I need a new laptop - any recommendations?

[xubball1993]

Debating between another pc or a Mac Book Pro. Would appreciate any opinions/recommendations! Thanks all!

[Muskie]

I just bought my first mac and love it. But it all depends on whether you'll be able to find enough apps/programs to make your PC files workable. (I need cross platform access as I sometimes do work on my personal laptop).

[XU-07]

If you get a mac, then get a referb one off the Mac Store. The referbs are Macs that have been returned , but they still work. You get the same apple care as with a new mac and pay less. These discounts are often better than the educational discounts.

[LA Muskie]

If you get a mac, then get a referb one off the Mac Store. The referbs are Macs that have been returned , but they still work. You get the same apple care as with a new mac and pay less. These discounts are often better than the educational discounts.
I haven't purchased a refurb computer from Apple, but I have purchased several iPods and iPads and agree that they are a great deal. They looked and operated like brand new, but at about 15-20% off.

[LA Muskie]

Debating between another pc or a Mac Book Pro. Would appreciate any opinions/recommendations! Thanks all!
I love my small and light Lenovo Thinkpad (the model was previously sold under the IBM brand).

My wife has the MacBook Pro 15". Problem is that we've both always used PCs for work, so we're not nearly good enough at taking advantage of the benefits that Macs have to offer. The learning curve is slow, unless you dedicate yourself to it. But everyone I know who has gone Mac has never gone back...

[MADXSTER]

Got my son a Mac after hs graduation. He's had it for over a year now. I'm sure he has gotten on sites that he shouldn't have :rolleyes:. The other day I just asked him how it was working and he said "just as good as when it came out of the box." Has never had an issue with it.

He was able to add Microsoft Word and Excel at a school discount.

I'm thinking about getting one but haven't pulled the trigger.

[fellahmuskie]

If money ain't a problem, I'd buy the Mac Book. If you're looking to save, though, I love the Lenovo G770 (http://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-10372MU-17-3-Inch-Laptop-Brown/dp/B00519DYGM) I bought this spring. 17-inch screen, decent battery, gorgeous design for a pc, and very fast. I got mine for under $700 - an equivalent Mac Book is around $2000, I think.

[xudash]

M A C

B O O K

P R O

Period, end of story.

Hook it up to Apple's nice large flat panel. Buy Microsoft OfficeSuite for Mac to smooth the transition.

[wkrq59]

If money is a problem, here is a suggestion. Go online and get either a Dell, a Linovo or an HP with plenty of ram and a good strong hard drive. Then follow one of two options. If either Linovo or HP will do it in the factory, have them download (free of charge) Linux Ubuntu (the latest distro, 12. 8) if there is such. Dell will offer it for sale separate but you have to dig through the catalogue on line because Microshit has its grubby paws in most of the hardware people. I suggest Dell for between $600 and $700, but the $400 AND $500 WILL ALSO SUFFICE. Then either go online or have Dell install all the Ubuntu add ons, Libre Office(same as MS office only free)Updates are also free. Get all the plugins and other jazz, even the free excell or whatever....Libre Office is so damn complete and the speed is no problem. I can say this from experience: In the 14-15 years I have been running Open Source Linux distros on my HP tower, my son's Dell laptop, my wife's Dell Tower none of us has had a virus, a worm, a Trojan Horse, been hacked, or seen the BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) which is a system crash and everything goes bye bye. I've also had three IBM Think Pads which I wore out when I was working at the Post. The nicest thing though is the operating system is free, the plugins are free, the writing programs are free and the updates are free. A friend bought the latest Microsoft (I think Windows 7) and had to pay $500 for the MS Office, and $300 a year for the updates which he needed after the second year because the original system wouldn't work without the updates. And no matter what the system, Microshit has been putting patches on its OS for ages. The open source stuff works better with Google and other search engine. BTW, I am not employed by or in any way paid by Linux or any of its distros. I just follow the old Arthur Godfrey saying, "For free take, for buy, waste time.";):):D

[stophorseabuse]

May I suggest you say the hell with it and get the best of both worlds? Get a quality pc for documents and such, buch then pick up a badass iPad for Internet use, games, research, and most all other entertainment. You could get both for less than the cost of a MacBook pro. (not suggesting the MacBook isn't worth it).

[GuyFawkes38]

IMHO, a Mac is not worth it (and still lots of compatibility issues with business software, which can usually be overcome, but with lots of headaches). Stophorseabuse makes a good suggestion. If you want the best of Apple, get an iPad.

That all being said, people love their Macs.

Q is 100% right. You can't get cheaper and more secure than linux.

[Jumpy]

Just got my first MacBook Pro a little over a month ago and I love it. There are so many apps that offer cross functionality between Windows and OS X that the transition between the two is nowhere near the headache I thought it was going to be.

