Web Designer/Front-End Developer looking to buy a MacBook Pro :)

[sambammi]

Hi everyone! I'm a student due to graduate in 2012. I'm currently using an old PC and I also use the iMacs at Uni but would like to buy something more portable for when I graduate as I'd like to eventually do some freelancing.

I've been looking at purchasing a MacBook Pro, the cheapest one is preferable being a student with not much money. I mainly use my computer to browse the internet, check emails and make websites. To make websites I use code editors, FTP software and Photoshop, usually all running at the same time.

I don't play games or do anything more intensive than using Photoshop really so would the £999 MacBook Pro be suitable for this?

Thanks in advance!

 

[applesith]

You should be fine with either entry level 13 or 15 inch model. I do a good amount of webdesign as well. I upgraded my RAM to 8GB just so Photoshop, Illustrator and Dreamweaver have some extra space while running together along with multiple browsers open.

 

[sambammi]

Thanks for your reply. I forgot to mention I'm looking at 13" ones as I've got a display to plug it into.

I'm assuming it's cheaper to put the RAM in yourself rather than upgrading with Apple?

 

[TheJing]

Thanks for your reply. I forgot to mention I'm looking at 13" ones as I've got a display to plug it into.

I'm assuming it's cheaper to put the RAM in yourself rather than upgrading with Apple?

A lot cheaper. It is ridiculously easy to do it too, so don't get it from Apple.

 

[NutsNGum]

Thanks for your reply. I forgot to mention I'm looking at 13" ones as I've got a display to plug it into.

I'm assuming it's cheaper to put the RAM in yourself rather than upgrading with Apple?

Much cheaper. It's about £37 for 8GB from Crucial last time I bought, maybe even less now.

I do the same front-end stuff you've mentioned and coupled with an external monitor, the 13" is a great machine, you won't be disappointed.

 

[sambammi]

A lot cheaper. It is ridiculously easy to do it too, so don't get it from Apple.

Thanks, that's good to know. I'm capable of upgrading simple bits of hardware anyway so I will probably do that.

Also, Apple Care, is it worth it? Could I possibly wait until just before my year warranty runs out before purchasing it?

 

[NutsNGum]

Also, Apple Care, is it worth it? Could I possibly wait until just before my year warranty runs out before purchasing it?

If you're still a student, and you buy it through your University's network on the Apple Online Store, you automatically receive 3 years hardware warranty coverage.

You are generally enrolled on the warranty program approximately 9 weeks after purchase of your machine.

There's no real need to buy AppleCare as a student in the UK (if you're buying online), unless you want or require 3 years of phone support.

NB: The brick and mortar Apple Stores do not offer this warranty -- It is only available online.

 

[sambammi]

A lot cheaper. It is ridiculously easy to do it too, so don't get it from Apple.

If you're still a student, and you buy it through your University's network on the Apple Online Store, you automatically receive 3 years hardware warranty coverage.

You are generally enrolled approximately 9 weeks after purchase of your machine.

There's no real need to buy AppleCare as a student in the UK (if you're buying online), unless you want or require 3 years of phone support.

NB: The brick and mortar Apple Stores do not offer this warranty. It is solely available online.

Thanks for that! I knew I'd get a discount, didn't know I'd get coverage too. Do you use Apple's cables to plug in your display? I've seen some on eBay for a fiver but not sure how good they are.

 

[NutsNGum]

Thanks for that! I knew I'd get a discount, didn't know I'd get coverage too. Do you use Apple's cables to plug in your display? I've seen some on eBay for a fiver but not sure how good they are.

I use Apple's mini displayport to DVI, then a standard DVI - DVI cable. Works fine for me.

eBay ones generally look the part, but in my experience, they don't tend to last the course.

 

[applesith]

Upgraded my RAM from Crucial and saved $$$$. It's super easy to do and well worth it! Just make sure to keep the RAM shipped with your machine handy in the event you need to take/send the MBP to Apple for repair or anything.

 

[sambammi]

Thanks for the advice everyone, much appreciated. If there's anything else you think a Mac newbie should know please let me know. It's a lot of money for me to part with but hopefully I'm making the right decision. ^_^