What Macs/accessories to get for school/home for $3k?

[xhambonex]

at certain ages and certain income amounts he can make himself tax exempt. I did when I was his age, and get the money up front and not in a check at the end of the year type thing. So $3000 is possible, if someone is willing to pay him a decent wage and give him the amount of hours he would need, that would be harder to find, I would think.

 

[leighonigar]

Mac mini! I use mine for everything. 23" TFT and I'm laughing! Spend the rest on canvas, learn to paint.

 

[iMpathetic]

To those of you whose replies aren't "OMG WTF UR TOO YOUNG!!!1", I thank you.

I'm leaning towards the MBP again. I think they just look bad in pictures... so whatever.

Another thing I'd like to point out is that even if you didn't use computers in high school, that doesn't mean that they're not relevant in school now.

For hes needs a macbook is more than enough, a MBP is a professional computer. Maybe the low end imac.
Dont go a throw away 3kk!! wtf. get the MB and a PS3.
How old are you?

So what if it's a professional computer? Since when is its percieved status relevant to my buying decision?

As for the PS3, I don't like to waste my time playing games.
I'm 14, BTW. Sorry for the snippy post.

 

[gazfocus]

To those of you whose replies aren't "OMG WTF UR TOO YOUNG!!!1", I thank you.

I'm leaning towards the MBP again. I think they just look bad in pictures... so whatever.

Another thing I'd like to point out is that even if you didn't use computers in high school, that doesn't mean that they're not relevant in school now.



So what if it's a professional computer? Since when is its percieved status relevant to my buying decision?

As for the PS3, I don't like to waste my time playing games.
I'm 14, BTW. Sorry for the snippy post.

Firstly, good on you for wanting to work your behind off to pay for your own computer I am the same (although at 23, I find I have to work less hours now )

I think the MBP would be a fantastic choice. I have one and couldn't be without it. I am, however, now looking to buy a Mac Pro to use in addition to my MBP. I think the Macbook would be just to small for you.

A lot of people go on about how the Macbook is more than enough power, and yes, if they did a 15" version or even 14" then yeah I would have considered one, but I couldn't do half of my university work with a 13" screen.

I would however wait to see if they do update the design. Granted, there's nothing wrong with the current design and I think they're the best looking computers available, but the design is old (the same design as used in G4 powerbooks), so it's likely to be updated soon...Also, within the next month or so, Apple will start the free ipod promo again so hold out for that

 

[aaquib]

To those of you whose replies aren't "OMG WTF UR TOO YOUNG!!!1", I thank you.

I'm leaning towards the MBP again. I think they just look bad in pictures... so whatever.

Another thing I'd like to point out is that even if you didn't use computers in high school, that doesn't mean that they're not relevant in school now.



So what if it's a professional computer? Since when is its percieved status relevant to my buying decision?

As for the PS3, I don't like to waste my time playing games.
I'm 14, BTW. Sorry for the snippy post.

What do you do in your spare time, if you don't mind me asking? Being only 14, I find all my spare time is spent playing basketball or PS3. And, to address your decision, I'd get the 24" iMac with the base Macbook. That way, you can get a pro computer for your desk at home, and another awesome computer for the road and at school.

 

[iMpathetic]

What do you do in your spare time, if you don't mind me asking? Being only 14, I find all my spare time is spent playing basketball or PS3. And, to address your decision, I'd get the 24" iMac with the base Macbook. That way, you can get a pro computer for your desk at home, and another awesome computer for the road and at school.

I bike, read, browse CL for computers and write columns for websites.

 

[npederse]

My Advice:

1.) Pick up a Macbook, like a white refurb. Great for general use (writing, homework, music, web). I think the screen works great for that purpose. This is the only computer my wife uses (she works in a research lab). Unless you're doing a significant video editing, other than an occasional imovie, this will work great.

2.) Time capsule or something similar for backup/storage

3.) Replace Macbook HD with a 320gb+ drive; use other drive for portable storage between school

4.) Enjoy -- and save the rest of the cash to buy a sweet machine once you start college.

 

[neiltc13]

Another thing I'd like to point out is that even if you didn't use computers in high school, that doesn't mean that they're not relevant in school now. As for the PS3, I don't like to waste my time playing games.

I'd love to know what you mean by 'relevant'. If you're wanting to spend thousands of dollars on a computer just so you can sit alone in the centre of a room whose walls are lined by them, be my guest.

Gaming is not a waste of time. It's a form of entertainment like any other. I guess you'll come to realise that how we spend our leisure time is entirely up to us and telling someone that their favourite hobby is a "waste of time" isn't nice. Those of us who work in the video games industry also frown on opinions like these.

 

[iMpathetic]

All right, sorry. It's a waste of my time.

I actually have a life outside of computers, by the way. I don't know what it looks like, but it's true.

 

[neiltc13]

I think we should return to the topic at hand, which was you asking what equipment to buy.

I think you should wait until you actually have the money before trying to spend it in your mind, or asking people to do that for you.

 

[iMpathetic]

My sentiments exactly!

There's not any hope of the MacBook gaining dedicated graphics, is there?