<p>Don't forget the underrated third option. Open Office works on all platforms and is free. The great thing about it is that it can save in multiple formats that are compatible with all productivity suits. You can also convert all your files into pdfs with a push of a button. This comes in handy when you have to e-mail reports and presentations to professors. All in all it is not the prettiest productivity suit but it does presentations, word processing, spreadsheets, and other important tasks. I use it together with MS Office for Mac.</p>
<p>What kind opf Mac laptop do you have to get to get the iPod or iTouch? That would be pretty sweet, but I want to spend $1000 or so. It probably only comes with the >$2000 models, right?</p>
<p>i dunno, i just got a regular macbook and i got the free touch</p>
<p>The 13 inch white macbook is the least expensive they have and the iTouch or iPod nano 3rd generation are your choices ..free (picked the Nano- holds more songs). Plus $100 towards a printer, so I got the one for $99 and will keep it here unless/until he needs it.
Rebates come quick too...filled out online after all products are shipped. In 2 weeks had $299 in rebate checks.</p>
<p>I got my MacBook today!!!!! I'm still learning the ropes, because I've always been a PC person, but I love it so far!</p>
<p>TymeflysBy, should I have received something about the rebate? I got an invoice email, but I don't see anything on there about a rebate. I'm getting a bit worried...</p>
<p>Did you get the Ipod or printer too?...or both like me :).... If so go online and look up your order, it should give you the link to fillout for the rebate online. No paperwork. You can't access the rebate until both items are shipped (the macbook and rebate item)</p>
<p>yeah, i got the printer as well and the rebates are great</p>
<p>Yep, I got both the iPod touch and the printer. And I found where to go to fill out all the rebate stuff. Thanks for all your help!</p>
<p>Another question from a Mac illiterate... what's the best way to get all my music from my old computer/iPod to my new computer/iPod???</p>
<p>Use your ipod as a file storage unit sort of like a jump drive or a flash card and just drop it in and then drop it back out to the other computer. That would probably be the fastest way. You could use a jump drive or a flash drive and do it the same way.</p>
<p>OIT website says to get Vista Ultimate but whats the difference between that and other versions such as home or office, etc.?</p>
<p>Vista Ultimate just comes with a variety of things the typical end-user, even more so the typical undergrad will never use. Among them are data encryption, Windows Media Center, dual physical processor support, system backup and recovery, etc.</p>
<p>Here's the full list of each Vista version, you can decide which one best suits your needs:</p>
<p>Windows</a> Vista: Which Edition Should You Get? - HelpWithWindows.com</p>
<p>if you are a science major, i highly recommend a macbook...all of the computers in Jordan are macs...and for anyone who thinks that TopSpin the NMR minipulation program is only for PCs, ND has mac licenses for this program so no need to worry!</p>
<p>also, I have a lenovo with a 15.4 inch display, 100gb hard drive, and i think its like a 2.4 ghz core duo...its heavy as hell</p>
<p>i cant lie, i bought it because i wanted a powerhouse...but seriously, you dont need one (even if you game like me)</p>
<p>my next laptop will definitely be a 13 inch macbook...size matters (and in this case, the smaller the better!)</p>
<p>Obviously my thread got hijacked to a Mac vs. Windows debate. But that's OK because that's my next dilemma.</p>
<p>Our family has always used Windows, and we have Vista at home with Office 2007 and it's works just fine. ND OIT indicates that it's about 50/50 of students having Windows vs Mac on campus. She indicated that most run MS Office.</p>
<p>I'm willing to get my son a Mac despite being more expensive hardware-wise, but I see many user reviews that trash MS Office 2008 for the Mac, especially the Excel component of it (CNET, Amazon). It's always been said that software decisions should drive hardware decisions, but I'm still trying to rationalize buying a Mac. If Office is what is used primarily by students, why get a Mac if Office runs better on Windows? </p>
<p>As to my original question, it seems that OIT's computer help desk and dorm-based computer assistance is free. Hardware support (repairs/replacements) are fee-for-service except that there's no charge if it is under warranty for one of the 3 companies they are authorized to service.</p>
<p>Having used Office on both Mac and Windows, I have not found Office for Mac to run any worse on the Mac. Additionally, if you check out the reviews on CNet for Office 2007 (Windows), it also is not particularly well received. Which makes sense really, because people are more likely to post a review online if they've got a lot of complaints than if they are fully satisfied.
On the other hand, you didn't really give the reason that you want to switch to Mac. Sure, there's no viruses, etc., but if your son is familiar with Windows and is generally satisfied with it, why switch?
And finally, as for hardware costs, take a look at the ThinkPad and MacBook posted on the OIT Store page. Similar specs, but the MacBook actually comes out cheaper.</p>
<p>"but if your son is familiar with Windows and is generally satisfied with it, why switch?"<br>
i had never used a mac in my life before college...im a rising junior at ND and i wish i had a mac...in other words, the whole "why fix whats not broken" thing doesnt apply when you dont realize there are better options</p>
<p>I'm a dyed-in-the-wool PC user, yet I bought a MacBook Pro 15" for the next four years. The free iPod Touch, student discount, elegance of OS X, and clearly superior tech support allowed me to easily choose it over the Lenovo T61. After all, at a certain point you have to ask yourself--why bother with Vista?</p>
<p>I feel ashamed that I am supporting a company whose aggressive, grass-roots cultural marketing strategies make me want to puke. However, they DO make damn good computers...</p>
<p>i agree wholeheartedly with indiejimmy and have made a similar purchase- but of a regular macbook instead and i love it so far</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies. Based upon the very favorable Mac user experiences I was ready to get him such. But although he's enrolled in the Arts & Sciences College, he'd like to consider the Business School in the future. When I called the B-School, they said they were strictly Windows-based software so i ended up ordering a Dell. Would've liked for him to try the Mac but I needed the flexibility of a Windows PC. Thanks again.</p>
<p>You can also run Windows on a Mac...</p>