My PC Knows I'm Getting a Mac.

[Honest Truth]

My PC Knows I’m Getting a Mac. (It's acting up.)

It all started back in late July. I was bored playing around with my new iPhone 3G and was just so excited that it just worked. It did what I wanted, without any troubleshooting. My iPhone was my 2nd apple product (a 30GB iPod video being my first) and I was interested in exploring other products that they offer. Just to try something new. So I went to their website and looked around. I watched all the ‘Get a Mac’ advertisements, iLife and iWork tours and was really impressed on the simplicity of the interfacing and design. Later that day, I got the blue screen [of death] informing me there was a fatal error and windows had to shut down.

Until that day, I was siding with Microsoft in the Apple vs. Microsoft battle, but I wasn’t an “Apple Hater.”

Originally, I was interested in the Mac Mini, being it the only thing that I could individually afford. After a week or two, I decided that if I were to get another computer, it’d have to be a laptop, because I’ve never owned one before and I really could use the portability. I’d never be able to afford it by myself though.

So, I went to my parents. At the first attempt I just asked, “Can I get a laptop?” Of course, their initial response was a no. So then I told them why I wanted one. My parents are suckers for anything that would better my education. So, I made them a PowerPoint of all the reasons I need/want a MacBook. They were extremely impressed and are deeply considering buying me the new, soon-to-be released MacBook. The next day, any attempts to view any kind of streaming video content would instantly crash my entire wireless network. This problem still exists to this day. (August 23, 2008.)

Last night, I was inspired to back up my iTunes library onto a few DVD+RW discs. My attempt quickly failed and resulted in another blue screen [of death] once again telling me about a fatal error.

Yes, I have anti-virus and spyware protection software. In fact, I have three different protections. I’ve scanned my computer several times and I have not installed any new software, or updated any drivers.

So that’s my story. I thought it’d just be nice to share with you guys. FYI I’m 14 years old.

It’d be appreciated if you could help me think of a few more things about a MacBook that would benefit me particularly in High School. They are still just considering it, so I need all I can get. I don’t know all the great things about Macs because I’ve never owned one before. So, as I said, it’d be greatly appreciated.

[NotFound]

Yes, I have anti-virus and spyware protection software. In fact, I have three different protections. I’ve scanned my computer several times and I have not installed any new software, or updated any drivers.



I've been told that it isn't wise to do that as they can interfere with each other and potentially delete useful files to each anti-virus suite...

[Honest Truth]

I've been told that it isn't wise to do that as they can interfere with each other and potentially delete useful files to each anti-virus suite...

Oh, really? I'll go look into that now.

[smwatson]

You're 14?
What the hell do you need a laptop for man :p

[Hawkeye411]

If you have a computer that is capable of running powerpoint and word, why do you need another computer. If your hoping to get one because macs are cool and you have a feeling that you "need" a mac, your parents definately should not incourage your impulsive behavour by buying you something that you really don't need.

Cheers.

[Honest Truth]

I forgot to mention that i'm paying for half. :o

[mademan118]

I forgot to mention that i'm paying for half. :o

which makes the situation even worse.

You are 14 years old and stuck in the "For this Moment in time" thought process. Do not waste that money, save it. I am 20 years old, and have spent tons of money since I was 15 (I have ALWAYS had a job). I have a brand 2007 jetta, I had a 30" Apple Cinema Display/Mac Pro, lots of computers, gadgets, whatever I wanted. Now its all gone. Money down the drain, wasted. Not only that, I HAVE to work hard now to pay the bills. I wish the bills didn't control me, but I will have them paid off soon. Use your money for useful things that actually go up in value, not depreciate. Not only that, you are wasting money on something that will be constantly outdated and will limit you in your ever growing and changing lifestyle (do not ever think about playing games on a Macbook). If it is for education, pick up a cheap FAMILY iMac, so everyone can use it. Otherwise, just get a cheap $300 PC. Sure it may crap out (stop downloading porn, music, movies), but as long as you take care of it it will work pretty well.

On-top of that, being 14, laptops have pretty high failure rate in general. Take that $500,

Take what you need, not what you want. The richest (in terms of money) people are some of the most frugal people in the world. They did not get rich by spending their money, they got rich by using it to make more.

