So... MBP for college or iMac/macbook combo?

[Spanky Deluxe]

15" MBP 2ghz, 2GB, 120GB --$2,659
200GB fw/usb external HD-- $125
20" LCD display-- $375
Keyboard and mouse-- $40
Total = $3199

20" iMac 2ghz, 2gb, 250gb --$1,869
14" iBook 1.42ghz 1GB 80GB --$1334 (for price point estimation)
Total = $3203

That would have me sold. Contrary to what some people say on here, I'm a big fan of the two computer combo. Ok so recently I've bred computers like mad but in my first year in halls I only had one computer, a laptop. First off, only having 80GB of hard drive space really peed me off (although yes I do realise I could have got an external drive) and I would have liked a bigger screen in my room.
Now that I live in a house with mates I absolutely love having a desktop and a laptop as well. I spend most nights at the girlfriend's and so generally keep my laptop there. If it were a 12" 'book rather than a 15.4" heavy thing I would probably carry it backwards and forwards more though.
Having the two computers gives you the best of both worlds. A powerful desktop with loads of space for when you want it and then also a small compact laptop for when you want to go to lectures, go to a cafe on campus or go to the library.

Yeah you could get an MBP with an external hard drive, display, keyboard and mouse but you're dealing with quite a few wires there.

Wait a couple of weeks and then get an iMac and an iBook combo. You won't regret it!!


PS For what its worth, I plan on ditching my 15.4" laptop in favour of an Intel iBook at some point in the next few months. I just hate lugging that thing around!! Plus its not a mac.

 

[british724]

a POOR college kid...

Hmm... perhaps I'm one of the few poor college kids left out there. I was about to make a new thread about this sort of thing but then I found this... I'm starting college in June and I need to buy a laptop, obviously. I'm looking for something affordable, and reliable. I've decided on a Mac, as I've gotten so much positive feedback from friends currently in college. I have looked at the ibook and I'm really thinking about buying that but I need advice. Ibook or Powerbook? Keep in mind, I AM a poor kid, I have to try and save up for this and I don't want to spend a ridiculous amount (ex. - a "rich" friend of mine just had Mommy spend over $3k on a new MacBook pro... yeah, I'm not doing that...). From what I HAVE looked into, the Powerbook is geared more towards those doing some graphic-type work. I am studying business and computer science, and I've been programming for 3 years now. So obviously, I want something that will handle those type of things. Any advice at all would be helpful. I have looked on the Education page on Apple, but the $50 I save on a $2k laptop really doesn't do me much good... so again, advice would be appreciated!

 

[Spanky Deluxe]

Hmm... perhaps I'm one of the few poor college kids left out there. I was about to make a new thread about this sort of thing but then I found this... I'm starting college in June and I need to buy a laptop, obviously. I'm looking for something affordable, and reliable. I've decided on a Mac, as I've gotten so much positive feedback from friends currently in college. I have looked at the ibook and I'm really thinking about buying that but I need advice. Ibook or Powerbook? Keep in mind, I AM a poor kid, I have to try and save up for this and I don't want to spend a ridiculous amount (ex. - a "rich" friend of mine just had Mommy spend over $3k on a new MacBook pro... yeah, I'm not doing that...). From what I HAVE looked into, the Powerbook is geared more towards those doing some graphic-type work. I am studying business and computer science, and I've been programming for 3 years now. So obviously, I want something that will handle those type of things. Any advice at all would be helpful. I have looked on the Education page on Apple, but the $50 I save on a $2k laptop really doesn't do me much good... so again, advice would be appreciated!

$50 discount on $2000? That doesn't sound right, I've always found it to be at least around 8.5%.

Anyway from what you say I reckon you'd probably want an iBook, just wait until after 1st April because the new Intel based iBooks should hopefully be out then, called MacBooks. Don't rush into this and just wait and see what they bring out. Also you'll really want to get the Applecare but bear in mind you can buy that up to a year after you buy the laptop (its covered for a year anyway). Just if you do leave it for a while make sure you don't forget about it!!

