$3000 to spend on computer(s), going to college, what do you think?

[QCassidy352]

Why, does clock speed cause a computer to go down in flames after a prespecified amount of time?

Good luck running 10.7/whatever MS is selling in 4 years on that 1.2 Ghz core 2 duo with integrated graphics. As long as you're willing to keep using the same OS and software that you use today than you'll be fine, but buying the lowest end speced machine out there today (which is a pretty fair description of the x300's internals) is a pretty good way to ensure you won't be running new software tomorrow.

 

[stainlessliquid]

If they dont do exactly the same things then what can you do on an imac than you cant do on a MBP after a few extra accessories? The MBP can "come with a 24in monitor" if you order one with it.

The differences lie in performance, the imac isnt much faster than a MBP which is why it would be redundant to have both. If you need a high performing desktop then a PC is the best choice (or mac pro if you have the cash), you can get near mac pro speeds for the same price as an imac.

 

[Abstract]

The differences lie in performance, the imac isnt much faster than a MBP which is why it would be redundant to have both. If you need a high performing desktop then a PC is the best choice (or mac pro if you have the cash), you can get near mac pro speeds for the same price as an imac.

Bingo. And the most important part of what was said is that neither a MBP or iMac are faster in gaming anyway. If you're going to buy a MBP, and think you need a system like an iMac because it's better for gaming and has a 20 or 24" LCD, then it's definitely not worth it, as the difference in speed for gaming isn't much better, and getting a MBP and iMac truly is redundant. The video card isn't much better, the processing speed isn't much better, and generally speaking, it hasn't proven to be much faster than a MBP. Faster? Yes, but not $1200 faster (or whatever it costs in America).

I say stick to the PS3 for gaming, as he may find that a new friend at UofT has a PS3, or XBox, etc, and he may not be playing PC games much. However, if he's going to buy a 2nd computer because a laptop isn't as powerful for gaming, he may as well buy a gaming PC and really game.

But DigitalSkunk is right: the systems are fundamentally different. One is portable, while the other isn't. However, I personally don't believe that theres a big enough difference to justify the additional cost of an iMac. I guess it could be nice to own a home computer, but definitely not for the performance.

 

[Entourage12]

If you like the MBP, get it. My wife has it, and loves it. For her the best feature is the back lit keyboard. Makes a huge difference working in a dimly lit room.

I grew up in Niagara - home of Ridley college. A friend of mine there had a chance (and took it) to tackle one of the members of the Royal Family (Andrew I think? Perhaps at UCC?) during a rugby game. Boy, did we hear that story alot that year.

I'm actually at LCS (Lakefield College School) which is where Prince Andrew went and hes actually going to be coming back for yet another visit this year on Friday. It's kind of weird when he's around, he's here quite often, not many people know how to act.

I've actually decided that I will be going with a 2.5GHz Macbook Pro Refurb model and a Dell UltraSharp 2009W 20'' to compliment it. Since the refurb is out I cant get an exact price on how much it will be, but hopefully it will be ~$150-$200 less than the student discount (Which is $2099).

This is my decision for right now but I won't actually purchase anything until June 21st (Graduation day) and if anything is looking like it will change in the Macbook Pro's i'll pick up one of the new Montevina entry level ones.

Thank you all very much for your help! I can't believe I got over 100 votes on the poll. If you have any more comments please feel free to post!

 

[TimJim]

I would just get a Macbook Pro, save the rest for later in college, and get AppleCare somewhere a year after your purchase, it doesn't matter. Either the MBP + Money or the MBP + Display

 

[zap2]

Good luck running 10.7/whatever MS is selling in 4 years on that 1.2 Ghz core 2 duo with integrated graphics. As long as you're willing to keep using the same OS and software that you use today than you'll be fine, but buying the lowest end speced machine out there today (which is a pretty fair description of the x300's internals) is a pretty good way to ensure you won't be running new software tomorrow.

I've been using my Mac Mini for almost 2 years....at first I though I'd upgrade after 6 months, but so far, there has been nothing worth upgrading(for what I do, the speed increases are small, plus I don't really need it)
Also Low end computer cost less, so its less money now, so people have more money later.


I'm not saying low end computer are for everyone, but for many, low end C2D are plenty.