[Chappers]

Of course you could just spend the money on wild living instead or a Mac and help stimulate the economy. :D

[mademan118]

Of course you could just spend the money on wild living instead or a Mac and help stimulate the economy. :D

I'm sure that $1000 would do a lot :rolleyes:


What effect did the billions of dollars worth of stimulus checks have on the still crumbling economy?

[christiemp]

I honestly cannot think of any reason a 14 year old would need a laptop, sorry.

You live at home.....school hardly requires any computing at all....

Yeah laptops are nice because you can use them anywhere in the house and stuff, but do you really NEED one? I'd be more interested in my parents investing in my car fund if I was 14. Seriously. Unless you already have that worked out, that is.

[pilotkev1]

which makes the situation even worse.

You are 14 years old and stuck in the "For this Moment in time" thought process. Do not waste that money, save it. I am 20 years old, and have spent tons of money since I was 15 (I have ALWAYS had a job). I have a brand 2007 jetta, I had a 30" Apple Cinema Display/Mac Pro, lots of computers, gadgets, whatever I wanted. Now its all gone. Money down the drain, wasted. Not only that, I HAVE to work hard now to pay the bills. I wish the bills didn't control me, but I will have them paid off soon. Use your money for useful things that actually go up in value, not depreciate. Not only that, you are wasting money on something that will be constantly outdated and will limit you in your ever growing and changing lifestyle (do not ever think about playing games on a Macbook). If it is for education, pick up a cheap FAMILY iMac, so everyone can use it. Otherwise, just get a cheap $300 PC. Sure it may crap out (stop downloading porn, music, movies), but as long as you take care of it it will work pretty well.

On-top of that, being 14, laptops have pretty high failure rate in general. Take that $500,

Take what you need, not what you want. The richest (in terms of money) people are some of the most frugal people in the world. They did not get rich by spending their money, they got rich by using it to make more.

That very well may be the most influential, and sensible set of words I've ever encountered.

Well played.

[Avizzv92]

BTW, referring too your PC's problems, Can you further explain what exact error your getting with your BSOD... It sounds like a corrupt file possibly easily fixed perhaps maybe re-installing windows would be needed. If you re-install windows and it happens again it is most likely your HD and you would need a new one.

Just saying a new HD is a lot cheaper then a New Laptop...

[tsice19]

I'm a freshman in HS, and I'll basically tell you that depending on what you are doing will depend on what type of computer you need.

If you use Microsoft Office, Firefox, AIM, and iTunes, then you can probably get by with a $300 Dell and a cheap ink-jet printer.

If you use Microsoft Office, Firefox, AIM but also edit video, work with audio, and design things, than getting a Mac is probably a good idea. Not to mention, a Mac will probably last you through HS.

If you are the average student, however, you don't need the MacBook. You could probably get by without a computer by utilizing the school computer labs. Normal school projects often require no more than an active internet connection, a printer, notepad, and some elmer's glue.

However, if your like me (a nerd), and run the school newspaper's website, manage the morning video announcements, and do computer fair's and stuff like that, then the MacBook really does help. But if you aren't doing extra curricular activities that involve computers, you don't need it.


I'm not trying to lecture, but I'm just offering some sensible advice to someone my age. Other adult users, of course, will just tell you that you don't need it and that you should save your money. In many cases that's true, but, in some case, you really do need the computer.

[iToaster]

Geez guys, be a little nice to the kid. Sure he doesn't need a laptop like he needs oxygen, but it's not like it's going to corrupt his life to buy a new computer. If we go by this thought process, why don't we all use DOS on green tinted CRTs to compute. It's obvious his computer is having some problems and it doesn't seem like he wants to fix it now that he's discovered the Mac... I know that's how it worked for me. I saved up and bought myself a MacBook a little while ago because I 1) was fed up with my troublesome Dell and 2) had discovered the glory of Apple (so to speak). If it hadn't been for that, I certainly wouldn't be where I am now. A MacBook has many practical advantages over a Mac Mini. For example, the OP could just take his computer down to his parents if they wanted to read something he's written instead of him having to print it out. Aside from that, having a laptop is really a better option that having a desktop as it is smaller and considerably more portable than its stationary equivalent... ie, were the OP to go on vacation with his parents he could make his parents a nice video of the vacation or perhaps a slideshow of pictures he put on his laptop while on the go. The possibilities for greatness are greater with a machine you can take with you than with one you can't. OP, go for the MacBook, it's a great introductory Mac and will cure your PC "blues."

