Need info in MAC Lap Tops and I-pads

[BradMc]

Hey Guys need some tech. help about Lap Tops

May daughter will be headed off to college next year,
Her mom and R looking into Lap Tops for her…

I been looking at the Mac Book Pro 13” and the Mac Book Pro 15”
There is a about $300.00 different for 2” of screen…..

She will need the normal Microsoft Office Word program.

I have never owned or even operated a MAC. Are they worth it?

With the new I-Pads coming out would it be better to go with a I-Pad?
Would I-Pad do everything the MAC Book would do ?

What r the Pro and Cons of each? Or is there other Lap Tops out there that would be better? …..
We use HP and Dells at work, they seem to run ok, But I know nothing about a MAC ….

I have done the Consumer Report stuff, but so much info I have no
Fcking idea what it all means……

Thanks Guys
An Rookie Computer Buyer :dunno:

 

[vivalanation734]

Apple is definitely the way to go. I'd recommend the 13" base model MBP as it will do everything your daughter will need and more. It will also give her a lot more flexibility than an iPad when it comes to everyday tasks and school work. Their extended service plan is legit as well and I always recommend getting it. If she uses her student discount she'll save $100 on the computer and the Apple Care protection plan would be $183.


PM me if you have any questions... I may or may not work for a particular company that has been discussed here.

EDIT: you could also look at the 11" and 13" MacBook Airs. If she doesn't need the power of a MacBook Pro and likes long battery life + very thin and light it could be the way to go. I have a maxed out 13" and it's the best portable I've ever owned.

 

[mwlabel]

What Ryan said.

I went with a MBP for my college laptop and couldn't be happier. My friends' laptops keep dying while mine keeps chugging along without a hiccup. I went with the 15" version and like it a lot, but I don't mind the extra weight and space. Ryan will have more useful information than I most likely, but if you want to PM me any questions... feel free.

 

[RaschNuts]

What these guys said. I own the 17" MBP and A 27" iMac love both. Screen size is dependent on what she is doing. Bigger screen is going to be better for web and graphic design type work. If it will just be for reports and basic home work 13" should be fine.

 

[Vicster]

I have both a MBP and a iPad and love the pad, but there are many thing it lacks that a student must have. If you want to save a few bucks buy a refurbished unit from the Apple store.

 

[KickinD]

There is a lot the iPad can not do that she will have to have for school work. Get a Macbook and you should be more than happy. If you don't want to spend a lot on a new one, then check out www.cowboom.com. It's bestbuy's warehouse for all the units people traded back in to get something better. You can find a Mac just a couple models old for under $500. It might need software, but that's pretty cheap in the app store.

 

[BradMc]

Thanks Guys, info helps allot....Man u guys Rock, I knew I'd get some info here ...

 

[andy]

MBP's have great re-sale value. I traded in my 15" MBP from 2007 at Best Buy last November and received about $650.00 for it. I think Gazelle offered $250.00 at the time. I took that money and bought a new 15" MBP the same day. Something to keep in mind for when your daughter or you feel she needs a new one.

The only drawback I found with the new MBP's is the glossy screen. Most stores carry only the glossy screen model but you can order one with a matte screen for like $50.00 more. I think you can order it from Apple. I miss working on my laptop outside.

There is a lot the iPad can not do that she will have to have for school work. Get a Macbook and you should be more than happy. If you don't want to spend a lot on a new one, then check out www.cowboom.com. It's bestbuy's warehouse for all the units people traded back in to get something better. You can find a Mac just a couple models old for under $500. It might need software, but that's pretty cheap in the app store.

 

[mwlabel]

The only drawback I found with the new MBP's is the glossy screen. Most stores carry only the glossy screen model but you can order one with a matte screen for like $50.00 more. I think you can order it from Apple. I miss working on my laptop outside.

Yep. I splurged for the anti-glare screen or whatever the "official" name is, and couldn't be happier.

 

[RaschNuts]

Yep. I splurged for the anti-glare screen or whatever the "official" name is, and couldn't be happier.

Ditto