Mac? I want to get one, but don't know where to start.

[nashphx13z]

I'd like to buy a Mac computer for myself for my Computer Graphics course next year. Does anyone here know where I could get one (possibly an older model that can run newer software with ease) inexpensively? Feature comparison of models? Prices? I'd like something under $1200. ...and even that is ridiculous. Keep in mind that I'm 15.

[Lily_Mu]

Macs are a no-no. Get a PC.

[Kreepman]

I'd like to buy a Mac computer for myself for my Computer Graphics course next year. Does anyone here know where I could get one (possibly an older model that can run newer software with ease) inexpensively? Feature comparison of models? Prices? I'd like something under $1200. ...and even that is ridiculous. Keep in mind that I'm 15.

I made my own mac on apple's own website for a relatively cheap price, but I didn't buy it - I just wanted to see the price xD

[sphere]

Nah, he's going to want a Mac for graphics design, otherwise he'll look like a big noob

Anyway, I guess you're not looking for something brand new? You could check Newegg, etc for refurbished sets, or kijiji/craigslist or whatever local classifieds you have for a used one... I read my newspaper classifieds every day, and even in a small town you can find a lot of random cool stuff for not much money

[Mex]

Macs are a no-no. Get a PC.

That would be pretty dumb for his computer graphics course.

[Lily_Mu]

That would be pretty dumb for his computer graphics course.

But why waste so much for a Mac? They are useless!

[nashphx13z]

But why waste so much for a Mac? They are useless!

Computer Graphics: n. (used with a sing. or pl. verb)
The set of technologies used to create art with computers.
Art or designs created using such technologies.

PC: n. (used for gaming)
A computer that is terrible for creating forms of art (see Computer Graphics).

Mac = for ART

[Apples]

Not to be a contrarian, but I find the whole "mac are for graphics designers" thing to be a joke of a stereotype.

Back in the day 10 years ago that may have had more truth to it. The line that says "PC's are for this and Mac's are for that" is a lot more blurry than it used to be.


If you want some real answer though, how about emailing some course instructors and seeing what they recommend.

[nashphx13z]

Not to be a contrarian, but I find the whole "mac are for graphics designers" thing to be a joke of a stereotype.

Back in the day 10 years ago that may have had more truth to it. The line that says "PC's are for this and Mac's are for that" is a lot more blurry than it used to be.

Let's just put it this way, it's a stereotype that my school's art program has decided to follow. ;)

[Meatwad555]

But why waste so much for a Mac? They are useless!

I smell a fanboy.

[nashphx13z]

If you want some real answer though, how about emailing some course instructors and seeing what they recommend.

I could just talk with them face to face tomorrow and ask about what kind of Mac would be suitable for the work we'd be doing in class, but that way I would only get a recommendation; not a suggestion about where to get an inexpensive Mac (if there even is such a thing). Having no steady flow of income, money is definitely an issue.

[Mex]

But why waste so much for a Mac? They are useless!

See below.


Not to be a contrarian, but I find the whole "mac are for graphics designers" thing to be a joke of a stereotype.

Back in the day 10 years ago that may have had more truth to it. The line that says "PC's are for this and Mac's are for that" is a lot more blurry than it used to be.


If you want some real answer though, how about emailing some course instructors and seeing what they recommend.

Agreed but see below.


Let's just put it this way, it's a stereotype that my school's art program has decided to follow. ;)

This.

[Kreepman]

Mac Pro ftw.

[nashphx13z]

My ideal Mac:

Summary

$1,267.00 Ships: 1-3 business days Free ShippingNext business day delivery available
Get it as low as $29.00 per month with a Juniper Visa Card.

Specifications
2GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2x1GB
320GB Serial ATA Drive
Apple Mighty Mouse
Apple Keyboard with numeric keypad and User's Guide
iWork '09 preinstalled
Apple Remote

[leftover_crack]

^ wht he said


dont get an old one they cant run some of the newer programs

[HeyRiles]

Macs are better because I don't have interest in computer games anymore

[toymachineSH]

go for the mac pro

you can always partition the HD and use bootcamp to run XP

[sa_nick]

I went to the Mac site a while ago and pieced together a Mac with all the same specs as my PC i built up from nothing.