[Aranince]

lol...you guys sound like party pooper parents.

One main thing you can tell your parents is that Macs "just work." You generally don't have to worry about problems or learning how to do something. Everything works and is easy to use. This is good because it allows you to spend more time on your work than worrying about losing your work in a crash.

[LifeAfter1am]

I dont see why you guys are hating on this kid. I was 14 when I bought my first mac. My story was a little different though. I went to my mom and said " I have been doing some research and would really like to get a mac" and the first thing she said was " when you get $1,100 let me know" I was extremely disappointed and though that I would never get a mac. I turned 14 a week or so later and got a job the day I turned 14. Worked all summer and saved every dime and bought a 15" MacBook Pro. She was impressed and started to support me in my love for digital graphics and photography. I know that its hard to believe but now Im fifteen and own a full editing studio. I really started making money when I got into digital Photography. I shoot weddings, Product Photography, and Senior Portraits. I am currently working on 4 product photography projects and am getting into the industry. Over summer I have made over $8,300. There MIGHT be potential in this kid. Like me. Also Kid, Tell them that its an investment and you can make money off of it!

[tsice19]

I dont see why you guys are hating on this kid. I was 14 when I bought my first mac. My story was a little different though. I went to my mom and said " I have been doing some research and would really like to get a mac" and the first thing she said was " when you get $1,100 let me know" I was extremely disappointed and though that I would never get a mac. I turned 14 a week or so later and got a job the day I turned 14. Worked all summer and saved every dime and bought a 15" MacBook Pro. She was impressed and started to support me in my love for digital graphics and photography. I know that its hard to believe but now Im fifteen and own a full editing studio. I really started making money when I got into digital Photography. I shoot weddings, Product Photography, and Senior Portraits. I am currently working on 4 product photography projects and am getting into the industry. Over summer I have made over $8,300. There MIGHT be potential in this kid. Like me. Also Kid, Tell them that its an investment and you can make money off of it!

+1. I make money by designing presentations for people, creating logos, and coding websites in CSS.

The Mac really does open up possibilities for jobs. The hardest part is getting people to trust a 14 year old to do a good job :mad: :D

[fewture]

most of these posts have been lame.

If he wants to get a macbook, instead of a $300 dell, why not? What makes most Mac users so special than the OP that they have a right to buy a mac which they probably don't need more than any other PC. Who cares about 14? That would be a great age to get a mac and play with OSX.

I could have still used my old PC and bought a $399 netbook for university but I opted for a Macbook - I didn't absolutely need it - it was a matter of choice.


By the way, yes my computer has done the same thing. When I finally decided I was going to replace my motherboard and CPU with a new version, within about 4 hours, my computer which had been perfect for about 3 years, died. I found out it was the motherboard.

When I decided to get a macbook, my PC at the time didn't die on me though, but I knew I would be keeping it as a second computer... :)

[thejadedmonkey]

go for it. As a bonified nerd, I got my first laptop when I was 13, it taught me about computers, I used it to make websites, and it (most importantly) introduced me to Diablo II.

Having said that, I'd get the cheapest new one you can afford, and don't plan on getting a new one until you graduate. That means, if you ever want to play games, you'll need a desktop. That's the dilemma I'm in now, and it sucks, let me tell you.

Otherwise, I say go for it. It sounds like you already decided you want a computer, and a macbook is going to be worlds better then the $500 Dell's are (but I'd love an insp. 1318!).

[christiemp]

go for it. As a bonified nerd, I got my first laptop when I was 13, it taught me about computers, I used it to make websites, and it (most importantly) introduced me to Diablo II.

Having said that, I'd get the cheapest new one you can afford, and don't plan on getting a new one until you graduate. That means, if you ever want to play games, you'll need a desktop. That's the dilemma I'm in now, and it sucks, let me tell you.

Otherwise, I say go for it. It sounds like you already decided you want a computer, and a macbook is going to be worlds better then the $500 Dell's are (but I'd love an insp. 1318!).

Haha. Diablo II = YES ;) hahahah

[chrisiw]

Yep! get a MacBook, although it is a bigger outlay at the start, unlike Windows laptops, macs hold their value, so after a few years there is still some value left that you can sell on when you get your next Mac.

