<p>Just to correct a mistake above, Neo Office does NOT support docx format importing. The free converter works perfectly though, as does running office 2007 via boot camp or parallels.</p>
<p>I'm looking forward to getting a Mac for college. My big issue is with screen size. I have a 14.1'' Dell right now, and I'm debating between either the 13'' Macbook or the 15'' Macbook Pro. As you have and use a Macbook, do you find the small screen size annoying and/or a constraint, or is it not an issue? Thanks.</p>
<p>At first I thought it would be a little constricting, but after using it I find that it does not bother me at all. It's actually 13.3 inches, so there's less than an inch of difference from what you're using now, and since it's widescreen it's not nearly as claustrophobic as some of the earlier ultra portable models. </p>
<p>Having previously used a 15.4 inch HP Pavillion, I can honsetly say that the 13.3 inch size is MUCH better for a student environment. 15 inch models can seem clunky and dominate your work area when you're trying to take notes in class. The 13 Macbook is so light and portable. I absolutely love it.</p>
<p>That being said though, if you're doing design, video, or publishing work, you will probably want that extra bit of screen real estate. For everyone else, 13 inches should be fine.</p>
<p>amazon3001 (or anyone), I hope you can help me out here. In comparing the specs between the $1400 Mac (w/ student discount) and the $1200 Mac(intermediate model that you recommend), the only differences I see are 120 GB HD vs. 160GB HD, and the latter is black. Since the $1200 Mac can be upgraded to a 160GB HD for $67, why is there a $200 price difference in these two models?</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>amazon3001 is the expert here, but I think this is it: if you equip a white 2.16 GHz MacBook with the same 160 GB hard drive as the black model, it's $125 less. So pretty much, only pick the black MacBook if you really like the color (I do), and if the extra $$$ isn't a problem.</p>
<p>I'm actually stuck in the MacBook Pro vs. black MacBook debate. I stopped by the Apple Store to check out the JesusPhone (iPhone), and ended up spending most of the time comparing both models. The 15" MBP looks and feels a lot nicer IMO, but the MB definitely feels more portable, durable, and appropriate to bring to class everyday. Also, my mom just bought a MacBook, and I'm liking it more and more; now I really don't know which one to get. :(</p>
<p>Oh, is anyone getting their Mac through the USC computer store?</p>
<p>amazon, my D has already ordered her MacBook and it's in the mail. Meanwhile, a friend who has a new one has told her that it runs very hot - so much so that it cracked his desk and he now uses it propped up on decks of cards and doesn't dare use it on his bed. Can this possibly be normal? Sounds like a fire hazard!</p>
<p>In my experience with my MacBook, it is about the same temp as every other laptop I've ever used. Mine has never ever gotten that hot, and none of my friends' MacBooks have ever gotten that hot. I use mine on my lap all the time, even when I'm wearing shorts. It doesn't bother me at all. I also use it while laying in bed. It's probably not the best idea, but its never been a problem for me.</p>
<p>cowtipper, her friend specifically said he can't use it on his lap so I guess there must be something wrong with the battery or something.</p>
<p>There has to be something wrong with it then. Maybe the fan is broken or, like you said, the battery is bad.</p>
<p>Some models run hotter than others and I have a very hot one. I brought it back to Apple several times and even after I replaced the recalled battery last year, it still runs hot. I have been re-assured many times by Apple that there is nothing wrong and it is not a danger- it's just very hot. I put a magazine or book on my lap and put the laptop on that.</p>
<p>Let me try to handle these one at a time.</p>
<p>AJF - Diehldun is right. There is absolutely NO technical difference between the 2.16 ghz white macbook upgraded to the 160 gb Hard Drive and the stock black Macbook. You are paying extra for a paintjob. This is ideal for businesspeople who want the size and portability of the macbook without the "juvenille" appearance of the white enclosure. Personally I would stick with the white, though at the end of the day it's a matter of personal preference.</p>
<p>Diehldun - Buying through the student store qualifies you for all of the same specials and rebates available at the Apple Store right now, including the free iPod and free printer rebates, as well as great deals on Microsoft Office. When I spoke with the current campus rep in June, they were running an additional special exclusive to the campus stores which provided an additional $100 discount if Applecare is purchased with the machine, in ADDITION to the student discount already available for Applecare.</p>
<p>Puzzled88 - Though the heat issue on the macbooks is no more severe than PCs of the similar processor family (the heat comes from the processor), it can be rather severe in the first generation of Macbooks, those utilizing Intel's Core Duo processor. This problem is far less noticable in the current generation of Macbooks, the Core 2 Duo. I am typing on one at the moment. I am wearing shorts and it is sitting on my lap with no discomfort. Cowtipper seems right on the money when he says that the fan may be faulty in your daughter's friend's Macbook.</p>
