Sony Vaio Blue Label vs. Macbook Pro

[cbizzle7994]

So I'm looking to buy a new laptop for the start of dental school in August. To this point, I have always been a PC guy. I could never really justify spending over a grand on a laptop while still an undergrad. But now that I am gonna need a solid laptop for dental school that will last me a good 4-5 years, I am trying to decide what to get.

I've tentatively narrowed down my choices to a 13 inch MacBook Pro and the new Sony Vaio 3rd generation Blue Label from best buy. What does everyone think? They seem very similar except for OS and the fact that the Vaio has a hybrid hard drive and blue ray player (which I won't use).

Also, any ideas on other laptops is appreciated as well.

Thanks!

Sony Vaio: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Sony+-+...?id=pcmprd154000050000&skuId=9999154000050000

MacBook Pro: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Apple&#...rive/9755322.p?id=1218169737492&skuId=9755322

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[DentalDuck]

I'd go with the MacBook Pro. I've had a MacBook for 5 years now and it easily outperformed the PC that I bought (and subsequently returned) at the beginning of the school year.

 

[DentalDiva RDH]

There doesn't seem to be much of a price difference, if that's the deciding factor, I would go for the macbook! I've had my macbook pro for 4 or 5 months, hands down the best money I have ever spent. I have yet to even be slightly disappointed and I had a dell before so I've been through hell and back. You want less stress get your macbook pro on, you will not regret it and I assure you, you will also not be buying your second laptop midway through d-school.

 

[molar3]

macbook pro ALL THE WAYYYYYYY. macbooks are amazing they seem to last forever and itll be worth every penny!

 

[bing12]

macbook pro all the wayyyyyyy. Macbooks are amazing they seem to last forever and itll be worth every penny!

+1

 

[sacapuntas]

My first mac has been disappointing. I have the 15" Macbook Pro, got it in fall 2009. Seemed great for awhile, but I am having annoying problems with the laptop that I am not use to having with my previous PC's. Things like the disc drive not accepting discs very well (you have to try lots of times, hold it upside down, tap it etc to get discs to read). It will cost $200 to fix. The laptop no longer charges and it isn't the batter and it isn't the charger. Got an estimate of $100 to fix. Whenever I need to tinker with new software or installing other new things it is far from intuitive for me. The computer has also progressively got slower and laggier.

Sure there are things I love about the laptop, mostly looks and and battery life. It fits my hands nice and is fairly easy to tote around. That's not worth $1250 to me.

What I am typing on now, and the laptop I used for everything for a variety of reasons is actually a $250 Samsung netbook. All I really do is surf the web, use Word, excel, view PDFs, and this computer does it perfectly. It easily gets 8.5 hours out of the battery, and it is so nice and small to tote.

Computers over the next decade are going to continue to get cheaper and cheaper, and as people realize they don't need anything more than basics (I am talking average people), they will gravitate towards these economical choices that are easy to tote and get killer battery life.

My advice to you, spend less than $300 on a netbook, get an awesome external hard drive, and use the other $800 bucks on something more enjoyable than a computer. Heck, get a netbook and an iPad and still be a few hundred dollars ahead, that way you get your apple kick too.

 

[Dusk]

i thought i should contribute with my great insight.
macbook. macbook!!!! you'll regret not getting a macbook.
that's all

 

[Mr PS09]

macbook pro easy...i also got a 15" macbook pro in fall 2009 and I cant imagine my life without it. it just makes everything easier. I would never go back to a pc. One of my best friends used to be the biggest supporter of PCs until his computer crashed. Now, he cant stop raving about the macbook pro.

 

[sacapuntas]

macbook pro easy...i also got a 15" macbook pro in fall 2009 and I cant imagine my life without it. it just makes everything easier. I would never go back to a pc. One of my best friends used to be the biggest supporter of PCs until his computer crashed. Now, he cant stop raving about the macbook pro.

What is easier with a macbook pro?

 

[spoog74]

What is easier with a macbook pro?

