Ok I know that this gets asked a lot but Ive never asked it. Ive use windows my hole life I have a ASUS 1201E Ive add 4 gigs of ram, put in a SSD I have out grow this little thing! I've been looking at the Mac book Pro 13in but just cant find a reason to get that over anything else. I do not care much for the looks and I use Android for my phone and tablet. But watching twit tonight everyone had one. Im in school for math and computer SC so I'm learning to wright code. But $1400 is a lot to spend.
What are your thoughts?
thanks
Jeff krop
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What is the best laptop for me?
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krop's pick
I've been strictly a Windows user up until this year and I'm convinced that Apple has the better hardware, hands down. I've used Dells, HPs, and Thinkpads, none of which has the same level of build quality as the current Macbook Pros - though Thinkpads are my favorite on the PC side.
Two things that I think really make the difference are the materials and the trackpad. I don't think I've ever come across a PC laptop that was made out of aluminum. PCs are usually made out of bendy plastic or a similar material. The trackpad is huge and feels more precise to me. I really don't miss having physical left/right mouse buttons since the multitouch trackpad works really well. Based on these two things alone, I can't see myself getting a new PC laptop any time soon.
On the software side, I can use either OS X or WIndows, both have their pros and cons from my experience.
People always say that you can get a similar-spec Windows machine for a lot cheaper in comparison to a Mac, which is true for the most part, but you're paying extra for the higher quality hardware.
Two things that I think really make the difference are the materials and the trackpad. I don't think I've ever come across a PC laptop that was made out of aluminum. PCs are usually made out of bendy plastic or a similar material. The trackpad is huge and feels more precise to me. I really don't miss having physical left/right mouse buttons since the multitouch trackpad works really well. Based on these two things alone, I can't see myself getting a new PC laptop any time soon.
On the software side, I can use either OS X or WIndows, both have their pros and cons from my experience.
People always say that you can get a similar-spec Windows machine for a lot cheaper in comparison to a Mac, which is true for the most part, but you're paying extra for the higher quality hardware.
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krop's pick
Take a look at the Refurb store at apple.com if price is one of your biggest deterrents. You can get a good discount on a machine that is still 100% covered by Apple.
You pay a little more up front with a Mac but you make it up in 1) system longevity (compared to budget Win PCs); 2) bundled software; 3) Ability to run Windows/Linux, etc. if you need/want to; and 4) Apple will take care of you if in fact something goes wrong.
The build quality of a Mac laptop really is superior IMO.
You mention TWIT. I get a kick out of Leo trying so hard not to be as he says, an Apple Evangelist or Apple Apologist, yet you can tell he just loves his Apple gear. Even his iPhone he doesn't make calls with. Putting plastic cases -solely- to hide the Apple logo from the camera, odd.
I switched in mid-2008 and haven't regretted one moment of the move. Guess I'll admit to being a bit of an Apple evangelist, but it's for the reasons stated previously. And I would add, the Apple decision may cost more on day 1, but when you get to day 1000, recheck the math.
You pay a little more up front with a Mac but you make it up in 1) system longevity (compared to budget Win PCs); 2) bundled software; 3) Ability to run Windows/Linux, etc. if you need/want to; and 4) Apple will take care of you if in fact something goes wrong.
The build quality of a Mac laptop really is superior IMO.
You mention TWIT. I get a kick out of Leo trying so hard not to be as he says, an Apple Evangelist or Apple Apologist, yet you can tell he just loves his Apple gear. Even his iPhone he doesn't make calls with. Putting plastic cases -solely- to hide the Apple logo from the camera, odd.
I switched in mid-2008 and haven't regretted one moment of the move. Guess I'll admit to being a bit of an Apple evangelist, but it's for the reasons stated previously. And I would add, the Apple decision may cost more on day 1, but when you get to day 1000, recheck the math.
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krop's pick
Try one of the new Macbook Air 11" or 13" models. Tons of power (Sandy Bridge i5 or i7), 4GB of RAM, SSD, etc.) that should cover most of your tasks. Also extremely thin to fit into a backpack for school. It's perfect for students as long as you don't need an optical drive, then you might have to look elsewhere. Also, I watch TWiT regularly as well and they all own MacBooks because well, I assume it's a status thing. Just about everyone who works in the tech industry has a Mac (I'm sure there are people who don't, but the people I've seen all do anyway). The other MAJOR pro of a Mac is that if you need to run Windows applications too you can run Windows on a virtual machine on the Mac, so it's a do everything computer. Granted, you could just build a hackintosh, but that can be a hassle for certain people. Anyway, I suggest the Air, otherwise there are some affordable Lenovo's and HP's out there too if you don't want to go Mac. ALSO, with Apple student discounts for college students you can get the middle class 11" Air model (i5, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD) for $1,150. Just something to think about.