My PC setup cost me $1400 not including speakers and headphones.

The Mac equivalent was just over $6000.

And PC's do graphic design, motion graphics, video editing and DVD authoring just as well as Mac's, in some way better. I've been using both Mac and PC for all that stuff since 2004.

[Soja]

Go with whatever your course recommends, but I too find the tired 'Mac is for graphics design' mantra to be a truckload of bull****.

I prefer PCs because they are compatible, versatile, and most of all, affordable.

[Fausttt]

I went to the Mac site a while ago and pieced together a Mac with all the same specs as my PC i built up from nothing.

My PC setup cost me $1400 not including speakers and headphones.

The Mac equivalent was just over $6000.

And PC's do graphic design, motion graphics, video editing and DVD authoring just as well as Mac's, in some way better. I've been using both Mac and PC for all that stuff since 2004.

BUt but. . . the PC guy is an overweight dweeb while the mac guy is a cool, coffee-drinking hipster! That is TOTALLY justification for spending 2-4X the price for the same capabilities.

[nashphx13z]

Thanks, Mac-bashers. You know, people have been banned for console-flaming, and believe it or not, the Mac is considered a console.

I'm just looking for some information and guidance! Please help me!

[killer_roach]

The main thing with computer graphics is that some programs will use programs that, due to stereotype, are only available on the Mac (just out of familiarity).

The basic MacBook is actually not that bad of a deal; I can get one through my university for about $950 (roughly the same as a comparably-equipped Dell). Macbook Pros, on the other hand, are obscenely expensive for what you get.

I don't mind MacOS X, but I keep telling people that I'll get a Mac the day Apple lets me build my own. (Translation: I'm likely never to own a Mac...)

[Lily_Mu]

Macs are better because I don't have interest in computer games anymore

So you're gonna pay more to get less?

[bermuddy]

Thanks, Mac-bashers. You know, people have been banned for console-flaming, and believe it or not, the Mac is considered a console.

I'm just looking for some information and guidance! Please help me!

don't you need games to be a console? ;)

[sa_nick]

Thanks, Mac-bashers. You know, people have been banned for console-flaming, and believe it or not, the Mac is considered a console.

I'm just looking for some information and guidance! Please help me!

Well in all seriousness, your probably better off getting a PC. They are a lot cheaper, do the same stuff, run the same programs and your files would be compatible over both systems.

[sillystou]

I'm in graphic arts, and I use a PC. Does that make me a newb? Nope. Nowadays, PC's and Macs are pretty similar.

[Jglaubman]

The OP said he wants a Mac! If I knew anything about that stuff I would help you, but I think its pretty ridiculous that people here are saying Macs suck, go with PC. He wasn't asking PC or Mac, he was asking what kind of Mac?

[Apples]

BUt but. . . the PC guy is an overweight dweeb while the mac guy is a cool, coffee-drinking hipster! That is TOTALLY justification for spending 2-4X the price for the same capabilities.

HAH, I laughed. :p

As far as mac buying is concerned, thats part of buying into Apple... limited flexibility, limited customization, and only available via their limited sales channels.

So there's only so much advice to be given when the answer is one of a handful of models at a moderate to high price point. Playing around with the options at apple.com is likely to give you the same results as asking here. There's just not much wiggle room.

[elfreako]

The new iMacs are just out. Get it straight from the apple store online. You will NOT be disappointed. Used ones are expensive for a reason, they are not useless after three years. The 20 inches (similar to the one I'm using to write this) is now $1199. Unless you need a portable, I think this is your best option.

However, if you already have a screen and keyboard and such, and you want a cheaper alternative, mac minis are cool. $800 with a less powerful processor (which is probably more than what you'll need for your class).

[Apples]

Oh one thing which is true on the PC side and possible true on the Mac side as well: Retailers love to overcharge for memory and hard drive upgrades.

If you have the savvy and sophistication to change those items yourself, you can often buy a cheaper model and then swap out those items after the fact with cheaply-purchased upgrade parts.

As an example, a retailer may charge $200 for a memory upgrade on a new laptop. Buying memory from a vendor and installing it yourself may only cost $150.

[elfreako]

I'm in graphic arts, and I use a PC. Does that make me a newb? Nope. Nowadays, PC's and Macs are pretty similar.