To name just some of many things;

-Adding a printer ( or any other external devices) is way easier than in a pc.
-So far, the mac's havent been plagued with nearly as much viruses that windows have. In fact, ive NEVER had a virus or any kind of spyware/malware on my machine.
-Getting on the net is simpler
-The look, feel and build quality is far superb compared to windows machines
-So far my macbook pro has NEVER not ONCE slowed down on me.

Other reasons why mac's are great;

-Customer service is like walking in to get a starbucks coffee, in and out, as opposed to customer service for a windows machine, which would take hours and hours on the phone "diagnosing the issue"
-Resale value of almost ANY apple product is SOLID for years especially with the mac pro's

Not to say that mac's dont have their downsides.... for example i wouldnt recommend getting ANY kind of mac for the use of games only because you'd have to fiddle a bit and be tech savvy to accomplish that.

Basically, if you're a student and you need a solid, great dependable machine go with a macbook pro, you will NEVER EVER regret it.

 

[Blarelli]

What is easier with a macbook pro?

Clicking that firefox icon is just so difficult in widows!

 

[armorshell]

There's no way you need a $1000 laptop for dental school. 98% of what you will be doing is surfing the net, reading PPT/PDFs and word processing. Just get a $300 netbook and use the $700 I just saved you to buy 1400 tacos.

 

[rockclock]

To name just some of many things;

-Adding a printer ( or any other external devices) is way easier than in a pc.
-So far, the mac's havent been plagued with nearly as much viruses that windows have. In fact, ive NEVER had a virus or any kind of spyware/malware on my machine.
-Getting on the net is simpler
-The look, feel and build quality is far superb compared to windows machines
-So far my macbook pro has NEVER not ONCE slowed down on me.

Other reasons why mac's are great;

-Customer service is like walking in to get a starbucks coffee, in and out, as opposed to customer service for a windows machine, which would take hours and hours on the phone "diagnosing the issue"
-Resale value of almost ANY apple product is SOLID for years especially with the mac pro's

Not to say that mac's dont have their downsides.... for example i wouldnt recommend getting ANY kind of mac for the use of games only because you'd have to fiddle a bit and be tech savvy to accomplish that.

Basically, if you're a student and you need a solid, great dependable machine go with a macbook pro, you will NEVER EVER regret it.

does it help you tie your shoes too?

if adding a printer and connecting to a network are challenging for you, then you're the last person whose opinion i'll be taking into account

 

[Huskk]

Buy whichever is cheaper. You can install the mac OS on either, and usually get twice the machine for your buck if you go with a PC.

...but that would take away 90% of the reasoning on buying a mac, which is its looks. Why the physical appearance of a computer is an important factor and that a company can succeed by marketing around it will always be beyond me.

 

[Docplaque]

does it help you tie your shoes too?

if adding a printer and connecting to a network are challenging for you, then you're the last person whose opinion i'll be taking into account

you're wrong for that

 

[Huskk]

Oh, and usually Newegg and Tigerdirect are MUCH better spots to get deals than Bestbuy.

 

[Rubber Dam Man]

If you're getting a laptop for dental school... I would recommend first checking with the school to see if they will be providing one. Many schools actually include the price of a laptop, etc... into your tuition and it comes loaded with pretty much everything that you will need.

If you still want one... go with the MacBook Pro. I purchased my 15" almost 3 years ago and I still consider it the best $1500 I've ever spent!

 

[dantemac]

Look into a Toshiba Satellite. When I purchased mine it was 2nd in quality behind the macbook pro according to Consumer Reports. I've had this bad boy for 5 years and, with one quick vacuum of the cooling fan, it actually may run better than when I got it.

 

[yangwang]

if you got the money go for the mac, macs have the best configs even though they don't explicitly state it. However, like others have stated, you are going to be a student, you don't need all that stuff, what you will need is battery life and mobility. For that I would recommend a netbook, actually i would get a netbook ($300)+external HD ($50 for 500GB) and a desktop that's like $600 but probably performs like a macbook pro.

 

[Munchy]

I want to get a netbook as well but my school is telling me that I need to have a DVD drive to install the software they give you.