 

[QCassidy352]

I'm just curious - what do you all need so much HD space for? I'm a student, and I have 17 GB still free on my 40 GB ibook HD. I realize my uses are light, but do people other than graphic designers/video editors/photographers really fill HDs bigger than, say, 80 GB? With what?

My problem with 2 computers is syncing them - gets annoying. But even beyond that... you're going to be a college freshman. You're going to have much better things to do (hopefully) than spend all day in front of one, let alone 2, computers. Get out there, away from your mac, in to the sunlight!

 

[technicolor]

I'm just curious - what do you all need so much HD space for? I'm a student, and I have 17 GB still free on my 40 GB ibook HD. I realize my uses are light, but do people other than graphic designers/video editors/photographers really fill HDs bigger than, say, 80 GB? With what?

My problem with 2 computers is syncing them - gets annoying. But even beyond that... you're going to be a college freshman. You're going to have much better things to do (hopefully) than spend all day in front of one, let alone 2, computers. Get out there, away from your mac, in to the sunlight!

Im a digital video/GD major
I eat up hard drives in my sleep


See my sig

 

[calebjohnston]

I don't think people understand money anymore, it's just green paper to so many people.

Freshman in college? Just go buy a MBP and BT keyboard and mouse and a dell 2005fpw and a few external harddrives and upgrade the MBP to 7200rpm.

Are you kidding? Most adults can't afford to spend like that. MONEY CAN BE USED FOR THINGS OTHER THAN COMPUTERS.

 

[technicolor]

I don't think people understand money anymore, it's just green paper to so many people.

Freshman in college? Just go buy a MBP and BT keyboard and mouse and a dell 2005fpw and a few external harddrives and upgrade the MBP to 7200rpm.

Are you kidding? Most adults can't afford to spend like that. MONEY CAN BE USED FOR THINGS OTHER THAN COMPUTERS.

Just because your pockets may be limited you should not project that on to others.

You have no idea of other peoples financial situation.

 

[british724]

So the ibook would be my best bet? I really like them, and I was going to wait until after April 1st for sure, simply because I was reading around on here and saw that there would be new releases or whatnot. I am just kind of ticked because I have to buy it before I leave mid-June and I wish I could wait until 'back-to-school' season. Eh, we'll see what happens.

Also, I've always been a Windows person. Not saying I love Windows, because trust me, I do not. I'm just wondering how long it'll take me to adjust to the change in OS. I just don't want to get to school and realize I don't know what I'm doing and get frustrated.

I'm a Mac newbie, big time, so bare with me! I'm being brave and making the switch - be proud.

 

[british724]

$50 discount on $2000? That doesn't sound right, I've always found it to be at least around 8.5%.

Eh, I didn't bother looking it up. It just feels like such a small amount to save. But, it's better than nothing. Much better than nothing. Don't quote me. I'm just tired

 

[Bubbasteve]

2 computers seems a bit excessive for a college freshman. But maybe that's just me.

Let me please rephrase that for you... an iMac and a Macbook Pro are a bit too excessive.

If I were you I would either get the Macbook Pro OR get an intel iMac and if you feel it necessary a baseline Mac/iBook whenever they are released. The laptops are a little more convient because of it's mobility for the car rides home or trips to the library.

I might go with the Macbook Pro and possibly get a cheaper LCD display, wireless mouse/keyboard combo so when you are in your dorm you could use it as a desktop but you could easily unplug everything and bring the beast to the library (or home).

I hope my post made sense because I'm very very tired right now.

 

[Timepass]

So the ibook would be my best bet? I really like them, and I was going to wait until after April 1st for sure, simply because I was reading around on here and saw that there would be new releases or whatnot. I am just kind of ticked because I have to buy it before I leave mid-June and I wish I could wait until 'back-to-school' season. Eh, we'll see what happens.

