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How do you pay for these MB/P/As? Future College Kid lay it on me...
- Thread starter delicatepc
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More good advice. OP, you don't have to listen to us, but if you don't, it'll only hurt in the long run. There are four crucial points you'll hear over and over again:
1. Don't buy it if you can't pay in cash. Credit and loans may take years to recover from while you're stuck with an obsolete machine.
2. Stop lusting after the newest thing, and make an investment that will actually last for years. That's roland's advice above.
3. Don't buy random gadgets (like iPhones) and complain about a lack of money to buy real equipment. Simple logic.
4. A Macbook Air will not help you become more "detached"; it is not a primary computer. Ignore this at your peril.
From one college student to another,
If you can't afford it right now, don't buy it. I'm lucky to have no debt and a part-time job that pays pretty well, but I can't tell you how many people I see making misguided purchases.
While buying on credit or a loan can be helpful when used wisely, it is rarely done well on uncertain income.
Waiting to buy new tech is made sweeter by the fact that when it comes time to buy after you've saved for a few months, there is something new or better at the same price.
Wait.
Oh, and the MBA should not be a primary computer.
If you can't afford it right now, don't buy it. I'm lucky to have no debt and a part-time job that pays pretty well, but I can't tell you how many people I see making misguided purchases.
While buying on credit or a loan can be helpful when used wisely, it is rarely done well on uncertain income.
Waiting to buy new tech is made sweeter by the fact that when it comes time to buy after you've saved for a few months, there is something new or better at the same price.
Wait.
Oh, and the MBA should not be a primary computer.
Although the MBA is not going to be the only computer in the house here, why knock the idea of someone using it as their only computer?
If someone wants to get something they really like, and use it as their only computer, that is perfectly fine to me. Shoot I have a good feeling I won't be touching anything but my MBA. I can't imagine why I would NEED to use the other computer if the MBA is right in front of me.
If someone wants to get something they really like, and use it as their only computer, that is perfectly fine to me. Shoot I have a good feeling I won't be touching anything but my MBA. I can't imagine why I would NEED to use the other computer if the MBA is right in front of me.
Work hard, earn money, and save it up for something to come along that you really want. In my case, I earned & saved for a MacBook Pro. I'm going to sell my MacBook Pro and buy a MacBook Air. My laptop is a secondary computer, and as a student who has a half-hour public transportation & walking commute every day, a light & thin laptop has serious appeal.
Someone in this thread basically wrote that the MacBook Air should not be purchased by students. Poppycock. Although most students probably can't afford it, I can't think of a group of people more in need of an ultra-portable. Students who use laptops in class and do a large amount of travel on foot with their computers over their shoulders or on their backs are most in need of something light and ultra-portable. Financially speaking, Apple may have a different target in mind. But it's really not anyone's business how a student spends his money. I know plenty of people in college who spent the equivalent of a MacBook Air on weed and alcohol. It's not for people in this forum to scrutinize your budgeting decisions. With that said, buying on borrowed cash is never a good idea unless the alternatives are even less financially viable.
Someone in this thread basically wrote that the MacBook Air should not be purchased by students. Poppycock. Although most students probably can't afford it, I can't think of a group of people more in need of an ultra-portable. Students who use laptops in class and do a large amount of travel on foot with their computers over their shoulders or on their backs are most in need of something light and ultra-portable. Financially speaking, Apple may have a different target in mind. But it's really not anyone's business how a student spends his money. I know plenty of people in college who spent the equivalent of a MacBook Air on weed and alcohol. It's not for people in this forum to scrutinize your budgeting decisions. With that said, buying on borrowed cash is never a good idea unless the alternatives are even less financially viable.
Two ways. The good way and the common way.
Good way: Get in the habit of living on less than you make - whatever that is. Save 10% of your income for retirement forever. Then, make a budget, live tightly and below your means, budget for and save for a MB purchase. This is the slow way and most Americans don't have the patience for it (it is NOT our culture to do this, anymore)
Common way: Run up a credit card! Sure, you are sacrificing your future and causing yourself untold stress and pain, but you get your shiny toy NOW (instant gratification!) and the payments are ONLY a couple hundred a month.
You can tell which way I prefer.
-Allen
Good way: Get in the habit of living on less than you make - whatever that is. Save 10% of your income for retirement forever. Then, make a budget, live tightly and below your means, budget for and save for a MB purchase. This is the slow way and most Americans don't have the patience for it (it is NOT our culture to do this, anymore)
Common way: Run up a credit card! Sure, you are sacrificing your future and causing yourself untold stress and pain, but you get your shiny toy NOW (instant gratification!) and the payments are ONLY a couple hundred a month.