 

[schen140]

If you're getting a laptop for dental school... I would recommend first checking with the school to see if they will be providing one. Many schools actually include the price of a laptop, etc... into your tuition and it comes loaded with pretty much everything that you will need.

If you still want one... go with the MacBook Pro. I purchased my 15" almost 3 years ago and I still consider it the best $1500 I've ever spent!

yeah i agree with this point. i was really surprised reading this thread, because i also had been under the belief that d-schools required you to buy pre-configured laptops that came with certain programs and files installed on them

do certain schools not have this requirement?

 

[Maygyver]

yeah i agree with this point. i was really surprised reading this thread, because i also had been under the belief that d-schools required you to buy pre-configured laptops that came with certain programs and files installed on them

do certain schools not have this requirement?

Some schools give you specifications. Some schools give you specific models.

 

[mfoti1]

MACBOOK PRO. if your a PC guy, your crazy. I used to be a PC guy untill i bought my first mac. The only things that PC's are better for, is gaming. If you don't game, mac's allll theee wayyy baby.

I have a 13-inch macbook pro laptop right now, and its my favorite peice of property! it even makes me enjoy doing schoolwork!! (maybe)

 

[Nateftw]

macbook pro. It by far has the most solid build construction in a notebook computer, and has a very stable OS that is intuitive to use. Starts up super quickly, no need for virus protection, less popups, less headaches, looks and feels nicer, feels faster than any PC i have ever had (even w/ equivalent specs). Applecare is pretty awesome, they never hassle you about anything if you need to take it in. I, like nearly everyone who has a mac now, was a previous PC user.

and PS..in my opinion, netbooks are crap. They are not a substitution for a real laptop.

 

[Blarelli]

Go with what you're used to. I used to be a mac guy and fought the transition to windows, but I actually really like windows 7 and probably won't go back now. My mac ran ok, but I had lots of problems with the spinning wheel of death. I honestly think the whole 'macs are more stable' is a bunch of hype from the kool-aid drinkers.

 

[txlonghorn]

I just bought my first mac a two days ago and should receive it in a few days. After purchasing the mac, I went through through kind of a separation anxiety, as I have used windows for the longest time. I use to do some hardcore coding, etc., so a pc was necessary. However, as a dentist, I will use a computer more as general user, and the mac offers a better experience. If I ever need to run a windows application or do some database work/coding, I can do it on the mac by running parallels or bootcamp and load up windows. At the end of the day, it is you decision on which OS you prefer - neither macs nor pcs are bad.


If I were you, I would purchase the mac through ebay from this seller, as you will not have to pay taxes (unless you are from one of the states listed). Also, some of you people might be able to get 10% off using the ebay bucks microsoft internet explorer 9 discount. After all costs, I ended up paying ~ $950 for the macbook pro.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...498943&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT#ht_8090wt_976

 

[amdrocks]

MBP definitely
Plus Apple Care
You can get student discount for both the machine and the warranty

The machine has been outstanding most of the time I've been using it. When a hiccup comes up, Apple Care Warranty service has been the best of any repair services I've ever dealt with.

I was a tech support at my undergrad school, and Macs have far less problems than Windows systems from my work experience.

I've been using the same machine from more than four years ago, and it runs as fast as the day I got it.

 

[amdrocks]

I forgot to mention.
If your state participates in Tax Free Weekend for back to school, you can save the tax money.
Plus, you can get a free iPod touch and a printer when Apple hosts its back-to-school deal.

 

[armorshell]

MACBOOK PRO. if your a PC guy, your crazy. I used to be a PC guy untill i bought my first mac. The only things that PC's are better for, is gaming. If you don't game, mac's allll theee wayyy baby.

I have a 13-inch macbook pro laptop right now, and its my favorite peice of property! it even makes me enjoy doing schoolwork!! (maybe)

The only things apple products are better for is being used by people who lack a basic ability to understand computing.

If you guys want to pay double the price for "being able to get on the internet easier", then pay away geniuses. More likely you're just using that as an excuse to have a sweet brand name accessory, but whatever.

Android 4 lyfe.

