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I stopped reading right there. If you went to an audio site and said you use Bose they would only laugh. Maybe not as hard as if you said your bought BEATS, but still laugh.

I'd say Bose and BEATS are a cut above the rest. Unless you're looking to do critical listening and flat frequency response are a must, then don't listen to this jackass..
 
C'mon.... we all have machines that we all agree cost more than what they are worth, and we justify ourselves in quality build, design, reliability.... and yet you all go and criticize someone who uses Bose headphones???

Yes a $99 Klipsch S4 IEMs are way better than almost all the Bose's headphone line, but still there are people who like to have everything Bose in their houses.

I actualyl have those. :) And teh RE-0's Im thinking about a pair of Grado SR80's or 125's
 
And don't forget - you can wait up to a year before purchasing Apple Care (unless you want the phone support sooner), and you can buy Apple Care anywhere it is sold - not necessary to buy it where and when you get the computer.

BH Photo and Amazon have good prices.
 
I stopped reading right there. If you went to an audio site and said you use Bose they would only laugh. Maybe not as hard as if you said your bought BEATS, but still laugh.

Thanks for the ridicule.

To the best of my knowledge, the Bose Q15 are the best noise canceling headphones on the market. I've tried lots of brands and models, and haven't come across better ones. Yes, the sound quality is inferior to other brands, but if your priority is noise canceling (studying students, travelers, etc.) then the trade-off (pretty much unnoticeable to my ears) is well worth it. But, of course, we all have our individual preferences. This was just my suggestion to the OP.
 
If the printer is only for school - and you don't need color... get a Laser printer.

http://tinyurl.com/6gezvls (Amazon link for monochrome Laser Printers with 4 stars or better)

Toner is way cheaper than ink.

Good point. I have a laser printer I get back in the day for under 100. I do most of my printing on campus nowadays, but for a couple of years I used it heavily. I might have changed the toner once. Friends of mine with color printers have changed their ink countless times for a small fortune.
 
Thanks for all the replies. I wasn't expecting to get as much replies as I did, so I'm grateful.

It appears to be a unanimous decision to get Office for Mac. Unfortunately, my Dad called me today and told me they already picked up iWork. But, I'm not going to complain. There isn't a need to.

My parents have "hinted" as to what I got already, so whatever is bought is bought, and I am definitely putting a list of things I'll buy on my own:

- external HDD

- AppleCare

- a case, although I'm not too sure if they have already bought me one or not yet, already.

As far as any college offers go, I'll have to check. My Freshman and Sophomore years will be at a local community college, and the final two years at Texas Tech University. I'll do some checking up, regardless.

Thanks again!
 
Sorry for the thread hi-jack but
I'm in the same situation as you, I just bought myself my first MacBook Pro and I'm looking for a decent hard drive to pair it up with to back up all my information. Would it be wise to wait a couple of months to see if ThunderBolt peripherals are released? Syncing threw the ThunderBolt port would be faster than threw usb 2.0, what do you guys think?

If not, what are some good external hard drives you guys recommend?
 
It appears to be a unanimous decision to get Office for Mac. Unfortunately, my Dad called me today and told me they already picked up iWork. But, I'm not going to complain. There isn't a need to.
I think you'll love iWork. Office tends to have more robust features and plays better with PCs, but it isn't a big deal for most users. If you find yourself wanting Office down the road, most educational institutions can get you a great deal. Look up UltimateSteal online if you want to get the entire bundle of Microsoft products (including OneNote). Personally, I use VoodooPad (Mac software online) for my notetaking, but OneNote is popular among students.

As far as any college offers go, I'll have to check. My Freshman and Sophomore years will be at a local community college, and the final two years at Texas Tech University. I'll do some checking up, regardless.
Good luck! Community colleges usually have several people who can help you out with computing on campus, picking the best software for your course of study, and general information on succeeding in your academic career (advice on credits, courses, etc.). I hope you enjoy the Mac!
 
