<p>I noticed on the Apple Website that while Midd has a preferred page, they have not suggested a preference?</p>
<p>Thinking laptop, but am confused by the need for word since I think I read that students can download Microsoft software for apple through the school's system? Would that include excel or powerpoint? Or am I way off base.</p>
<p>Will almost undoubtedly go with MAC (grad present) but don't want it to be the biggest/best machine on the block or wholly inadequate.</p>
<p>As for the software, once you get to Middlebury you can borrow the Office disk from the library. The school has a licensed copy for all students, so you don’t have to pay for it at all. This includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.</p>
<p>For the computer, I would agree that you should go with a Mac. By my estimation (just of kids in my dorm last year), I would say that around 75% have Macs, if not more. I would go with either the 13" or 15" MacBook Pro, depending on which size screen you want. As long as you are not planning on doing any gaming or video editing or anything like that, there’s no reason for a top of the line system. Take a look at this page</p>
<p><a href=“Buy MacBook Pro - Education - Apple”>Buy MacBook Pro - Education - Apple;
<p>I’d recommend the $1399 13 inch Macbook Pro or the $1599 15 inch Macbook Pro. That’s with the Educational discount, but you also get a free iPod touch.</p>
<p>I have the 15 inch Macbook Pro (an older version) and I really like the extra screen space. Whenever I use friends’ 13 inch computers I feel like the screen is too small.</p>
<p>So after a ridiculously long post, I’d say the $1599 MacBook Pro is the best option.</p>
<p>Seriously appreciate it!!! I have the 15 inch macBook Pro… and I can see what you mean about the 13 inch. My sister has a 17 inch and I feel like I am using a desktop monitor. You definitely get used to whatever you’re using. (I will say however, that if I need to edit film and it clogs up, I just put stuff on an external hard drive and it usually does the trick.)</p>
<p>I think what we’ll probably do is offer to buy the 13 and if he wants to upgrade, he has the money to do so. Give him a little ownership in the process. And REALLY good to know about the software - in fact, that’s almost the exact cost differential between the 13 and 15. It will take my son exactly zero minutes to point that out. :)</p>
<p>more than 50% of the student body has macs, and they’re repaired by the helpdesk as well, though if you’ll need to make a replacement to a part you’ll have to take care of it yourself - that’s why i would buy an applecare plan with a mac which offers free shipping of laptop, etc. as mentioned before the school has a version of office, so no need to buy that.</p>