 

[7 Iron]

The only things apple products are better for is being used by people who lack a basic ability to understand computing.

If you guys want to pay double the price for "being able to get on the internet easier", then pay away geniuses. More likely you're just using that as an excuse to have a sweet brand name accessory, but whatever.

Android 4 lyfe.

People have mentioned far more positive aspects for the MBP than simply getting on the internet more easily. I'm of the opinion that you get what you pay for. If you buy a computer for $300, good luck getting it to last 4 years.

 

[Bman1047]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bm7JH1FT_yM

 

[Thundercatz]

People have mentioned far more positive aspects for the MBP than simply getting on the internet more easily. I'm of the opinion that you get what you pay for. If you buy a computer for $300, good luck getting it to last 4 years.

but you can get a new netbook every year for 4 years and still save ~300 over a MBP

 

[Muggsy Bogues]

Always, always go for the MacBook when deciding between the MacBook and a PC. For the same exact or worse specs you can pay a lot more money. Who wouldn't want to do that? Plus, if you buy the PC you won't get a partially eaten applie on your laptop design and people won't think your cool and hip. Plus, if you get a PC you'll get viruses all the time. Don't worry that viruses are actually an attack on the operating system and not the hardware. Despite having such a small share on the market and thus making it not worthwhile to create a virus for, Macs are literally impenetrable to viruses. Plus, it's not like there's not tons of free anti-virus software out there for the PC. Don't worry, You obviously can't install the Mac OS on a PC either. Nope, can't do that at all. And of course, Macs are easier to use despite the fact that we have been using PCs since we first touched a computer.

In other words, Macs are cool and will make You look cool. Get a Mac. And You should probably get a North Face laptop bag if they make those to keep up with the Joneses.

 

[Muggsy Bogues]

.

 

[armorshell]

People have mentioned far more positive aspects for the MBP than simply getting on the internet more easily. I'm of the opinion that you get what you pay for. If you buy a computer for $300, good luck getting it to last 4 years.

Even if I had to buy 3 netbooks (1 every 1.33333333333 years), I'd still be ahead by at least 200 tacos, and that would be without any real difference in performance or functionality for the tasks required of a dental student. Also, I could color code them to my mood.

 

[Muggsy Bogues]

Macbooks are like Ivy League dental educations... look nice but provide no real value over the state school and will leave you in much more debt.

 

[sacapuntas]

To name just some of many things;

-Adding a printer ( or any other external devices) is way easier than in a pc.

Yes, plugging the usb from the printer into my netbook and waiting 30 seconds was a real pain in the arse.

-So far, the mac's havent been plagued with nearly as much viruses that windows have. In fact, ive NEVER had a virus or any kind of spyware/malware on my machine.

May have been true in 2003. Windows 7 has better security according to industry experts. It has literally been more than 5 years since I have had a virus on a PC, and all I run on my Vista machine is AVG free and I have yet to install any anti-virus software on my Windows 7 netbook. I let windows take care of that for me. Also, limit your porn intake and don't click on penis enlargement spam emails and you just eliminated 99% of any minute chance you had of getting a virus.

-Getting on the net is simpler

Why? How is getting on the net in any way difficult with any machine?

-The look, feel and build quality is far superb compared to windows machines

True for majority of machines, though this has nothing to do with windows, only the manufacturer of windows machines. You can put windows on an apple and voila, a windows machine now has a pretty case.

-So far my macbook pro has NEVER not ONCE slowed down on me.

Mine has, big time. As I stated in a previous post in this thread, the mac I bought in Fall of 2009 is noticeably slower today than it was in 2009. I have also had various other issues with it.

Other reasons why mac's are great;

-Customer service is like walking in to get a starbucks coffee, in and out, as opposed to customer service for a windows machine, which would take hours and hours on the phone "diagnosing the issue"

I hate walking into starbucks.

But in all honesty, I haven't needed customer service for my netbook or my desktop (granted I built the desktop, but it has been error free since 2006.) I also fix most of my own stuff so customer service is rarely needed.

