advice on buying a new laptop...

[bug_eyedmonster]

Hey calgunners,

My girlfriend and I are planning to buy a new laptop. Neither of us are very tech savy, but have been told by many mac-fanboy friends to go that route. We are constantly surfing the internet and my girlfriend's current laptop is a P.O.S. netbook that is on it's last leg. I'm currently using a Dell running Windows 7, as is our desktop. Viruses have been somewhat of an issue, and after reading several threads here, it seems like that's a whole other can of worms I'm reluctant to get into.

The main reason why we've thought about going the Mac route is because my girlfriend is in marketing, and she sometimes uses one at work for certain projects. I can go either way, but we are both not sure about the whole learning curve with a new OS. I am a student, so I can get a discount with a Apple, and I have a friend that works at Lenovo, so I can get one at a slight discount as well. The last option is to go with another Dell, since I've had good luck with them so far (owned three of them with very few problems).

Any input will help, we aren't really sure what the best step should be...

Jerry

[Boristheblade]

The learning curve from windows pc to Apple isnt all that bad. My girlfriend just bought a MacBook last month and I showed her some basics.

I won't say Apple is perfect though... I have seen it go stupid before so don't think you will never have issues.

I think if you have the money and don't mind spending it you won't regret the purchase.

[redrex]

Macs are fine but there is nothing special about them. They run on the exact same hardware as a PC yet cost about a third more. The cheapest mac laptop is $1,000. As to the learning curve it's not that big.

The one thing I would suggest is whether you go Mac or Dell, get one that is factory refurbished. You save 10 to 20 at least. In fact with Dell outlet, sign up with your email address and they will send out an e-coupon once a month that will get you an additional 15% laptops from their outlet!

Mac outlet

Dell outlet

btw, if all you are doing is surfing the web and sending emails I suggest that you check out the iPad.

[sholling]

I've been an IT guy for a lot of years and my advice is to make a few decisions before digging out the credit card. First you need to define for yourself why you're buying a laptop vs a much cheaper and more capable desktop. Lots of laptops never once run on battery or even leave the den. Next if mobility really is a goal then you really need to define for yourself just how much mobility that you need. There's a trade-off between mobility, capability, and cost. For example if it will never leave the den you may want a large "desktop replacement" notebook PC with 17" display and Blu-Ray player, powerful processor, and a large 500+GB hard drive for ~$800-1000. On the other hand if ultra mobility is the goal a tiny device like a MacBook Air weighs almost nothing but sacrifices storage capacity, display size (either 11 or 13") and an internal optical drive, and by the time you add a 256GB drive you're up around $1500-1700. You have a lot of choices in the middle as well but you need to define what you need from your new computer before just going and buying something. Define for yourself what you want in mobility, screen size, storage (3x more than you think you will ever need), do you need a DVD or Blu-Ray player, how fast, does it run the software you need, etc... Figure out if travel is an issue because not everyone will repair your computer if you're vacationing in BFE.

As for brands I like Lenovo (ex-IBM) and Dell for mid-sized notebooks and HP for giant "desktop replacement" machines.

One more thing that will cause some squealing and controversy. I'm someone that never buys extended warranties but I make an exception for notebook PCs. Everything in a notebook is under added heat stress and is very expensive to repair. If you travel a lot then a 3 year next business day on-site warranty can make sense. Not everyone sees it as a good investment but if you do buy an extended warranty then make sure its a manufacturer's warranty and that it covers your needs. Features like on-site repair and spill/drop insurance add to the cost.

[jbl_1967]

I switched to the Mac several years ago. The learning curve isn't that bad.

I know people jump on the price of the Mac Books, but if you look at similar hardware specifications the prices aren't that much more, and I think the fit, finish, and build quality are better than almost any PC laptop.

What I really like about Apple is the service. If you have a problem with the setup, moving files, hardware problems, software problems, etc., just go to the Apple store.

With a Dell, or other PCs, you have to go to the manufacturer for hardware issues, Microsoft for the operating system, and pay to have someone move files if you can't figure it out on your own.

Another big plus for the Mac is that they don't loose their performance like a PC and the last few releases of Mac OS actually made my machine faster.

The last big one is software update. With the Mac, you run the update once, it all installs at the same time, you (sometimes) reboot, and you are done. My last windows build took a full day and 5 runs of Windows Update to get it current.

Your student discount from Apple is better than the online outlet prices. My first Mac was picked up after the educational discount with my (then) GF's teacher ID and it was far cheaper than the outlet.

[high_revs]

I also had a mac for a while just to play with. The learning curve ain't bad but if you're used to context clicking (right click) it was annoying for me not to have that. That's only because I use it a lot.

Looks wise, yeah, the Mac has it down pat over the PC. I also had an educational discount as I was technically a student.

But just like anything else, you can be invaded with viruses, trojans, etc. It's about your browsing and downloading habits. Neither OS will be perfect protection nor any additional application.

[SuperSet]

I just bought a new laptop from the DELL Outlet also and saved a chunk of change, for one of the best laptops according to CNET - DELL XPS 15. Last year, I bought a MacBook Pro for my kid sister and got to play around with it some. It's nice but I wouldn't replace my DELL with it. For starters, I can take my laptop into client accounts, especially GOV and MIL, and have no issues interplaying with their systems. There is a reason that you don't see many MACs in GOV or Corporate environments, outside of Graphic Design.
But for personal use, buy whichever one you can afford and will fit your needs.

[bug_eyedmonster]

Thank you all for the information, it is playing a heavy part in our choices here. Seems like everyone has a valid point and it's based from experience, which is what I'm looking for. Thanks again!

[Flyin Brian]

I have had really good luck with Asus products, so much that all three laptops/netbooks we own are all Asus. I first started using their Motherboards back in the late 90s when I owned a retail computer sales and repair business. If I was looking to buy a new laptop, I know that would be my first choice.

[Mute]

Depending on your needs on the Windows side of things, you can use Boot Camp to load Windows onto your Mac and run both platforms.

[Rivers]

To dispel any concerns about not being able to run Win programs, you can directly boot into Win XP or 7 with any Intel-processor Mac. That is any made in the last five years or so. Or you can run an OS management app called Parallels to run Win from within OS X. You share RAM and processor so it is usually a bit slower than direct boot but you do get to share all the Mac side plus flip from Mac apps to Win programs very cleanly. Same with shared devices like printers, etc.

The lightest and smallest laptop is the MacBook Air at $899. You can go richer by upgrading RAM, SSD hard drive, etc. For added storage, use an external USB drive if you don't want to upgrade internally.

The learning curve going to OS X Lion short, a month at the most depending on your skills and how heavily entrenched you are in your previous system. It's a very consistent comment that once you've become familiar with the Mac OS, you won't want to use Windows again. In this case, migration goes heavily in Apple's favor.

Get the AppleCare support if you can. If not now, within the first year while the original warranty is active. Academic discounts help. Inquire from the sales help about other discounts available like printers, etc.

For extra help, check out your local Mac User Group (MUG). Use this link to search them out in your area.

There are no viruses for Macs IN THE WILD. (A virus does not require user intervention to install.) There are a few TROJANS which Apple has largely muted with OS updates to block access and remove any trojan installed. However, you can still pass along a Windows virus or trojan to others via email attachments, documents shared, etc. It's a good idea to install a quality security app like ESET's Mac software to keep the Mac protected and not pass along nasty Windows viruses.