Technology Need Mac Computer Advice

[Guile]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I'm planning on getting a new computer soon before I go into med school, and I would like to switch and get a Mac. (Before anyone tells me I should wait to see if my school has specific requirements, I've already checked. None that I'm applying to care.) I was just wondering if now would be a good time to get a Mac. Steve Jobs isn't about to release a whole new line next month, right? I also read that they recently switched to Intel chips. How is this affecting the Macs?

I'm planning on getting the MacBook Pro, 15-inch screen with the 2.16 GHz processor, 1 GB ram, 100 GB HD, Superdrive, and the AppleCare protection plan.

Any input would appreciated, minus anything from the PC fanboys.

 

[alwaysaangel]

I'm planning on getting a new computer soon before I go into med school, and I would like to switch and get a Mac. (Before anyone tells me I should wait to see if my school has specific requirements, I've already checked. None that I'm applying to care.) I was just wondering if now would be a good time to get a Mac. Steve Jobs isn't about to release a whole new line next month, right? I also read that they recently switched to Intel chips. How is this affecting the Macs?

I'm planning on getting the MacBook Pro, 15-inch screen with the 2.16 GHz processor, 1 GB ram, 100 GB HD, Superdrive, and the AppleCare protection plan.

Any input would appreciated, minus anything from the PC fanboys.

My bf is an avid Mac person and he says there is are new macs coming out. This site http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/ recommends not to buy one right now as updates are coming soon. Granted thats just rumors but my bf fairly well predicted several recent releases using that site so it seems to be pretty accurate.

The intels have been a great switch. Must faster, and now can run OS X and windows XP if you need it to.

Overall a great choice, I'm swapping to Macs also. But I have to wait because I don't know which of my schools cares yet. But anyway, if I were you and did know I would still wait a little longer.

 

[Hednej]

Here;s my two cents: Macs are really awesome, I have a powerbook and love it. You can even run windows on the new ones, so you won't be left out. The specs you gave sound good enough too.

But here's the geek speaking: don't buy it yet. The macs have a processor now called core duo. There is a newer processor called core 2 duo, which is wicked fast. But apple hasn't upgraded yet while every pc manufacturer has. So wait until they update it to core 2 duo, which should be any day now, and then buy it 🙂

 

[Guile]

Thanks so much for the replies. That's exactly what I needed to hear. Great site, BTW.

I was under the impression that Apple usually has one big annual meeting where Steve Jobs releases all of the new Macs, including the iPods. Do they usually update them throughout the year, too? It appears they do from this site.

 

[alexPDX]

I have a black MacBook and I really like it. I also installed windows XP on it and it runs great. Unless you need the laptop right away, I would wait until spring when Apple releases the new operating system. They might upgrade their Intel processor by spring too. You should check out http://forums.macrumors.com/ if you want to find out more about what's happening with Apple. The name says it all. Hope this helps.

 

[alwaysaangel]

Thanks so much for the replies. That's exactly what I needed to hear. Great site, BTW.

I was under the impression that Apple usually has one big annual meeting where Steve Jobs releases all of the new Macs, including the iPods. Do they usually update them throughout the year, too? It appears they do from this site.

Yeah they have two different kinds of updates. They have macworld expo, then another expo and then another release. So there is at least 3/year. But yeah they can release whenever they feel like it.

 

[maestro1625]

I have a black MacBook and I really like it. I also installed windows XP on it and it runs great. Unless you need the laptop right away, I would wait until spring when Apple releases the new operating system. They might upgrade their Intel processor by spring too. You should check out http://forums.macrumors.com/ if you want to find out more about what's happening with Apple. The name says it all. Hope this helps.

so you were one of the people to waste the extra $150 on the color?

 

[CTtarheel]

I've heard that there can be issues with compatability with some of the anatomy software. But then again, with boot camp, you could just run those in windows.

 

[Rafa]

so you were one of the people to waste the extra $150 on the color?

maybe he painted it. you can do a lot of things with permanent marker...

 

[Gut Shot]

My understanding is that OS X Leopard will be out in the spring. If at all possible I would hold off until then.

 

[Guile]

My understanding is that OS X Leopard will be out in the spring. If at all possible I would hold off until then.

Do you know what the improvements will be over Tiger? I'm relatively new to the Apple world, so I don't know what a new OS build entails. But I do remember my Mac friends being pretty excited when Tiger came out.

 

[mfrenkie]

You can save a few hundred dollars if you buy a student membership to the ADC (Apple Developer Connection), and then buy a computer through the ADC store (the student membership comes with one discounted purchase). It's usually a way better deal than the normal student discount. Just look for ADC info on apple's site.

 

[MollyMalone]

Moving to tech forum.

 

[MossPoh]

You can also look into a warranty if you buy it from a place like compUSA.......I have had bad experiences with apple warranty versus the stores where I could literally "drop my iPod in the toilet" and they'd give me a new one.....It was also much cheaper.

 

[Guile]

Moving to tech forum.

🙁 Where it will die a slow, painful death in a forum surfed by 3 members at a peak hour. I didn't even know SDN had a tech forum.

 

[Guile]

Another question: anyone know the difference between the matte and glossy screens? From the description, it appears that the choosing the glossy screen is a no-brainer because graphics and movies appear clearer, but I wanted to get an opinion from someone.

 

[alexPDX]

maybe he painted it. you can do a lot of things with permanent marker...

so you were one of the people to waste the extra $150 on the color?

Yeah, I was drawn to the dark side! To make things worse, I got a free Nano with the MacBook purchase (rebate), and I chose the black color for that one too. Now I am terrified even to think about judgment day! Maybe if I show up with my old iBook St. Peter will at least put me on the ranked waiting list.

 

[deleted87716]

Another question: anyone know the difference between the matte and glossy screens? From the description, it appears that the choosing the glossy screen is a no-brainer because graphics and movies appear clearer, but I wanted to get an opinion from someone.

Are you talking about plasma (glossy) vs. LCD (matte)?

If so, look at the thread entitled "Buying a new TV" (directly underneath this one at this writing).

 

[alexPDX]

Another question: anyone know the difference between the matte and glossy screens? From the description, it appears that the choosing the glossy screen is a no-brainer because graphics and movies appear clearer, but I wanted to get an opinion from someone.

I really like the glossy screen of the MacBook. Just the other day I had to get something from my old iBook and I was really surprised at the difference in picture quality. It was kind of like going from the high def. plasma to an old TV set. The screen is much brighter too. The only problem I see is if you were planning to use it out in the sun.