The only reason I needed customer service for my Apple is that they use special screws so you can't disassemble large portions of their laptops. For example, I can't even change the battery on my macbook pro without either buying a tripod screw driver set or paying the 'starbucks' customer service $129 for a new battery that I can get for $40 on ebay.

-Resale value of almost ANY apple product is SOLID for years especially with the mac pro's

Why would you sell your laptop that is so magical?

Not to say that mac's dont have their downsides.... for example i wouldnt recommend getting ANY kind of mac for the use of games only because you'd have to fiddle a bit and be tech savvy to accomplish that.

So I assume you have not been able to play games on your mac yet?

And I guess paying out the butt for the computer in the first place isn't a downside?

Basically, if you're a student and you need a solid, great dependable machine go with a macbook pro, you will NEVER EVER regret it.

Basically, if you're a student that needs a solid, dependable machine that will allow you to use a word processor, have 8+ hour battery life, surf the net, use excel, pdf's and vast majority of any other programs, get a netbook and realize that people that have macbooks largely got them for one reason. They got sucked into an emotional purchase, which is just fine...after all, it is your own money to waste.



To the OP who worried about DVD's, get a netbook ($300), external DVD drive ($50), external hard drive - which you need with a macbook also ($50), get an iPad to be awesome with at the coffee shop ($450) and still be spending far less.

 

[Bman1047]

Macbooks are like Ivy League dental educations... look nice but provide no real value over the state school and will leave you in much more debt.

Sound a lil bitter there buddy! lol, we get it...no Macs for you!


It's funny, PC folk are getting all defensive while Mac folk are simply suggesting why they love there macs. Everyone is entitled to his/her own opinion.... and at the end of the day OP, buy what YOU like...there is no "correct choice"

 

[Muggsy Bogues]

Nah, I'd just prefer people who own Macs to admit that the only reason they bought a Mac is because it's "cool". Heck, I own a North Face backpack and the only reason I bought it is because it's pretty stylish and cool. See, it's that easy.

 

[Muggsy Bogues]

Yes, plugging the usb from the printer into my netbook and waiting 30 seconds was a real pain in the arse.

May have been true in 2003. Windows 7 has better security according to industry experts. It has literally been more than 5 years since I have had a virus on a PC, and all I run on my Vista machine is AVG free and I have yet to install any anti-virus software on my Windows 7 netbook. I let windows take care of that for me. Also, limit your porn intake and don't click on penis enlargement spam emails and you just eliminated 99% of any minute chance you had of getting a virus.

Why? How is getting on the net in any way difficult with any machine?

True for majority of machines, though this has nothing to do with windows, only the manufacturer of windows machines. You can put windows on an apple and voila, a windows machine now has a pretty case.

Mine has, big time. As I stated in a previous post in this thread, the mac I bought in Fall of 2009 is noticeably slower today than it was in 2009. I have also had various other issues with it.

I hate walking into starbucks.

But in all honesty, I haven't needed customer service for my netbook or my desktop (granted I built the desktop, but it has been error free since 2006.) I also fix most of my own stuff so customer service is rarely needed.

The only reason I needed customer service for my Apple is that they use special screws so you can't disassemble large portions of their laptops. For example, I can't even change the battery on my macbook pro without either buying a tripod screw driver set or paying the 'starbucks' customer service $129 for a new battery that I can get for $40 on ebay.

Why would you sell your laptop that is so magical?

So I assume you have not been able to play games on your mac yet?

And I guess paying out the butt for the computer in the first place isn't a downside?

Basically, if you're a student that needs a solid, dependable machine that will allow you to use a word processor, have 8+ hour battery life, surf the net, use excel, pdf's and vast majority of any other programs, get a netbook and realize that people that have macbooks largely got them for one reason. They got sucked into an emotional purchase, which is just fine...after all, it is your own money to waste.



To the OP who worried about DVD's, get a netbook ($300), external DVD drive ($50), external hard drive - which you need with a macbook also ($50), get an iPad to be awesome with at the coffee shop ($450) and still be spending far less.

I'm glad you responded because I was feeling that post was the worst one in the thread.

