MACBOOK (not pro) or a DELL

CHAPINDAD · 08-08-2006, 01:44 AM

Which would you get?

idad · 08-08-2006, 02:59 AM

MacBook (with student discount). Very fast Intel Core Duo processors, more secure, more advanced operating system, only computer able to run windows and mac os x, integrated iLife software not available for windows, easier to configure peripherals (just plug them in), MS/Office 2004 Mac student version better than current windows version, nicer looking. But of course, this is my opinion, others will have theirs. (Add more memory to at least 1 GB.)

One can purchase a cheaper Dell, but one similarly configured is about the same price.

UCLAri · 08-08-2006, 03:06 AM

My vote is for the Macbook.

curmudgeon · 08-08-2006, 05:32 AM

Go with what your school "suggests". Then when you have a problem they can't say "If you had only gone with the...." D's school specifically requests Dell products so we bought a Dell big giant notebook with an upgraded screen. It's really pretty cool. Had the school spec'ed or suggested Apple products , we'd have bought Apple.

unsoccer-mom · 08-08-2006, 06:35 AM

Chapindad, I am guessing by your name that your talking about the Smith recommended systems. The Macbook as configured with the extras (1gig memory, ipod, carrying case, etc.) is a really good deal. A major additional advantage to the Macbook beyond those described here is that Smith requires loading of anti-virus software on windows based systems that it does not require on apple based systems. Students with windows systems complain that these required programs significantly slow their computers. Also if you fax your order in now for purchase on Saturday, you will save the 5% MA state sales tax (8/12-13 is tax free day).

lalady · 08-08-2006, 07:47 AM

My daughter ( who has had a Dell laptop up until now) was persuaded by my son to get the Macbook. It came with a free iPod and printer and not only seems to be a very good deal, she absolutely loves it.

Eagle79 · 08-08-2006, 08:35 AM

Check what systems your schools supports first. If it is both I would go with the MacBook. You can get a printer and an iPod for "free" after rebate. Where my son will be going to school MS Office for the Mac is an additional $45.

With any computer, get extra memory if you can swing it. It greatly prolongs the functional life of your computer.

JHS · 08-08-2006, 08:39 AM

Last year at this time, my daughter was about to get a Dell because her best friend's father had supposedly done extensive consumer research and gotten BFF a Dell. But she did some last minute research of her own through her college's LJ community, coming up with gems like: "The Dell service people were really nice and responsive, even if they didn't always know very much. I have no idea what the Apple service people are like -- I've never had to talk to them." Anyway, suffice it to say that the overwhelming experience of the kids (although not universal) was that Dells had problems, which Dell would fix, and that Apples didn't have problems. We bought a Macbook (and wound up paying about $250 more than we would have for the Dell, but got a "free" iPod out of it).

A year later, BFF's Dell has made three separate warranty trips to the shop, and D hasn't had to give her Mac a second thought.

Go with the Mac.

halopeno2 · 08-08-2006, 08:43 AM

An APPLE a day, keeps the doctor away!

Perscription: MacBook

fendergirl · 08-08-2006, 08:46 AM

Dell laptops are the worst.... def. macbook.

Eagle79 · 08-08-2006, 08:53 AM

Plus the new MacBooks can run Windows . . . if you feel you must. Though you have to purchase Windows separately.

celloguy · 08-08-2006, 12:42 PM

D's new school comes close to demanding Macs; the college is a Mac-certified service center and simply won't touch PCs -- you have to send them to an outside service center. At the same time I understand there are some math courses there that use PC software. Argh. We got D a MacBook and will dual-install Windows if it comes to that. (School also provides free virus protection for OS X, which is becoming more of an issue these days.) Also true that D loves her new MacBook, happily carries it around with her, takes it to bed with her -- whereas when she had to use the family PC she was always getting stressed out and walking away from it. I'm equally comfortable with either platform, but I'm delighted to see my daughter happy with hers.

emeraldkity4 · 08-08-2006, 01:20 PM

my daughter is quite familiar with CUS and they actually will help you to do your own work on PCs but I don't think they are factory authorized to do the work on them
( your daughter might find this useful
http://web.reed.edu/cis/help/index.html)

but yes we have always had macs and have rarely any trouble, certainly not the problem with security , worms, viruses, and the like that others with that other OS have.

Also a new OS is expected in the spring- and Apple releases on time

Steve is getting a little snarky in his old age

celloguy · 08-08-2006, 02:02 PM

thanks for the info emerald; I emailed CUS earlier in the summer and they were indeed friendly and helpful (somewhat unusual in my experience with college or corporate tech support).

dcfca · 08-08-2006, 02:14 PM

Mac Bizzooook