Off Topic: The Flood
This topic has moved here: Subject: Laptop Help
  • Subject: Laptop Help
Subject: Laptop Help

So, I'm going into the second half of my senior year (Big Projects), and eventually the first year of college. So, I figured it's time to invest in a nice laptop for myself.

My top choice is a Macbook Air. I get a discount because I'm already in a college (It's a weird program for my senior year), and because I want to be a journalist, most in my industry use Macs now, or are transitioning.

Thing is, it's still 800 dollars, without adding the Office software to the purchase.

Should I go with the Air? Someone suggested a Chromebook as well, but that is only the internet, correct?

  • 12.09.2012 8:46 AM PDT

Why are the journalists changing to Macs?

  • 12.09.2012 8:48 AM PDT


Posted by: St Major Dan
Why are the journalists changing to Macs?


No idea. Apparently, they just prefer them all around.

I imagine because they use it for editing and such (inDesign). Otherwise, beats me.

  • 12.09.2012 8:50 AM PDT
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  • Exalted Legendary Member

Without The Flood, I wouldn't know what an opinion is.

I don't know much about journalism, so I'm not aware of any specialized software that's exclusively available for the Mac, but I don't see how a Macbook has any edge over an equivalently priced laptop.

Since price seems to be a concern for the OP, why not opt for a cheaper notebook and buy the Microsoft Office suite with your reduced student rate (Or just use OpenOffice for free)?

  • 12.09.2012 9:06 AM PDT


Posted by: BLZL


Since price seems to be a concern for the OP, why not opt for a cheaper notebook and buy the Microsoft Office suite with your reduced student rate (Or just use OpenOffice for free)?


Price isn't a big deal for me. Right now, I've got about $1100 saved up for expenses, with more coming in thanks to work.

The money was going to go to a car, but since the college I want to go to doesn't allow freshman to own cars, that's going towards the bottom of my priority list.

I've looked at cheaper laptops, but I'm just not entirely sure what to get. I'm kind of PC illiterate.

  • 12.09.2012 9:09 AM PDT
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They don't think it be like it is...


But it do.

What's your budget? Will you be playing games on it? Do you want to be able to play games on it? Is it strictly for school?

I suggest this if you want to play games.

  • 12.09.2012 9:10 AM PDT

Why don't we just share the hill?

lolmac

  • 12.09.2012 9:11 AM PDT


Posted by: superbunnie
What's your budget? Will you be playing games on it? Do you want to be able to play games on it? Is it strictly for school?

I suggest this if you want to play games.

Windows 8 though?

  • 12.09.2012 9:12 AM PDT


Posted by: superbunnie
What's your budget? Will you be playing games on it? Do you want to be able to play games on it? Is it strictly for school?

I suggest this if you want to play games.


No real budget, just whatever will work best for me. Have about $1100 on me at the moment, and my Mom is contributing $300 as a graduation gift.

I'm not a big PC gamer, so gaming isn't a big requirement. It'll mostly be for School, Internet Browsing (Hulu/Netflix), and just day to day stuff.

But on that laptop, I would prefer not to have Windows 8. Doesn't seem that great to me.

[Edited on 12.09.2012 9:14 AM PST]

  • 12.09.2012 9:13 AM PDT

A word of caution: The Macbook Air doesn't have a disc drive and (I think) some other features that a normal laptop does.

  • 12.09.2012 9:13 AM PDT


Posted by: Savageflux78
A word of caution: The Macbook Air doesn't have a disc drive and (I think) some other features that a normal laptop does.


So if I did go with a Mac, would it be better going for the Pro at 1100?

  • 12.09.2012 9:14 AM PDT


Posted by: Savageflux78
A word of caution: The Macbook Air doesn't have a disc drive and (I think) some other features that a normal laptop does.

Who the hell still uses discs anyway? Personally, I can't wait til they go out the door universally.

  • 12.09.2012 9:16 AM PDT
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They don't think it be like it is...


But it do.


Posted by: St Major Dan

Posted by: superbunnie
What's your budget? Will you be playing games on it? Do you want to be able to play games on it? Is it strictly for school?

I suggest this if you want to play games.

Windows 8 though?
I really don't understand the hate. I have been using it for a month now and it is my favorite windows yet. Also, Microsoft isnt going back to the old style of windows. 7 was the last of its kind.

  • 12.09.2012 9:18 AM PDT


Posted by: superbunnie

I really don't understand the hate. I have been using it for a month now and it is my favorite windows yet. Also, Microsoft isnt going back to the old style of windows. 7 was the last of its kind.


I'd probably stick with 7 for now, if I get a PC laptop.

  • 12.09.2012 9:20 AM PDT

Proud member of the EFF.
Proud member of the FSF.
EFF | FSF | GNU

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Heavy weighs the crown, low hangs the head who wears it.

Save yourself a pretty penny and use Libré Office instead of MS office. I'm in second year university and haven't had a problem using Libré once.

  • 12.09.2012 9:21 AM PDT


Posted by: IcyWind
So if I did go with a Mac, would it be better going for the Pro at 1100?
I have a Pro, but it's just personal preference. I don't know what you'll be doing with it, so I don't know exactly what you need. I also don't know nearly enough about the Air to be able to recommend you otherwise. You should research everything about the choices you are looking at so you know precisely what you are getting.

  • 12.09.2012 9:26 AM PDT

Posted by: iamironman4611
"Hello, I am Ring Moniter 666 John Cena".

I would try these guys.

  • 12.09.2012 9:30 AM PDT

Posted by: ABotelho
Who the hell still uses discs anyway? Personally, I can't wait til they go out the door universally.
Discs can be a nuisance, but a drive comes in handy when you want to burn CDs or watch a movie without a DVD player.

  • 12.09.2012 9:32 AM PDT


Posted by: PunxsatownyPhil
I would try these guys.


I've never heard of the brand. Are they good?

  • 12.09.2012 9:44 AM PDT