Need advice on a MAC purchase

multiweb (Marc) · #1 01-12-2010, 06:24 PM

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: 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.

Steffen · #2 01-12-2010, 06:38 PM

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 The one on sale at JB is the previous (superseded) model.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 (Marc) · #3 01-12-2010, 06:40 PM

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 · #4 01-12-2010, 06:53 PM

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 (Stephen) · #5 01-12-2010, 07:04 PM

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 (Daniel) · #6 01-12-2010, 07:07 PM

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

{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 (Marc) · #7 02-12-2010, 07:11 AM

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

Steffen · #8 02-12-2010, 10:48 AM

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

Cheers
Steffen.

RickS (Rick) · #9 02-12-2010, 11:23 AM

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

Cheers,
Rick.

multiweb (Marc) · #10 02-12-2010, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steffen

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

Cheers
Steffen.

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickS

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

Cheers,
Rick.

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.