Macs.

[The Salty Vulcan]

I'm about to start University in a month's time and I've been considering getting myself a new laptop. Most of the lectures and classes are available to download from the University's student website and I might as well take some stuff like games with me on the probable chance that I get bored.

That being said, I've been considering getting a Mac, specifically one of the new Macbook Airs. I'm not all at sea when it comes to things computers though, so I was wondering if my first choice was a good one. The Mac seems like one to me cause of their size, width and all of the software that they come with. But, like I said, I'm no expert.

Your thoughts and opinions are most welcome, I'd love to hear bout your experiences.

 

[Sneaklemming]

I bought a macbook pro when I started uni. It was a mistake. First - I had no proper word app, (because you only get a basic thing with the mac) and I had to find some open source stuff. Then I couldn't connect to the university internet properly because I was on a Mac. Then I had to install XP via bootcamp to run a program that I needed for my course, because the Mac wouldn't work. In the end I found that using windows was by far a much easier option.
In the four years Ive had this macbook, Ive had to get it repaired 4 times and have the battery replaced. Macbooks are not made to last more than 2 years.

What this had going for it was the hardware was pretty good for it's time. The macbook air is a very weak laptop, it doesn't even have a cd drive, which at some point you will need. It is expensive.

I strongly recommend that you go for a a normal laptop, and not a mac one. This isn't Mac versus PC for me, I own a macbook, and it was the wrong choice for me to get for university.

 

[Snork Maiden]

I'd put my hat in not getting a Macbook, and this is also from someone who has a Mac as one of their main computers (a Mac Mini, in my case). All of Sneaklemmings points are absolutely valid - especially the one about not having Windows. It's totally not right, but loads of Unis give you certain software to use, and it only works on Windows which kind of messes you up if your on a Mac. On top of this, and I'm sure a lot of people have no problem and anecdotal evidence isn't great, but my girlfriends MacBook has had to go in to repair a couple of times as well. Granted Apple have been excellent at fixing the things (and you can get a super cheap extended student warranty too), but the hassle doesn't seem worth it.

Have to say my primary motivation for not buying a Mac though would be the cost. If you want a laptop for note taking only, you can get one dirt cheap that will be more than sufficient. If money isn't an issue you could even work up to something more moderately priced that has some horsepower or is also super small (like the Air) - I just don't see Macs as value for money unless you have a *very* good reason for needing one.

 

[The Cheezy One]

As an IT support techy, I advise not getting one, mainly because there are many respectable computer repair places that don't know how to work with them, because they are uncommon and, while trying not to take a side, awkward.
And from what I understand, Macs are becoming less useful, even for those in the media end of the world, as the software that was exlusive to Apple is now becoming more widely accessible, as many skilled programmers spend their time making free programs

 

[Simalacrum]

I'm going to go against the trend here and say that it probably wouldn't be too bad an idea

I got a MacBook Pro for university and it hasn't had any issues since I've been here - a lot of other students use mac as well so Internet shouldn't be an issue. However I'd advise getting either Microsot Office or iWorks with it... I'm pretty sure you can download iWorks from the new Mac App store so that shouldn't be top much of an issue

However, one thing you might want to be wary of is whether student accommodation has wireless internet or not. My university only has Ethernet connection in dorms, and since MacBook Air only has wireless available, if it's Ethernet only you might want to get a regular MacBook or MacBook Pro if you still want an Apple computer.

Overall MacBook Air is really about portability, which it does bloody well - if your main issue is lugging a heavy laptop around, then the MacBook Air will probably be good for you

 

[shreedder]

I use a mac for college, but honsotly would not recomend it. They are great computers don't get me wrong, but they are very pricy. The only reason I got mine was because I'm going to college for t.v/film and final cut is mac only software.

So in short only get a mac if you need the mac specific software. If you don't save yourself some money and buy a pc, and just take a few extra minutes to learn how to use it properly.

 

[RhombusHatesYou]

The only reason I got mine was because I'm going to college for t.v/film and final cut is mac only software.

You should probably mention that Final Cut is industry standard for film and tv editing, so if you want an industry job you have to know Final Cut.

