pros/cons/in between for using a mac at college

<p>hey azsxdc thanks for that</p>

<p>the macbook I was talking about actually has 160gb hdd and 2gb memory, but I'm going to install a new hdd/ram because I need it</p>

<p>I actually did check out the laptop you have, but didn't like it because it was 15.4" rather than 13.3". I also don't really need 4 usb ports, but maybe you do. Anything interesting features you think are worth mentioning? If you compare lenovo's t61 (14.4") and customize it to the same options as the macbook I'm talking about, it comes out to the same price.</p>

<p>And uh, my friend's experience with his Compaq was hell, so I'd rather not deal with it.</p>

<p>Macs aren't for everyone, and neither should they be. After dealing with them though, I honestly prefer them more, and I've been using windows all my life. I'm just tired of people saying macs are sooo expensive I could get a better deal for 1/2 of that. If you compare build quality, its hard. However, I'm still looking, so keep posting deals.</p>

<p>Yes, and one experience means they all must suck. <em>sigh</em></p>

<p>point taken haha, still don't want to take the chance. I think your comp is 15.4" and doesn't have a customizable 2.4ghz option for the processor. Plus the battery life as I remember isn't great?</p>

<p>There are great deals out for 15.4" laptops, but as I've stated, I want a laptop max 14.4" and one that has top specs with good quality. I've really been considering a dell xps m1330 and with the student discount its a GREATTTTT deal (LED screen + lots more). Right now its a tossup between that and a normal macbook.</p>

<p>iono I currently have a gateway, its been solid. somone might want to check out their deals if they're interested, but they only have 15.4" models now.</p>

<p>I think I'll post a comparison I made with the laptop I will be getting in about a week (Asus M50SV-A1) and the top of the line 15" Macbook Pro to make a point.</p>

<p>Asus:
Intel Core 2 Duo Penryn T9300 2.5 GHz 6MB 800 FSB
3GB RAM DDR2 667 MHz SODIMM 2G+1G
Hard Drive: 250GB SATA 5400 rpm
Optical Drive: DVD Super Multi
Screen: 15.4” WXGA+ 1440x900 glossy
Price: (Currently) $1,299.00 (gentechpc.com)</p>

<p>Apple:
2.5 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
2 GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM-2X1 GB
Hard Drive: 250GB SATA 5400 rpm
Optical Drive: SuperDrive 8X DVD+R DL/DVD+RW/CD-RW
Screen: MacBook Pro 15-inch Widescreen Display
Price (with student discount): $2,499.00</p>

<p>Let it be known, however, that the Asus only clocks in with powersaving battery life at 2 hrs. 15 min. That's the only con I can think of for the system. The Asus has a built in webcam (360 degree swivel), built in microphone, full sized keyboard with num pad included, and a fingerprint reader.</p>

<p>yup thanks for that post, that asus laptop kick some serious ass. check out the other asus laptops as well, they're nice. also asus manufactures a lot of apple material, so build quality is EXCELLENT.</p>

<p>the macbook pro is DEF not worth it at all for the amount it costs. Pleaseee reconsider buying it. The macbook is the only laptop imo that is actually worth it.</p>

<p>@Good Game:
Another example: I got an HP Pavilion dv9700t at the end of last year, 17" WSXGA+ screen, 3GB RAM, 2GHz Core 2 Duo, 250GB HDD....$900. I specced out a MBP and it was around $2700.</p>

<p>oh my god guys, I agree that the macbook pro is not worth it</p>

<p>jesus christ! I'm talking about a macbook with a 13.3". Max screen size I want is 14.4". Yes there are better deals out there for 15.5" screens and 17" screens, thats great. And buy all means you should buy them if you prefer those sizes.</p>

<p>but comparing prices of your laptops to a macbook pro does not prove it to be cost effective against a regular macbook. Its like saying my green apple is cheaper than your red apple, therefore your red pepper is too expensive. ***? (sorry for the lame analogy lol)</p>

<p>
[quote]
comparing prices of your laptops to a macbook pro does not prove it to be cost effective against a regular macbook.

[/quote]

I can't compare my laptop to a regular MacBook, as there is no 17" MacBook, only a 17" MBP.</p>

<p>choosing between the MacBook and the MacBook Pro depends on what you want, IMHO... For my needs, a laptop MUST have a graphics card - the MB doesn't really cut it there... but that's just me</p>

<p>Actually Asus doesn't make laptops for apple, they used too but then they started selling their own laptops.</p>

<p>Not to mention the M50Sv-A1 is an amazing computer ;)</p>

<p>Wow Asus really caught my eye there...</p>