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I am a high school senior going to college in the fall. Please help me select a MB.

G

GetOffaMyMac

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Mar 23, 2008
5
0
I am planning to double-emphasize in English (secondary education) and English (creative writing). I already have an eMac, and I absolutely LOVE IT. I've only had two problems with it since last October and those were hardware problems (this is a hand-me-down Mac) dealing with the keyboard.

Recently, my Windows (get your boos and hisses out now) laptop died after about four years of use.

I would REALLY LOVE a MacBook because my Mac hasn't let me down.

Any recommendations? I also don't have a ton of money to be throwin' around.
 
One of the two white MacBooks ;). Though at least 2 GB RAM is useful, but you can buy that from someone else (which will save you a lot).
 
j26 said:
A decent 12" PowerBook would be fine for writing, and is highly portable.
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PPC is dead now, I'd at least get a Intel Mac. A refurb could be worthwhile, but you can also get educational discount as a student which isn't offered on the refurbs.
 
The low end Macbook will be fine, although the mid line is the best value if you have the extra $200. You give up a Superdrive, some hard drive space, and memory for $200.

You might also look at one of the refurb units. You can save some more that way. Check out amazon.com also, since they often have $100 off Macbooks, bringing the cost close to the refurb price...
 
Eraserhead said:
PPC is dead now, I'd at least get a Intel Mac. A refurb could be worthwhile, but you can also get educational discount as a student which isn't offered on the refurbs.
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They still get the job done, and are reasonably cheap. The OP did mention a budget.

A Macbook might be faster, but writing is hardly processor intensive so it would make little difference.

If the OP wants to do other things, the a Macbook would be better, but for what he asked, a Powerbook would be fine.
 
I've just checked completed listings on eBay. The 12" PB has gone for $810 and $990 in two recent listings. (listing 1, listing 2)

Whereas with educational discount you should be able to get a brand new MacBook for $999.
 
xparaparafreakx said:
Can you wait till the summer? Apple always had the back to school promo with the free iPod when you buy a Mac.
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Absolutely, especially considering I have to pay off my car. Forgot to mention that.

(Why am I paying for my own friggin' graduation gift? rofl)
 
well considering you will only be doing little
(well thats what i thought now im doin video editing and graphics design)
the low end will be great but take in ming college for a couple of years future proffness is always a bonus ^_^
so even the low end or mid range macbook :)
-jake
 
For your needs, a low range MacBook would fit you well. I've seen many of my students (university) go into debt due to their eyes being bigger than their wallets. Going through school is tough enough as it is.

That said, good luck on your degree and future career in secondary education! :)
 
Refurb Macbook will be more then enough for you.

Comes with all the warranty and everything through apple still, and are great.

If you want a superdrive (to burn dvds if you care) I'd go with a 2.2 whitebook refurb. I think they are about 999 now or something close?

Buy some ram from a third party source (you can replace the 1gig with 2x2 gig sticks for under 80 bucks via newegg or elsewhere if you want) and you'll have a kickin computer.

If you don't need a superdrive, go yoink a 2.0 whitebook for 849 refurb. It'll be great for what you are doing :) No need to spend extra cash on a brand new one, the processor difference isn't huge and the 2.0/2.2 are still SR with the better x3100 graphics too (which you won't really need but still)

Just my 2 cents :) Awesome comp for under 1k
 
Before you jump the gun, find out what offers your college bookstore offers. Many offer some great bundles (free software, Applecare, cases, etc) at the EDU discount price (most also throw in the free nano that Apple does over the summer). Check it out. :)

Where are you going in the fall? I'm sure their website will tell you more about their computer offers.
 
Personally, I'd wait for the MacBook Airs to make it to the refurb page and get one of those. However, if thats a bit out of your price range i'd get the more expensive (mid-range) white Macbook. A little extra money now can add months or even years to the life of your Macbook interms of usability.
 
Dustman said:
Personally, I'd wait for the MacBook Airs to make it to the refurb page and get one of those. However, if thats a bit out of your price range i'd get the more expensive (mid-range) white Macbook. A little extra money now can add months or even years to the life of your Macbook interms of usability.
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The Air really isn't idea for a college freshman though because the RAM and HD aren't easy to upgrade. Sure it's light, but after that?

The macbooks allows for easier upgrading, and more importantly, leaves the OP's wallet a tad heavier.
 
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