You can tell which way I prefer.
-Allen
You're right. Plenty of people will use this as their primary computer. I know a ton of business people (the kind that can readily afford an MBA) who will use it as their only computer. If all you need is Word and PowerPoint, or the Mac equivalents, and portability is a key factor, the MBA is a perfect computer. The people on this forum, particularly the naysayers, represent neither the average consumer, nor, most likely, the MBA's target audience.
I don't get why people keep talking about how business professionals can make use of an MBA in threads started by high school seniors.
Thanks everyone for the ideas.
Spending 2-3K on anything at once will always feel kinda weird for me.
I have attended community college last year (an college-in-highschool program) and to be frank I was more interested in my computer "just working" rather then being a powerhouse -- cause I had plenty to do.
I have nothing against macbooks or macbook pros. From what I know it seems as if their are quality machines for relatively passable price.
At the moment I using a 7 or so year old P4 that was a handmedown from my brother. With the looming college coming up I think its a good time to get a new pc.
As it happens I was originally looking into the black macbook (it didnt stain as easy as the white one) simply for one reason -- It was small/portable. The Pro's powerhouse was titillating but it was too expensive and I imagine the battery life is a lot poorer. And what do you know some two weeks later Apple unveils the Air.
On a more aggressive note, why are their so many people trying to tell me that I wont like the Air cause it wont do as a "primary machine". Back up open your mind to some other wavelengths (perhaps not as logical and intelligent as your but nonetheless different). Seriously people what does a college bound senior need with a Macbook Pro? Or a Macbooks extra features (cd/ports/etc.)? One who no longer games and has no desire to tinker. Whats that extra power/goodstuff for? Im not going to use it.
For goodness sake people its my first Mac!
Its just like cars -- Im the fellow who wants a hybrid (prius/civic) but can for half the price get a S2000 (faster, better equipped). But I like the smaller, better MPG, and futuristic feel of the hybrids (not to say I would turn down a chance to joyride in a S2000).
And once again why shouldnt I have the latest gimmiky item (laptops are gimmiky if you ask me)? Got to do it once at least.
Good thing for me however I can only make my purchase in something like 3-4 months until I got at least half of it.
dpc
Spending 2-3K on anything at once will always feel kinda weird for me.
I have attended community college last year (an college-in-highschool program) and to be frank I was more interested in my computer "just working" rather then being a powerhouse -- cause I had plenty to do.
I have nothing against macbooks or macbook pros. From what I know it seems as if their are quality machines for relatively passable price.
At the moment I using a 7 or so year old P4 that was a handmedown from my brother. With the looming college coming up I think its a good time to get a new pc.
As it happens I was originally looking into the black macbook (it didnt stain as easy as the white one) simply for one reason -- It was small/portable. The Pro's powerhouse was titillating but it was too expensive and I imagine the battery life is a lot poorer. And what do you know some two weeks later Apple unveils the Air.
On a more aggressive note, why are their so many people trying to tell me that I wont like the Air cause it wont do as a "primary machine". Back up open your mind to some other wavelengths (perhaps not as logical and intelligent as your but nonetheless different). Seriously people what does a college bound senior need with a Macbook Pro? Or a Macbooks extra features (cd/ports/etc.)? One who no longer games and has no desire to tinker. Whats that extra power/goodstuff for? Im not going to use it.
For goodness sake people its my first Mac!
Its just like cars -- Im the fellow who wants a hybrid (prius/civic) but can for half the price get a S2000 (faster, better equipped). But I like the smaller, better MPG, and futuristic feel of the hybrids (not to say I would turn down a chance to joyride in a S2000).
And once again why shouldnt I have the latest gimmiky item (laptops are gimmiky if you ask me)? Got to do it once at least.
Good thing for me however I can only make my purchase in something like 3-4 months until I got at least half of it.
dpc
MacMall Preferred Account. 6 months, no payment, no interest. BUT . . . you'll have to pay for it in 6 months, not a day longer. I had the cash and went this route anyway, but for a prospective college student, other advice here that says wait and save is probably the best route. But you're itchy, aren't you?
I'm a uni student, only 18 years old
I've got an American Express Platinum Charge Card, just put whatever I want/need on it, and it get paid every month!
