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Skeptical to buy Mac, have questions!

Switching to the Mac is easy and painless.

iLife and iWork are good packages - iLife comes with the iMac, iWork is a cost additional package.

If you can hold off purchasing for maybe a week, Apple usually runs a Back To School Special.

You buy a Mac computer and get a free iPod Touch.

How it works....
Buy the Mac Computer and iPod Touch and they rebate the cost of the iPod Touch.

Some people sell the iPod Touch to offset the cost of the Mac Computer.
 
Well today I ran into a friend that has a Mac Book Pro. Told them about my impending iMac purchase and she asked why? I was a bit baffled, then she said, why do you want a desktop?

After much discussion she convinced me to get a Mac Book. So now my decision is between the Mac Book Pro 15" 2ghz i7 quad core 500gb HD or the Mac Book 13.3 i5 dual core 320gb.

Suggestions?
 
tawcat said:
Well today I ran into a friend that has a Mac Book Pro. Told them about my impending iMac purchase and she asked why? I was a bit baffled, then she said, why do you want a desktop?

After much discussion she convinced me to get a Mac Book. So now my decision is between the Mac Book Pro 15" 2ghz i7 quad core 500gb HD or the Mac Book 13.3 i5 dual core 320gb.

Suggestions?
Click to expand...

:apple::apple::apple:GO BACK TO THE iMac!!!:apple::apple::apple:
 
Do I need a desktop, not really. I guess I don't anyway.

I no longer spend hours doing speadsheets or powerpoints anymore. Being retired I gave up all that stuff. I still edit some photos, post to online photo servers, maintain a blog, but other than that, productivity is nil.

I'm thinking that if I need a larger screen I can always plug into my existing display. Main thing I need is "flash" ability, don't have that with the iPad.

So the Mac Book would allow me to play games while sitting on the couch watching the tube. I've got a Transcend 320gb portable drive if I need more disk space.

I know y'all think I'm a nut case, but I don't want to shell out $1000+ and then kick myself cuz I made the wrong decision. So I want to explore all possibilities before I buy.

Someone said the other day that they bought a second home in the time it took me to buy a computer bag!!!!!!
 
tawcat said:
Do I need a desktop, not really. I guess I don't anyway.

I no longer spend hours doing speadsheets or powerpoints anymore. Being retired I gave up all that stuff. I still edit some photos, post to online photo servers, maintain a blog, but other than that, productivity is nil.

I'm thinking that if I need a larger screen I can always plug into my existing display. Main thing I need is "flash" ability, don't have that with the iPad.

So the Mac Book would allow me to play games while sitting on the couch watching the tube. I've got a Transcend 320gb portable drive if I need more disk space.

I know y'all think I'm a nut case, but I don't want to shell out $1000+ and then kick myself cuz I made the wrong decision. So I want to explore all possibilities before I buy.

Someone said the other day that they bought a second home in the time it took me to buy a computer bag!!!!!!
Click to expand...

Then here is an idea since you want the laptop and also would like the big screen at certain times (the photo editing be great) Do this: get the MacBook Pro then WAIT til the new Apple Cinema Displays with Thunderbolt are released. and get one of those.
 
Robby: Great suggestion. In light of that I am looking at the Mac Book 13.3" with the Core Duo (I think thats it) 2.2ghz with a 250gb HD.

I've read so much, all the details are kinda running together. But, in the end I'll own a Mac!!!!!!
 
tawcat said:
Robby: Great suggestion. In light of that I am looking at the Mac Book 13.3" with the Core Duo (I think thats it) 2.2ghz with a 250gb HD.

I've read so much, all the details are kinda running together. But, in the end I'll own a Mac!!!!!!
Click to expand...

Since you were considering an iMac I'd suggest at least the high end 15" it is the closest to match the power of an iMac

Mac Book Pro
15-inch: 2.2 GHz
2.2GHz quad-core
Intel Core i7
4GB 1333MHz
750GB 5400-rpm1
Intel HD Graphics 3000
AMD Radeon HD 6750M with 1GB GDDR5
Built-in battery (7 hours)2
 
tawcat said:
Robby: Great suggestion. In light of that I am looking at the Mac Book 13.3" with the Core Duo (I think thats it) 2.2ghz with a 250gb HD
I've read so much, all the details are kinda running together. But, in the end I'll own a Mac!!!!!!
Click to expand...

