Affordability

[Eddyisgreat]

Unless you want to sell drugs and maybe turn tricks then i'm not sure how you'll get $2700 anytime soon.

When I was fourteen (which wasn't that long ago ) I had a paper route and I bagged groceries at the local grocery store, but I still didn't get my first mac until several years later.

Since you like to hack stuff my advice would be to get a cheap , yes, dell, and then make a hackintosh. This way you get the play with OS X and if you select the right hardware you get to have all the features, without needing the hardware (although once you get the two...things are good..)

 

[r.j.s]

I can word twist as well.
Quit quoting certain parts of my explanations as you are word twisting them. It's rather annoying. As you notice, when I quote, I do the whole comment as I am responding to the comment itself, not a certain part.

I didn't change any of your words, and removing parts of a quote that are not pertinent to the reply is just good ettiquete.

It is not my decision, however, you asked for advice when you really didn't want honest advice.

To answer your original question ... if you can't hold down a job (and you are probably too young to work anyway (it depends on your state)), then you will have to find something you can do from home using the skills and tools you have available. That is something only you can answer, as you know your skills and abilities better than us.

 

[palpatine]

Unless you want to sell drugs and maybe turn tricks then i'm not sure how you'll get $2700 anytime soon...Since you like to hack stuff my advice would be to get a cheap , yes, dell, and then make a hackintosh. This way you get the play with OS X and if you select the right hardware you get to have all the features, without needing the hardware (although once you get the two...things are good..)

That's a good idea.

You could also pick up an old power mac (free or close to it) and work from there. At any rate, the point is that you can build all of this without spending much money. Look around for deals online, discarded stuff at school or local businesses, or find parts in other places, and you can improve your computer over time. It will be a great learning experience.

 

[dslrjunky]

oh wow kids these days huh?? anyways you seem to got it all figured out, so pick and choose what you want to hear and be done with it... goodluck on getting a mbp

 

[KazeKrazy]

Unless you want to sell drugs and maybe turn tricks then i'm not sure how you'll get $2700 anytime soon.

When I was fourteen (which wasn't that long ago ) I had a paper route and I bagged groceries at the local grocery store, but I still didn't get my first mac until several years later.

Since you like to hack stuff my advice would be to get a cheap , yes, dell, and then make a hackintosh. This way you get the play with OS X and if you select the right hardware you get to have all the features, without needing the hardware (although once you get the two...things are good..)

Whoever said I was a hacker? I don't do that kinds of stuff. Whee are you getting your facts, and NO I'm not getting another Dell.

 

[Blipp]

As stated in the above reply, I'm going to be using this model all through high school and hopefully some of college. And the reason it's a $2700 price tag is that I've done some upgrades and accesories to it...

• 2.2GHz Core i7
• 500GB (Not 750GB) @7200rpm
• A 23" HP External Monitor ($215)
• A DVI adapter ($5)
• PowerCurl ($15)
• Laptop Itself ($2375)

Mk, the computer you listed would be well suited for a pro designer's laptop. Again, at 14 you are the furthest thing possible from requiring a pro's computer. Every single thing you listed, especially when coupled with freeware design software, can be run just fine on a C2D MBP that you can get for $500 these days. Go ahead, take the time to earn the money and get yourself a new computer but be smart enough to realize that there are zero things you're doing that require a top of the line laptop. I think what us older folk are getting annoyed by is the fact that instead of just admitting that you really only want the biggest and baddest out of vanity you're trying to tell us we don't know what we're talking about and that a 14 year old needs a quad-core pro graphic design workstation for their high school yearbook...

 

[palpatine]

Whoever said I was a hacker? I don't do that kinds of stuff. Whee are you getting your facts, and NO I'm not getting another Dell.

I think you need to step back from this thread you started and stop being so hostile towards people.

He's not talking about hacker as in Neo from the Matrix, but in its earlier sense of someone who customizes stuff. You still see it used like this in many circles, and even more popularly, like the site "Lifehacker." Hackers have a glorious tradition. In fact, Steve Jobs is a hacker

There is nothing wrong with a Dell. Dell uses some of the same parts that you'll find in other computers. The cool thing is that you can get a Dell, Apple, or any other conglomeration of computer parts, build your own, and install OS X. It will be inexpensive. And, this is called a "hackintosh," because you are working unofficially outside of Apple's rigid rules (Mac OS is only "allowed" to go into Mac stuff that Apple sells).

 

[KazeKrazy]

I think you need to step back from this thread you started and stop being so hostile towards people.

He's not talking about hacker as in Neo from the Matrix, but in its earlier sense of someone who customizes stuff. You still see it used like this in many circles, and even more popularly, like the site "Lifehacker." Hackers have a glorious tradition. In fact, Steve Jobs is a hacker

There is nothing wrong with a Dell. Dell uses some of the same parts that you'll find in other computers. The cool thing is that you can get a Dell, Apple, or any other conglomeration of computer parts, build your own, and install OS X. It will be inexpensive.