 

[Les Kern]

I've been looking at Universities and I recently found out that one women-only college was commonly known as "Virgin Megastores"

"Big-Box" don't mean Wal-Mart no more!
Okay, I'm NOT sexist... not even close. This was a JOKE.
Still, college is the beginning of the trip, and it's sad to think one needs to waste 1 second of it on Halo 2 or some other diversion.

MacBook Pro, serious apps, and a serious attitude. You're going to need it in this world that our parents and their parents created.

 

[VideoShooter]

I'd get one of the following - depending on your need for gaming.

Personally- in college - I'd quit gaming and get more into chicks and partying. You can game when you graduate and the only parties you're invited to are for 50 year old coworkers. Date lots and lots of girls, get good at it, it's fun as hell.

1. Black refurb Macbook + 24 inch dell refurb.

2. Cheapest refurbed 15 inch MBP.

3. Cheapest refurbed 17 inch MBP with high res screen.

If I was in your situation - I'd get #1. - OR better yet - wait to see what Steve releases for the new MacBook's - You'll be happy. I'm sure of it.

 

[skwij]

Another vote for the MBP and an external display, a copy of Windows (XP pro SP2 is $139 CDN @ TigerDirect.ca) and perhaps Parallels or VMwareFusion.

Plus a good lock and sleeve.

Plus Applecare, of course. eBay Applecare works worldwide. I know, I've got it for my Touch and my Macbook and they both registered just fine. Oh, and I'm in Canada, too, eh.

 

[tjanuranus]

I think you should get a Macbook (after June), a console game (like PS3), and a 26" or 32" LCD TV. That way you have everything you'll need. You can watch Bluray movies (Netflix has a nice selection of BR and buying them used on Amazon is nice too), and upscaled DVD's using the PS3 as well.

When you want to watch in bed on MB, you have iTunes and can watch DVD's, etc. You'll have the PS3 for gaming and a media hub for music, video, and can surf the web with it as well. You can connect your MB to the TV to watch iTunes content as well.

MB: +-$1,500
PS3: $399 + $60 for HDMI/DVI and HDMI cable
32" 1080P TV: $900
_________________
Total: $2860 (enough left to cover shipping from Newegg and Amazon for TV/PS3/cables)

As for WOW, you can play it on the MB. The FPS's can be played on PS3. You got everything here to make your college years super fun, and it fits into the budget your parents gave you (assuming you use educational discount or refurb for MB, and/or purchase TV and PS3 online to forego paying tax, and ask for Apple Care and PS3 games for birthday or xmas. Good luck to you!

ps3 LOL!

 

[QCassidy352]

I've been using my Mac Mini for almost 2 years....

This computer has to last twice that long. And the X300 is less powerful (as compared to today's competition) than your mini was when you bought it.

Frankly, I'm not even sure why we're talking about the X300, since the OP pretty clearly wanted a mac, and not even an Air.

Low end computers may be the way to go for some people, but I think you have to be realistic about well it's going to run software that's released 3 and 4 years down the road.

 

[snberk103]

I'm actually at LCS (Lakefield College School) which is where Prince Andrew went and hes actually going to be coming back for yet another visit this year on Friday. It's kind of weird when he's around, he's here quite often, not many people know how to act.

I'd forgotten about LCS. One tip I can give you (re: Andrew) - Don't Tackle Him! (unless he's got the ball ).

Congratulations on your graduation! I like the refurb idea. I bought my 23" cinema display there, and have recommended the refurb store to several people. I check it early in the morning near daily. A friend got a better deal on MB there than the education discount.

 

[linuxophile]

Was that honestly necessary? This is a forum for people looking to buy or looking for information on Mac computers. I'm here looking for advice just like many others and how is that going to be helpful at all?

I think that's a whole lot of assumptions you've made about me and you know absolutely nothing about me. I have no intentions of going to University to get drunk and screw away the rest of my life. I'm in a position right now where my family has enough money that I don't even need to go to school anymore! I actually happen to be a 90%+ student, and I take my work extremely seriously. I am extremely self motivated to get somewhere in my life on my own without relying on my parents and that's something I've seen is quite rare in people my age.

You have my apologies.