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Getting a new Macbook for college

Discussion in 'Technology' started by PreRunner03, Feb 26, 2013.

  1. Feb 26, 2013 at 5:17 PM
    #1
    PreRunner03

    PreRunner03 [OP] Hail State

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    As the title says, I am getting a Macbook for college. I start at MSU in August and I need help deciding between a Macbook Pro and a Macbook Air. I prefer the Air due to its size and weight but have heard in the past to go for the Pro. I won't be doing anything too fancy with the computer, just basic Microsoft office functions, internet use, etc. Any suggestions or advice?
     
  2. Feb 26, 2013 at 6:02 PM
    #2
    tx_shooter

    tx_shooter This place is a cesspool of bfo and spacer lifts

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    Get a Lenovo for half the money and do a couple mods with the rest.
     
  3. Feb 26, 2013 at 6:03 PM
    #3
    CDSurfPhotography

    CDSurfPhotography Well-Known Member

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    Everyone on college campuses seem to have Pro's
     
  4. Feb 26, 2013 at 6:05 PM
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    Brunes

    Brunes abides.

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    We had several HDs fail after heavy use on my wife's first gen air. The were all replaced under warranty, but not being about to process videos on it sucked. It makes for a nice travel laptop for light use, but depending on your major, you may find yourself in a bad spot.

    Go for the Pro...
     
  5. Feb 26, 2013 at 6:15 PM
    #5
    jbmccul

    jbmccul Well-Known Member

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    If you are a business major most of your ISDS classes won't let you use Mac's so you have to spend time in the computer lab
     
  6. Feb 26, 2013 at 6:15 PM
    #6
    Taco76087

    Taco76087 Well-Known Member

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  7. Feb 26, 2013 at 6:21 PM
    #7
    Redfox1

    Redfox1 'Stralia! Riding Roo's and wrangling koalas

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    Pro. Don't Air's not have cd slots or USB ports or something? Plus I'd be surprised if you didn't have to use your laptop a ton in college... You'll want the real deal.
     
  8. Feb 26, 2013 at 6:24 PM
    #8
    jtav2002

    jtav2002 Kenny Fuckin Powers

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    They should have USB ports just no optical drive.

    I wouldn't get a Mac at all but if you're married to that idea I'd probably get the Pro if its going to be your primary computer.
     
  9. Feb 26, 2013 at 6:24 PM
    #9
    MKEMICA

    MKEMICA Well-Known Member

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    Go with the Macbook Pro, the issue with an air is that everything is soldered in. You are unable to upgrade with time. I bought my Macbook when going to college four years ago, I have upgraded the ram, and hard drive already twice still running like a champ. Something you couldn't do with an Air.
     
  10. Feb 26, 2013 at 6:59 PM
    #10
    PreRunner03

    PreRunner03 [OP] Hail State

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    I'm going to be a forestry major, so computer usage will mostly be for notes and data comparison/collection. I've become keen on apple as of late because of my iPhone and I want to avoid Windows 8. Last I heard, the newer model pf the Pro was not easily modified.
     
  11. Feb 26, 2013 at 7:06 PM
    #11
    Executive

    Executive Conservative

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    This.

    Buy the MacBook Pro, non-retina model. Get the low end, $1199 version. ($1099 with your student discount) You will be able to upgrade the RAM later on when it starts to seem sluggish. You will also be able to upgrade the included 500GB hard drive to a SSD drive (by then the prices will have come down a lot) these two things will greatly extend the life of your machine. You can also buy Parallels, a very well executed program that allows you to install Windows running inside your Mac OS (or Chrome, Ubuntu, or pretty much anything else). I'd go this route and install Windows 7 so you can stay away from the ridiculous Windows 8.

    Good luck in school!