It's all about the operating system, oh and the absence of a tower on my desk, or under my desk. Did I mention the minty freshnes?

[elfreako]

Oh one thing which is true on the PC side and possible true on the Mac side as well: Retailers love to overcharge for memory and hard drive upgrades.

If you have the savvy and sophistication to change those items yourself, you can often buy a cheaper model and then swap out those items after the fact with cheaply-purchased upgrade parts.

Changing a hard drive on an enclosed mac is scary. I did it on my iBook a few years ago. Installing RAM however is a joke (pretty much like putting batteries in a remote), and it's not any more expensive to purchase.

Now that being said, external hard drives are so common nowadays that unless you really poorly plan your purchase, upgrading a hard drive seems useless. So is formating it every six months (in my world ;) ) Additional storage is cheap, plus you can use it with time machine (the most user friendly backup function ever invented).

[HiAperture]

OP. You will need to buy a intel mac if you want to run the latest software. On your budget you are probably best off buying a base model macbook new or refurb, and getting additional RAM from a third party like otherworldcomputing (apple way overcharges for their ram). That is assuming you want a laptop, if not look at an Imac aswell.


I went to the Mac site a while ago and pieced together a Mac with all the same specs as my PC i built up from nothing.

My PC setup cost me $1400 not including speakers and headphones.

The Mac equivalent was just over $6000.

I've seen this comparison before. That is because you, like most people, did not spec it with the correct parts. The mac pro (the only computer you could have spec'd for $6000) is not a regular PC, it is a workstation. It uses xeon workstation processors, and very expensive chipsets. Are they necessary for an every day computer user? No. Are they necessary for a artist/digital editor? No, not really any more. Are they way more expensive then actual COMPRABLE options? No, actually they aren't. If you spec a Dell Precision workstation with the same parts as a Mac Pro the Dell will usually come out to be MORE money.

I own a octo core mac pro, its a beautiful thing, and with the expandability this bad boy has I won't be computer shopping for a long time.

[aremis]

Macs are a no-no. Get a PC.

Let's see.
A software company, that bought most of it's software components, to create an operating system that runs on any generic PC without being tested

Or

A hardware company, that uses the best products on the market today, that also creates it's own OS, to run specifically on it's own, fully tested, hardware?

It's a no brainer.
Yes, Apple is more expensive.
But you get what you pay for.

My last reboot due to an error on the computer was more than two years ago.
I design graphics, animation and film on Apple products.
The quality cannot be matched by any PC on the market.

And there is a reason that 90% of the top commercial movies over the past 12 years have used Macintosh exclusively.

[HiAperture]

HAH, I laughed. :p

As far as mac buying is concerned, thats part of buying into Apple... limited flexibility, limited customization, and only available via their limited sales channels.

Really, is that why my Mac can take up to 32 gigs of ram, over 6 tb of internal storage, two pciexpress 16X and 4 pci ports. In fact not only that, but I can use ANY hardware I want through bootcamp; including the latest gaming graphics cards.

I do agree that they have a limited product line, and that it seems expensive, but it is because they use top of the line parts in all their computers. Necessary for everyone? No, but they just make no compromises to start so people don't have to worry so much about each individual part. They would IMO be better off if they made a real midtower computer with a desktop cpu and expandability without the mac pro price tag.


Oh one thing which is true on the PC side and possible true on the Mac side as well: Retailers love to overcharge for memory and hard drive upgrades.

If you have the savvy and sophistication to change those items yourself, you can often buy a cheaper model and then swap out those items after the fact with cheaply-purchased upgrade parts.

As an example, a retailer may charge $200 for a memory upgrade on a new laptop. Buying memory from a vendor and installing it yourself may only cost $150.
All too true for apple. When I got mine they wanted something like $400 to upgrade from 2gb to 4gb of ram. I got 4 gigs elsewhere for $175.

[aremis]

limited flexibility, limited customization, and only available via their limited sales channels.

First, Apple is far from in a limited sales channel.
Apple products can be purchased at nearly every major computer store - maybe not at the small, unknown stores, but Best Buy, Future Shop, hell even Wal-Mart carry Apple products.

