Going Back to School..I need advice on buy a Laptop

[myisha]

When I go back to school I am going to get a laptop. I've been wanting an apple computer for ages and I am tired of PCs. Since I don't know much about Apple I really don't know what do except.For the last few days I'm been researching on apple computers searching forum, review etc to help me get a better understanding.

I need the computer to be able to
view, edit and storage photo
graphic design image and photo manipation I use adobe imageready, Cs,
Illustrator,
email
net surfing
instant messaging
watch and burn dvds
listen and burn cds



One of the big concerns I have with apple is the compatiability.
Does ibook or powerbook work well with pcs? Are they able are to share and software?

I am going to take some classes online I need to be able to communicate back and for with my professors.So they software that comes with either the ibook or powerbook compatiable with there sofware. If I get the ibook or powerbook I was thinking about buy the Office 2004 for Mac - Student and Teacher Edition.What kind of office sofware that the powerbook or ibook have included?

I'm on a very limited income and every penny I can save helps.
I'm noticed that Apple sells reburished ibook and powerbook. does anybody know where I can find better baragins?

If I buy new computer with deal I would probably take advantage of the student discount.Can I use student discount on refurshied computers?

Would be less expensive to buy a computer with deal or pay and buy one through the school's reseller?

 

[devilot]

I need the computer to be able to <snip>

For your needs, an iBook would definitely suffice.

One of the big concerns I have with apple is the compatiability.
Does ibook or powerbook work well with pcs? Are they able are to share and software?

Do you mean, can you use the same software on both machines, as in, you own something already and you wish to install it on a Mac as well? That depends entirely on the specific vendor and software in question, also depends on the EULA (er, end user licensing agreement ?).

So they software that comes with either the ibook or powerbook compatiable with there sofware. If I get the ibook or powerbook I was thinking about buy the Office 2004 for Mac - Student and Teacher Edition. What kind of office sofware that the powerbook or ibook have included?

Whether or not the software will be compatible, again, depends on what the teachers will be using. Can you list specific apps? Email your professors/teachers and post back here-- I'm sure somebody will be able to tell you what is/is not compatible. Many people use MS office 2004 for Macs-- I do. And if you go to Apple's site you'll find that the PowerBooks come w/ 'Omnigraffle,' 'OmniOutliner,' and 'OmniConverter.' Although some people swear by TextEdit There are also free alternatives to be downloaded (such as http://www.neooffice.org/ which many users feel is better/comparable to MS office-- minus Excel). The iBook comes with AppleWorks instead of the more 'professional' 'omni' suite.

I'm noticed that Apple sells reburished ibook and powerbook. does anybody know where I can find better baragins?

Please keep in mind that when you purchase refurbished from Apple; it comes with a like-new one year warranty. If you do decide to purchase from another vendor, MAKE sure they are certified Apple resellers so that your purchase will have viable warranty coverage. I personally would feel safer dropping so much cash through verified sellers. Amazon (use the link at the top of the forums, please!) might end up being cheaper than straight through Apple because of no taxation, BUT you can NOT customize your Mac through Amazon.

If I buy new computer with deal I would probably take advantage of the student discount.Can I use student discount on refurshied computers?

No. You'll notice that many of the refurbished prices are the same as edu pricing. Keep in mind though, you can often find slightly 'older' models of computers that will still satisfy your computing needs and are significantly cheaper than the current models.

Would be less expensive to buy a computer with deal or pay and buy one through the school's reseller?

That also depends on your specific reseller. Some people here on MR report that their schools feature much better discounts, while I and others have found our school resellers to offer the exact same pricing as Apple.

 

[myisha]

Thanks for reply

Basically I want to know if OS and windows can share files.?

Nearly all the sofware that I use often are opensource or freeware smart ftp, crimson editor, snapit 7 ccleaner, openoffice, firefox with the exception of firefox will be difficult to find similar opensource or freeware like programs that are compatiable?

I won't be entering school until fall 2006 so I haven't talk to my professor yet.I'm going to buy a laptop anytime soon I won't buy it until I start school.

I thinking about new powerbook or at least a refurbished one. I want a computer that I won't have to upgraded. I am looking to keep the computer for a least 3 years.But then again I don't want to pay for much computer than I need.

For your needs, an iBook would definitely suffice. Do you mean, can you use the same software on both machines, as in, you own something already and you wish to install it on a Mac as well? That depends entirely on the specific vendor and software in question, also depends on the EULA (er, end user licensing agreement ?). Whether or not the software will be compatible, again, depends on what the teachers will be using. Can you list specific apps? Email your professors/teachers and post back here-- I'm sure somebody will be able to tell you what is/is not compatible. Many people use MS office 2004 for Macs-- I do. And if you go to Apple's site you'll find that the PowerBooks come w/ 'Omnigraffle,' 'OmniOutliner,' and 'OmniConverter.' Although some people swear by TextEdit There are also free alternatives to be downloaded (such as http://www.neooffice.org/ which many users feel is better/comparable to MS office-- minus Excel). The iBook comes with AppleWorks instead of the more 'professional' 'omni' suite. Please keep in mind that when you purchase refurbished from Apple; it comes with a like-new one year warranty. If you do decide to purchase from another vendor, MAKE sure they are certified Apple resellers so that your purchase will have viable warranty coverage. I personally would feel safer dropping so much cash through verified sellers. Amazon (use the link at the top of the forums, please!) might end up being cheaper than straight through Apple because of no taxation, BUT you can NOT customize your Mac through Amazon. No. You'll notice that many of the refurbished prices are the same as edu pricing. Keep in mind though, you can often find slightly 'older' models of computers that will still satisfy your computing needs and are significantly cheaper than the current models. That also depends on your specific reseller. Some people here on MR report that their schools feature much better discounts, while I and others have found our school resellers to offer the exact same pricing as Apple.

 

[nichos]

Like Devilot said, an iBook would definitly to you fine, and the software part does depent on your teachers. I'm a CS major, and have no problems with my iBook. I don't think the difference between the iBook and pb, is worth it, imho.

What's your major?

 

[myisha]

pyschology and sociology

Like Devilot said, an iBook would definitly to you fine, and the software part does depent on your teachers. I'm a CS major, and have no problems with my iBook. I don't think the difference between the iBook and pb, is worth it, imho.

What's your major?