Post # 1
Member
1774 posts
Buzzing bee
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!
Post # 3
Member
7975 posts
Bumble Beekeeper
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 🙂
Post # 4
Member
7975 posts
Bumble Beekeeper
Also, spring for MS Word/Powerpoint/etc. Pages, Numbers, etc are nice, but … just not compatible at this point. It’s frustrating.
Post # 5
Member
120 posts
Blushing bee
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.
Post # 6
Member
6597 posts
Bee Keeper
A macbook would be perfect for your needs!
Post # 7
Member
11325 posts
Sugar Beekeeper
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.
Post # 8
Member
169 posts
Blushing bee
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.
Post # 9
Member
1774 posts
Buzzing bee
@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. 😉
Post # 10
Member
3176 posts
Sugar bee
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!
Post # 11
Member
2561 posts
Sugar bee
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.
Post # 12
Member
900 posts
Busy bee
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.
Post # 13
Member
4123 posts
Honey bee
Macbook.
There are so many less headaches with a Mac! It is worth every penny!
Post # 14
Member
7975 posts
Bumble Beekeeper
@sarahsd: your mac freezes? I’ve never had that problem!
Post # 15
Member
3098 posts
Sugar bee
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.
@ddw: My Mac freezes as well, but it’s usually just because the OS or Safari needs to be updated.
Post # 16
Member
567 posts
Busy bee
- Wedding: September 2010 - MacLean Park
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!