Also, I've always been a Windows person. Not saying I love Windows, because trust me, I do not. I'm just wondering how long it'll take me to adjust to the change in OS. I just don't want to get to school and realize I don't know what I'm doing and get frustrated.

I'm a Mac newbie, big time, so bare with me! I'm being brave and making the switch - be proud.

hate to say it but the last line makes me even more strongly agaist you getting 2 computers.
There are a lot risk involved in the switch completely over to mac. yes people will tell you how great it is but a huge risk you are looking at is not liking them and the OS. And you hate it. Now that is a ton money you just spent on a computer that will have to last you the next 3-4 years and you got 2 of them.

Going laptop only with the stuff on the out side and you find out you dont like the mac OS and stuff you can easily buy a windows Desktop and still be able to use all the extras you bought for the MBP. And still have a laptop for moving around and the mac would be fine for that. the PC desktop is for all the stuff you can do at home and what not and all heavy lifting.


Yeah I pretty sure I going to get flamed what I just said but you are taking a huge risk. A mac out Mac book will do everything you really need and even if you dont save any money you will not Screw you self over if you dont like the OS. You can just buy a PC desktop and everything will be fine.

 

[1dterbeest]

While I highly recommend the
two-computer setup, it might
be in your best interest to just
buy a laptop at first. If you feel
like you want a desktop too,
then feel free to purchase a
nice iMac.

 

[swingerofbirch]

get a deeper discount...

some schools have deeper discounts at their bookstores (usually at larger universities),
ALSO,
you can become a student developer and get a one time discounted purchase at the apple developer online store, you can join for only $99 which makes it worthwhile for the discounts they have:

EDIT: I had posted a direct link to the developer store. You can't do that apparently. You can browse to it from here: http://developer.apple.com

 

[ieani]

I'm just curious - what do you all need so much HD space for? I'm a student, and I have 17 GB still free on my 40 GB ibook HD. I realize my uses are light, but do people other than graphic designers/video editors/photographers really fill HDs bigger than, say, 80 GB? With what?

My problem with 2 computers is syncing them - gets annoying. But even beyond that... you're going to be a college freshman. You're going to have much better things to do (hopefully) than spend all day in front of one, let alone 2, computers. Get out there, away from your mac, in to the sunlight!

Porn takes up a lot of space now. Its all digital now.

 

[british724]

Hold up. I didn't start this thread - I'm not the guy saying he wants two computers... did that get confused?

 

[british724]

I've done A LOT of research concerning what OS I am more comfortable with. Between Linux, Windows, and Mac, I'm leaning more toward the Mac. I'm not going to be ignorant and drop a grand or so for a laptop with an OS that I don't really know how to use.

I was just wanting advice as far as which to go with - the ibook or the Powerbook. I was leaning towards the ibook but I wasn't sure if someone had any oppositions to it.

 

[british724]

you can become a student developer and get a one time discounted purchase at the apple developer online store, you can join for only $99 which makes it worthwhile for the discounts

Could you elaborate more on what it means to become a student developer? What all does that entail and what would be required of me?

 

[british724]

So, I just went to sign up, just to read the terms and such. Here's the big one that's turning me off...

"5. No Warranty. You understand that all ADC Materials provided to you by Apple are supplied "AS IS" AND WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO THEIR PERFORMANCE, ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. To the extent that Apple makes available any products or product information, you understand that Apple is under no obligation to provide updates, enhancements, or corrections, or to notify you of any product changes that Apple may make, or to publicly announce or introduce the product(s) at any time in the future."

Hmph. So I can save about $200, yet risk having no warranty.... not sure if I want to do that. Suggestions?

 

[calebjohnston]

Pay regular price, and get the warranty.

 

[british724]

I concur...

Go figure though. I'm glad I decided to read those terms. Silly Apple, thinking no one will read them! I've learned the hard way... They won't get me again!

 

[swingerofbirch]

So, I just went to sign up, just to read the terms and such. Here's the big one that's turning me off...