As for limited: Flexbility, customization?
Again, you are mistaken greatly. Yes, the iMac is limited in such a way. But no different than any of the other computer makers who are now getting onto the All-In-One bandwagon that Apple began in the early 80's. Buyers prefer less hardware cluttering up their desktops, since the majority of buyers are not high-end users.

But when you compare the Mac Pro, to any PC on the market, the Apple is as upgradeable, as flexible and able to be customized as any PC.

Sorry to burst your bubble Apples.
;)

[sa_nick]

Lol, this thread is getting pretty fanboyish.

[killer_roach]

The mac pro (the only computer you could have spec'd for $6000) is not a regular PC, it is a workstation. It uses xenon workstation processors, and very expensive chipsets.

Xenon processors? Last I checked, Xenons only existed in the Xbox 360, not to mention Apple going away from PowerPC.

Xeons, on the other hand, are low-end server processors ill-suited for the workstation market, especially due to their chipsets. But, if you want an eight-core system, they're still about the only way to go.

...doesn't stop from from being really pretty bad for a lot of media work due to incredulous memory latency, though.

[Nuff_Said]

I have a macbook, and it was the best thing i've ever spent money on. I will never, ever use a windows based computer ever again. Or M$ for that matter. Macs are superior in every respect.

[HiAperture]

Xenon processors? Last I checked, Xenons only existed in the Xbox 360, not to mention Apple going away from PowerPC.

Xeons, on the other hand, are low-end server processors ill-suited for the workstation market, especially due to their chipsets. But, if you want an eight-core system, they're still about the only way to go.

...doesn't stop from from being really pretty bad for a lot of media work due to incredulous memory latency, though.
My bad on the spelling. My computer has been able to handle everything I've thrown at it.

[HiAperture]

Lol, this thread is getting pretty fanboyish.
No offense to you, being a mod and all. But how come whenever PC owners bash mac its just business as usual, and whenever a mac owner shows and up starts talking they are being a "fanboy." I may own a mac, but that doesn't make me a fanboy. I also own a windows desktop at home, two windows laptops, even my mac pro is hooked up to a dell monitor. I simply buy whatever is going to work best for MY needs. I could have ordered all the parts off of newegg and built it myself, lets face it anyone with half a brain can build a computer these days. But I am busy at college, and was sick of reformatting my pc's every year, running virus scans, de-fragging hard drives, and just generally trying to keep them running at half the speed they did out of the box. Its not that I can't do these things, it that they take time, time I either need for studying, or would rather spend with friends in the real world. If willingness to pay a little extra for peace of mind and lack of frustration makes me a fanboy, then so be it :cool:.

[Nuff_Said]

No offense to you, being a mod and all. But how come whenever PC owners bash mac its just business as usual, and whenever a mac owner shows and up starts talking they are being a "fanboy." I may own a mac, but that doesn't make me a fanboy. I also own a windows desktop at home, two windows laptops, even my mac pro is hooked up to a dell monitor. I simply buy whatever is going to work best for MY needs. I could have ordered all the parts off of newegg and built it myself, lets face it anyone with half a brain can build a computer these days. But I am busy at college, and was sick of reformatting my pc's every year, running virus scans, de-fragging hard drives, and just generally trying to keep them running at half the speed they did out of the box. Its not that I can't do these things, it that they take time, time I either need for studying, or would rather spend with friends in the real world. If willingness to pay a little extra for peace of mind and lack of frustration makes me a fanboy, then so be it :cool:.

...you're such a fanboy:rolleyes::p

[killer_roach]

My bad on the spelling. My computer has been able to handle everything I've thrown at it.

Well, yeah... a Mac Pro will handle just about everything, and do it gladly.

We're just saying there's much more efficient ways of doing it, that's all.

That being said, a Mac Pro makes for a rather good multipurpose workstation / midrange server due to its relatively unique configuration (as far as consumer hardware goes).

[seinman]

I don't understand why this thread turned into a bash-Macs thread. The original poster did NOT ask our opinions about Mac vs. PC. He/she said they want a Mac for school, and wants to know which one they can get affordably. Anyone who came in here and said not to get a Mac, or that Macs are dumb, are douchebags. That was NOT the point.

