Laptop suggestions (not a computer guy)

15" MacBook Pro

 

Mac. yes, you can get more features or rams or gigs or megs or whatever for cheaper with a pc, but you'll buy two of them in the time you'll buy 1 mac.
they are so much easier and smarter to use, you'll never go back!

I am going on 4 years with my mac, it's as fast as ever, and only went into the shop ONCE. warranty of course fixed it for free

there is also only one virus I've ever heard of that has effected mac users.
I have no problem clicking any web page etc on my mac, because they don't get viruses like a pc does.
you also wont have to buy any of those TERRIBLE virus protection programs that constantly want updating on PC.

they also come with a lot of cool programs, music programs, video programs, photo programs etc...

anytime you plug something into a mac, it recognizes it and sets it up for you, like a printer, from my experience, pc's are just annoying to use, my mac is so so easy!

 

Just be sure to get a good processor. If you go into BB and get someone that really knows their stuff, they can steer you to what you're wanting/needing. Mine has an Intel i3 Core and does all I need it to. But at least get that or an equivalent with the Amd imo. May want something more now as fast as the technology changes.

As far as brands, I used to like HP, can't really say much bad on them except my brother had problems with one that was apparently notorious for having bad motherboards. I bought a Toshiba and have loved it so for.

From the sounds of it you should be able to get what you need for around $500 or so. Good luck!

 

I would advise you to wait till later July or early August when the deals for the new school year deals come out. Intel also has new processors coming out, ivy bridge, so if you wait till those are in stores, you should be able to get a great deal on the old processors, sandy bridge. I would not advise you to buy from Best Buy because they sell old and overpriced technology. Here is a website that I like to use to order discounted electronics:

http://www.techbargains.com/catsearch.cfm/0_3_0

 

A lot of you guys are bringing up Macs but arent those pricey even for the lower end ones? I think when I was looking I couldnt find one for under a grand.

 

You only have to buy quality once.

 

bahahaha

 

not sure how a mac can outlast a PC when there is much of a difference hardware wise?

people just figure they should just get rid of a PC when it gets a virus/malware, or has a software issue. when in reality there is nothing even wrong with the hardware (just an ignorant user)

 

+1000 for this.

After Mac switched to Intel standards they basically became identical to PCs under the hood. Apple just decides exactly which hardware you get to use because as many have mentioned - their laptops are not very upgradeable.

The whole PC vs Mac debate is personal preference and application needs. It has nothing to do with reliability of the hardware.
EDIT: oh yeah, and eye-candy. Apple makes sexier packaging.

 

True true but I think it might be a little much for him for what he wants to use if for.

 

What dream world are you living in? Macs do get viruses just like any other computer. And there are far more than just one. They aren't as prone to them as PCs, but they do exist and they do get them. Next time the "expert" at Apple tells you they are immune to viruses, smack him for me would ya? Those "TERRIBLE" antivirus programs are also made for Macs. You can find one at your local Apple store.

I had an 8 year old IBM ThinkPad T42 that ran like a champ when I gave it to my mother. NEVER had a single issue with it. I only upgraded cause I found a smoking deal on an MUCH more powerful quad core Toshiba. She's still using it to this day. As with any piece of equipment, the more you know how to maintain it, the longer it will last. Just think how long your truck would last if you were a mechanic. Same applies in the computing world.

As for connecting a device and having it configured for you, they call it plug-n-play? PCs have been doing it for ages. Even better now with Windows 7.

Macs are nice computers. But they are not this Holy Grail that Apple would have you think they are. When Windows PC has an issue, they called it a bug. When a Mac has one, they call it an undocumented enhancement.

 

Never thought I would because I'm used to the old school OS but I got a MacBook Air

Got the external MacBook Air SuperDrive (pretty outrageous name for a CD drive)

And for the first time ever in my life I paid for Microsoft Office haha decided to be honest for once with that one. Still figuring this thing out but it's pretty natural. I'm impressed thus far and glad I made the choice I did.

Found a buyer for my old, gigantic Toshiba already too

Thanks for the input, hopefully it'll help someone who knows how to Search in the future too

 

For those who have a similar computer, any other tidbits I should look into. I'm ordering a keyboard cover and a protective case for it, and as stated have the CD drive. I think I'm good, yes?

 

from what you have gotten you should be all set that case is a must to keep the alminium looking nice for a long time. maybe a mouse? when i had my mac(13 inch macbook pro) i bought the wireless mouse and loved it thats the only other thing id recomend!

 

macbook

 

Yup I'm deciding between cases now, it's hard to choose from a picture.

Keyboard cover and good call on a wireless mouse, I won't get it now but I'll see if I feel like it's needed. Thanks

 

no problem!

 

you seem to know your computers, that's great, and that's the reason a pc works for you.

I don't want to waste my time trying to fix/upgrade/protect my computer all the time, nor do I want to learn any more about it than I need to know.

I've been using a pc at work for some time now, and have experienced numerous times (10 ish) that we had to call someone to come fix our computers.

I've had my mac for 4 years, and I have never had to call "tech support"

Windows is like ford, they bring out new stuff way too often, and they are constantly trying to keep up with all the bugs they have created.

PC's are great for people who know computers, and are looking to build a specific computer for a specific thing, but that's not what OP was looking for.

OP, Congrats on your purchase, you've got a great computer there that I am sure you will love!

 

From my experience thus far I have to say I still don't lean toward Mac or PC. I'd buy either or again.

 

Keep an eye on www.slickdeals.net.

Computer deals come up quite frequently.