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Sorry for the thread hi-jack but
I'm in the same situation as you, I just bought myself my first MacBook Pro and I'm looking for a decent hard drive to pair it up with to back up all my information. Would it be wise to wait a couple of months to see if ThunderBolt peripherals are released? Syncing threw the ThunderBolt port would be faster than threw usb 2.0, what do you guys think?

If not, what are some good external hard drives you guys recommend?

Hey hijacker :)

I have had good experiences with Seagate and Western Digital over the past few years. They tend to be inexpensive, compact, and reliable. Currently I am using Time Machine with a 1TB Western Digital Passport Essential SE. I much prefer the USB powered ones (slightly more expensive) over the desktop ones, because I like to at least have the option of carrying it around.

Strangely, the Mac version of this drive was priced approx. 15 dollars more than the Windows. Fortunately, the Windows version works fine. Your computer will force the HD to convert to the Mac cult and you are all set!

I would like to see a Thunderbolt drive, but to be honest, for most of us it just doesn't matter. Once the initial Time Machine backup is complete (this can take a few hours) backups after this are brief, because it only deals with files that have changed.
 
Honestly, if you're going to be doing a lot of work that requires MS Office, you're better off putting Windows on your mac (whether it's Parallels, VM Fusion, Bootcamp, whatever) and running Office there, granted, I haven't used Office '11, but the headaches I got from formatting errors isn't worth it with '08...Otherwise, I think iWork is fine unless you need a more robust Spreadsheet program.

I have only owned 2 Hard Drives in my entire life that hasn't failed on me or suffered noticeable performance deteriorate with a year: whatever came in my late '08 Alu Macbook, and my Western Digital Scorpio Black, although the WD is far superior performance wise. Those are the only two drives I can recommend to anyone, although drive failure is an inevitability...

I mirror everyone else's suggestions:
-Applecare (already used mine once)
-Good Sleeve/Bag (I like Waterfield myself, although it's a little pricey)
-External Hard Drive, or replace the internal HD with a superior drive and use the old drive as an external with an enclosure.
 
off-topic much?

I'd say Bose and BEATS are a cut above the rest. Unless you're looking to do critical listening and flat frequency response are a must, then don't listen to this jackass..

That is rich. Bose and BEATS have great marketing, though. Credit to them. Do you buy Monster cables, too?

Im thinking about a pair of Grado SR80's or 125's

The SR125's are worth the extra cash. They are by far my favorite headphones that I own. Great detail and a smooth, musical response. I use them for casual listening as well as using for an alternate source for mixing. They are a bit clunky, though. Very comfortable, but not useful if you plan on walking around. They are sitting headphones.

the Bose Q15 are the best noise canceling headphones on the market...if your priority is noise canceling (studying students, travelers, etc.) then the trade-off (pretty much unnoticeable to my ears) is well worth it.

They are awful. The Sennheiser models offer the same noise blocking with significantly better and more comfortable headphones.

For the price they you are going to pay for any of the all-in-one sets, you can buy a proper set of headphones and an 8gB iPod Touch for the same price. Take a look at some quality mechanical isolation, like Shure SE115 or Etymotic MC5, or closed back models like the Shure SR440 or Sennheiser HD-series, and put some low volume pink noise on your iPod. Or just pocket the extra $200.
 
Read this!

Since you're going to be a college student, you NEED to get the Best Buy Warranty with accidental damage protection. A few weeks ago, we had a party at my house. Some drunk yayhoo spilled alcohol on my computer, and didn't tell me about it. I woke up in the morning, and my MacBook was shot. Luckily, I had accidental damage protection, and Best Buy gave me a gift card for the full retail price ($996) and said, "go crazy". DEFINITELY get the best buy warranty while you're still in college. And then whatever else you feel you need. haha Cheers mate!
 
The Sennheiser models offer the same noise blocking with significantly better and more comfortable headphones.

I disagree. I think the Q15 has far superior noise canceling.

