Mac Purchase

[06Honda]

Since buying the IPAD I am not convinced that windows has no further use in my life. I want to ditch my Dell PC with Windows XP Home edition for a Mac Laptop to use wireless in my home. Main uses will be photo editing (nature photographer); general surfing; banking; Ipad updates; wireless printing, no gaming. Any suggestions would be appreciated, also is an extended warranty a good idea.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Any current or two/three year old Mac will do that, even the MacBook.
What is your budget, do you want to have a bigger screen for photo editing work, as the 1280 x 800 screen resolution is abysmal for photo editing in my experience.

AppleCare
AppleCare Protection Plan for Mac or Apple Display
AppleCare Protection Plan

As to whether it's worth it or not, that's a matter of opinion. You'll find lots of opinions on both sides. If you want more information, here are just a few of many threads on this topic, found by searching the forum with MRoogle:

Is AppleCare Plan worth it?
Is Applecare worth it if I don't even use the macbook pro to its full potential?
Applecare - Worth it?
AppleCare worth every penny
is applecare worth the money?
Mac Pro and AppleCare, worth it?
applecare worth it?
Is AppleCare worth it?
Is AppleCare Worth It?
Is AppleCare worth it??
Applecare? is it worth it?
Is Applecare worth getting???
Is Applecare worth it for MBP?
Is AppleCare worth it?
Applecare - if ever you thought it wasn't worth it
Is AppleCare or extra warranty really worth buying?
Applecare for MBP is $349. Is it really worth it?

 

[06Honda]

I would spend max $2000, larger screen (yes). Laptop style.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

I would spend max $2000, larger screen (yes). Laptop style.

Then take a look at the High Res 15" MBP, new or refurb. Doesn't need to have the best/fastest CPU or GPU for your needs though.

MacRumors Guides: Apple Refurbished Store

Apple Certified Refurbished Products

1) What are Apple Certified Refurbished Products?
Apple Certified Refurbished Products are pre-owned Apple products that undergo Apple's stringent refurbishment process prior to being offered for sale. While only some units are returned due to technical issues, all units undergo Apple's stringent quality refurbishment process.

Each Apple Certified Refurbished Product:

is fully tested (including full burn-in testing).
is refurbished with replacement parts for any defective modules identified in testing.
is put through a thorough cleaning process and inspection.
is repackaged (including appropriate manuals, cables, new boxes, etc.).
includes the operating software originally shipped with the unit and the custom software offered with that system.
is given a new refurbished part number and serial number.
is placed into a Final QA inspection prior to being added to sellable refurbished stock.
Refurbishment procedures follow the same basic technical guidelines as Apple's Finished Goods testing procedures.​

If you want more information, here are just a few of many threads on this topic, found by searching the forum with MRoogle:
Refurbished MBP or New?
Getting an iMac - New or Refurbished?
Refurbished vs new
HELP: Refurbished 17" or New High End 15"?!
Are Refurbished Macs as high quality their new counterparts?
Do refurbished fail more often than new MBP's?
New MPB or refurbished model?

search results by GGJstudios​

 

[06Honda]

Thanks, I'll check one out.