<p>Which would you get?</p>
<p>MacBook (with student discount). Very fast Intel Core Duo processors, more secure, more advanced operating system, only computer able to run windows and mac os x, integrated iLife software not available for windows, easier to configure peripherals (just plug them in), MS/Office 2004 Mac student version better than current windows version, nicer looking. But of course, this is my opinion, others will have theirs. (Add more memory to at least 1 GB.)</p>
<p>One can purchase a cheaper Dell, but one similarly configured is about the same price.</p>
<p>My vote is for the Macbook.</p>
<p>Go with what your school "suggests". Then when you have a problem they can't say "If you had only gone with the...." D's school specifically requests Dell products so we bought a Dell big giant notebook with an upgraded screen. It's really pretty cool. Had the school spec'ed or suggested Apple products , we'd have bought Apple.</p>
<p>Chapindad, I am guessing by your name that your talking about the Smith recommended systems. The Macbook as configured with the extras (1gig memory, ipod, carrying case, etc.) is a really good deal. A major additional advantage to the Macbook beyond those described here is that Smith requires loading of anti-virus software on windows based systems that it does not require on apple based systems. Students with windows systems complain that these required programs significantly slow their computers. Also if you fax your order in now for purchase on Saturday, you will save the 5% MA state sales tax (8/12-13 is tax free day).</p>
<p>My daughter ( who has had a Dell laptop up until now) was persuaded by my son to get the Macbook. It came with a free iPod and printer and not only seems to be a very good deal, she absolutely loves it.</p>
<p>Check what systems your schools supports first. If it is both I would go with the MacBook. You can get a printer and an iPod for "free" after rebate. Where my son will be going to school MS Office for the Mac is an additional $45.</p>
<p>With any computer, get extra memory if you can swing it. It greatly prolongs the functional life of your computer.</p>
<p>Last year at this time, my daughter was about to get a Dell because her best friend's father had supposedly done extensive consumer research and gotten BFF a Dell. But she did some last minute research of her own through her college's LJ community, coming up with gems like: "The Dell service people were really nice and responsive, even if they didn't always know very much. I have no idea what the Apple service people are like -- I've never had to talk to them." Anyway, suffice it to say that the overwhelming experience of the kids (although not universal) was that Dells had problems, which Dell would fix, and that Apples didn't have problems. We bought a Macbook (and wound up paying about $250 more than we would have for the Dell, but got a "free" iPod out of it).</p>
<p>A year later, BFF's Dell has made three separate warranty trips to the shop, and D hasn't had to give her Mac a second thought.</p>
<p>Go with the Mac.</p>
<p>An APPLE a day, keeps the doctor away!</p>
<p>Perscription: MacBook</p>
<p>Dell laptops are the worst.... def. macbook.</p>
<p>Plus the new MacBooks can run Windows . . . if you feel you must. Though you have to purchase Windows separately.</p>
<p>D's new school comes close to demanding Macs; the college is a Mac-certified service center and simply won't touch PCs -- you have to send them to an outside service center. At the same time I understand there are some math courses there that use PC software. Argh. We got D a MacBook and will dual-install Windows if it comes to that. (School also provides free virus protection for OS X, which is becoming more of an issue these days.) Also true that D loves her new MacBook, happily carries it around with her, takes it to bed with her -- whereas when she had to use the family PC she was always getting stressed out and walking away from it. I'm equally comfortable with either platform, but I'm delighted to see my daughter happy with hers.</p>
<p>my daughter is quite familiar with CUS and they actually will help you to do your own work on PCs but I don't think they are factory authorized to do the work on them
( your daughter might find this useful
<a href="http://web.reed.edu/cis/help/index.html%5B/url%5D">http://web.reed.edu/cis/help/index.html</a>)</p>
<p>but yes we have always had macs and have rarely any trouble, certainly not the problem with security , worms, viruses, and the like that others with that other OS have. </p>
<p>Also a new OS is expected in the spring- and Apple releases on time ;)
Steve is getting a little snarky in his old age</p>
<p>thanks for the info emerald; I emailed CUS earlier in the summer and they were indeed friendly and helpful (somewhat unusual in my experience with college or corporate tech support).</p>
<p>Mac Bizzooook</p>
<p>Dells are not crap, whoever thinks Dell is crap probably got a low-end inspiron for nothing or abused it, or got a virus on it.</p>
<p>Dells are arguably the most cost-effective laptop in existence. Stick with the Latitude or XPS series. If you must get an Inspiron, stick with the E series. You can't go wrong with a Dell.... well, unless you get an Inspiron.</p>
<p>Macbooks have their own advantages as well: sturdier, built by the company ASUSTeK which is a highly reliable OEM, and can run windows as well.</p>
<p>Most of the people in the world use PC, so if you want to send a document from a Mac into a PC... it's not gonna be nearly as easy if you want the PC user to read it properly.</p>
<p>In terms of virus protection, Macs don't get any of them because quite honestly, no one bothers to waste their time making viruses targeted at Macs simply because few people use them. If you're on a PC, get decent anti-virus (not Norton, McAfee, Symantec crap... get AVG or Avast!, it's free, it's great, and it doesn't hog system resources like norton), don't download like there's no tomorrow, don't goto 30 porn sites everyday, and you'll never get a virus unless some random hacker decides to randomly attack your computer for some odd reason (don't **** off computer hackers for this reason btw :p )</p>
<p>
[quote]
Dell laptops are the worst.... def. macbook
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Fendergirl: If you think Dells are crap, try using eMachines, Averatec, Compaq, and economy-budget Gateways (sorry to those who DO use such notebooks)</p>
<p>You'll love Dell afterwards</p>
<p>Having been an early participant in the pro-Mac stampede in this thread, I will say that my wife has had very few problems with her Dell Latitude over the past two years.</p>
<p>Reed while recommending Macs to those who prefer them, says that if you insist on PC, then Dell is preferred</p>
<p>After talking to a lot of techhies, it was clear to me that there is really no reason at this point to not get the MacBook. It can run both Apple's OSX or Windows, and you can buy Office 2004 for Mac from amazon.com for under $80 right now after a $50 rebate. It does all that the PCs do, plus a whole lot more, is impervious to viruses and adware, and is remarkably trouble-free.</p>