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krop's pick
I too was a long time windows user and swore by the platform... Then I purchased the new 2011 MacBook pro 13" refurbished from apple. It was in brand new condition and has the same warranty.
I'll never use windows ago and sold all my pcs after using os x. It's just a joy to use
I'll never use windows ago and sold all my pcs after using os x. It's just a joy to use
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Ok about to press buy on Apple.com Mac book pro 13in 2.3GHz
But I just dont know if I should its $1200 but I worry that it is a CLASS thing. Is that why all the tech guys have them is it only to show that you have what everyone wants? Is it $500 dollars better then any HP 13in? I just need to use Google docs, Gmail, write some code with Eclipse, and learn new things. Will any of this be better on a mac? I have been learn to write Android Apps working on some things for education will a make book help me? Then there is the thing that I will be in school for at least 3 more years so I should not need to get a new one any time soon. And typing on the ASUS 1201 is cramped and flimsy...
It hard to think about getting new tech when you could get the cheep stuff. crazy
But I just dont know if I should its $1200 but I worry that it is a CLASS thing. Is that why all the tech guys have them is it only to show that you have what everyone wants? Is it $500 dollars better then any HP 13in? I just need to use Google docs, Gmail, write some code with Eclipse, and learn new things. Will any of this be better on a mac? I have been learn to write Android Apps working on some things for education will a make book help me? Then there is the thing that I will be in school for at least 3 more years so I should not need to get a new one any time soon. And typing on the ASUS 1201 is cramped and flimsy...
It hard to think about getting new tech when you could get the cheep stuff. crazy
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I bought my 13" brand new for $999 at a nearby Micro Center. See if there's one near you. Also, a refurb from the Apple Store might be a good idea too. Usually shaves off $100 or so and you still get a standard 1-year warranty. Or, like Andrew said, hit up that student discount.
This was my first Macbook and I'm really happy with it; I'd say it's definitely worth the extra cash. It's really the little things that add up to make an overall great experience.
-The touchpad is large and very responsive. Multi-touch gestures feel fluid and there are a lot of them.
-The DC jack / AC adapter is magnetic and won't break easily, unlike standard DC jacks. I fix laptops for a living and broken DC jacks are a very common thing. I don't see that happening with this laptop. Also, the AC adapter isn't a giant brick, so it's travel friendly as it should be.
-The keyboard is backlit and great to type on. I like the extra space in between the keys.
-The battery lasts 7 hours, partial thanks to the Sandy Bridge processor. Almost a full work day. I believe it has an 8-cell, instead of the standard 6-cell you see in most laptops.
-Fairly lightweight. 5.6 pounds is good for a laptop of this size, especially with an aluminum shell. Feels solid.
Take a look at the Airs too, but keep in mind a few things. They use ULV processors which aren't as speedy. You'll get more longevity with a Pro, which sounds important to you. They're also limiting on hard drive space and get 2 less hours of battery. Three years from now 128GB might not be a whole lot. And of course, no DVD-RW drive. That said, they're ultra portable and SSD's are lightning fast. It really depends on what's important to you.
Regardless of your feelings of Mac OS X, I'd recommend a Macbook to just about anyone. Load it up with whatever combination of Mac OS/Windows/Linux that you prefer.
This was my first Macbook and I'm really happy with it; I'd say it's definitely worth the extra cash. It's really the little things that add up to make an overall great experience.
-The touchpad is large and very responsive. Multi-touch gestures feel fluid and there are a lot of them.
-The DC jack / AC adapter is magnetic and won't break easily, unlike standard DC jacks. I fix laptops for a living and broken DC jacks are a very common thing. I don't see that happening with this laptop. Also, the AC adapter isn't a giant brick, so it's travel friendly as it should be.
-The keyboard is backlit and great to type on. I like the extra space in between the keys.
-The battery lasts 7 hours, partial thanks to the Sandy Bridge processor. Almost a full work day. I believe it has an 8-cell, instead of the standard 6-cell you see in most laptops.
-Fairly lightweight. 5.6 pounds is good for a laptop of this size, especially with an aluminum shell. Feels solid.
Take a look at the Airs too, but keep in mind a few things. They use ULV processors which aren't as speedy. You'll get more longevity with a Pro, which sounds important to you. They're also limiting on hard drive space and get 2 less hours of battery. Three years from now 128GB might not be a whole lot. And of course, no DVD-RW drive. That said, they're ultra portable and SSD's are lightning fast. It really depends on what's important to you.
Regardless of your feelings of Mac OS X, I'd recommend a Macbook to just about anyone. Load it up with whatever combination of Mac OS/Windows/Linux that you prefer.
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