Purchasing a MAC. Update post #48

[weHEARTmickey]

Didn't want to hi-jack another thread about laptops, so I'm starting this one. My pc is falling apart & we've decided a mac is the way to go. Here is what I use my pc for (and will use the mac for also):
1. QUARK- to build newspaper ads & flyers for DH business & our church.
2. PHOTOSHOP- same as above + photo editing.
3. Would like to start making videos with pictures/music
4. ROSETTA STONE-(about to purchase b/c it's on sale right now), but I want it to be compatible with new laptop.
Sooooo, we must buy the laptop before we purchase Rosetta Stone. I realize I'll have to buy ALL NEW Quark, Photoshop, etc....

Which mac do you think I need & why? Where should I purchase it? TIA!!!!

 

[ziggystardust]

from a budget point of view. Skip quark and buy indesign. It is included in the creative suite along with photoshop.

from a designer point of view. Skip quark and buy indesign. it is sooo much better.

If you have a student in your household or are a student yourself, you can purchase the whole suite for a lot less.

You'll have to do some getting used to with InDesign, but the program is so much better and easier to use. Hopefully quark will become obsolete soon.

Are you set on a lap top or are you considering an imac too?

 

[weHEARTmickey]

from a budget point of view. Skip quark and buy indesign. It is included in the creative suite along with photoshop.

from a designer point of view. Skip quark and buy indesign. it is sooo much better.

If you have a student in your household or are a student yourself, you can purchase the whole suite for a lot less.

You'll have to do some getting used to with InDesign, but the program is so much better and easier to use. Hopefully quark will become obsolete soon.

Are you set on a lap top or are you considering an imac too?

I've heard many people talk about Indesign, but have NO CLUE how to use it. I have to be honest: I love quark b/c I'm old & set in my ways. What is the cost of the creative suite? Does it include video editing software?

We have students in the house & are considering home-schooling. I bought quark & photoshop from a "student website." Is that the one you're talking about? Do you know the web address? It was probably 3-4 yrs ago when I last used it.

I am pretty set on getting a laptop b/c we travel so much. Does that limit me? Do you have any specific mac suggestions for my needs? Thanks so much!

 

[ziggystardust]

I understand the hesitation with converting over to indesign. I stayed away for a while just b/c of my comfort level with quark.

Don't know which version you are working off of now, but if you were to buy the newest version, you'll be learning a few new things anyway. And also from the last time i looked into the student pricing for quark, it wasn't that great of a deal. But I could be wrong.

http://tryit.adobe.com/us/cs5/studentteachereditions/?sdid=FXNPH&

Laptops don't limit you at all (i'm on one right now ). I need a desktop for my work b/c I need a large screen in order to get anything done. BUt I do have both b/c of the travel aspect.

Any one of the macbook pros would work for you. You can also take advantage of Apple's student/teacher pricing.

 

[weHEARTmickey]

I understand the hesitation with converting over to indesign. I stayed away for a while just b/c of my comfort level with quark.

Don't know which version you are working off of now, but if you were to buy the newest version, you'll be learning a few new things anyway. And also from the last time i looked into the student pricing for quark, it wasn't that great of a deal. But I could be wrong.

http://tryit.adobe.com/us/cs5/studentteachereditions/?sdid=FXNPH&

Laptops don't limit you at all (i'm on one right now ). I need a desktop for my work b/c I need a large screen in order to get anything done. BUt I do have both b/c of the travel aspect.

Any one of the macbook pros would work for you. You can also take advantage of Apple's student/teacher pricing.

Thanks! Are you suggesting I buy directly from apple? Will the student pricing apply to my DD10 & DS7? I was looking at best buy's website. (And I'm completely LOST b/c they all seem the same, but different prices.) I definitely need the dvd/cd drive & I'd rather have a 13"-15" screen.

What all extras (hidden costs) will I need to come up with? Thanks for all of your help I bought a Toshiba laptop about 6 yrs ago & I'm so "out of the loop" with computers. (I've hated that purchase every since I bought it btw.)

 

[racechick8293]

I bought a 13 inch MBP in August. It was one of the best purchases I ever made. My kids are constantly wanting to use my laptop vs. theirs (my old handed down Windows laptops). I would definitely get a MBP versus the MB or Air- for me, the backlit keyboard is incredible. Also, the battery life is amazing- I consistently get 8-10 hours out of a charge. I've worked solely from laptops for about the past 5-6 years; I greatly prefer the flexibility of the laptops over the desktops.

If you can wait to buy between May-August, you get a credit towards any iPod of about $229. You have to pay for the iPod when you buy the computer, but then get the money refunded. It was a smooth process for me.

Education discount on the MBP's is $100-200 depending on the model purchased. In most cases, if you're a parent, student, or educator, you can qualify for the education pricing with very little questions asked. This holds true for both the hardware and software in my experience.

You can run Windows on a Mac if needed for software, but I have yet to really want or need to do so. For the programs I use, I've found that the software is typically a bit cheaper for the Mac version than the Windows version. There's a good book called Switching to the Mac by David Pogue that you may find helpful- I believe it's under $20 at Amazon.

