blueeyedtheory Posted September 27, 2009 Share Posted September 27, 2009 I've always had a PC, and I'm pretty much sick of them. They are aggravating and the problems with them are just uncalled for. I'm hoping to pick up a Mac laptop for Christmas, but price is definitely an issue. I was looking around on the Apple website, Best Buy, etc. and it seems like $1,000 to $3,000 is the average scale. I've had some bad luck with PC laptops in the past, so I'm weary about dropping any major money on something that is just going to be a pile of junk in no time at all. So, does anyone have any input on what I should be looking at? Any websites /stores that have good deals on them? Any and all info would be very helpful and much appreciated. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adamlikesmusic Posted September 27, 2009 Share Posted September 27, 2009 What do you need it for? Your price range seems a bit high, unless you actually need a "pro" machine, in which case you should be cool paying the high price. The $1200 iMac is a good computer for most people. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alertthemute Posted September 27, 2009 Share Posted September 27, 2009 Well first of all, Macs don't get dated as quickly as PC's do. Macbooks and Macbook Pros are super solid laptops and last for a good long while as long as you take care of it. I agree that PC laptops are total junk and that is why I've never ever had one before (though my sister and mom have one each so I know the trouble they are). Basically, I'd recommend you pick up a refurb from the apple store online. You get the same warranty as if you're buying new and usually save from $150-$400. http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/mac?mco=NzcwNjg0Ng check it! EDIT: I got the $1200 iMac last year and have been more than pleased with it so far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueeyedtheory Posted September 27, 2009 Author Share Posted September 27, 2009 Well, starting next year, I'll need to be able to use some good editing software as I'll be in film school, but other than that, I just surf the net and use it as a stereo. Nothing crazy... I don't play video games or anything on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueeyedtheory Posted September 27, 2009 Author Share Posted September 27, 2009 So, this one? http://store.apple.com/us/product/FB450LL/A?mco=Nzk2MTU0Mw Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adammuzzy Posted September 27, 2009 Share Posted September 27, 2009 i've got a macbook pro that come this february i'll have had for 2 years. it still runs as smooth and fast as the day i got it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alertthemute Posted September 27, 2009 Share Posted September 27, 2009 I would stay away from the Macbook Air. It doesn't even have a cd/dvd drive. It's meant to be like uber portable with mediocre processing power etc. If you're going to be doing film editing you should either pick up the iMac or Macbook pro. http://store.apple.com/us/product/FB467LL/A?mco=Nzk2MTU0Mw would be decent or http://store.apple.com/us/product/FB418LL/A?mco=Nzk2MTU0Mw You'll be able to get a better machine in an iMac in terms of processing, ram, storage but it's up to you really on if you need the portability. I'll be honest though, a 24" widescreen display for film editing is sexy as fuck compared to a little 13.3" screen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcm1610 Posted September 27, 2009 Share Posted September 27, 2009 Meh. I had a Dell last me 6+ years, the only issue being that the battery doesn't last that long anymore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlexH. Posted September 27, 2009 Share Posted September 27, 2009 I've had my macbook pro for going on three years now, and it's been and still is a great machine. Basically, get this guy: http://store.apple.com/us/product/FB466LL/A?mco=Nzk2MTU0Mw Refurbished models have all-new external parts (case, keyboard, etc) and the same warranty, like alertthemute said. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adammuzzy Posted September 27, 2009 Share Posted September 27, 2009 I would stay away from the Macbook Air. It doesn't even have a cd/dvd drive. It's meant to be like uber portable with mediocre processing power etc.If you're going to be doing film editing you should either pick up the iMac or Macbook pro. http://store.apple.com/us/product/FB467LL/A?mco=Nzk2MTU0Mw would be decent or http://store.apple.com/us/product/FB418LL/A?mco=Nzk2MTU0Mw You'll be able to get a better machine in an iMac in terms of processing, ram, storage but it's up to you really on if you need the portability. I'll be honest though, a 24" widescreen display for film editing is sexy as fuck compared to a little 13.3" screen. i can't wait to be done with college and don't need a laptop. imac's are beautiful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueeyedtheory Posted September 27, 2009 Author Share Posted September 27, 2009 I would stay away from the Macbook Air. It doesn't even have a cd/dvd drive. It's meant to be like uber portable with mediocre processing power etc.If you're going to be doing film editing you should either pick up the iMac or Macbook pro. http://store.apple.com/us/product/FB467LL/A?mco=Nzk2MTU0Mw would be decent or http://store.apple.com/us/product/FB418LL/A?mco=Nzk2MTU0Mw You'll be able to get a better machine in an iMac in terms of processing, ram, storage but it's up to you really on if you need the portability. I'll be honest though, a 24" widescreen display for film editing is sexy as fuck compared to a little 13.3" screen. Yeah, I am definitely leaning more towards that iMac with the 24" widescreen for that exact reason. Thanks for the help dude Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alertthemute Posted September 27, 2009 Share Posted September 27, 2009 Glad to help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john Posted September 27, 2009 Share Posted September 27, 2009 I always saw paying more for a mac as kind of like paying the lack of computer skills tax (namely my gf and sister amongst other friends). Windows works great if you know how to take care of it. Macs definitely have the better aesthetic though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueeyedtheory Posted September 27, 2009 Author Share Posted September 27, 2009 Yes. My inferiority kills me. For this, I apologize. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Another Tom Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 Dude, i was always a Windows/Linux user. I know Windows reasonably well. (Well enough that everyone in my family calls me to fix theirs). and buying my MacBook was probably the best thing i ever did. I hated on Macs for years due to price, inability to upgrade easily etc until i had to use them at college and couldn't believe how well they run. I have had mine for over two years and it still outperforms a Dell laptop of similar spec bought a month ago. I am not sure what resources movie editing takes up... i would imagine a lot, but i can only suggest that you buy the best spec you can comfortably afford. Also Apple has a pattern in the release of new products, there is a list somewhere i will see if i can find it, but if my memory serves me right they tend to release upgrades around October so it might be worth a little wait. EDIT: There you go. http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lokithelion Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 For the money to pay for a decent mac you could build a super computer. Shop around a little bit and don't buy your laptop off the shelf at bestbuy you'll be fine. I've got an HP that still runs like a dream. Just leave the dell laptops alone and you'll be fine. Anyone who buys a mac for basic web browsing and music listening is wasting money. They're great computers for those with the money to blow on them, but things are overrated. I'd like to have one someday if money wasn't an object, but the inconvenience of having to fix a virus every now and then isn't worth an extra grand to me when I'm still living on a budget. If you're doing video editing I get it. Otherwise you can get a lot more for less. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vodkablast Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 I edit on an 2 year old macbook, everyone I know has a pro, don't believe the hype. edit: I mean the hype about NEEDING a pro to edit video. An iMac will also work just fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flicker Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 Sony Vaio FW series. http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665893580 seriously blows the macbook pro out of the water. technical specs are nearly identical, but you get more features. like HDMI output, Blu-Ray drive, more vram, $400+ for what i need a laptop to do (pretty consistent film editing in Vegas and After Effects, live projection), a macbook pro would actually be kind of a stupid decision. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xlovecolouredx Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 i like macbook air design but i don't think function and price are match. and i'm a cheap bastard too.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kyle Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 I never understood the thought process of "I'm doing graphic design/video editing/photo editing" so I need a Mac. PCs run all the same programs and, as already stated, for the price of a basic iMac you can build a super PC. Seriously, for the price of a 24" iMac you can build an insane PC with absolutely retarded specs that would make any Mac cry and then still have enough leftover to throw in a 24" monitor and it'd have Blu-Ray and HDMI and all sorts of other cool shit. I really just don't get the obsession with Macs. Yes, I owned one and they just aren't special. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drabley Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 I was a PC for most of my life. That said, I first used a computer when I was in the 1st grade in like 1984. In 2002, I made the leap and bought an iBook. I thought it would be cool and stuff like that. I've never looked back. Except for work, unfortunately. It's such a better computer. Seriously. Spend the money, cheap ass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benchwarmer Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 if you don't need a laptop, don't get one. you'll get more bang for your buck with an imac Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pibbals Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 I really don't understand the "PC Laptops blow" or "problems with a PC." What are the problems? If They're viruses or other such nonsense that's more because of irresponsibility rather than the computer itself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcamps Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 consider trying linux, the interface is similar to mac and almost everything has a free open source windows/mac alternative. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
controlthebleeding Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 I really don't understand the "PC Laptops blow" or "problems with a PC." What are the problems? If They're viruses or other such nonsense that's more because of irresponsibility rather than the computer itself. that's not true... my pc would stall all the time when i was running photoshop and illustrator. i kept all the drivers up to date, and while i never got virus's,, my pc would crash daily and it was always inconsistent even when i wasn't running Adobe stuff. It wasn't till i bought a apple product and had it for a few years that i realized that the OS was remarkably better. My computer wouldn't crash while i was working on projects and that was something that led me to buy another apple product 6 years later. While I am not the biggest apple nerd (because i totally disagree with their pricing structure for upgrades (esp ram), the "AIR" product, or Safari), but until Windows can make a OS that is stable or that i don't have to keep maintaining and checking up on, I'll get another Windows computer. consider trying linux, the interface is similar to mac and almost everything has a free open source windows/mac alternative. so true. after all linux is probably the most stable system out of them all. that's probably why most supercomputers actually run on linux than any other OS. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.