"5. No Warranty. You understand that all ADC Materials provided to you by Apple are supplied "AS IS" AND WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO THEIR PERFORMANCE, ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. To the extent that Apple makes available any products or product information, you understand that Apple is under no obligation to provide updates, enhancements, or corrections, or to notify you of any product changes that Apple may make, or to publicly announce or introduce the product(s) at any time in the future."

Hmph. So I can save about $200, yet risk having no warranty.... not sure if I want to do that. Suggestions?

I think they are refering to the pre-release software and developer tools they periodically send you, not the actual hardware. I could be wrong.

 

[swingerofbirch]

OK, I just read through the PDF with regards to the terms and conditions. The part about no warranty is NOT refering to products you buy from the Apple with a developer discount. It refers to the mailings they send you (which includes software, etc).

To prove that this is true, go to the actual store, this is the closest link, without providign a direct link:

http://developer.apple.com/membership/usa.html

Then click on the store. Browse and pick a computer. The specs say it includes the 1 year warranty and you can add on the extended Apple Care warranty just like at the regular online store.

 

[jer2eydevil88]

If you have to ask...

If you really have to ask for advice on how many computers "You" should own then the answer is simple. 1

People who need more than one computer already know it, I am such a person whom is enrolled in a Computer Engineering program at a four year school. I knew from the get go I would need multiple machines to tinker with especially to distract me from studying. I say for any students out there who Know they need two computers then buy the Macbook pro and toss together a $500 Windows PC for playing with.

Reason being that you won't kick yourself silly when you go and ruin an Athlon XP or 64 chip. Something as simple as having made modifications to the power supply can not only do that but cause a fire (I know from experience).

I am in my third year now and my collection of systems has grown from the original two freshman year to a high of eight over last summer. My latest aquisition was a 3 year old Sparc server, I got this so I could tinker with 8u rack cases and distributed power supplies.

 

[zerolight]

While I respect your opinion, you can not say for everyone that there is absolutely no need to have both. One of the biggest reasons it is nice to have both is screen real estate. My iMac has a 20" display on it...try carrying that around when you go to class. Another reason: hard drive space. Last I checked, I can't cram a 250 GB HDD into my MacBook Pro. Now, I know an argument for this would be to simply buy an external HDD to hold all of my content. Well, that kind of setup just does not work for me. I find it annoying to have to switch on an external HDD to access all of my content.

Maybe having two computers doesn't work for you, but that doesn't mean someone else (me) would find this setup ideal.

An external HDD and monitor doesn't work for you, but two computers, one of which is essentially an external monitor and hdd for the laptop does? You can't switch to an external HDD to get all that extra space you need, presumably for stuff you do only at home, since thats where the iMac is, yet you can switch over computers? Please? It's GAS. Nothing more. There was/is no practical reason for it, other than want.

Most would say it would make more sense to buy a nice 20" screen for the MacBookPro if it became so essential, Philips and Dell both do screens cheaper than Apple do, and even Apple's is less than half the price of an iMac. That way you do everything on one computer. Rather than syncing up 2 computers to have identical content. And on those rare occasions when you need to take all that 250GB of content with you, you pop the HDD in your bag instead of lugging an iMac around.

A monitor, a laptop, and a firewire HDD make way more sense for someone who needs to have the computing mobile, than having two computers. And there is NOTHING you can do with two computers that you couldn't do with that cheaper setup. And the monitor would be better quality. And no matter where you were, you'd never be saying dammit, that content I need is at home on the iMac, because everything you do on a computer would be on the laptop. Heck, I almost wish I'd got a MacBookPro instead of my PowerMac for those rare occasions that I'd take a Mac out with me.

 

[british724]

swingerofbirch -

Thanks so much. So I probably should/could go ahead and do that then? I mean, $99 a year for membership, but it includes all the mailings and whatnot, plus I get a hella good discount on the laptop I'm looking to getting. I'm just not sure.... Does anyone know of anyone, or is there anyone OUT there, that's done this student developer thing with Apple? I just need tips/advice as to what my best decision would be in the long haul.