Apple Computers?

[tar heel]

We're getting ready to buy DS's computer for college and are leaning toward getting an Apple since he is majoring in art. Is there anyone who has used both an Apple and a PC who liked the PC better? If so, why? I want to make sure the price difference is worth it! TIA.

 

[my3kids]

I've had both and MUCH prefer the Apple! Honestly, it just works!

 

[NewJersey]

I'm on my desktop PC and much prefer my Apple laptop! But I use my PC because I have some software for studying for the CPA that isn't MAC-compatible. First time I've run into that, however. In college, I never had a problem with the Apple. Tons with my old PC.

The price difference is well worth it. And look at the Apple website for discounts. Students get either 5 or 10% off and they have a promotion to get a free iPod nano right now!

 

[crcormier]

Another vote for the Apple. I've always had an Apple at home, even though I work in IT and need to use Windows all day long. With the latest laptops out I ended up buying myself one of the new MacBook Pros so I could replace my Windows laptop at work with an Apple laptop that can run Windows! The software to do that (Boot Camp) may still be in Beta, but I haven't had a problem yet!

 

[caitycaity]

i would just make sure that his school supports apples. if it is a big graphic arts school they probably will, but a lot of well known schools that are not graphics heavy do not (my alma mater doesn't, for example). at my alma mater you can't take your apple in to be fixed by the school IT people, nor can you connect to the campus wireless network.

 

[laurajetter]

He's MAJORING in art? There is no way I would NOT get him an Apple. That's coming from graphic designer who also majored in art.

 

[txSleepingBeauty]

we just got a mini mac after years of crashing pcs and it's fantastic!! and very very tiny

 

[crcormier]

If you do decide to go with an Apple I'd say you probably want to go with a MacBook Pro if you go the laptop route, though the lower end MacBook would be okay too. Get the service plan. It's worth it. Whatever you get, DO spend the extra amount to get the MAXIMUM amount of memory they offer.

 

[tar heel]

Thanks, folks. We just got back from buying the computer. The biggest decision was whether to get the notebook or IMac. He ended up going with the desktop b/c of the bigger screen and more memory. We were in line -- it's taxfree weekend in North Carolina -- in front of a graphic artist who said she would not want to do her work on a notebook. DS says he felt a bit out of place b/c all the other students were getting notebooks, though.

We got the free Ipod AND a free HP printer/scanner/copier. Of course, I had to pay for them, but I'll get rebates. We also got $100 off for the "education discount" and saved about $100 by not paying sales tax.

DS's college actually has a contract with Apple and with Gateway. If you get either of those two computers, the college tech office is "authorized service." The college also supplies Microsoft Office to all students, so we didn't have to buy that.

We did get the extended warranty. I always wonder whether that is a good idea, so I'm glad to hear that it is.