[kixsand]

Don't listen to all the wet blankets on this thread.

Go and get yourself a MacBook and then change the world with it!

:)

Darren

[iShater]

This is like a Deja Vu thread ("My parents hate apple" one). :eek:

[Applepwns]

i got mine when i was 14 now i do lots of video editing and have a youtube channel. i also do photo editing and am the family Computer guru =P

Get one You'll LOVE it :)

[thejadedmonkey]

This is like a Deja Vu thread ("My parents hate apple" one). :eek:

Nahh, I think that thread was all about an anti-mac dad, this one's more like anti-computer parents (can't say I blame them though)...

[abijnk]

My little sister is 13 and she got a laptop, and honestly, I think she uses hers for school work more than I do and I'm in college!!!! People need to get over this "You're too young..." crap and realize that as tech becomes more and more integrated into our lives peoples dependency on it will start at a younger and younger age.

To the OP, congrats on your upcoming purchase! I hope you put it to good use!

[mixmacface]

starting out with technology early is a good idea. . however, you should monitor it. because starting out so young can cause dependency on it. but if he's paying half. . why not? it's not like he went up to his parents and WHINED and COMPLAINED about not having a laptop, and how all the other kids have 'em.

i think it shows responsibility in paying half. . kudos to you, my friend. go for it. and if he screws it up. . it'll be his fault. if you're always saying "you're too young." then by the time he is "old enough". . he won't have any experience, and will probably make bad decisions. just go for it.

[alphaod]

OP, please buy a big SUV with low mileage, so I can make more money.

That aside, I have no objections against 14 YO people getting laptops. Only my first computer was a desktop. All subsequent computers I've used were laptops. Sure I build desktops, but when it comes to buying a computer, I will only get a laptop.

Also this is a lot better than some brat coming in and asking which $20,000 Mac Pro with a 50 kg DSLR to buy.

[tsice19]

Also this is a lot better than some brat coming in and asking which $20,000 Mac Pro with a 50 kg DSLR to buy.

Your quite right.

Tommy, even though you are only 9, do you really need that Mac Pro? :p

[marold280]

good call!
for your information im 15 and i use my macbook for soooooo much.
recording songs with my band, recording my podcast, school work. internet, msn. i keep EVERYTHING on it. i watch films on it . so yes, good call on getiing a macbook. they are insanely good :D mine is 2 years old and has not let me down once !

[mladenz]

Get it.

I was in the same position you are in now, i am a designer, but my PC started to fail, so i got interested in mac's. I let my parents know that i was looking for a mac, and asked if they could buy me one, ofcourse not. I said it was for school and for designing, now they never believed that i could make money designing so it wasn't an option to buy a mac for school only, cuz my PC could handle that just fine.

But.. once i got downstairs and told my parent we should go to the bank to pick up some money, money i made by designing. They couldnt believe it and i confinced them that i can. So i got my mac, and now... i made so much money of it that i could buy a couple more..

I love my mac and im trying to convert people to mac, even my mac-hater friend, but that wont work, there's just something in his brains that hates mac's.

i got beter in school, my parents dont have to pay for anything for me anymore, i have a lot of fun and everything works.

Good luck!

[Hawkofglory]

You think he's young I'm 12 turning thirteen in 6 days I just got my MacBook 3 weeks ago I love it my moms in college so she let me use the college discount but wouldn't pay a penny so I got a job (sold cherries at 60$ a day) saves up 1100$ and got my new macbook that I love so much got A free I pod touch and printer too as well as photoshop for only 200 dollars because I want to become a graphic designer when I get older people may say I'm young but my mom wasn't gonna upgrade from her 6 year old e machine so I got a mac and won't look back.

Sorry for poor grammar written from my I pod touch

[vansouza]

Easy to tell the kid not to get one when we all have ours already... Go get your Mac lappie and be happy... enjoy the excitement of planning and dreaming; enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.:apple:

[Chappers]

I'm sure that $1000 would do a lot :rolleyes:


What effect did the billions of dollars worth of stimulus checks have on the still crumbling economy?

You did realise I was being sarcastic - right?