So in short only get a mac if you need the mac specific software. If you don't save yourself some money and buy a pc, and just take a few extra minutes to learn how to use it properly.

Got to agree there. Macbook Air goes for AU$1199 (for the 11" model) and you could get a netbook of equal ability for less than half that, a decent laptop for around the same price as the air, or a mid range gaming desktop AND a netbook for maybe $100 more.

 

[shreedder]

The only reason I got mine was because I'm going to college for t.v/film and final cut is mac only software.

You should probably mention that Final Cut is industry standard for film and tv editing, so if you want an industry job you have to know Final Cut.

So in short only get a mac if you need the mac specific software. If you don't save yourself some money and buy a pc, and just take a few extra minutes to learn how to use it properly.

Got to agree there. Macbook Air goes for AU$1199 (for the 11" model) and you could get a netbook of equal ability for less than half that, a decent laptop for around the same price as the air, or a mid range gaming desktop AND a netbook for maybe $100 more.

Ya I didn't mention it because I didn't know how relevant it would be to the topic. So I will just say it now. If you are serious about film you need to learn final cut, or at the very least final cut express(which is nearly the same thing, with a few features removed). I use final cut express on my mac because it is much cheaper than final cut pro.(which I have access to through the school)

Also it should be mentioned that if you are going Mac do not go macbook air. They are the most overpriced and useless of the macs. Neither the mac nor the macbook pro are very large or heavy.

 

[Hairetos]

It baffles me that people pay for Mac's still while there are tons of flavors of linux for every user if you don't want to deal with windows. Hell, a tricked-out ubuntu can be virtually identical to Leopard, so I don't get it.

Minus the whole Final Cut thing, but that's such a small group that actually needs that.

 

[shreedder]

It baffles me that people pay for Mac's still while there are tons of flavors of linux for every user if you don't want to deal with windows. Hell, a tricked-out ubuntu can be virtually identical to Leopard, so I don't get it.

Minus the whole Final Cut thing, but that's such a small group that actually needs that.

I think more the linux problem is you need a decent amount of computer literacy. I love fiddling around with computers, but I don't know anything about code.(I'm still trying to learn basic code for my android phone.) So me trying to run a linux system properly would not go well.


And I don't speak for everyone, but I bet many people are in the same boat as I am.

 

[Hairetos]

It baffles me that people pay for Mac's still while there are tons of flavors of linux for every user if you don't want to deal with windows. Hell, a tricked-out ubuntu can be virtually identical to Leopard, so I don't get it.

Minus the whole Final Cut thing, but that's such a small group that actually needs that.

I think more the linux problem is you need a decent amount of computer literacy. I love fiddling around with computers, but I don't know anything about code.(I'm still trying to learn basic code for my android phone.) So me trying to run a linux system properly would not go well.


And I don't speak for everyone, but I bet many people are in the same boat as I am.

If you love messing with computers, then you should be able to run Ubuntu fine. Ubuntu is about as easy as windows, and even less frustrating. Only stick to Windows if you need stuff like MS Office (and just can't settle with OpenOffice) and don't want to run through Wine.

That being said, I definitely wouldn't jump into something like Arch Linux without the experience. The point is that you could do Ubuntu or Mandriva just fine.

EDIT: you don't need to know any code to run Linux, just letting you know.

 

[shreedder]

It baffles me that people pay for Mac's still while there are tons of flavors of linux for every user if you don't want to deal with windows. Hell, a tricked-out ubuntu can be virtually identical to Leopard, so I don't get it.

Minus the whole Final Cut thing, but that's such a small group that actually needs that.

I think more the linux problem is you need a decent amount of computer literacy. I love fiddling around with computers, but I don't know anything about code.(I'm still trying to learn basic code for my android phone.) So me trying to run a linux system properly would not go well.


And I don't speak for everyone, but I bet many people are in the same boat as I am.

If you love messing with computers, then you should be able to run Ubuntu fine. Ubuntu is about as easy as windows, and even less frustrating. Only stick to Windows if you need stuff like MS Office (and just can't settle with OpenOffice) and don't want to run through Wine.