Because he initially said "Hackintosh", which clearly is NOT personalization in any way, I chose to go with the defintion which suited his staement. Using context clues is a great feature to posses. And I don't beleive I'm being hostile, more like agitated. Everyone keeps twisting my posts and telling me otherwise. I asked for a simple way to afford EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED, nt be told how I should hande the situation by buying a different computer than I Mac. I asked about a Mac, answer about the Mac. Not a Dell. And responding to a Hackintosh being a custom built computer with Mac OS X installed is still illegal. Mac OS X is a copyrighted fragment of the Apple franchise. You cannot just use it on anything, you need to have the legal computer that has LEGALY been registered to use the software/OS.

 

[r.j.s]

I asked for a simple way to afford EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED, nt be told how I should hande the situation by buying a different computer than I Mac. I asked about a Mac, answer about the Mac. Not a Dell.

See here:

To answer your original question ... if you can't hold down a job (and you are probably too young to work anyway (it depends on your state)), then you will have to find something you can do from home using the skills and tools you have available. That is something only you can answer, as you know your skills and abilities better than us.

It's up to you: you can't just buy something way out of your price range by asking a forum for advice on how to afford it.

 

[Eddyisgreat]

I think you need to step back from this thread you started and stop being so hostile towards people.

He's not talking about hacker as in Neo from the Matrix, but in its earlier sense of someone who customizes stuff. You still see it used like this in many circles, and even more popularly, like the site "Lifehacker." Hackers have a glorious tradition. In fact, Steve Jobs is a hacker

^ --- ^ This.

But yeah dude, uhm. Good luck.

 

[KazeKrazy]

Mk, the computer you listed would be well suited for a pro designer's laptop. Again, at 14 you are the furthest thing possible from requiring a pro's computer. Every single thing you listed, especially when coupled with freeware design software, can be run just fine on a C2D MBP that you can get for $500 these days. Go ahead, take the time to earn the money and get yourself a new computer but be smart enough to realize that there are zero things you're doing that require a top of the line laptop. I think what us older folk are getting annoyed by is the fact that instead of just admitting that you really only want the biggest and baddest out of vanity you're trying to tell us we don't know what we're talking about and that a 14 year old needs a quad-core pro graphic design workstation for their high school yearbook...

I don't understand what you don't get about the quoted comment saying I will be using this for many years. Modern computers do not last this long, yet the Pro does. I don't need you telling me that I don't need the computer. My main question, the question that I asked in the beginning of this was: How can I afford THIS computer?
Not: What computer do you alll think I should buy because I'm only 14 and I know nothing about how processors work.

GOT IT?

 

[davmcn]

I'm more technicly advancd than most of the 2000 kids that make up my school. I am the go-to person for fixes and help. My own computer needs help...a lot. It's so bad right now that when something freezes, I try to open task manager, but it won't go. And when I actually get it open, it freezes, and then it's stuck until I hold the power button down to shut it off. Does that sound like it's in good enough shape to wait? My dad is all for the fact that I will be needing a better computer. I'm going to be working on the yearbook staff at my school so graphics and writing will be a nessescity. And the optical power of the Mac's will venture me to lands of getting things done and not having to wait for a system crash to fix up. Long story short, I'm going to be doing a lot in school that involves computers...I need a Mac so it can satisfy what my high school cravings are.

I worked on the yearbook when I was in highschool, and I can tell you now that you don't need a Macbook Pro, especially a brand new one just for writing words and doing basic design. It's really not worth spending 2000$ on, when you enter College as I did, it becomes something that's necessary as you don't have time to be fixing and reloading windows every other month.

For now, flash your dell, and reinstall windows and work with that, cause a Mac isn't a good idea for you.

Speaking from experience.

 

[KazeKrazy]

I worked on the yearbook when I was in highschool, and I can tell you now that you don't need a Macbook Pro, especially a brand new one just for writing words and doing basic design. It's really not worth spending 2000$ on, when you enter College as I did, it becomes something that's necessary as you don't have time to be fixing and reloading windows every other month.

For now, flash your dell, and reinstall windows and work with that, cause a Mac isn't a good idea for you.

Speaking from experience.

I don't give a **** what you think I do or don't need. I've experianced how crappy my Dell is. I've decided on a MacBook Pro. I asked for advice that should've went along the lines of: Try saving money by doing chores and maybe check out places like Amazon, sometimes they have new ones for beter price

 

[palpatine]

Because he initially said "Hackintosh", which clearly is NOT personalization in any way,

I beg to differ. Building your own computer is one of the most creative and personalized things you can do. There are a lot of beautiful boxes out there with totally unique combinations of internal components.

I asked for a simple way to afford EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED, nt be told how I should hande the situation by buying a different computer than I Mac.

Given your financial situation and your needs, what you want is unrealistic, and people are trying to help by suggesting ways that you can achieve the larger goal of getting a computer that will enable you to do stuff like yearbooks, without settling for an off-the shelf Dell or Windows computer. They are approaching your dilemma with creativity and you are responding with negativity.