Anyway, back on topic. I was a hardcore PC user my whole life, until I went to school for TV production. Everyone had Macs, and all the labs were Macs. So, even though I didn't want one, I got one. I was pretty much in the same boat you're in. I went with the entry-level Macbook, which was $1000 with my student discount ($1100 without) and I absolutely love it. It isn't the fastest machine on the block, and you'll want to upgrade the memory. Upgrade YOURSELF, don't let Apple do it. You'll save a ton of money, and it's very easy to do on the white entry-level Macbooks. The slower processor isn't a big deal, everything is still very snappy. I use Photoshop, Illustrator, Final Cut Pro, and After Effects almost daily and have never had any performance issues.

If you want to go the desktop route, the Mac Mini isn't bad at all, and costs around $800 I think. Or if you want to step up to something a little faster, the iMacs are VERY nice (I used them a lot in the labs at school) but are a little pricey, I want to say around $1200 for the entry-level machines.

Hope this helped! I've had my Macbook for almost three years now, so if you have any questions, PM me and i'll try to help you out.

[Nuff_Said]

I don't understand why this thread turned into a bash-Macs thread. The original poster did NOT ask our opinions about Mac vs. PC. He/she said they want a Mac for school, and wants to know which one they can get affordably. Anyone who came in here and said not to get a Mac, or that Macs are dumb, are douchebags. That was NOT the point.

Anyway, back on topic. I was a hardcore PC user my whole life, until I went to school for TV production. Everyone had Macs, and all the labs were Macs. So, even though I didn't want one, I got one. I was pretty much in the same boat you're in. I went with the entry-level Macbook, which was $1000 with my student discount ($1100 without) and I absolutely love it. It isn't the fastest machine on the block, and you'll want to upgrade the memory. Upgrade YOURSELF, don't let Apple do it. You'll save a ton of money, and it's very easy to do on the white entry-level Macbooks. The slower processor isn't a big deal, everything is still very snappy. I use Photoshop, Illustrator, Final Cut Pro, and After Effects almost daily and have never had any performance issues.

If you want to go the desktop route, the Mac Mini isn't bad at all, and costs around $800 I think. Or if you want to step up to something a little faster, the iMacs are VERY nice (I used them a lot in the labs at school) but are a little pricey, I want to say around $1200 for the entry-level machines.

Hope this helped! I've had my Macbook for almost three years now, so if you have any questions, PM me and i'll try to help you out.

what i've come to notice about people who bash Macs is that they've, usually, never even in fact used one for any length of time. I don't get into arguments over people have no foundation for their side.

[seinman]

Sorry if this is a double post, but I was afraid if I edited my last post the OP might not catch this.

Right now, you can get a refurbished 2.1 ghz/1 GB/120 GB MacBook for $849. You'll want 2 GB of RAM, which will cost you another $23 if you order it from NewEgg. The 120 GB hard drive will probably last you a while, but once that gets full, upgrading it is simple as well and right now the prices are around $80 for a 320 GB drive. Hell, if you buy the Macbook, RAM, and a HD right now, you'd have a *****in' Mac laptop for only around $950.

Links!
Refurbished Macbook: http://store.apple.com/us/product/FB402LL/B?mco=MjE0NDk5Mw
NOTE: If that link is expired, just go to http://store.apple.com and scroll to the bottom left where it says Special Deals, and click on Refurbished Mac. It should be the first one on the list.

2 GB RAM kit: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231116
RAM is super easy to install in the white Macbook, you just take out the battery, remove three screws, and pull two levers. The levers pop out the old chips, and you slide the new ones in. Takes about five minutes.

320 GB Hard drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136197
I have this exact drive in an external case for extra storage and backup, and it's awesome. Very fast, very quiet, very reliable. It can also be installed internally in the Macbook with ease, similar to installing RAM but it also requires a torx bit screwdriver.

EDIT: I should also note that there's no need to worry about buying refurbished Apple products. I bought a refurb iPod in September 2003, and it still works. My brother uses it regularly to this day, five and a half years later. They come with the full standard warranty (1 year) and you can buy AppleCare (three year warranty) for Macbooks for $250, if you so desire. I do recommend AppleCare, it's by far the best warranty in the computer business. If you can't afford it now, just save up: as long as you buy it before the 1 year standard warranty expires, you're good to go.