I love it
I've got an American Express Platinum Charge Card, just put whatever I want/need on it, and it get paid every month!
I love it
There is another way. Delay gratification and buy what you can afford now, be it a refurb or $1000 macbook or a Walmart $499 laptop or whatever, and then enjoy it.
I would not take a forum sampling as a good example of how one should conduct their finances. Most people just starting out can not be spending this kind of money.
Alot of folks you see on here have years of work and finances built up to be able to afford such things. I'd be willing to bet a fair amount of the free spenders one sees, have no idea how or when they will ever be able to afford retirement.
Indeed 90% of the world's population never can afford this kind of thing.
Consumerism is big drug resist it as long as you can
Ok I am done sounding parental
I would not take a forum sampling as a good example of how one should conduct their finances. Most people just starting out can not be spending this kind of money.
Alot of folks you see on here have years of work and finances built up to be able to afford such things. I'd be willing to bet a fair amount of the free spenders one sees, have no idea how or when they will ever be able to afford retirement.
Indeed 90% of the world's population never can afford this kind of thing.
Consumerism is big drug resist it as long as you can
Ok I am done sounding parental
A good method to help save up is to purchase gift cards. For some people its hard to save up $1000's without spending some along the way on other crap. So all u gotta is keep buying apple gift cards and when you got enough money on it then go buy your laptop.
. . .Consumerism is big drug resist it as long as you can
Ok I am done sounding parental
Jeez, from your sig it looks like your resistance is pretty low . . .
Jeez, from your sig it looks like your resistance is pretty low . . .
Exactly do as I say not as I do
But alas I am well beyond the student stage and have the discretionary income. Still if there were a 12 step program.......
I took out a student loan for 1700, sold my Akai MPC to get my MBP. I'm in my 1st year of college and I use it every day. I also use it to gain experience with graphic design while I'm in school(which I get some pay from). I put money away from every paycheck to pay it off, and income tax money also.
You are not going to use it, sure, but the Macbook is also cheaper.
Admit it, stop telling us to be "cool" and tune to a "different wavelength" you just want the latest bling.
Generally when I do buy new things its generally the latest and greatest models. Is there something wrong with that?
When the first Anroid phones start coming out is it a bad thing to want them if they are better then the iphone?
Sounds like your almost suggesting my views/wants are lower then your views/understandings.
And yes the "latest bling" is definitely appealing -- not a saint but just a shallow shallow fellow.
But cutting the crap mac = bling. Its highly priced hardware. Laptop wise especially.
I do have legitimate reasons to look into a MBA but just like any other techie junkie the need for shiny new things is well our nature.
Sure you do, but you don't say stuff like how you do not need "extra features" on a Macbook, wishes to spend prudently, and THEN say you want the MBA in the same breath. I do not wish to add to what countless other posters have said, but perhaps you should reassess your needs?
Yes, to me a MBA does fall into "needless bling category". I think TrustedReviews says it best "You see the X505VP was a design statement and a technology showcase at the time, whereas as the MacBook Air is simply a design statement."
if you want to get an apple, just get an older macbook or even a g4 powerbook or ibook. they are both really small and great for college students and will accomplish what you primarily need to get done, school work. and you won't pay an arm and a leg or even a kidney, just a few hundred dollars. don't be sold on the latest gimmicks or the latest gadgets.
It's the RDF that's talkin'!
I don't think it's needless bling. I think there are some who could really use it. Very few people, but nonetheless there are people in the market for it.
I would love to purchase it, but I just added refurb MBP to my collection. Now I have a White iMac C2D and, soon, a refurb 15" MBP C2D. It was pretty cheap $1499 + tax = ~$1580 on the Apple Online Store and I couldn't resist. Now I can at least buy Office 2008 Student and Teacher Ed.
* I can purchase the MBA, but I just can't justify it. Even if it's light, thin, and sexy the refurb MBP is more powerful and $220 cheaper.
I'm still in high school, but trust me, I worked HARD to get my MBP. I found myself working as a bus boy for a few months at a local restaurant and eventually moved up to a server. And boy did that pay off. After working through the summer, I had saved plenty for my MBP.
Just some good 'ole hard work and determination.
Just some good 'ole hard work and determination.
I'm a freshman in university and during my last year of high school, i was working a part time job for 30 hours a week, and going to school full time, and getting practically no sleep. Chose a public university to save even more money, yes there are some very good public universities that are really cheap; I go to a Top 25 World School toting my black macbook everyday