That being said, I definitely wouldn't jump into something like Arch Linux without the experience. The point is that you could do Ubuntu or Mandriva just fine.

EDIT: you don't need to know any code to run Linux, just letting you know.

Haha maybe I'll try it if I get an old PC I have no other use for. As of right now I don't trust myself enough to risk using the new OP

 

[Accountfailed]

Have fun paying extra for inferior hardware and a dumbed down OS.

Flamewar time?
Flamewar time.

I don't like macs! also I hate hipsters! rabble rabble, rabble!

 

[jyork89]

It's only a matter of time before a Mac fanboy finds this thread and starts screaming how great/awesome Macs are and how slow/useless/nerdy PC's are. It always amazes me that despite polls always showing like 85% preference towards PC, if you search for "PC, Mac" 99% of the hits are mac fanboys bashing PC's and idolizing their craputers. Silent majority much?

 

[Heart of Darkness]

I think the biggest question here would be what major you plan on going into, as that could pretty much dictate what kind of programs you're going to run on it. For the most part, it shouldn't matter, but if you plan on doing anything with computers or engineering, you might be better off getting a Windows laptop. If you're going into film, then getting a Macbook Pro would probably be the better option, and if you go into some sort of digital art program, either will work (although people will swear up and down about Macs being able to run Photoshop better than Windows). If you really need a Macbook, then start looking into Windows emulation in case you do need to runs Windows-only programs.

The only reason I can really see for getting a Macbook is for Final Cut Pro and Garage Band, but if your classes require these programs then they might host a computer lab for your use or have a computer lab somewhere running those programs. I know this is true for my college and the major I'm currently in.

 

[vxicepickxv]

I'm about to start University in a month's time and I've been considering getting myself a new laptop. Most of the lectures and classes are available to download from the University's student website and I might as well take some stuff like games with me on the probable chance that I get bored.

Big question here. What is your major going to be in? Yes it is relevant information, depending on the major will depend on the OS.

That being said, I've been considering getting a Mac, specifically one of the new Macbook Airs. I'm not all at sea when it comes to things computers though, so I was wondering if my first choice was a good one. The Mac seems like one to me cause of their size, width and all of the software that they come with. But, like I said, I'm no expert.

Your thoughts and opinions are most welcome, I'd love to hear bout your experiences.

If you don't have any experience with the Mac OS, then I wouldn't suggest getting one unless you need it, because of the fact that it's a different OS, with different shortcut keys, different ways of running things. You would have to learn how to move around in a different OS, which means you're eating away time you could be studying, or doing something else.

That said, if you have a major that uses a mac OS industry standard style software, go for it.

 

[Sleekgiant]

If you are going to get a Mac, get a Macbook Pro, the Airs are just piles of shit.

But since you are going to be doing college work you need Word, not whatever Mac gives you, seeing as most colleges use Windows and will only support Windows programs.

 

[Aidinthel]

If you are going to get a Mac, get a Macbook Pro, the Airs are just piles of shit.

But since you are going to be doing college work you need Word, not whatever Mac gives you, seeing as most colleges use Windows and will only support Windows programs.

Agree with not getting an Air, but my Macbook Pro actually came with Microsoft Word, so that isn't an issue.

I've had my laptop for about a year now with no problems. I find OS X to be much more intuitive and easier to navigate than Windows. Of course, I'm a history major so I only need Word for school and everything else is personal use. I do have it dual-booted Win7 but that's just for games.

My engineering major roommate also has a mac and he runs his work for programming just fine, though I suppose that likely varies by school.

 

[Eumersian]

I got a MacBook Pro the summer between high school graduation and college. I must say, it has served me well.

That being said, never get an Air. I'm sure that those were designed purely as a luxury, something to show how small we can make a functioning laptop. An artistic statement, if you will. But not a very handy computer. Unless you plan on only doing schoolwork with it.

I play games on my computer as well as do work. Not many games, just StarCraft 2 and Civ V on low graphics settings, and a few older games as well.

As for software, Pages (Apple's answer to Word) allows you to save your documents to be compatible with Word. So there really isn't any issue with that.

Basically, if you like Macs, or are used to them, get one. If you grew up with PCs, you're probably better off getting one of those.