If you go the MacBook route, I suggest passing on the retina display. It is super expensive and design problems are starting to surface. The first, and biggest, is that all the hardware inside is glued to the frame. This makes it virtually impossible to change the battery or perform upgrades to memory, Hd, etc. I've also been reading that the new, smaller Magsafe power connector is a major pain in the a$$. Apparently, you only have to look at it wrong and it falls out. Finally, stories are just now starting to surface about faulty retina displays.

I had been wishing for a MacBook for a few years, but didn't see the absolute need to get one until I heard about the inability to upgrade the hardware on the new retina units. That sealed the deal for me and I decided to buy one of the "old" model MacBooks before the entire line goes the way of the slimmed down form.

[Jumpy]

One more thing...

The OS is a lot different than windows, so if you don't have any experience with it, I suggest a few resources:

Mac Forums (http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/)has a wonderful "switcher" forum where you can ask all the stupid beginner's questions that you will be bound to have without fear of upsetting the regulars. Those guys that frequent those boards have endless patience that is only surpassed by their knowledge of al things OS X.

Apple has a series of Mac 101 (http://www.apple.com/support/mac101/)support topics to help with beginner issues that arise in transitioning to OS X.

Finally, there is an app (called Welcome Mac, or something to that effect) available in the Mac App Store that helps guide you around the desktop showing a ton of navigation tips and features. I can't remember the name of it and I'm at work without the computer and blocked from accessing the app store, so I will try to remember to come back and update this post with a link to the app when I get home tonight.

All three of these resources have been invaluable in my getting comfortable with the Mac environment. Now I greatly prefer it to Windows.

[ballyhoohoo]

Get one that's good for porn. Lots of mammary. Ehh I mean memory. Yeah. Memory

[Jumpy]

Get one that's good for porn. Lots of mammary. Ehh I mean memory. Yeah. Memory

An iPad, Apple tv and 60" television are perfect for that.

[Muskie]

Just got my first MacBook Pro a little over a month ago and I love it. There are so many apps that offer cross functionality between Windows and OS X that the transition between the two is nowhere near the headache I thought it was going to be.

If you go the MacBook route, I suggest passing on the retina display. It is super expensive and design problems are starting to surface. The first, and biggest, is that all the hardware inside is glued to the frame. This makes it virtually impossible to change the battery or perform upgrades to memory, Hd, etc. I've also been reading that the new, smaller Magsafe power connector is a major pain in the a$$. Apparently, you only have to look at it wrong and it falls out. Finally, stories are just now starting to surface about faulty retina displays.

I had been wishing for a MacBook for a few years, but didn't see the absolute need to get one until I heard about the inability to upgrade the hardware on the new retina units. That sealed the deal for me and I decided to buy one of the "old" model MacBooks before the entire line goes the way of the slimmed down form.

Agree I bought two MAC's right when retina display came out. I decided against the "newer" one's because I didn't see it as that big of an upgrade (IE: i was happy with the "old" display).

MAC's are pricey. But it's honestly the best lap top I've ever owned. (I've owned quite a few in my time of different variety, make, and models).

[THRILLHOUSE]

If you do go the Mac route, I agree with the others that said buy refurbished. I bought my iMac refurbished and haven't had a single problem.

[Ledgewood]

I got my MacBook Pro about 3 or 4 years ago, and I have just absolutely loved it. 0 problems whatsoever. Definitely more expensive, but you get what you pay for in this case.

I dont like how the newer ones dont have a CD drive anymore. I know we're heading toward the digital age more and more, but I don't feel like CD's and DVD's are entirely irrelevent just yet.

[xu95]

M A C

B O O K

P R O

Period, end of story.

Hook it up to Apple's nice large flat panel. Buy Microsoft OfficeSuite for Mac to smooth the transition.

This right here.

[blobfan]

The big question is: what do you use your computer for?
-If you are a gamer, find a 500-700 Sony or HP and prepare to replace it at least every 2 years. It's probably cheaper than upgrading the MS OS, anyway.
-If your primary focus is office software and web surfing, you can find a sub-500 Sony or HP (look for sales) that will fit the bill and last you until it dies.
-If you want quality and longevity for multiple uses, your best bet is a Mac, refurb if you can find it. The refurbs actually come automatically with Apple Care which is better than non-reburbs. Yes, they are harder and harder to upgrade but unless you are doing something that requires high-end graphics, you should be ok for 3-5 years with the Mac.
-If you are a true lone wolf and self-sufficient, Linux probably would be the least expensive but I'm still hearing bad things about Dell so stick with HP/Sony. They started having production issues a few years back and I don't think they've really fixed them.

One note on Macs and Apple products: they are generally very good about replacing and repairing computers and devices, especially if there was a manufacturing issue. Make an appointment online on a busy day, show up with a lot of patience and a big smile, and they will do their best to get you out the door quickly, even if it means an outright replacement to some products. And if they do need to ship your computer out for repair, they generally turn it around in a couple days.

[GuyFawkes38]

Wow. I'm surprised by all the Mac recommendations. Apple is taking over the world.

