Bought 2 Apple Computers - bad decision?

[tallchris]

As someone else said, I'd just get a macbook pro, then buy a monitor (doesn't have to be an overpriced apple one), keyboard and mouse (if you don't own them already).

Its hardly inconvenient and certainly is less hassle than transferring files between both (at least until icloud comes out).

EDIT: those docks look cool at keeping everything compact btw, however I have my macbook set up next to my monitor and something use both screens (mirroring off) and it gives alot of screen space, so i'd bare that in mind.

 

[SaxPlayer]

I'd just enjoy your new toys if I were you. Sometimes you just have to indulge yourself even if you know you shouldn't really. As long as it's not too often then why not?

I'm a prime example. I have a 2006 model Mac Pro (bought in 2007). Really, I should be putting money aside ready to upgrade it at some point but instead of that I bought a 30" Apple Cinema Display last November (before they all went out of stock when they were discontinued). Hideously expensive, of course, and there was nothing wrong with the 21" Dell it replaced but I sit looking at my monitor all day so why shouldn't it be a pretty Apple one?

My slightly old fashioned all-white Apple keyboard is a bit dirty too so I got a nice aluminium one at the weekend. Another small dent in the Mac Pro upgrade fund.

I'll get my coat...

 

[Sackvillenb]

Ah, the post-purchase spending-money guilt! Happens to me sometimes!

If you really do use both machines, and enjoy using them... then enjoy your purchase! It's all about what you will rally be using, and if you are getting the most out of both machines then it's money well spent.

Many other posters have suggested great alternatives to consider, and if the purchases you've already made suit your needs better than those alternatives, then you're good to go!

 

[DreamscapeRuins]

After giving it a few days of thought, I think I'm going to stick to my original purchase. (However, I may have to return the MBP for other reasons not related to this. If that happens, I may replace it with the MBA.)

At first, I was feeling a bit of remorse. And starting to think "Why DIDNT I just get an external screen?"

But I dont think that would have been enough for me, and having to plug my laptop into a screen would have ultimately gotten on my nerves. Just this passed weekend I've used both systems enough to justify the purchases - except the MBP. Trying not to use it as much, as I believe I'll have to return it this week.

I may regret it in January when I have to ultimately pay them both off, but the money is neither here nor there. I see absolutely nothing wrong with financing a big purchase - as long as its paid off in full before interest sets in. Thats how I've always made big purchases.

But thanks for your input, guys

 

[FuNGi]

You are still in the 14 day return window. I say return the MBP and keep the iMac. Then pick up a refurb 13" Air for on the go productivity. Let the iMac do the heavy lifting and store all your media. Use the Air for notes, reading, etc. at school.

I basically use my late-2008 MBP attached to an ACD and keyboard etc. as an iMac. The MBP stays in a stand behind the thing plugged in all the time. The Air is so much nicer to carry around and quite capable.

 

[sumone]

But since you asked, my opinion is that it's always a bad decision to buy things on credit that are not essentials. Buying two computers on credit does indeed seem like a bad decision.

I never understand why people buy two machines at once. You'll just want to replace them at the same time in the future.

This. Especially a student. Since you said you'll be paying them off. Have any student loans? Sure you don't just freely swipe your credit card for that Chipotle or fifth of whisky? What next? Then even if you do work during the school year, you probably don't make enough for daily expenses + useless $2k in debt.

Just think of 5-10% student loan interest rate or 15-25+% credit card interest compounded yearly for 'x' thousands of debt you have/will have.

Since you asked:
1) Borrowing money to buy something that doesn't make money is idiotic. Yes, I know everyone does it. I don't. Get debt free. Save up for a car rather than finance it. Get ahead of the curve or you'll spend your entire life in debt.
2) You will need to save for retirement. Too far away? You will need to save for a period of unemployment, or disability, or for raising your children.

All of this.

And as a fellow student in college who actually has a similar interest I have to say it really isn't worth it. I think what many college students neglect to realize is that the thousands of dollars you spend on college goes to more than just paying off professors. One of the main reasons I was excited to go to college in High School was because I knew I would have access to thousands of dollars worth of software and tech that I could use when ever I wanted. I don't know about your university but mine has 24 hour mac labs available which have the latest and greatest technology. They also have a complete video editing studio which was conveniently located close to my dorm freshman year and I frequented quite often. I believe such a purchase would be justified if you were out of college and no longer had access to all of the tech in school then it would be more of an investment in your career. And just think by the time you graduate and really dive exclusively into your work the devices you have will be outdated and no use to you then. As a college student you could get by just fine with one of those and make use of the school computers which more than likely will be fully loaded with top of the line software.

Also as others have stated if your income will be that good over the next couple of months it would be more wise to just save up the cash and buy the items straight out rather than financing them. The fact that you have student loans that may or may not be accumulating interest as we speak and now credit debt is a pretty awful way to start of your finances. And you also never know what might happen in the future i.e. losing a job, car breaking down and needing to be replaced etc.

 

[DreamscapeRuins]

And just think by the time you graduate and really dive exclusively into your work the devices you have will be outdated and no use to you then. As a college student you could get by just fine with one of those and make use of the school computers which more than likely will be fully loaded with top of the line software.

I graduate in a year and a half. The computers may be slightly out of date by then, but they will last much much longer than that for my needs and career. As for the school computers, we have one Mac available to the public in our school library - and its about 3-4 years old and is not set up with our school network, meaning we can't sign in to it or use it to connect to the internet. Its just kind of sitting there. My school is also located a good 30-35 minutes away from my house with very odd Lab hours, so its not as easily accessible as most.

As for the money issue, I will still have enough to fall back on for emergencies such as my car breaking down. Like I said, I didn't figure it to the exact amount. For example, I didn't say "Oh, I'll have exactly $2,220 dollars in 6 months. I can use all of that towards my computers and have no money left over." I have a pretty healthy sum left over after paying these two off. Enough to dip into if I have an emergency.

I was originally worried about the cost and financing, but that was buyers remorse - which I'm not feeling anymore.