I asked about a Mac, answer about the Mac. Not a Dell. And responding to a Hackintosh being a custom built computer with Mac OS X installed is still illegal. Mac OS X is a copyrighted fragment of the Apple franchise. You cannot just use it on anything, you need to have the legal computer that has LEGALY been registered to use the software/OS.

No. It is not illegal. It is unauthorized. You can modify your system however you like. Apple will not support it, and they could give you grief if you try to market what you build, but Steve isn't going to come into your bedroom and let his lawyers loose on you.

 

[ipodlover77]

I don't understand what you don't get about the quoted comment saying I will be using this for many years. Modern computers do not last this long, yet the Pro does. I don't need you telling me that I don't need the computer. My main question, the question that I asked in the beginning of this was: How can I afford THIS computer?
Not: What computer do you alll think I should buy because I'm only 14 and I know nothing about how processors work.

GOT IT?

you go and get a job.
go cut grass.
go sell lemonade.
go ask your dad for more work.
ask for a early xmas/birthday present. which will probably be your next 5 xmas an birthday.

asking on a forum about how u can afford a comp will only result into simple answers. there is no magically way you can afford a comp in a snap. just be patient and save your pennis. its def gonna be a long wait.

 

[Cantisama]

My main question, the question that I asked in the beginning of this was: How can I afford THIS computer?

I don't think there is an Apple discount you qualify for, so the price of that MacBook Pro won't get any lower. The question then changes from "how do I afford this MacBook Pro" to "how do I raise $2700". That's not an easy question for strangers to answer and no longer a question relative to this forum. You should try posting this in a job search related forum.

 

[KazeKrazy]

you go and get a job.
go cut grass.
go sell lemonade.
go ask your dad for more work.
ask for a early xmas/birthday present. which will probably be your next 5 xmas an birthday.

asking on a forum about how u can afford a comp will only result into simple answers. there is no magically way you can afford a comp in a snap. just be patient and save your pennis. its def gonna be a long wait.

1. THANK YOU for suggesting ways to afford this computer, and not tell me I don't need it.
2. THANK YOU for the actual suggestions on money making.
3. Pennis looks a little awkward, so I have to correct it. "Pennies"

 

[kappaknight]

This thread is hilarious. I love it when kids feel like they're invincible - regardless of what happens, make sure you keep that part of you alive.

Back to reality though - the facts are:

1. You claim to be a smart computer person, the go to person to fix things - yet you can't fix your own computer. Honestly, your problems sound like it can easily be fixable by doing a complete reload of Windows OS. If money really is an issue and you NEED a computer to work, you will do what you have to do to keep that one going forever.

2. I personally don't care about the fact that you're 14. I've worked with amazingly talented 12 year olds who can program asp.net around me. I also know and have heard of great teen entrepreneurs who make millions off of great ideas. Unfortunately, from your posts, it doesn't seem like you are a mature 14, but rather, just an average one. So despite what you believe about yourself, you're really not that that different from a typical teen who wants the world and thinks the world owes it to them.

3. Most businesses justify their purchases based off of ROI. If you want a $3000 computer at a job, many would have to justify how that purchase would result in the business making more than $3000 in return. In your case, if this new computer can help you make more than what you spend, the decision should be a no brainer. Go get that computer now. If you can't justify it, maybe consider that you only WANT this thing and do not NEED it.

Just because Apple chooses to release new shiny objects every 10 months doesn't mean the previous models will shut down and die instantly. While things may take a few seconds more, any of the unibody MBP's will be able to do exactly what the new one does without any problems. A mature person would realize that just as a mature person with financial issues would buy a used car instead of a new one. (Or take public transportation if vehicle ownership is too costly.)

Anyway, I don't mean to preach but the world owes you nothing kid. While one may want the shiniest MBP today to last through the rest of high school and college, let's face it, once the next new one comes out you'll be setting your eyes on it. Why not get something that will get you through the next year or two - learn some new skills, make some real money and if things change for the better in two years, get the newest one then. Nothing in life is permanent and money will come and go. Get what you can manage to afford today and move on to the next target. By having your heart set on the highest end model and possibly going into debt for it, the only person you are helping here is Steve Jobs, not yourself.

 

[Surely]

The base model MacBook will cover your needs.

You really don't need the power of such a high-end MacBook Pro.

But hey, it's your money......spend away.

 

[ipodlover77]

1. THANK YOU for suggesting ways to afford this computer, and not tell me I don't need it.
2. THANK YOU for the actual suggestions on money making.
3. Pennis looks a little awkward, so I have to correct it. "Pennies"

haha sorry for the misspell, late for class.

but yeah, good luck.

i really do feel you should listen to others about the c2d models but hey, its your money. if you feel as if you can be patient enough to get it, then go for it.

 

[Cantisama]

I asked for advice that should've went along the lines of: Try saving money by doing chores and maybe check out places like Amazon, sometimes they have new ones for beter price

The problem is you want a non-standard configuration (500gb 7200rpm hdd), I don't think you can get that through anyone other than direct from Apple.