 

[ziggystardust]

the few extra costs that could arise (that i can think of right now)

1. Microsoft word/office. This doesn't come standard on mac. they have an apple version of this software but I haven't used it. This is also MUCH cheaper with a student/teacher discount. You should be able to buy this when you order/buy your computer. While the student version of adobe CS5, you usually have to order. (can not buy in store)

2. applecare. the extended warranty. a lap top is expensive to fix. this gives you 3 years of phone help and parts and labor. YOu do have a year to decide if you want it though.

I've never bought through best buy. I've bought through apple and macmall. Prices are usually the same across the board.

 

[angela1044]

Don't waste your time buying Quark. As a designer, you are much better off using InDesign. Hardly anyone is using Quark anymore - looks much better on your resume that you can use InDesign.

It won't take you long to switch over and once you discover how well it works with Photoshop and Illustrator you will have wished you changed over years ago. I know I did. It will let you import PSD files with no problem, make awesome print ready pdfs, etc.

As for the Mac...a Mac Book Pro is awesome but it's also the most expensive. I've designed catalogs on a Mac Mini with no problem. They are all powerful machines. However I have to admit that the MBP is nice to have. We bought one a few months ago. It will be Mac #4 that we have purchased and I've used a bunch more through my work.

Right now I have to design on a PC for work and I hate the thing. It's so unstable. Even our Mac running Windows is more stable.

I hope this helps and good luck with your purchase. You won't regret it.

I forgot to mention that you can purchase refurbished computers which are just as good as the new ones. Sometimes when a computer is made it doesn't work right. Apple takes it back, fixes the problem and then resells. They come with the same warranty as a brand new one. Most times, the refurbished ones are only a bit older then the new one

 

[rantnnravin]

i got my macbook as a refurb - refurbs will run a few hundred cheaper and come with the same Apple support/warranty. - definitely worth it-- better than the sudent/teacher discount. Sometimes you can find one with a superb configuration - like i did with my DD10's last year (i wanted to keeps hers and give her mine!)

 

[racechick8293]

1. Microsoft word/office. This doesn't come standard on mac. they have an apple version of this software but I haven't used it. This is also MUCH cheaper with a student/teacher discount. You should be able to buy this when you order/buy your computer. While the student version of adobe CS5, you usually have to order. (can not buy in store)

Office 2011 for Mac is about $99, assuming you qualify for the educational discount. Honestly, most people do. If not, it's $199, compared with several hundred dollars more for the equivalent Windows version with no educational discount.

I'm not sure what PC's you're buying that come with Microsoft Office, but any that I'm aware of come with a trial version that's only good for a few months at most...

 

[weHEARTmickey]

.....If you can wait to buy between May-August, you get a credit towards any iPod of about $229. You have to pay for the iPod when you buy the computer, but then get the money refunded. It was a smooth process for me.

Education discount on the MBP's is $100-200 depending on the model purchased. In most cases, if you're a parent, student, or educator, you can qualify for the education pricing with very little questions asked. This holds true for both the hardware and software in my experience.....

YIKES! I don't know if I can wait until May to make my purchase but that is VERY tempting! I looked at the apple website & it seemed like I needed to have/or be a college student, or be a teacher to get the education discount. Seems they would lower the age, considering my DD10 uses my pc all the time for 4th grade book reports.

i got my macbook as a refurb - refurbs will run a few hundred cheaper and come with the same Apple support/warranty. - definitely worth it-- better than the sudent/teacher discount. Sometimes you can find one with a superb configuration - like i did with my DD10's last year (i wanted to keeps hers and give her mine!)

Ooooh, the refurbs have always been scary to me. But with the same warranty, I will check it out. When you say superb configuration, what are you referring to? Just memory in general or built in software? Forgive me! Remember, I'm just a pc.

 

[racechick8293]

YIKES! I don't know if I can wait until May to make my purchase but that is VERY tempting! I looked at the apple website & it seemed like I needed to have/or be a college student, or be a teacher to get the education discount. Seems they would lower the age, considering my DD10 uses my pc all the time for 4th grade book reports.



Ooooh, the refurbs have always been scary to me. But with the same warranty, I will check it out. When you say superb configuration, what are you referring to? Just memory in general or built in software? Forgive me! Remember, I'm just a pc.

I know, I know... it's hard to wait that long! If it helps justify a more immediate purchase, the iPod promo deal always ends, then the next day, Apple announces the new model of iPod... so it may not actually be as good of a deal as it seems on the surface.

Here's the refurbished info below. For me, it wasn't worth it, as the cost of a brand new MBP 13 was $1099 (education discount) vs. $1019 for the refurbished. I've heard that Apple does a very good job with the refurbishments, but my preference has always been to go with new, especially when spending that much $$$.

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/mac

 

[bellarella]

Contact Adobe. I seem to remember when I converted from PC to Mac, I was able to get a substantial discount on getting the Mac version of my Adobe products (I think I had the creative suite at the time, which was quite pricey to buy fresh).

