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MacBook!
You won't need a powerbook (and it's more expensive). MacBook is kind of the 'basic' model.
I have one and love love love it. Also, if you want to save a bit of change, check out the refurbished sales - I saved about $350 that way! What's available changes like daily though, so check back often and buy quickly when you find what you want :)
Also, spring for MS Word/Powerpoint/etc. Pages, Numbers, etc are nice, but ... just not compatible at this point. It's frustrating.
yeah, cheapest macbook would be sufficient.
although if you're just using it for really basic things like that, why get a mac at all? don't get me wrong, i have one and love it, but all that stuff can be accomplished pretty easily on a windows machine for a whole lot less money.
I'm going to go against the grain and say... pay a little more to go above the base line. I got a bottom of the line mac and I don't think I do too much odd stuff. I don't game or anything. But I have had some issues with my computer running out of space and not being powerful enough.
MacBook. I have had the macbook pro but I used it for work and if you are just keeping it for home stuff the Macbook is fine. If you are worried about it "not being powerful enough" most all macs come with room for more memory which is what you typically need. Check for this. And as for getting MS products like excel and powerpoint you can just use open office which should be a free download (don't quote me on that but pretty sure). Also Apple offers a student discount so if you or someone you care about merely has a univeristy student ID you can get I think 10% off.
@bakerysensei: FH has a mac and would like to have us both on the same operating system. He told me I could order one of if I wanted, he would do it for me, but I would like to know what I am getting, and thus, I am turning to the source of all wisdom, the hive. ;)
I love love love my macbook. I bought the basic one but I paid a little extra to add memory because I download a lot of songs and movies. Again I love it!
I have one of the newer 13 inch macbook pros and I think it is perfect. I use it mostly for browsing, some picture editing, watching videos while I travel etc. The size is awesome for sitting around working with it in your lap, I get about 4-6 hours battery life depending on what I am doing, the screen is beautiful. I did upgrade the hard drive and such when I bought it, so I would have tons of memory.
I wanted a light computer so I got the smallest Macbook at the time which I think is still 13 inches. It's a little heavier than I would like. But I love, love, love it!
The best reason to own a Mac is you don't get viruses. Sure it freezes sometimes, but I have so many less problems than my last 2 PC computers. That in itself is worth $1000 (about what I paid). They also have discounts for teachers and students so check that out.
I use mine for just basic stuff and I think I got whatever was slightly above basic.
Macbook.
There are so many less headaches with a Mac! It is worth every penny!
I'd just buy a MacBook if you're doing basic things. Don't waste your money on a Pro unless you just really want the larger screen. I definitely recommend AppleCare. I ended up using mine, and it was worth the money.
@daydreamwanderer: My Mac freezes as well, but it's usually just because the OS or Safari needs to be updated.
Don't let them talk you into the MacBook Pro, it's for serious designers, not casual users. And, if you know any teachers, have them come with you. My mom taught kindergarten in the 90's and scored us a 20% discount. Not sure how that works, but yay Apple!
We got a Macbook Pro. The Macbook Pro line was recently upgraded so its worth the extra money if you're buying new. If you're buying a refurb laptop then its probably not worth going Pro for what you need it for. If you have an Apple store in your area, the employees are really helpful.
We also got AppleCare warranty and they might still have a deal where you can get a free printer (after rebate). For word processing and databases, I use Open Office, which is free and more compatible with MS Office than the the basic Mac word processing and database programs.
Had the same Macbook for 5 years now and I love it! Im finally thinking about a new computer but I cant get anything til I save up for a mac :)
Definitely a macbook. And like Sand Dollar said, if you know any students or teachers that you trust, have them buy it for you. My mom just got a 13 inch macbook pro, and I have the 13 inch macbook. She's a teacher, so she saved about $300, plus got the free iPod touch.
I bought a MacBook (just the basic level) and added the Microsoft Suite to it in the Summer of 2005. It is still going strong!!! Its unheard of to have a PC laptop that is 5 years old! I haven't even had to wipe it clean!
I did buy an external hard-drive for it a while ago. I had a TON (like over a couple thousand) pictures and a couple thousand songs and with all that on there it was running a bit slow.
I also just bought a new MacMini. I hook it up to our tv and use a wireless keyboard/mouse. If you want a desktop this works great.
The basic out of the box versions of both of these is great. If you want to, upgrade on the memory and the warranty. I actually was able to add my laptop to my homeowners insurance.
I too love Macs. I have a 13" Macbook that I upgraded to max out the hard drive and ram that it could have. I also have a 17" Macbook Pro that I use at work. Unless you are planning on gaming or something similar that requires a video card and high processing power, you shouldn't need the Pro.
My old Toshiba PC used to overheat and shut off ALL the time...it got to the point that I needed an external fan system that it would sit on and about 2 or 3 other fans blowing on it to keep it running...needless to say THAT got old fast. So I bought my Macbook and will not be going back to PC anytime soon (if ever!). As they say, once you go Mac, you don't go back! Hahaha...
Your best best for compatibility would be to get MS Office for your Mac. Pages and Numbers files have some compatibility issues when you try to open them on a PC (should you ever need to do that). If you or someone you know is a student, you can get a discount on your Mac and often some of the software that goes with it!
I know you said you wanted a laptop but the new iMac came out today, with a beefed up processor and video card. It has a 21.5 inch back lit screen, wireless keyboard and super cool magic mouse. But if you are set on a laptop, then the macbook is always a winner, but pass on the macbook pro, not worth the extra money for what you are using it for.
MacBook should fit your needs...maaaybe a MacBrook Pro if you were willing to spend more/wanted more features. And I think you should also get the MS word/etc...it is worth the $ and easier to use then the free mac version imho
My best advice: Make a personal shopping appointment at a Mac Store. You can do it here.
I got an offer from my step dad a few months ago to replace my dying laptop and I really wanted a Mac. He told me to research what one I wanted, but was really pushing for the Macbook Pro.
I made a shopping appointment and told the guy what I was looking for. I'm a student and use my computer for word processing, photos and music, and the internet. He immediately told me to go for the Macbook and never once tried to upsell me to the Pro. He then spent the rest of the appointment teaching me how to use my macbook! I never felt pressure to buy from him right then and walked out of the store empty handed (we bought the macbook the next day).
Basically he told me the Pro is for professionals in the creative fields. The base model of the Pro actually comes with less than the Macbook but costs more money! Mac Store consultants don't work on commission so they don't recommend products you don't need.
@babyboo that is great advice! I do have the pro but that is because I was an advertising/marketing major and used the programs. I think some people (my husband!) need the pro but certainly not just for email/music/internet/word users
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I am going to buy a new mac laptop (I have used other people's but never owned one). This is not my area of expertise. How do I figure out which one? Which one do you recommend? Little background: I plan to use it for pretty basic things- internet, word processing, spreadsheets, pictures and some picture editing. I don't have a specific budget, but don't want to spend more than I need. While small and light is nice, I will primarily use it at home with an occasional trip. Thanks!