Macbook question

[bkoehl]

I would recommend against Pages and Numbers and stick with the Microsoft Office stuff. Most people use Word and Excel and although the Mac products convert I always had issues sending things I had done on Pages and Numbers to people using the Microsoft Products. I made my hubby buy me Office for Mac and we are all much happier now. Otherwise, realize there is some learning curve going from PC to Mac but it really is a great product.

 

[Disney Dad Canada]

We have three PCs in the house, so Office is pretty much covered.

The software my son would use the most is a speech to text software (can't remember the name). He's not that good with hand writing or typing, so this software will help him get his ideas "on paper". As mentioned, it's Apple only. I could get a PC equivalent, but since I can get the identical software from the school for free, I figured it would be best for him to have the same at home and at school.

As an added bonus, I know the video games he plays are PC only, so I know he won't be able to install them, keeping it as a school only laptop.

I agree with you Kevin, all laptops are delicate, I was just not sure if the Macs were on par with other laptops or are known to be extra fragile.

 

[Orlando Maniac]

We have three PCs in the house, so Office is pretty much covered.

The software my son would use the most is a speech to text software (can't remember the name). He's not that good with hand writing or typing, so this software will help him get his ideas "on paper". As mentioned, it's Apple only. I could get a PC equivalent, but since I can get the identical software from the school for free, I figured it would be best for him to have the same at home and at school.

As an added bonus, I know the video games he plays are PC only, so I know he won't be able to install them, keeping it as a school only laptop.

I agree with you Kevin, all laptops are delicate, I was just not sure if the Macs were on par with other laptops or are known to be extra fragile.

I understand were you are coming from, but why not just spend $99 for the Dragon Program for PC instead of spending $900+ for a computer? As long as the teacher can read it from paper / computer he should be good to go.

 

[k5jm]

I would suggest that you do not buy a Mac. There are pros along with cons when buying them.
Macs generally a bit outdated technology wise (hardware and software, both), they also struggle to be compatible with many common computer programs like said above.
If he's planning on using it for a while just go with a PC it will save you A LOT of time and money in the long run.

Mac -
PC -

In my line of work, I use several different OS's and hardware platforms. The Mac is using some great hardware and bases it's OS on one of the most tried and true, Unix (BSD). I have to say after using windows/DOS and Linux for years that I have nothing but praise for my Apple equipment. The hardware is no different than what you find in any other laptop.

For non-IT professionals, the Apple product offers simplicity and ease that is unmatched. Plus the enhanced security that a *nix O/S can provide. Just the fact that you have to enter your password before ANY system-wide change is made or software is installed is something that Microsoft should adopt for non-Enterprise customers.

I love my Windows 7 machine. I love my multiple linux boxes. But I really love my Mac.

And if you work for a Company that is an Enterprise customer of Microsoft, you should see if they are participating in the Microsoft home-use program. I purchased Microsoft Office for Mac for $9.00 (+$12.00 if I wanted it on disc).
The same goes for Windows versions as well.

Mac gets