 

[ziggystardust]

for refurbs -

I wouldn't be scared. It could be anything that makes it a refurb. If the box is opened and returned to the store, the store has to sell the computer as a refurb. Even if it was never turned on. Everything is checked out and not allowed to leave the store until the "mac genius" oks it.

I've bought refurbs and my sister actually just got a refurb mac book pro too. She's also a teacher and felt that that was a better way to go.

good luck with the switch. you'll love it!

 

[dmpteacher]

I bought a 13 inch MBP in August. It was one of the best purchases I ever made. My kids are constantly wanting to use my laptop vs. theirs (my old handed down Windows laptops). I would definitely get a MBP versus the MB or Air- for me, the backlit keyboard is incredible. Also, the battery life is amazing- I consistently get 8-10 hours out of a charge. I've worked solely from laptops for about the past 5-6 years; I greatly prefer the flexibility of the laptops over the desktops.

If you can wait to buy between May-August, you get a credit towards any iPod of about $229. You have to pay for the iPod when you buy the computer, but then get the money refunded. It was a smooth process for me.

Education discount on the MBP's is $100-200 depending on the model purchased. In most cases, if you're a parent, student, or educator, you can qualify for the education pricing with very little questions asked. This holds true for both the hardware and software in my experience.

I am "dittoing" everything they said and adding one more thing. I don't know where you live (it probably said, but I didn't pay attention), but if you live in a state where they have a "tax-free weekend", that's the best time to get a computer.

I am a teacher so I got the education discount, plus I bought the 1st weekend in August so I got my computer (only) tax free. Then at the time, they had a deal for a free iPod (up to $199) and a free printer (up to $99). So I got a computer (tax free), wireless printer, 8GB iPod, for around $1000. That's including the $300 I got back in refunds for the iPod and printer.

I was a Mac person before going back to school, so I knew I'd love it, but it's even better than expected!!

 

[tinatark]

Read the small print on Apple's site re: education discount - PTO officers are also eligible for the discount. I found that (genius' at the store didn't know!) and found a letter to the editor I had written as a PTO officer and got the discount!

I agree with the pp who said get the Pro - backlit keyboard is awesome!! I do like, but don't love my MBP. The learning curve is great. Also, if you have ATT wireless internet at home, the modem/router is not compatible with the MBP. I finally changed internet providers, after months on the phone with ATT/Apple. Do a search for MacBook Pro/2wire router - thousands of postings out there!

 

[weHEARTmickey]

I am "dittoing" everything they said and adding one more thing. I don't know where you live (it probably said, but I didn't pay attention), but if you live in a state where they have a "tax-free weekend", that's the best time to get a computer.

I am a teacher so I got the education discount, plus I bought the 1st weekend in August so I got my computer (only) tax free. Then at the time, they had a deal for a free iPod (up to $199) and a free printer (up to $99). So I got a computer (tax free), wireless printer, 8GB iPod, for around $1000. That's including the $300 I got back in refunds for the iPod and printer.

I was a Mac person before going back to school, so I knew I'd love it, but it's even better than expected!!

WOW!!!!!!!! That sounds great!!! I hope my pc can make it that long. I think I may try to wait for this. Can you all confirm that apple will always do the free iPod?

As far as Rosetta Stone, we need to buy it soon. Our family of 4 just got back from a Mexico mission trip on Friday & vowed to learn Spanish (the best we can) before next year's trip. I don't know that we'll find a better deal than $600 for the whole set (although that seems ABSOLUTELY ridiculously priced!) I really want to get it soon, so I guess I'll have to buy it for my pc & pray it doesn't crash. I guess I can try to empty off my hard drive the best I can. I have an external HD, so I'll transfer everything over.

As always, thanks for all the help DISers

 

[racechick8293]

Apple's done the free iPod at least for "Back to School" 2009 and 2010. It usually runs from sometime in May until just after Labor Day. I just missed the one in 2009, and I took part in the one in 2010 (May 25 through September 7). I found an old article from the 2008 promo (http://www.quickonlinetips.com/archives/2008/06/buy-apple-mac-get-free-ipod/), and I believe they've been doing it for several years prior as well.

 

[RoxyJ]

Definately get InDesign instead in Quark. I am a formatter, and used mostly Quark. But once I tried InDesign there was no turning back, it is so much more intuitive, and if you are already used to Photoshop quick-keys, then you will pick up InDesign easily. Plus InDesign Crashes so much less than Quark.

 

[dclfun]

WOW!!!!!!!! That sounds great!!! I hope my pc can make it that long. I think I may try to wait for this. Can you all confirm that apple will always do the free iPod?

As far as Rosetta Stone, we need to buy it soon. Our family of 4 just got back from a Mexico mission trip on Friday & vowed to learn Spanish (the best we can) before next year's trip. I don't know that we'll find a better deal than $600 for the whole set (although that seems ABSOLUTELY ridiculously priced!) I really want to get it soon, so I guess I'll have to buy it for my pc & pray it doesn't crash. I guess I can try to empty off my hard drive the best I can. I have an external HD, so I'll transfer everything over.

As always, thanks for all the help DISers

Have you checked your local library? Ours has Rosetta Stone available for check out in several different languages.---Kathy