Comparing them with the PXC 450, there just wasn't any question in my mind which was better (in this respect). I originally bought PXC300s and (to my ears at least) there is a constant hiss that drives me crazy. Take a look around you on an international flight next time and count the number of Bose Q15s you see. Or, better yet, ask business travelers what they prefer.

On campus in a noisy dorm, or in the din of a Starbucks, they provide incredible peace and quiet. This has been one of the best accessories I have purchased. But, I am looking for a quiet environment so that I can concentrate and work on my Mac. If you are looking for sound quality, I couldn't comment on the others.

Anyhow, as someone else said, purchase them in a box store (compare them there if you can), and return them if they don't work. Whatever you do, I think you'll want to at least get some kind of noise canceling equipment.
 
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C'mon.... we all have machines that we all agree cost more than what they are worth, and we justify ourselves in quality build, design, reliability.... and yet you all go and criticize someone who uses Bose headphones???

Yes a $99 Klipsch S4 IEMs are way better than almost all the Bose's headphone line, but still there are people who like to have everything Bose in their houses.

I love my Bose headphones. They were just a little over $100 for the in-ear model, and with the year warranty I get a new pair every year. I wish I could afford the Shure or an awesome set of Bang & Olafsun, but sadly they are way to expensive for daily use.
 
Well, tonight was my graduation, and besides my 13" MacBook Pro, I received the following:

- Epson printer. Also paired was ink cartridges and paper.

- iWork '09

- Magic Mouse

- Harman sound system and subwoofers

I am quite happy to be a member of the Mac family.
 
I would say office over iWork.
But if your thinking to use your MBP for more than a year, get Apple Care so you will get 3 years of warranty.
 
I would definately go with Iwork, it is alot better looking, and a lot nicer than the 'office' junk. A case is necessary, (look at some threads), as well as a lock for your laptop. A wireless mouse will also be nice for work that is not on the go.
 
I would definately go with Iwork, it is alot better looking, and a lot nicer than the 'office' junk. A case is necessary, (look at some threads), as well as a lock for your laptop. A wireless mouse will also be nice for work that is not on the go.

Wow, so programs are better because of looks...hmm...

I would definitely go with office, it's the most widely used format so you won't get any compatibility issues.
 
I love my Bose headphones. They were just a little over $100 for the in-ear model, and with the year warranty I get a new pair every year. I wish I could afford the Shure or an awesome set of Bang & Olafsun, but sadly they are way to expensive for daily use.

I honestly used to enjoy Bose headphones too, but really, once you expand with your choices you realize that Bose is most arguably overpriced. I don't mean to sound like a "snob" (which doesn't even make sense because Bose are more expensive than they are worth and happen to be more expensive than many alternatives people suggest), but there are plenty of headphones/IEMs cheaper or around that price for greater quality. For ~$100 you could try Shure's SE215, which is a great IEM (in terms of sound, build, etc.).

I don't fault many for liking Bose at first because it's so widely advertised and marketed, but a lot of times people that say Bose are overpriced are just trying to open eyes (and ears) to help many that might not necessarily know better about Bose with saving money and getting better equipment at the same time.

BTW if anyone were adamant about Monster's brand, at least stick with the Turbine and Turbine Pro line, those have a good reputation for sound quality.
 
I´d get LoJack, 100 $ for a 3 year service with a $1000 warranty if they are not able to retrieve or enable the Data Delete service.:D
 
For ~$100 you could try Shure's SE215, which is a great IEM (in terms of sound, build, etc.).

I'll second that recommendation. I've enjoyed Shure headphones for a while now. Added bonus is that they come with a no-questions-asked 2-year manufacturer's warranty.
 
No common sense. Why pay $300 for headphones that sound like $150-200 headphones?

more for the post warranty support. Bose gives pretty good residual values to their products. I was able to get $200 of store credit for my QC2's towards the QC15's and they even let me strip the QC2's clean of all parts, so I can re-use them later on the QC15's if something breaks.

My original sounddock only lost a quarter of its value after 5 years. Traded the sucker in for a brand new sounddock portable for just $179, $230 off the $400 price.
 
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