    Chris
     
  12. Feb 26, 2013 at 7:16 PM
    #12
    Tacomanator

    Tacomanator Well-Known Member

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    Yeah, stay away from Windows 8. I just paid a pretty penny for a Lenovo X1 and Windows 8 totally kills it for me. Gonna "downgrade" to Windows 7 whenever I get the chance :rolleyes:
     
  13. Feb 26, 2013 at 7:20 PM
    #13
    KenLyns

    KenLyns 8.75" Third Member

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  14. Feb 26, 2013 at 7:21 PM
    #14
    PreRunner03

    PreRunner03 [OP] Hail State

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    Did a little research into this and none of that seems too difficult. I'll look into this more when I get closer to buying. Thanks!
     
  15. Feb 26, 2013 at 7:22 PM
    #15
    jgwheeler17

    jgwheeler17 I'm a zit. Get it?

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    neglect, mostly.
    huh?

    whats a ISDS?
     
  16. Feb 26, 2013 at 7:24 PM
    #16
    Tacomanator

    Tacomanator Well-Known Member

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    Holy shit. Thank you for this!
     
  17. Feb 26, 2013 at 7:26 PM
    #17
    tostidos

    tostidos Well-Known Member

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    The air is not much smaller than the pro, and the pro is cheaper and has more options. Thats why i went with the pro.
     
  18. Feb 26, 2013 at 7:29 PM
    #18
    PreRunner03

    PreRunner03 [OP] Hail State

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    As a forestry major, I'm not going to rely too heavily on certain software or programs outside of notes, papers, or research. There might be certain programs or software (softwares?) for mapping and GPS applications, but I am not sure of what these might be.
     
  19. Feb 26, 2013 at 7:42 PM
    #19
    logcabinwc

    logcabinwc Well-Known Member

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    Hey there OP-
    First off, congrats on getting in and perusing a degree in Forestry. I'm a senior now about to graduate from UCD in Environmental Science and Management and Natural Resource Conservation. Here is my suggestion:
    Go with the Pro. More space will be useful, and so will the CD drive. I imagine at some point you will probably be working with GIS and other modeling and data programs, and you'll likely want a computer that can handle putting windows on it too, while still truly being a Mac (that's what I did). I know a few people in my classes that have Airs. And while they are nice because of the weight, they find themselves still needing a little bit more. I take my computer to every single one of my classes to take notes and the weight really isn't a problem.
    A few suggestions though as it seems from your posts you'll be using it in class like me:
    get one of the plastic case things for it that kinda clip on... If that makes sense. That will save your computer from constantly placing it on desks and moving it around, especially on surfaces where other students seem to make a mess on with crumbs, tea, and other random shit.
    Get a soft shell case (like Incase) for it as well for putting it in your backpack. That will protect if from the small bangs and when you are taking your bag on and off.
    Get an external hard drive, no matter what computer you decided to get! I have seen computers die on campus, fall on the ground, etc. Even heard of one guy who got in a bike accident, the computer fell out of his backpack which was not in a case, it went rolling down the pavement and landed in a puddle. So it would suck balls to loose your crap like that. I back mine up every month or so but I really should do it more often. I do constantly back it up though when I'm writing 20 page research papers and stuff though.
    regardless, get what you think will be best. I got my computer as a graduation present from high school to use in college, and I will get another in the spring when I graduate, kinda "This is the last shit we are paying for so make it count" deal from my parents.
    I will be getting a 15" Pro with the 2.7GHz Processor (for map making and picture manipulation) 8 GB of memory for fastness, and the 750GB at 7200rpm hard drive for additional speed. In my eyes there's not much point to the retina display on such a large screen so I won't be getting that. I will however get the antiglare screen.

    Hope this helps and let me know if you have any questions! Good luck to you in College!
     
  20. Feb 26, 2013 at 7:45 PM
    #20
    logcabinwc

    logcabinwc Well-Known Member

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    Just saw your post above. Likely (in fact I can almost guarantee it) you will be using ArcGIS to work with GPS and field data. Took 4 units on learning that thing, and I still feel like I barely scratched the surface. But it takes a lot of memory and processing power to run that program efficiently
     

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