Switching from Mac to PC?

Discussion in 'Buying Tips and Advice' started by SirJ, Sep 1, 2009.

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  1. SirJ, Sep 1, 2009

    SirJ macrumors member

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    #1
    Hi everyone

    I know, I know - you're all thinking something like: WHAT?!?

    But

    As a college student, I am looking for ways to save money. One area is a laptop. I could take back my current one and get any of these that I've looked at.
    They are:
    1) USED Black Macbook 2.0, 4GB RAM, no warranty - $500
    2) Refurb Macbook Air - 1.6, 120 - $1000
    3) HP dv2z ~ $800
    4) Lenovo X200 or X200s - both ~1000-1200

    What do you guys think?
     
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  2. emptyCup, Sep 1, 2009

    emptyCup macrumors 65816

    emptyCup

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    #2
    What are you planning to do with this machine?
     
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  3. PCtoMAC?, Sep 1, 2009

    PCtoMAC? macrumors member

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    #3
    My question would be how much are you looking to save/spend? What is your current computer that you would be looking to return?
     
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  4. pmcb, Sep 1, 2009

    pmcb macrumors member

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    #4
    i would go with the blackbook, a very capable machine, just make sure you get a working battery. and spend the money on rent/books, not booze :p
     
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  5. saladfingers, Sep 1, 2009

    saladfingers macrumors newbie

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    #5
    I don't get it?
     
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  6. Ericatomars, Sep 1, 2009

    Ericatomars macrumors regular

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    #6
    most confusing post ever

    this post is confusing why would you go back to a PC just get the refub blk mac and call it a day.

    You dont really wanna go back in time to a pc and worry about viruses and other problems it has.. not to mention the poor customer support. Apple is a quality product. Trust me you don't wanna go through computer drama 101 again.
     
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  7. SirJ, Sep 1, 2009

    SirJ thread starter macrumors member

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    #7
    The computer I would be returning is an aluminum macbook. I'd get around $1250 for it (after the restocking fee). That is the basis of this decision.

    The black macbook is what originally gave me this idea. I basically don't have any needs that can't be satisfied with any of these; I write a lot and browse the web a lot. If I need to do any graphical work (and the computer is slow for whatever reason) I can use one of the workstations (Mac Pro or PC equivalent) on campus.

    Is the blackbook the best option of those I listed? The macbook air is very tempting to me, as is the lenovo.

    I guess what I should say is this:
    I'm looking for a thin, light laptop around $1000 that has good battery life, excellent build quality, and good performance with most tasks.
     
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  8. SirJ, Sep 1, 2009

    SirJ thread starter macrumors member

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    #8
    Perhaps I should also mention that the blackbook isn't refurbished - it's used. It is being sold by a guy who lives in a dorm on campus and it has had two owners (including the guy).
    It has no warranty and he doesn't know how old it is.

    He also said the battery has 213 cycles - I'm not technically inclined enough to know what the number of cycles at which the macbook's battery begins to fail. Maybe that is significant as well?
     
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  9. MacFanUK, Sep 1, 2009

    MacFanUK macrumors 6502a

    MacFanUK

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    #9
    If the blackbook's only $500 in comparison to the rest, and the fact your primary motive is to save money, why would you consider anything else?
     
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  10. Cheffy Dave, Sep 1, 2009

    Cheffy Dave macrumors 68030

    Cheffy Dave

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    #10
    Troll much?:rolleyes:
     
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  11. SirJ, Sep 1, 2009

    SirJ thread starter macrumors member

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    #11
    I don't get it....

    I'm wondering if it would be a better balance of cost-effectiveness vs reliability to get a different laptop. Is that trolling? Were I to troll, it would certainly be in favor of Apple. However, I'm here to ask those with more experience and wisdom what their opinions are.

    In relation to the topic, would it be insane to continue considering the refurb air?
     
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  12. azboricua, Sep 1, 2009

    azboricua macrumors 6502a

    azboricua

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    #12
    Um, wouldnt you spend more morning switching all your apps and accessories to pc?
     
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  13. VTECaddict, Sep 1, 2009

    VTECaddict macrumors 6502

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    #13
    If you're going to get another ~$1000 computer, why not just keep the aluminum MacBook? That's not really saving much money (if at all) when its all said and done (tax, etc). Plus the uMB will be able to take advantage of OpenCL in Snow Leopard.

    If your main objective is to save money, then get the BlackBook. Assuming everything is working fine and the only potential problem is the battery, that can be fixed rather easily. A new battery from Apple is $129.
     
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  14. beg_ne, Sep 1, 2009

    beg_ne macrumors 6502

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    #14
    I don't understand, I mean you've already spent the money and have the UMB. In the long run in the $200-400 really going to make that big of a difference?

    I would stay away from used, especially such a heavily used and warranty-less laptop. The refurb Air is a much better deal in that respect.
     
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