New to macs

[G_love_and_Ezra]

After several problems with my HP, coupled with how impressed I am with my girlfriends Ibook, I am switching over. However, I've got no clue on the macs. I am searching for a notebook, budget is a major concern as I am a college student. I am looking for something mainly to use for college reports and internet browsing, copy my cds to it for backup purposes, and a system that will allow me to keep up with my music hobby. I've played around with Garage band before and it seems like it will do the trick. I'm looking at one of the first two on this page, the $899 or the $1,044 cost models.

http://www.macmall.com/macmall/families/ibook/

Just wondering what some of you experienced mac users think, especially if you are into music as a hobby. Is there any reason I shouldn't order one of these models that you can think of? Is there any reason I shouldn't order from macmall, and instead opt for another retailer?

Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for the replies.

Anthony

 

[Barham]

I had some bad things happen when I didn't buy directly from Apple. I would advise using the education discount to buy the iBook with the ariport card installed. It should come to $950. Great machines, Apples. There should be no problems if you do music just for a hobby.

-Hasta

 

[timnosenzo]

My only tip, buy as much RAM as you can afford. Personally, I would buy it separately from crucial.com or something and install it myself.

Also, you may want to take a look at the refurbished section of the Apple store...some good deals in there.

Welcome aboard!

Tim

 

[advres]

One thing you should be aware of if you are planning on working with music is there is no audio input on the ibook.

 

[bubbamac]

The iBook should be just what you need, although the lack of audio input (as advres said) might be limiting. Surely there's a way to do it through FireWire, though.

Also, Garageband likes a lot of processor.

Make sure you get 768 MB RAM, minimum. I'm not convinced you need to go above that, unless you have the money laying around. Don't buy cheap RAM, stick with the good manufacturers.

If you're using it for school - or just about anything else - you'll probably want to spring for MS Office. I hate to recommend anything MS, but it's the best way to communicate with the great unwashed Windoze world. **But! I think the iBook comes with Appleworks - try it first, it might be enough for you.

www.macmall.com , www.macconnection.com .

Do some searching around on this site, you'll find loads of discussion on specs/what to buy, etc...

 

[stevep]

I've just ordered a Griffin iMic, which plugs into the usb port and gives you inputs for just about anything - mic, conventional audio system etc.
http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/imic/
That will sort out the lack of line-in. What you may find a bit annoying is the lack of ability to span over a second monitor. However, you can connect a second monitor to mirror the display (or use a projector).
There is quite a price difference between the top end iBook and the bottom end powerBook though, with little difference in performance.

 

[wPod]

the iBook is a great entry level mac, and the new G4s and the higher speeds will run well for garageband when you load up with ram. as others have mentioned buy RAM NOT from apple as it will be cheaper. i disagree with some and say go for the cheap stuff. just make sure it is the same size and speed as what Apple sells you. the cheap stuff is the same as the expensive stuff, just a micro-bit slower (you will NOT notice unless you are hooked up to a super computer doing crazy calculations and RAM using) as for macmall id say go to Apple's site and use an education discount. the ones from macmall do not have an aiport card built in, so right off the bat you are going to have to spend $80 more for that (and trust me, you want an airport card!!!) on that link you sent look at the $995 ibook on that page. thats a good deal if you dont pay any extra for the 512 extr ram. otherwise you can get the same thing for $950 on apple's site with the education discount.