If you go that route you may want to try an Apple store; they offer the education thing/'free' ipod there too and you don't have to wait for it to be shipped.
I think the fact that your going to be using this for school could be a big factor. Depending on your major, you may have to end up using specific software that is Windows only. If I used a Mac when I was in school I would've had to use the Windows platform 80% of the time (programming, stats, business software). So if you're using a Mac you would probably spend that equivalent of time booting into Windows or running Parallels. And don't plan on playing the newest games w/ heavy requirements on a Macbook. The Macbook Pro might be able to handle them.
Well I also have desktop PC. I am an engineering major and I know there will be some things that I can only run on a PC, which is why I will be keeping it although it is about 5 or 6 years old. The new computer will essentially be replacing the desktop and a low end Acer laptop that has been giving me all sorts of problems lately. I use the laptop for taking notes in class otherwise I would get a new desktop and it will be used as my primary machine. I'm thinking I'm going to get the Macbook after looking at both today at Fry's. I really like the size better and the price. My laptop now is a 15'' and it is a little cumbersome to take to class everyday.
I work in Television, and I can honestly say that Macs comprise at least 50% of the market. However, the 2 top Editing applications are Final Cut Pro and Avid. Both Run on Macs, but Avid runs on PC as well. I would get a Mac, to learn both programs. You'll wish you knew both later on down the road (I need to learn Avid now) Yeah..thats the old myth about Macs. Once you configure the PC with comparable components, they're usually about the same price. That all being said, Macs are a bit safer (because there are less people programing viruses for OSX).
If you do video editing with Final Cut Pro though, you will need to get a Macbook Pro because the Macbook's video card will not be enough. Before I got my 15" Macbook Pro, I preferred the Macbook's size as well but after a few months, it's really not that huge.
I'm about to spring for a Macbook or Macbook Pro. I already have a Dell laptop that I use regularly. After having used both, I prefer PC's. Macs are cuter, though - tee hee. If you're into heavy gaming, you may want to go PC - I just can't imagine Parallels running something like WoW or any "real" game, but then maybe they've improved it since the initial offerings. I've also been running Vista for months on a desktop - I've had no issues with it.
I have a Toshiba laptop. It is the first PC I've ever owned as every other computer I've ever owned has been a Mac. I have a folder named "Crap I have to deal with because of stupid Windows." It contains all the anti-virus, spyware, adware, etc. applications. I hate this PC and I hate Windows. I'll never own another PC after this one as long as Apple is still in business and making computers.
Not at all. Generally, you get more for your money with a desktop, they can be customized much more to your liking, and they are much more upgradable.
You are crazy to think that Macs have 50% of the market. If they did, Apple would not need to air cheesey commercials stating how bloated PCs are. Just take a look at any major computer enthusiasts sites and tell me how many people on there runs macs vs pcs.
I think he's saying in television, 50% of the pc's are Macs. I'm not saying that's any more valid a claim, but just that I thought it was what he was saying.
Sorry...meant to say at least 50% of the TV Post-production industry is Macs. and that probably a bit low on the estimate.
easy, get a mac. i first got a mac laptop when i graduated highschool for college and so far i have not had one problem with it except the battery went dead from all the usage. and that can happen with any laptop when you have it for 3 years. I used to use a windows computer in highschool and I always had problems with it and it seems like that is still the case when i use any of my friends computers what have windows. If you do not want to have to deal with your computer freezing up and other stuff like that, then definitely get a mac.
i have a sony vaio and a macbook with the macbook having parallel vista on it. If you want to game though, i would say pc, but everything else, i like the mac's build as it can take some damage, and not flimsy as my vaio. if there is a certain program you can't run, install parallel or use boot camp to dual boot xp/vista
Guys, the man said he does gaming. There is no other answer: get a Windows based laptop. Furthermore, you can probably get a cheap copy of Windows XP at your college bookstore and put it on the new computer if you don't want Vista (bleh). If you look around the internets, some people have even gotten a refund for the pre-installed copy of Windows, and you may be able to do the same.
you can still run windows on any new mac so you might as well get the mac even if you wanna play games. gotta make sure you have eenough space to run it all tho otherwise it might come out slow when you run the parallel.. One of my friends got the new macbook with all the upgrades so he could play games on it and it is beautiful, ill tell you that much. But really it just depends on what you want, so get whatever you think is the best.
I just picked up my new MBP last week and I couldn't be happier with the results. It has done everything I have thrown at it so far without a problem. Personally I wouldn't go back to the pc's now that I am able to run windows through Parallels or VMWare but that's just a personal choice. Also if your looking to play any games it should be fine if you boot up windows with Bootcamp, I haven't had a problem with it.
