why is apple so far behind?

[slooksterPSV]

I think Windows has become the indefensible position at that point, owing to its prevalence in reverse relation to its inferiority to both Linux and OSX. Windows is a pain in the ass, though, and so for a hobby a kind of electronic puzzle-making, its fine. But, for work and for fun getting something else done, it's really an awful choice, IMHO.
But, even liking Windows doesn't make one a jerk; saying Windows is so much better than OSX for ? (fit in your favorite Dvorak reason) and that OSX sucks, does make one a jerk.
And just sad.

I agree with your statement mostly, working on it as an electronic hobby, yeah I'd like to do that (fixing them up and that later on for a job). But the job I really want it to fix up Macs when people have problems with them. That would be awesome.

 

[hulugu]

I agree with your statement mostly, working on it as an electronic hobby, yeah I'd like to do that (fixing them up and that later on for a job). But the job I really want it to fix up Macs when people have problems with them. That would be awesome.

That's essentially what I do, I help people put together systems so they can make art. I help write Applescripts, buy equipment, establish networks, etc. How did I start doing this?
I did it for free and asked people to refer me. Want a business fixing macs, get known as someone who is good at it. At some point I've got to get an ADC but I haven't had time.
I just sent someone out with a new iBook she bought after showing her how to do things including iTunes, iCal, etc. It took a lot of time, but was fun.

 

[GorillaPaws]

A few things to consider...

Congrats on your decision on the iBook. As a student, you should consider these suggestions:

• Get the Educational Discount
• Upgrade the RAM (really a must on a Mac, but cheaper if you go through a 3rd party i.e. Crucial.com)
• Get a multi-button mouse with a scroll wheel (especially since the laptops only have the one button built in)
• Get MS Office (there's a much cheaper student edition, that's almost as good as the pro version-- you shouldn't notice the difference in features with any educational needs)
• Consider a membership to .Mac; you can't beat the seemless integration with OSX, and there are a lot of great features for students like posting your papers online and having the piece of mind of Backup for when your drunk roomate spills a beer all over your laptop

And, depending on your major, you may want to consider iWork (although I have no experience with it you can probably ask around and get a pretty good idea if it's worth the $79 for your needs), or some of the other great prosumer apps out there like Final Cut Express HD, Logic Express or Photoshop Elements. Anyways, congrats, and please feel free to ask me or any of us here at Macrumors for any of your computing questions. It really is a great online community here, and most people love to help others. Welcome.