 

[sacapuntas]

Sound a lil bitter there buddy! lol, we get it...no Macs for you!


It's funny, PC folk are getting all defensive while Mac folk are simply suggesting why they love there macs. Everyone is entitled to his/her own opinion.... and at the end of the day OP, buy what YOU like...there is no "correct choice"

Well, the purpose of a discussion forum is to discuss topics, and since I own both I feel I don't fall into either of your two camps. I aim to provide as much information as possible to the OP so he/she can spend their money as wisely as possible.

 

[Bman1047]

Well, the purpose of a discussion forum is to discuss topics, and since I own both I feel I don't fall into either of your two camps. I aim to provide as much information as possible to the OP so he/she can spend their money as wisely as possible.

Now I get it! Thanks!

 

[Derk]

Well, the purpose of a discussion forum is to discuss topics, and since I own both I feel I don't fall into either of your two camps. I aim to provide as much information as possible to the OP so he/she can spend their money as wisely as possible.

Excellent points you made in your previous points!

It irks me when people bring up "quality" and Macs vs PCs.....as you mentioned, it is really up to the manufacturer!!!

I've been using thinkpads for a long time now and have dropped them many times on the ground, concrete, lockers etc. and they hold up like a champ! I use an X200s now and the magnesium alloy + carbon fiber/fiberglass construction is amazing. I get +10h with max settings (undervolted CPU) and it weighs 3lbs in that configuration. It is the only laptop I've used that I can comfortably carry around by holding the edge of the screen, the hinges just so strong!

Macs definitely have their place in the market and do fit certain lifestyles, but from my perspective, I am a bit of tinkerer, so that is my major downside to Macs due to their proprietary parts. I enjoy having the ability to not only change out the hard drive/RAM, but also having the flexibility to tear the entire machine apart with ease to change the keyboard and screen and essentially do whatever I want with it!

But of course to each their own, just your research beyond promo videos and find the machine to suit your needs best! =D

 

[vwantihero]

I only read the first page, but IMO get a mac. whichever you want.
reasons:
A-Got my first one in 2005 and it is still running like when i first bought it and I still haven't used over 50% of the HD space w/ all the documents, ppts, pdfs, movie downloads, and movie editing. I had got a dell laptop in 2004 and immediately it started getting slow and eventually the motherboard loss connection with everything all of a sudden.??

B-Like someone else said all you will be doing is word processing, ppts,pdf, and surfing the net..which isn't much so a pro isn't needed but you can get the moderately priced macbook. the pro is really designed for people involved in media design,editing,etc. so it is pretty powerful and can handle pretty much anything you throw at it, in a dental students case.

C-its always good when someone wants to contribute to my stock going up.

 

[amdrocks]

Why did people brought up netbooks?
OP didn't ask about it.
IMO, netbooks are NOT mean to be a laptop alternative.
I'm sure it's easy to carry around, but taking notes and reading ppt and pdf files on that small keyboard and screen is simply a pain in the ---.

Questions for OP:
Is this computer going to be your primary machine for the next four years?

What screen size do you prefer?

Are you planning on carrying the computer to classes all the time? or as a home desktop replacement?

Anything that you want to do with this computer besides surfing internet, writing reports, checking e-mail, and basic everyday tasks?

How long do you want this machine to last? (I know someone who would upgrade their computer every year)

One reason why I hate about buying a Windows laptop is simply the amount of junkwares that are loaded in the machine.

Another option for OP, build a desktop PC and buy an iPad. You can have a cheap and powerful machine to deal with important stuffs while you are at home, and use iPad for its portability to deal with other tasks.

In the end, choose a computer that you won't regret spending money on.

 

[dantemac]

I kind of agree with the last post. Buy a desktop PC for really cheap. My friend just purchased one for $399 with a printer and 24" screen included by HP. Use the rest of the money on an iPad. < Not a bad strategy right there

 

[Thundercatz]

Why did people brought up netbooks?
OP didn't ask about it.
IMO, netbooks are NOT mean to be a laptop alternative.
I'm sure it's easy to carry around, but taking notes and reading ppt and pdf files on that small keyboard and screen is simply a pain in the ---.