[I Am Steve Jobs]

Hey man, what I would do is take your parents down to your nearest Apple Store, so that you can show them all the features and explain to them everything a Mac can do. Any Mac that you buy now (or even better, when they hopefully have new ones, a month from now) will last you your entire High School life and its safe to say, a bit of your college one too. And you can install Windows XP side-by-side next to it, so its like buying 2 computers in one (and I say XP because honestly, who wants Vista..) Get the Macbook, be happy, compute easier.

Just my 2 cents, hope everything works out for ya.

:apple:Sam

[hogfaninga]

Hey man, what I would do is take your parents down to your nearest Apple Store, so that you can show them all the features and explain to them everything a Mac can do. Any Mac that you buy now (or even better, when they hopefully have new ones, a month from now) will last you your entire High School life and its safe to say, a bit of your college one too. And you can install Windows XP side-by-side next to it, so its like buying 2 computers in one (and I say XP because honestly, who wants Vista..) Get the Macbook, be happy, compute easier.

Just my 2 cents, hope everything works out for ya.

:apple:Sam

I had XP on my Macbook and now I have Vista(just recently got it--3 weeks ago). It is faster and has better features than XP. I got the Home Premium edition with 32 bit and it doesn't take anymore resources than XP did on bootcamp. Like it or not Vista is here to stay for them. I would recommend people get Vista if they want to use bootcamp to be current.

[*Sandy*]

Mac is a Cult.....Welcome...

[thebeesknees]

My PC Knows I’m Getting a Mac. (It's acting up.)

It all started back in late July. I was bored playing around with my new iPhone 3G and was just so excited that it just worked. It did what I wanted, without any troubleshooting. My iPhone was my 2nd apple product (a 30GB iPod video being my first) and I was interested in exploring other products that they offer. Just to try something new. So I went to their website and looked around. I watched all the ‘Get a Mac’ advertisements, iLife and iWork tours and was really impressed on the simplicity of the interfacing and design. Later that day, I got the blue screen [of death] informing me there was a fatal error and windows had to shut down.

Until that day, I was siding with Microsoft in the Apple vs. Microsoft battle, but I wasn’t an “Apple Hater.”

Originally, I was interested in the Mac Mini, being it the only thing that I could individually afford. After a week or two, I decided that if I were to get another computer, it’d have to be a laptop, because I’ve never owned one before and I really could use the portability. I’d never be able to afford it by myself though.

So, I went to my parents. At the first attempt I just asked, “Can I get a laptop?” Of course, their initial response was a no. So then I told them why I wanted one. My parents are suckers for anything that would better my education. So, I made them a PowerPoint of all the reasons I need/want a MacBook. They were extremely impressed and are deeply considering buying me the new, soon-to-be released MacBook. The next day, any attempts to view any kind of streaming video content would instantly crash my entire wireless network. This problem still exists to this day. (August 23, 2008.)

Last night, I was inspired to back up my iTunes library onto a few DVD+RW discs. My attempt quickly failed and resulted in another blue screen [of death] once again telling me about a fatal error.

Yes, I have anti-virus and spyware protection software. In fact, I have three different protections. I’ve scanned my computer several times and I have not installed any new software, or updated any drivers.

So that’s my story. I thought it’d just be nice to share with you guys. FYI I’m 14 years old.

It’d be appreciated if you could help me think of a few more things about a MacBook that would benefit me particularly in High School. They are still just considering it, so I need all I can get. I don’t know all the great things about Macs because I’ve never owned one before. So, as I said, it’d be greatly appreciated.


Hey, just a hint. Never, ever, ever mention your age on macrumors. Ever. It seems that the macrumors crowd is older than most internet forums, and so many seem quite... conservative on this matter. As in, I've seen "Why does a 13 year old need a cell phone? They don't. They should be in bed by 8:00"

On topic, laptops are great for school. If you can set up a wireless network and integrate your printer into it, you can print wirelessly. And macs tend to work well. I've had my share of experience with having to work an extra hour on stuffbecause of tech difficulties...

[Shadow]

snip

What people don't seem to realize is that a laptop is beneficial to little geeks (in terms of learning about computers anyway). Being able to take your computer with you basically wherever you go is really nice. Need it in the theatre? Check. Presentation in class? Check. Video editing in school? Check. Want to go outside and do some stop-motion animation with slugs are something? Check. It's all good stuff and all virtually impossible without a laptop.