Need advice on a MAC purchase

[multiweb]

Well I never thought I'd ever be posting this but I'm about to buy a Macbook for my boy as he's worked really good at school. I'm not a MAC user but I know there are plenty around here so here it goes. JB HI-FI has a couple on sale (http://www.jbhifi.com.au/computers/apple/): Macbook Pro 13" /15", Macbook Air 11"/13" although they look really thin. Is 13" enough screen space for a monitor on a MAC? On a Windows Laptop it's just too small I reckon but I don't know how Leopard desktop are organised. What would you recommend.
Thanks. :thumbsup:

[Steffen]

I reckon the perfect first Mac for a kid is the 13" Macbook, the one with polycarbonate body. It is very robust and forgiving to bumps and hits. The metal ones are a bit precious and dent with rough use, I'd only get them for older kids (13+ or so).

I'd also get it from Apple (online or retail store) rather than JB, even though it's $50 dearer. The one on sale at JB is the previous (superseded) model.

Oh, and yes, 13" works well with Snow Leopard, even though I'm a huge screen junkie myself (17" MBP and 30" ACD :) )

Cheers
Steffen.

[multiweb]

Thanks Steffen. He's 17 in year 12 and technically minded. He wants to do a bit of programming as well. He always liked MAC stuff since I got him an iPod touch.

[Steffen]

Oh, not a kid anymore, sorry :)

In that case I'd probably pick the 15" Macbook Pro. The prices in the JB special are only $3 less than Apple's but they are the current models.

The new Macbook Airs have a very strong bling factor and are damn tempting, but the Macbook Pro is a far more capable and versatile laptop.

EDIT: Oh, and I'd get it from Apple so I could get the anti-glare screen. I hate those shaving mirrors…

Cheers
Steffen.

[stephenb]

Marc, I agree with Steffen. I have a 15" Macbook Pro and they are supurb (I'm a recent convert from PC to Macs).

I also echo Steffen's comments - Go with the Apple online store or an Apple store, if you can. The instore staff are really dedicated, enthusiastic and above all, knowledgable about all things Apple. Personally I don't like dealing with JB or Dick Smith when it comes to Apple computers. I simply just don't get the same level of confidence from their staff. For them it's just another quick sale.

Good luck with it. Your son will love it!

[dannat]

I have curnently got a 11.6" macbook air, before that had a Al unibody macbook for school. I really like the air size & weight -even though the pricessor is slower -because of the flash disk storage i have not noticed a performance downgrade -PS ele8 is the hungriest program i use. eithe ris great -the 11.6" is a little small - 13" is a great size, my work colleague bought a 15" mb Pro - he now recognises its a little big -
Me i would stay the air (though get the $99 superdrive)
get your son to try bot-its a personal decision

a leopard desktop shoudl be blank -i hide the dock & keep all crap off so i have a lovely clean workspace (its the MAC way)

PS i always buy from the apple store - 3 reasons
1. they have a used/demo section at the bottom of left on their shop site- some great bargains
2. they usually give free shipping which is quick (most my stuff arives in 2 days)
3. click on the education store tab at midlle left of the store screen -say you are a K-12 teacher & save $60-100 on your laptop ;)- they do not check & you get a great price:thumbsup: {though i really am a teacher -there definition of education is really loose, if you teach someone on the street astronomy/or you go to a 1/2 day camera course you qualify as a student)

[multiweb]

Thanks guys. I'll check if I can find an apple store in sydney west and take him there. He now has a student card so hopefully we can shave some more $$ off the cost. Thanks again for all the quick feedback :thumbsup:

[Steffen]

There is an Apple Store at the Castle Towers shopping centre in Castle Hill, the only one in the west.

Cheers
Steffen.

[RickS]

Check the educational pricing online (Education Store link from the Apple Store).

Cheers,
Rick.

[multiweb]

Thanks Steffen. Will go for a visit. They're open all day on week-ends. :thumbsup:

Yeah I thought about that too... he's got a student concession card this year but I'm not sure if it's for transport or other purchases. Will have to check.