Questions for OP:
Is this computer going to be your primary machine for the next four years?

What screen size do you prefer?

Are you planning on carrying the computer to classes all the time? or as a home desktop replacement?

Anything that you want to do with this computer besides surfing internet, writing reports, checking e-mail, and basic everyday tasks?

How long do you want this machine to last? (I know someone who would upgrade their computer every year)

One reason why I hate about buying a Windows laptop is simply the amount of junkwares that are loaded in the machine.

Another option for OP, build a desktop PC and buy an iPad. You can have a cheap and powerful machine to deal with important stuffs while you are at home, and use iPad for its portability to deal with other tasks.

In the end, choose a computer that you won't regret spending money on.

You can get netbooks in all different sizes. There are 10, 12, and 14 in netbooks.

What irks me the most is when people say Macs are easier to use. I ask them why and they cant answer me.

What makes a mac easier to use? 95% of the population use their computers for simple tasks (web browsing, email, word processing). Is it really easier to browse the web on a Mac vs a PC?

If you like Macs for their looks and OS functionality over PC, great but those are rarely reasons people give when they recommend a Mac.

 

[armorshell]

Why did people brought up netbooks?
OP didn't ask about it.
IMO, netbooks are NOT mean to be a laptop alternative.
I'm sure it's easy to carry around, but taking notes and reading ppt and pdf files on that small keyboard and screen is simply a pain in the ---.

Questions for OP:
Is this computer going to be your primary machine for the next four years?

What screen size do you prefer?

Are you planning on carrying the computer to classes all the time? or as a home desktop replacement?

Anything that you want to do with this computer besides surfing internet, writing reports, checking e-mail, and basic everyday tasks?

How long do you want this machine to last? (I know someone who would upgrade their computer every year)

One reason why I hate about buying a Windows laptop is simply the amount of junkwares that are loaded in the machine.

Another option for OP, build a desktop PC and buy an iPad. You can have a cheap and powerful machine to deal with important stuffs while you are at home, and use iPad for its portability to deal with other tasks.

In the end, choose a computer that you won't regret spending money on.

How is reading on an 11 inch netbook screen any more painful/annoying then reading off an iPad/Nook/Kindle/Tablet/ACTUAL PHYSICAL PIECE OF PAPER. A sheet of paper is 11 inches, and we manage to read off those without problems.

 

[Huskk]

It's funny, PC folk are getting all defensive while Mac folk are simply suggesting why they love there macs. Everyone is entitled to his/her own opinion.... and at the end of the day OP, buy what YOU like...there is no "correct choice"

Actually it's PC people stating facts of why macs are an awful financial decision and mac owners not reading a single post in thread and writing something to the extent of, "omg, my mac is sooo awesome. i just love how sleek and cool it is!" I haven't seen a single honest attempt to disprove anything said by a mac owner.

 

[amdrocks]

You can get netbooks in all different sizes. There are 10, 12, and 14 in netbooks.

What irks me the most is when people say Macs are easier to use. I ask them why and they cant answer me.

What makes a mac easier to use? 95% of the population use their computers for simple tasks (web browsing, email, word processing). Is it really easier to browse the web on a Mac vs a PC?

If you like Macs for their looks and OS functionality over PC, great but those are rarely reasons people give when they recommend a Mac.

I guess my definition of netbooks is an underpowered x86 computer with a screen less than 10 inches. With the price of netbook, I would still recommend building a desktop PC.

The reason why I bought my first Mac was because I wanted to learn another OS. I've been using Windows (and some Linux) before I went to college. I never had a problem with them (now Win 7, simply amazing). I am super enthusiastic about technology, and I've always wanted to try out Mac OS. My parent let me pick out a laptop of my choice as a college gift, and so I acquired one.

To me I can switch between Windows and Mac all fine, but somehow I enjoy using Mac a little bit more than Windows for some reason.

There are different combinations and setup that the OP can adopt. I'm simply giving my opinions and suggestions to guide the OP choosing the perfect machine that is suitable for him/her.