[macamatic]

I love how much the word "capability" gets thrown around, as well as this nonsense about things being equivalent. A Mac is NOT comparable to a PC with comparable hardware. iLife and QuickTIme make the stock Windows apps look like pathetic jokes, and that's not even counting GarageBand. There's also no comparison of usability; my PC regularly has issues (e.g. no video despite being on and awake), while I don't remember the last time I restarted a Mac anywhere because of a problem with the system. You're wasting your time if you even think to compare the stability of the two. NT, while it is improving with each release, will never be as stable as Nextstep. Period.

It's a fact that with a Mac, you're paying for the software. Not just the amount, but the quality. Apple's QA puts Microsoft to shame. All those problems you have with iTunes on Windows (side note: iTunes is FANTASTIC on Mac)? Raise them a few powers and you'll get an idea of the prevalence of failure that has so often plagued MS software for Mac (although recently it's not nearly as bad). Hell, whose music player crashed because of a Programming 101 error? And hell, just the way the thing is used. Everything is logical and CONSISTENT (one of my biggest gripes with Windows - there's no standard so everybody does whatever the hell they want and usually poorly). Programming on a Mac vs. Windows is night and day...don't even get me started there. The interface makes more sense, the filesystem is better, everything uses ergonomics far more (e.g. corners of the screen), and it doesn't hide half the settings in Properties dialogs accessible only by a contextual menu (whoever is responsible for that should be shot).

I could go on and on about this, but you're not getting the same thing with a Mac, even if the hardware is identical. There's a reason Microsoft is constantly copying features from Mac OS X.

[sa_nick]

No offense to you, being a mod and all. But how come whenever PC owners bash mac its just business as usual, and whenever a mac owner shows and up starts talking they are being a "fanboy."

Oh no, I meant people on both sides, not just the ppl defending macs.

I was pro-PC in this thread, but thats because the OP specified they're on a budget. I've work on macs for years and besides disliking a couple of programs (motion and dvdstudio pro) I love macs. If they weren't so expensive I'd probably be on one right now, lol.

note: I do video editing, motion graphics and dvd authoring stuff and often have photoshop, premiere, after effects and encore all open at the same time, THATS why a mac would cost me so much, it'd have to be good.


I love how much the word "capability" gets thrown around, as well as this nonsense about things being equivalent. A Mac is NOT comparable to a PC with comparable hardware. iLife and QuickTIme make the stock Windows apps look like pathetic jokes, and that's not even counting GarageBand. There's also no comparison of usability; my PC regularly has issues (e.g. no video despite being on and awake), while I don't remember the last time I restarted a Mac anywhere because of a problem with the system. You're wasting your time if you even think to compare the stability of the two. NT, while it is improving with each release, will never be as stable as Nextstep. Period.

It's a fact that with a Mac, you're paying for the software. Not just the amount, but the quality. Apple's QA puts Microsoft to shame. All those problems you have with iTunes on Windows (side note: iTunes is FANTASTIC on Mac)? Raise them a few powers and you'll get an idea of the prevalence of failure that has so often plagued MS software for Mac (although recently it's not nearly as bad). Hell, whose music player crashed because of a Programming 101 error? And hell, just the way the thing is used. Everything is logical and CONSISTENT (one of my biggest gripes with Windows - there's no standard so everybody does whatever the hell they want and usually poorly). Programming on a Mac vs. Windows is night and day...don't even get me started there. The interface makes more sense, the filesystem is better, everything uses ergonomics far more (e.g. corners of the screen), and it doesn't hide half the settings in Properties dialogs accessible only by a contextual menu (whoever is responsible for that should be shot).

I could go on and on about this, but you're not getting the same thing with a Mac, even if the hardware is identical. There's a reason Microsoft is constantly copying features from Mac OS X.

See now THIS is a fanboy post. It has nothing to do with what the OP is talking about and is from a user called macomatic.

[nashphx13z]

I made the most expensive Mac possible!


