<p>So I despise windows and I have decided to make the switch since my current laptop is like, dead, and I'm using a loaner from my school computer center. Anyway I'm going away to college next year, and I need input from the more technically proficient people out there, because I'm not. I really want a generally low-maintenance system that will work throughout college. So I plan to do pretty light media stuff (making little movie DVDs, watching movies, music, iPod), word processing and school stuff (word, excel, powerpoint-but I'm going to use OpenOffice until the universal binary version of MS comes out) and internet and stuff like that. I currently have a 15inch screen and I'm afraid that the Macbook's 13.3 screen might be too small for me. My budget is up to $2500. Any thoughts?</p>
<p>PS Don't suggest that I get a PC-based laptop and put linux on it lol...because I don't know how to get adobe to work properly on my current laptop, much less put in a new operating system.</p>
<p>I'd get a Pro. Still within your budget, but shiny. Just kidding - it has a better processor and more harddrive space. If you're going to spend so much money on something that should last you four years, I'd go all out and buy a better-quality one for a little more. There's little difference between the 15" and 17" one, and the 15" fits right into your budget. So...my opinion. I plan on getting a Pro this summer for college. :]</p>
<p>17 inch laptops are really huge and bulky. Mac notebooks are really nice, don't get me wrong, but bang-for-your-buck PCs are much, much better.</p>
<p>If you know what you are doing and you are willing to become proficient, PCs are the way to go. You can get way more power for the same price, and although it isn't in a stylish package, your costs are really low.</p>
<p>It will also be a major pain when your friends can get products for free and you will have to buy everything you have.</p>
<p>For the first time, I will recommed that you do get a Macbook. You will always have the option to install one of three Operating Systems, leaving your options open. There's no need for MS Office. For most people, Open Office does the job well. Honestly, when do you need advanced features in your word documents?</p>
<p>Before you buy, I suggest you go to the store (where the salespeople hopefully won't bother you) and try out both. If you think at all that the smaller screen is uncomfortable, then go for the 15" MacBook Pro. Otherwise, it looks like a MacBook would be a better option for you.</p>
<p>
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If you know what you are doing and you are willing to become proficient, PCs are the way to go. You can get way more power for the same price, and although it isn't in a stylish package, your costs are really low.
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<p>But if you get the Mac, you can escape from the Windows world!</p>
<p>I'd get the Macbook with the following specs:</p>
<p>1GB Ram
5400 RPM HDD
2.0 C2D </p>
<p>That will be fine for most things. The advantage of the video card in the Pro, relating to work, is that it supports advanced programs such as Motion 2. </p>
<p>Be sure to get the Education discount. You can just put any college and still get the discount.</p>
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There's no need for MS Office. For most people, Open Office does the job well. Honestly, when do you need advanced features in your word documents?
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<p>Unless you need a good spreadsheet program, in which case OpenOffice.org's option is teh suck.</p>
<p>As far as the Macbook vs. Macbook Pro question goes, I think it depends on your needs. The Macbook Pro's only serious plus over the Macbook is the x1600 as opposed to the integrated video chip. The 13.3 inch screen on the Macbook doesn't take much getting used to, either.</p>
<p>I own a Macbook Pro, by the way, so I'm not playing the role of a Macbook shill. I just see very little reason to go Macbook Pro other than the vid card and bigger screen.</p>
<p>
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Do you mean installing the same amount, or running the same amount of programs? Kernel rot is problematic in Windows as well...
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<p>Either way, the Mac would out preform. Try installing a ton of programs onto a Windows computer and see if it runs like it did on day one. </p>
<p>I have about 200 applications on my Mac. No slow down at all. I can have 20 apps running at the same time without any slow down. And this is on a G4 mini. :D</p>
<p>Google Documents still can't compare to Excel...but it may get there. OpenOffice.org is largely compatible and comparable, but is still different enough that MS Office is worth having.</p>
<p>MS Office is not worth having over Open Office. For the average user, Open Office offers just what he or she needs. What do you think that MS Office offers that OOo does not?</p>
<p>i have a macbook pro notebook. make sure you absolutely get a new one not a "new" one that is actually refurbished. yeah, it happens. Also, the 15" is great forthe desk work but man if you have to take it anywhere it is heavy and not that portable. I amnot so sure about the glossy. If you get it, you have to realize that is anything goes wrong with it inthe arrenty period which like a ridiculous 14 days, you can't return it. Or, you just don't like it - no return with the glossy screen. Beware. They don't tell you that up front. I find it slow. And, you have to buy microsoft word and most people get confused between word, as in microsoft word and word as in correl wordperfect. You can't read correl wordperfect on your mac. You have to download abi word which sucks to translate correl word to microsoft word. I wish I had known that you can now buy a mac with a dual system. And, my internal cd player sucks. Just MAKE SURE somehow that you are buying a brand new mac. I think you may want to investigate the return policies. Ifyou can return and get your money back, puchase one try it out and return it if it sucks for you.</p>
<p>I would get the plain old MacBook with 1 GB RAM and 80GB Hard Drive. If you are doing anything with design arcitecture or music, mac's are the way to go. I have had an iBook G4 for more than 1 yr now and it has never froze on me once. Apple is a great company. unless you are going to school for Film or Tv production you really don't need the MacBook pro</p>