ALSO, I see you are considering the MacBook not the MacBook Pro the MacBooks are due for an upgrade. If you do not want the Pro then WAIT til upgrade the MacBooks


MacBook

macbook.png
dont_buy.png


RecommendationDon't Buy - Updates soon
Last Release May 18, 2010
Days Since Update 374 (Avg = 195

MacBook Pro

mbp.png


Recommendation Neutral - Mid-product cycle
Last Release February 24, 2011
Days Since Update 91 (Avg = 201)
 
iRobby said:
I do not own a Mac yet. I'm buying my first Mac in the summer and I am getting a 27" iMac
Click to expand...

Ahh, I had to reread the post, you were simply listing the specs of the Mac Pro :)

Decisions decisions!
 
Okay, now that you've decided on a 13" laptop, that gives you some nice options in the MacBook line. My recommendation would be to go with either the MacBook Pro or MacBook Air. At this time, I wouldn't go with the MacBook because it'll most likely be updated soon.

If you're looking to save some money, check out the "Refurbished Mac" section of the Apple Store (link: http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/mac?mco=MjIyNjMzNTk). I've owned several refurbished Macs, iPods, etc. and haven't had any issues with them. The refurbs carry the same warranty as the new ones, and they're eligible for the AppleCare extended warranty.

Right now, you can pick up a refurbished 2011 13" MacBook Pro 2.3GHz dual-core i5 for $1,019. For around that same price ($1,079), you can buy a refurbished 2010 13" MacBook Air 1.86 GHz C2D with 128 GB SSD.

As you said, decisions, decisions!
 
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One thing I rarely hear mentioned is how clear and helpful mac's Help menus are.
Windows help menus are for me, just another source of frustration where mac's is truly helpful with illustrations and hotlinks to take you thru the steps necessary to accomplish what you are after

Another feature is the Spotlight
Once you get used to how much faster it is to locate your files, you will use it all the time - my favorite feature...
 
OptyCt & LibertySat: Again very helpful info, thanks so much.

OptyCt, only feature I don't like about the Mac Book Air is no media drive. And being that I wouldn't have means to upload/transfer via CD/DVD I think that would become a bit frustrating for me.
 
Not Sure To Buy New Version Imac 25.5 Now

I have been putting off getting the new version iMac 21.5 since they have changed there harddrive (7 pin connection) and now one would have to have Apple to replace it if needed. Never owned a Apple before so probably will go with the July 2010 iMac version. A desktop is what I want and nothing else.
 
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tawcat said:
So the Mac Book would allow me to play games while sitting on the couch watching the tube. I've got a Transcend 320gb portable drive if I need more disk space.
Click to expand...

I would go with the 15" and a decent graphics card if you're going to game (other than casual).

IMO 13" is too small for me, for gaming (had a 14" gaming laptop for a while and even that "got" too small).

One advantage of the iMac, other than the big pretty screen, is that you're less likely to feel the heat generated while gaming like you will on the MacBook Pro.
 
A decision has been made:D

First off let me thank all of you that have provided input. The decision as to what screen size to purchase prompted me to stop by Best Buy. Not my favorite store.

Anyway, a nice gal approached me as I was looking over all the machines and reading the info tags. She was very helpful. We discussed usage and the pro's and con's of laptop verses desktop. I was very surprised that she was as knowledgeable as she was. She demonstrated the Mac Book Pro as well as the iMac.

The iMac won hands down. I never realized the "coolness" of a Mac. So probably within the next couple of hours I'll be placing my order for the iMac 21.5 w/500gb HD.

She recommended I buy iWorks, MobileMe, Airport and Track Pad. I doubt I order all that stuff right away, I figure y'all will let me know what I need and don't need.

Thanks again for all your help.
 
tawcat said:
A decision has been made:D

First off let me thank all of you that have provided input. The decision as to what screen size to purchase prompted me to stop by Best Buy. Not my favorite store.

Anyway, a nice gal approached me as I was looking over all the machines and reading the info tags. She was very helpful. We discussed usage and the pro's and con's of laptop verses desktop. I was very surprised that she was as knowledgeable as she was. She demonstrated the Mac Book Pro as well as the iMac.