Summary

$22,585.90 Ships: 6-8 weeks Free ShippingNext business day delivery available
Get it as low as $513.00 per month with a Juniper Visa Card.
Specifications
Two 2.93GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon32GB (8x4GB)Mac Pro RAID Card1TB 7200-rpm Serial ATA 3Gb/s1TB 7200-rpm Serial ATA 3Gb/s1TB 7200-rpm Serial ATA 3Gb/s1TB 7200-rpm Serial ATA 3Gb/s4x NVIDIA GeForce GT 120 512MBTwo 18x SuperDrivesApple Cinema HD Display (30" flat panel)Apple Cinema HD Display (30" flat panel)Apple Wireless Mighty MouseApple Wireless Keyboard (English) and User's GuideAirPort Extreme Wi-Fi Card with 802.11nQuad-channel 4Gb Fibre Channel PCI Express cardiWork '09 Family Pack preinstalledFinal Cut Express preinstalledAperture preinstalledLogic Express preinstalledFileMaker Pro 10 preinstalledMac OS X Server (Unlimited-Client)Xsan 2Apple Mini DisplayPort to DVI AdapterMini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI AdapterApple Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter1-year Family Pack subscriptionAppleCare Protection Plan for Mac Pro (w/or w/o Display) - Auto-enrollCanon PIXMA MP620 Photo All-in-One Printer

[nashphx13z]

I don't understand why this thread turned into a bash-Macs thread. The original poster did NOT ask our opinions about Mac vs. PC. He/she said they want a Mac for school, and wants to know which one they can get affordably. Anyone who came in here and said not to get a Mac, or that Macs are dumb, are douchebags. That was NOT the point.

Anyway, back on topic. I was a hardcore PC user my whole life, until I went to school for TV production. Everyone had Macs, and all the labs were Macs. So, even though I didn't want one, I got one. I was pretty much in the same boat you're in. I went with the entry-level Macbook, which was $1000 with my student discount ($1100 without) and I absolutely love it. It isn't the fastest machine on the block, and you'll want to upgrade the memory. Upgrade YOURSELF, don't let Apple do it. You'll save a ton of money, and it's very easy to do on the white entry-level Macbooks. The slower processor isn't a big deal, everything is still very snappy. I use Photoshop, Illustrator, Final Cut Pro, and After Effects almost daily and have never had any performance issues.

If you want to go the desktop route, the Mac Mini isn't bad at all, and costs around $800 I think. Or if you want to step up to something a little faster, the iMacs are VERY nice (I used them a lot in the labs at school) but are a little pricey, I want to say around $1200 for the entry-level machines.

Hope this helped! I've had my Macbook for almost three years now, so if you have any questions, PM me and i'll try to help you out.


Sorry if this is a double post, but I was afraid if I edited my last post the OP might not catch this.

Right now, you can get a refurbished 2.1 ghz/1 GB/120 GB MacBook for $849. You'll want 2 GB of RAM, which will cost you another $23 if you order it from NewEgg. The 120 GB hard drive will probably last you a while, but once that gets full, upgrading it is simple as well and right now the prices are around $80 for a 320 GB drive. Hell, if you buy the Macbook, RAM, and a HD right now, you'd have a *****in' Mac laptop for only around $950.

Links!
Refurbished Macbook: http://store.apple.com/us/product/FB402LL/B?mco=MjE0NDk5Mw
NOTE: If that link is expired, just go to http://store.apple.com and scroll to the bottom left where it says Special Deals, and click on Refurbished Mac. It should be the first one on the list.

2 GB RAM kit: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231116
RAM is super easy to install in the white Macbook, you just take out the battery, remove three screws, and pull two levers. The levers pop out the old chips, and you slide the new ones in. Takes about five minutes.

320 GB Hard drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136197
I have this exact drive in an external case for extra storage and backup, and it's awesome. Very fast, very quiet, very reliable. It can also be installed internally in the Macbook with ease, similar to installing RAM but it also requires a torx bit screwdriver.

EDIT: I should also note that there's no need to worry about buying refurbished Apple products. I bought a refurb iPod in September 2003, and it still works. My brother uses it regularly to this day, five and a half years later. They come with the full standard warranty (1 year) and you can buy AppleCare (three year warranty) for Macbooks for $250, if you so desire. I do recommend AppleCare, it's by far the best warranty in the computer business. If you can't afford it now, just save up: as long as you buy it before the 1 year standard warranty expires, you're good to go.

