size, battery life and cost. MacBook pros are good machines but in most cases complete overkill for writing a few essays and typing your notes up!

gehenna

8512 posts

Uber Geek

Moderator

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#291837 21-Jan-2010 12:18

The whole Design thing is a stereotype at this point. It's a computer just like any other, the specs inside are the same. They're possibly more expensive compared to other laptops with similar specs, but IMO they are constructed much better. The OS is the selling point for me, I prefer to use OSX and Unix. There are Mac alternatives or even official versions of mostly all popular Windows applications. So really its a matter of personal preference, rather than what someone may think the "role" of a Mac laptop may have traditionally been.

As far as revisions, now is a good time to buy. The only main difference you'll see in any new revision is the inclusion of the new intel chipsets, which at this stage won't make that much of a difference at all.

Also, check out the Refurbished store on the Apple website. You can save several hundred dollars on a refurbished model, they come as new, and with the same standard warranty as a brand new one. The only difference is that they have had a fault that has been repaired, they've been rigorously tested and put back into the sales pool on the refurb store.

Additionally as a student you qualify for the Education discount on Mac hardware and software. Check the Education store online for details here

chiefie

I iz your trusted friend
5877 posts

Uber Geek

Retired Mod

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#291838 21-Jan-2010 12:20

Know the purpose of why you need a laptop, and what's the expected usage (80%) for, and how far or long are you going to use it without a power point nearby, and are you going to lug the unit all day long?

I'd suggest one that without ODD (Optical Disk Drive) but not quite netbook small. A 11"-13" without built-in ODD and yet powerful enough be sufficient.

HP dm3-1016AX is pretty good.

Internet is my backyard...

«Geekzone blog: Tech 'n Chips Takeaway» «Personal blog: And then...»

Please read the Geekzone's FUG

Wilstar

71 posts

Master Geek

#292035 21-Jan-2010 22:10

Totally agree chiefie, I have the 13inch timeline and it's the perfect size, 6 cell battery is pretty heavy though

JasonDarwin

33 posts

Geek

#292036 21-Jan-2010 22:13

Wilstar

Get into the gym and bulk up so you can carry a five or six pound laptop.