The iMac won hands down. I never realized the "coolness" of a Mac. So probably within the next couple of hours I'll be placing my order for the iMac 21.5 w/500gb HD.

She recommended I buy iWorks, MobileMe, Airport and Track Pad. I doubt I order all that stuff right away, I figure y'all will let me know what I need and don't need.

Thanks again for all your help.
Click to expand...

Iwork-Not sure as I use office.
MobileMe-Wait till June 6th. Apple will demonstrate iCloud which should be the successor to MobileME.
AirPort-NOT NEEDED IF you have a wifi router. If not get a linksys. If you want your iMac to backup stuff automatically a Time Capsule doubles as a wifi router and an external hard drive. (It comes in 1TB and 2TB sizes). This page has a good breakdown of wifi routers by Apple. http://www.apple.com/wifi/
Trackpad-On the Apple online store you can buy a iMac with the trackpad OR the mouse. You could just buy both. The gestures take a bit of time to learn but well worth it. I'm on a MacBook Pro here and the trackpad is the same as the one that you could buy for the iMac. Only difference is that the iMac trackpad is 80% bigger. My opinion get the trackpad. After a few days it will feel natural.
Also AppleCare is a must. If you are buying from apple its $169, amazon $163.17. CAn't find it on the best buy online store.
Also you are buying a stock machine. Buying from an apple store would be much better as you can but it on the spot, have someone set it up in the store and then drive home and use it. The apple store guy will tell you all about your new mac. Much better than ordering it online and then waiting for it to arrive.
 
Eagandale4114: Thanks so much for the info. I do not have an Apple store in my area, so online ordering is the way I'll go. Yes I could run up to my local Best Buy, but I no longer give my dollars to them. Had a run in with them some ten years ago and I vowed never to spend another dollar at their store.

Also, being retired military I can shop from the military exchange catalog. Free shipping and no tax. They also offer the Apple Care for $159.

I have a Transcend 320GB external drive that I am sure will be compatible. I'm sure the track pad will be purchased as will a wireless printer.
 
This is probably the worst possible first post at this site, but before you purchase I'd like to recommend you reconsider the switch to mac. You mentioned that you are retired and have been using windows longer than you can remember. Your setting yourself up for some frustration, and there is no guarantee that you will like it better than windows, not everyone does.

That being said, I think the new iMac is awesome :)
 
tawcat said:
A decision has been made:D
<snip>
She recommended I buy iWorks, MobileMe, Airport and Track Pad. I doubt I order all that stuff right away, I figure y'all will let me know what I need and don't need.

Thanks again for all your help.
Click to expand...

Suggestions

If you have an existing USB mouse, plan to use that and order your iMac with the Magic Trackpad. It is wonderful and will only get better with Lion.

Hold off on MobileMe. There will be iCloud announcements on Monday that will affect the decision.

As for the rest, you need to outline what you want to do with this Mac.

Enjoy it, the learning will be a nice journey full of pleasant surprises.
 
What I like with the imac is the ability to use airplay with my iphone and the use of airprint activator to print from my iphone to my wireless printer. My iphone, ipad and imac all work together perfectly.
 
Brad: thanks for that advice. I'm just not sure there will be anymore frustration than what I suffer now between PC's, Windows and MicroSoft.

Johnf: The iMac will come with the mouse, however, the trackpad is first addition on my list. I'm excited to start the Mac journey!

Being that my wife will still be using a PC laptop, I'll need a wireless printer, any suggestions?
 
tawcat said:
Brad: thanks for that advice. I'm just not sure there will be anymore frustration than what I suffer now between PC's, Windows and MicroSoft.

Johnf: The iMac will come with the mouse, however, the trackpad is first addition on my list. I'm excited to start the Mac journey!

Being that my wife will still be using a PC laptop, I'll need a wireless printer, any suggestions?
Click to expand...
You could order both the trackpad and the mouse together from apple. As for the ram don't really bother. Upgrade it in a fe years if you need to. 4 GB should be enough.
Also you mentioned an interest in printers On the bottom of the order page for the macs there is an option to get a wireless printer. Apple is offering $100 rebate so you could get a printer for free.
 
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