I'd just like to acknowledge these posts, because I'm sure you put a lot of effort into them. I'm currently viewing all the links and such. Thank you very much, seinman. :) This may be the route I take.

[macamatic]

See now THIS is a fanboy post. It has nothing to do with what the OP is talking about and is from a user called macomatic.
First, it's macamatic.

Second, that post was made from my PC that I use as my primary computer. I play Rock Band on my 360 rather than my Wii, and I'm listening to music off my Mac. I would get a PS3 if I could justify the cost.

Seriously, what a fanboy.

Look, I use Macs and Windows regularly, and I even develop on both. I've used them both for years and I know all about both. Everything I feel about the Mac is objective. My point was only that with a Mac, the extra money goes to pay for the effort that went into it and the software that comes with it.

I could go on and on about this topic, and I can easily point out the strengths of Windows too. The decision nearly universally boils down to: tight budget, games (and by extension, upgradability), proprietary corporate apps, or other PC-specific software -> PC; any other scenario, particularly anything multimedia-related -> Mac.

However, most of the most important strengths of Windows have little to do with the price of a PC, whereas with a Mac, you can see where the money is going in the effort and attention to detail applied. Just ask anybody with an iPhone if they regret it. The answer will almost always be that they don't, and that's largely because the user interface is fantastic, and absolutely godly compared to almost all phone interfaces.

As for the username, yes, originally, it was a reference to the Mac. I looked for things to base it off of, and my mini was sitting right there. It has little to do with my preference (and yes, I do prefer the Mac OS).

[sa_nick]

Haha, so we both agree they both have strengths, macs can be more stable, but cost a bunch more. We also regularly work on both, and like working on Mac and PC, yet for some reason we're calling each other fanboys.

Something aint right here.

[firescull537]

to OP:
Well, I was gonna say to get that new 24" iMac, for it is super schmexy, but for under $1200 i dunno.

[killer_roach]

to OP:
Well, I was gonna say to get that new 24" iMac, for it is super schmexy, but for under $1200 i dunno.

Yeah, that 24" iMac does look pretty cool, and the spec boosts make it a better value as well, but $1200 it isn't. One of my co-workers uses the previous generation 24" iMac, and it's an impressive piece of kit indeed.

[kiggidykev]

I'm afraid I can't offer any platform advice, as I'm primarily a PC user (although my sister uses a Macbook for her work as as a landscape architect and is quite fond of it), but I believe the Apple store does offer a discount to students, doesn't it?

[killer_roach]

I'm afraid I can't offer any platform advice, as I'm primarily a PC user (although my sister uses a Macbook for her work as as a landscape architect and is quite fond of it), but I believe the Apple store does offer a discount to students, doesn't it?

Yeah... discounts vary from item to item (at least with what I'm able to get through my university). The basic MacBook gets a pretty sizable discount, the MacBook Pro gets about 10% off, and good luck getting much of anything off on a Mac Pro (sadly; there's some stuff that I'll be doing for doctoral research where having an octal core system could come in handy).

[seinman]

Yeah... discounts vary from item to item (at least with what I'm able to get through my university). The basic MacBook gets a pretty sizable discount, the MacBook Pro gets about 10% off, and good luck getting much of anything off on a Mac Pro (sadly; there's some stuff that I'll be doing for doctoral research where having an octal core system could come in handy).

Discounts also vary from school to school. I went to an art school, which was probably 95% Macs. Most departments were 100% Macintosh, including labs and staff machines. If I logged in to the Apple Store through my school's website, the discounts were bigger than if my friend who went to a school with only about 5% Macs logged in through his school's site. They likely give the discounts based on how much your school spends on their computers. It also probably helped that my school had an on-campus Apple Store that was only for students of my school. The general public couldn't shop there, it even had big signs on the door to keep out the riffraff. It didn't have a genius bar, but you could get just about any Apple product there at a pretty decent discount.

Also, since the OP is in high school (at least i'm assuming, didn't they say they were 15?) it's less likely that there's a discount at all. I don't know firsthand, but I had heard people complaining on a forum once that Apple only gives discounts to college students. Here's a tip, though: find someone who can get a student discount, and have them buy the machine. Done and done.