<p>I hope that helps! I'm always here, so please don't hesitate to ask any and all Mac related questions. If I don't know the answer, I'll find someone who does.</p>
<p>Thank you amazon3001. How exactly are you going to be working for Apple at USC? You seem like a great resource.</p>
<p>I will be a campus rep and will be available in the student technology in the basement of the bookstore as well as at various times and events around campus throughout the year. Please come see me in the student store and I'll be happy to help in any way I can with any Mac issues.</p>
<p>I'm always happy to answer questions on this forum, but if you have any please post them publicly so that everyone can benefit from the answer and I don't have to repeat lengthy information. A few of you were sending me questions in private email so I just wanted to clarify. Thanks all.</p>
<p>Hi again Amazon :),</p>
<p>If I actually went with a PC, does USC have a repair center if mine actually breaks for whatever reason? will it cost a lot of money since I won't be having the applecare stuff? You said "Macs have way better support", how so? is it just more help when things break down?</p>
<p>Also, if I actually get the MacBook, it comes with a 1 year warranty right? I was asking my mom about this and she said that Macs are pretty reliable and 1 year is enough protection. Can I buy the Applecare later on if something happens then? What would you recommend?</p>
<p>thank you so much! :D</p>
<p>amazon3001, thanks for the reply.</p>
<p>ForeverA- There is a PC repair center on campus. I am not sure however if it the service and parts fees can be covered by the warranty of your PC manufacturer. I know that Applecare can be used at the on campus service center.</p>
<p>As for better support on a Mac, Macs have a few things going for them.</p>
<p>1) All Apple phone support is US. This is in no way intended to be derogatory to people in India and other call-center heavy countries, but the language barrier can often be a major frustration when working through technical issues. You will also never wait more than a few minutes with Applecare. Any time I've needed them I've reached a real person in less than three minutes.</p>
<p>2) All Macs come with a 1-year warranty. Every Apple store in the world (including several in LOS Angeles alone!) provides face to face support, as well as onsite service all covered under Applecare.</p>
<p>3) Apple also tends to use higher quality parts than many low cost PC companies, therefore there is less chance of malfunction in the first place.</p>
<p>4) Apple also provides free mail away repairs via overnight DHL free of charge to any applecare customer, anywhere in the world (I think Antarctica might be excluded).</p>
<p>You can purcahse Applecare for $183 at any time within 1-year of purchase. It will provide 3 years of coverage. It will be retroactive from the date of purchase.</p>
<p>Should anything go wrong with it as a result of a manufacturing defect, it will probably happen within this time frame. A warranty on a laptop of any brand is always a good idea however. This is not a stationary desktop. It is an extremely compact portable device that will be moved around campus for presumably the next few years. It uses very small parts which are quite expensive to replace. Normal usage on any machine, especially a portable can cause problems over a few years. There is always a chance that you may not need Applecare, that you may never use it. However, should anything happen to your computer, repair costs are often nearly as much as the computer itself if you are out of warranty. You cannot wait until after the first year and then purchase applecare if the machine then breaks. It must be purchased within the first year. Also, it should be noted that Applecare is not like Phone insurance. It does not cover the machine if you are negligent and break it. It covers normal problems that may arise out of normal usage, such as a failing motherboard, bad hard drive, dead pixels, faulty optical drive, etc.</p>
<p>I hope that answers your question.</p>
<p>@amazon3001: Just to clarify: The warranty does not cover dead pixels. At least not if the number of dead pixels is below a certain amount.</p>
<p>Hmm, this is news to me. I know that we have replaced several LCD screens at the Apple Store due to dead pixels, but it's probably a matter of geni discretion. I talked to one of the Mac Geni and they did confirm that you are correct, it technically does not cover dead pixels. This is very good to know. Thanks for the info!</p>
<p>I've also heard of this (warranty not covering dead pixels if below a certain amount) online, though it probably would depend specifically on each situation. </p>
<p>After much deliberation (and trying out my mom's new MacBook for a week), I think I've finally decided: 15" 2.2 GHz MacBook Pro + iPhone 8GB :)</p>
<p>The iPhone (amazon3001, what's your impression on it so far?) was pretty much a given, but I've been deliberating for a really long time (MacBook Pro vs. MacBook). For me, it's just personal preference (honestly, aesthetics and larger screen size), but I feel the MacBook's size and construction is more appropriate for everyday class usage compared to the MacBook Pro. I think I'm just used to my PowerBook's design (though for me, anything less than 17" is already much smaller!)</p>