Buying a new laptop and need advice.

[racechick8293]

I switched to a MacBook Pro in 2008. Since then, we have replaced all the computers in the house with Macs. They just work so much better- no crashing, viruses, etc. It's wonderful to open the lid on a laptop and have it ready to go in a few seconds vs. a few minutes with the Windows machines. I also agree with what others have said on Windows 8- it's definitely not the OS for me- reminds me of the lemon that Vista was.

My original MBP still works wonderfully. I decided to get something more portable and light and bought a MacBook Air about 8 months ago. Love the Air, and the Pro is perfect for the kids schoolwork. The residual value is certainly there with the there- just looked up my original MBP and it's bringing $600-$750 online.

Also, it never hurts to see if you qualify for an education discount. I do, and it has saved me $100 per computer.

 

[Kathryn Merteuil]

Believe me, I am the biggest Mac fan out there, but I do have a question/issue to throw into the mix.

When people are saying that you can run Windows on a Mac using various programs... Where are you getting the Windows OS? From what I have seen, a retail copy of Windows costs about as much as a netbook or super bargain basement computer with Windows installed.

 

[nhmommy]

If you purchase online check out the student discount your children's school may qualify and it's around a 10% discount I'm not sure if it's only a back to school promotion though.

 

[ssawka]

Believe me, I am the biggest Mac fan out there, but I do have a question/issue to throw into the mix.

When people are saying that you can run Windows on a Mac using various programs... Where are you getting the Windows OS? From what I have seen, a retail copy of Windows costs about as much as a netbook or super bargain basement computer with Windows installed.

If it's for school, you can get an academic license. For Windows 8, that runs about $80. When MS was offering Windows 7, it was free.

 

[debelfish]

I just ordered a Macbook Pro online. Thanks for all of the advice it was appreciated!
Elizabeth

 

[Bob NC]

I switched to a MacBook Pro in 2008. Since then, we have replaced all the computers in the house with Macs. They just work so much better- no crashing, viruses, etc. It's wonderful to open the lid on a laptop and have it ready to go in a few seconds vs. a few minutes with the Windows machines. I also agree with what others have said on Windows 8- it's definitely not the OS for me- reminds me of the lemon that Vista was.

My original MBP still works wonderfully. I decided to get something more portable and light and bought a MacBook Air about 8 months ago. Love the Air, and the Pro is perfect for the kids schoolwork. The residual value is certainly there with the there- just looked up my original MBP and it's bringing $600-$750 online.

I find a huge fallacy usually inherent in an opinion such as this.

Many, many times folks compare their shiny new $2500 - $3000 laptop with their old $300 Windows laptop or desktop.

Well yeah, the machine that costs 10 times more usually IS more reliable and faster.

If you had paid $3000 for your Windows machine, I doubt you would be seeing a need to replace that any more often than replacing the Mac.

I bought my son a good laptop running windows, guess what, it starts up in seconds too. It doesn't crash and it was still half the price of a Mac.

I just bought a new Lexus, you wouldn't believe how much nicer it is than my old Corolla. It's faster, bigger and gives me far less problems.

 

[Nik's Mom]

My husband is an Engineer. He does not use a Mac. Only PC's for his laptop and desktop. I, on the other hand, would love a Mac for my son. I'm thinking of buying a refurbished one.