best windows laptops for college 2012
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epetitv
I want to start saving up for a macbook pro (or whatever the newest version is called at the time) but with big investments like this, I always worry that the product will not be worth it. So are you glad that you purchased the macbook pro? Pros and cons?
Thanks!
Answer
Hello lovely. I'll preface my answer with a disclaimer about my bias for Apple products. Some people have strong preferences for PCs, and some have strong preferences for Macs. I fall in the latter category. I've only owned one PC in my life, and it was an exceptionally dissatisfying experience, but many others have very positive reviews. The HP I had got a hostage ware virus from a fake Facebook video two weeks after it was purchased, overheated to the extent that it would burn my fingertips and shut down, had to be shipped off and mailed back for repairs three times with a turnaround time of about 11 days, had very poor customer support, and the hinges and shell of the laptop broke after one year. Quite literally everything about owning that product was the opposite of what I've had with all my Macs. Of course, people have had PCs that performed flawlessly for years and Macs that were lemons. I'll include some reviews of the Macbook Pro below to give you a more balanced perspective.
I have a 15 inch 2012 MacBook Pro with retina display that performs beautifully and feels like working with a smart piece of art, and a 2010 13 inch MacBook Pro that is still in excellent condition. The only upgrade I've needed to make was replacing the battery last December, which I did myself with an inexpensive generic battery from Amazon. I do love the sublime resolution of the retina display and the magnificently fast performance, but I don't feel like all that is offered on that model is worth the additional cost for a college student. You'd be perfectly fine with the 13 inch MacBook Pro for about a grand less.
Reasons I love my Macs:
~ Anytime I've encountered any issues, from user error to some sort of technical problem, I've been able to make an appointment at the Genius Bar and mosey on over. There's an Apple counter on my campus bookstore, and an Apple store in the mall on our campus, so obviously it's much easier for me to pop into one than it is for many people. If you do not live within reasonable proximity this will not be as much of an asset, though you'd still be able to get assistance online or over the phone.
~ Apple Care is excellent, unlike many other extended warranties. My 13-year-old sister accidentally knocked her MacBook Pro onto a concrete surface, and the Apple store is fixing all the repairs for free.
~ I love the applications it comes preloaded with, like Garageband. I also prefer Apple software like iWork 09 over Microsoft Office 2011.
~ I love the simplicity of the user interface. It feels more intuitive and straight-forward than Windows.
~ I love the reliability and longevity of all the Apple products I've owned. My very first laptop was a blueberry clam shell iBook that I got in elementary school, and both of my little sisters used it when they were small. It still operates more than a decade after it was purchased. I received the 15 inch laptop last fall as a gift. I could have used the 13 inch all throughout college. I still do bring the 13 inch with me to classes sometimes since it's smaller. My secondary school issued MacBook Pros as part of tuition in lieu of physical textbooks, and most of the laptops survived for years.
~ I love how my Apple products play well with one another. I go to one of the most Mac-centric campuses in the country, and we have our own IOS app that the majority of the campus uses. I love how all my devices sync with one another. I use Apple TV instead of paying a monthly cable bill at school, and all I have to do is go to Hulu, or BBC or whatever, launch what I want to watch and hit the Airplay button to send it to my TV. I can also Airplay from my iPad and iPhone to other devices.
~ I love that even though Macs can get viruses, they are far less prone to having them, and I've never gotten on after using Mac products since the age of seven.
I'd rate my MacBook Pro satisfaction level at 91 out of 100. I do occasionally have minor frustrations with it, and it is more expensive than a lot of PCs.
TIPS:
~ Before purchasing any Apple products, check this site: http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/
It will give you a reasonable estimate as to when the next model upgrade is due. It's currently advising against buying the MacBook Pro right now because upgrades are anticipated in the near future.
~ Apple has some fantastic back-to-school specials for students that usually begin around mid to late July and extend through mid September. I'd buy a product then. You usually get anywhere from $50 to $200 off computers, plus a freebie. In 2010 when we bought the 13 inch Macbook Pro we got $100 off, plus a free iPod Touch that retailed for $200. Last year my dad (who obviously isn't a student) was given the student discount when he mentioned to the employee that he was buying the laptop for me. He got $200 off, plus a $100 iTunes gift card.
~ skylark : )
Should I purchase a new or refurbished MacBook?
John
This coming fall I will be going to college and I need a computer. I really want a Mac book because I think they are great quality and will last me for atleast 4 years for school. What I don't know is if I should buy the 2012 rMBP 15 inch for $1600 refurbished from apple. Or I could buy the 2013 rMBP 15 for $2199 both totals are before tax. What I don't know is if it is really worth the money to pay retail. But then Again it is brand new condition unlike the refurbished 2012. Please give me your opinion and why. Thanks for your help
Answer The only reason why they last 4 years is that people pay so much for them, they spend the money to repair them. I highly suggest you buy an accidental damage policy. MacBooks seem to be more susceptible to liquid spill damage and dropping damage, especially because of their thin profile.
Squaretrade 2009 study was the last comprehensive one. Apple MacBooks are industry average after two years as the warranty is expired.
http://www.squaretrade.com/laptop-reliability-1109/
1st year reliability doesn't count much. It saves Apple money.
Thinkpad T and X series are reliable and cheaper, and any laptop with an added 3 year warranty including accidental damage will be working for 3 years. MacBook CPU/RAM/Graphics performance is terrible for the price.
Here's the real specs
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacBook_Pro
After about 3 years, a Macbook is considered slow as molasses. If you buy a decent Windows laptop, you can replace it every other year cheaper than holding a dinosaur as a 4 year pet.
Pick either. If not getting a 3 year warranty with accidental damage that Apple specifically excludes from coverage, the 1 yea