[chico]

Been using Mac laptops for work for over 10 years and I wouldn't use anything else. Another option is to try macmall.com to see if they still have any of the last edition mac books. Last month they still did and you can save a few hundred off the new models, plus they are brand new and you will get the OS upgrade as well. Plus you get a rebate on Parallels which apparently is what you can use to run PC software on your mac.

Edit. Mac Mall still has the closeout models here. (http://www.macmall.com/n/Macbook-Pro/macNavLinks-macNavLinks.222) Just scroll down the page.

[blobfan]

OWC is another good online resource for Apple products. They have some bundles that might be more cost effective. I'm not sure if they are authorized to sell refurbs though.

[smileyy]

Wow. I'm surprised by all the Mac recommendations. Apple is taking over the world.

The iPhone is bigger than Microsoft, in terms of revenue.

[paulxu]

Do I have the right thread? Was someone looking for a lap top?

http://cache1.asset-cache.net/gc/138179291-young-woman-sitting-on-a-young-mans-lap-gettyimages.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=DFH8ELd7sQyCxXdOuh2%2Birg52OcbBmL8VdukAJCvIVsCLe JPiuDWLvSYUXI7cgOXzMO%2BAU1zm5NTEaueE0PYLg%3D%3D

[nuts4xu]

The big question is: what do you use your computer for?

I have 2 guesses.....

1). Place off shore bets.

2). Surf for porn.

Put a gun to my head and I would say the % of porn surfing far outweighs the time spend on placing off shore bets.

Just a hunch on my part though.....

[Muskie]

I have 2 guesses.....

1). Place off shore bets.

2). Surf for porn.

Put a gun to my head and I would say the % of porn surfing far outweighs the time spend on placing off shore bets.

Just a hunch on my part though.....

I think you've found your thesis... if you ever decide to go for that PHd.

[blobfan]

I have 2 guesses.....

1). Place off shore bets.

2). Surf for porn.

Put a gun to my head and I would say the % of porn surfing far outweighs the time spend on placing off shore bets.

Just a hunch on my part though.....

Go with a cheap windows POS then. Apple is slowly dumping Flash which may be critical to goal #2. Graphics resolution won't be critical and it will probably have to be replaced due to, ummm, 'fluid damage' before it is functionally obsolete.

[xubball1993]

You guys are funny. And you surf the internet for porn at a much higher % than we ladies do!

Thank you all for the recommendations. I'm leaning towards a refurb MacBook Pro. We'll see what this weekend's shopping trip brings!

Love the Xavier Family!

[paulxu]

You guys are funny.

Um, I'm pretty sure Blobfan is of the fairer sex.
Maybe you all should get together and compare notes.

[waggy]

Do Apple products connect to the internet via cell phone towers?

My wife needs to get a laptop. Budget is $600 tops, preferrably and likely less. I can set up a hot spot in the house, where we currently just have a hardwired desktop, so no problem at home or in public areas that offer free wireless. My worry is when she goes to visit her sister who doesn't have a wireless set up. Then what? Can a laptop such as a Lenovo be set up to connect over cell systems?

[MADXSTER]

Does she have internet on her cell phone?

[paulxu]

Do Apple products connect to the internet via cell phone towers?

My wife needs to get a laptop. Budget is $600 tops, preferrably and likely less.

I don't think you can get an Apple laptop for under $600.

[waggy]

Does she have internet on her cell phone?

Don't think so.


I don't think you can get an Apple laptop for under $600.

Yeah I know, but mentioned Apple because I think they typically connect via cell networks. Don't know. Seems like a feature that would be useful though.

[Jumpy]

Do Apple products connect to the internet via cell phone towers?

My wife needs to get a laptop. Budget is $600 tops, preferrably and likely less. I can set up a hot spot in the house, where we currently just have a hardwired desktop, so no problem at home or in public areas that offer free wireless. My worry is when she goes to visit her sister who doesn't have a wireless set up. Then what? Can a laptop such as a Lenovo be set up to connect over cell systems?

No, not natively. There are many options to fill that need, though. You can create a mobile hotspot with your phone, buy a separate wireless card from your wireless carrier or simply plug her computer into her sister's router via ethernet (assuming she even has internet service).

[GuyFawkes38]

Do Apple products connect to the internet via cell phone towers?

My wife needs to get a laptop. Budget is $600 tops, preferrably and likely less. I can set up a hot spot in the house, where we currently just have a hardwired desktop, so no problem at home or in public areas that offer free wireless. My worry is when she goes to visit her sister who doesn't have a wireless set up. Then what? Can a laptop such as a Lenovo be set up to connect over cell systems?

I would definitely go the PC rout. You'd get much more bang for your buck.

I'm not a big fan of Microsoft, but Windows 7 is a major improvement. Very simple to use and stable compared to XP and Vista. Many have argued that Windows 7 is better than any of Apple's recent OS's.