Advice for a Mac Newb!

Starkicker

Hi Guys,

I realize that a thousand such threads will pop up thanks to the MBA, so here's mine!

I'm in need of a new laptop, my old standby finally bit the dust. I'm currently using my wife's laptop but she's made it clear that she doesn't like sharing so I have to get my own again

Now, I have no experience with recent Macs other that ooohing and ahhhing at the Apple Store. I plan to go back to school in September and was hoping to have a MacBook with me.

So my question is this: Should I buy the mid tier MacBook now, or wait until the back to school sales and buy then? I'm thinking that it might be wise to weight until May/June when there's another big Mac event and maybe they'll update the MacBooks then? At the very least I can get a free iPod or something in their back to school sales right?

Advice please? What would you all do? How long does it take to get a handle on OS X?

Eric0

I can't really speak to pricing as much. Personally I would wait till later in the year when they will have updated the processors on the Macbook's. As well, you will have a student ID so you will qualify for the educational discounts and the free iPod.

It is very easy to learn the basics of OSX. Hardest part is adjusting to the new workflow. What I mean by that is where all the folders are, how the software runs etc.

stephalee

I think it would probably be best to wait until you really need one. Just a hunch but I feel like they'll update something on the macbooks before you go back to school. Plus like you mentioned they always have that free ipod with purchase sale. As for adjusting time I just got my first mac in late december and feel pretty comfortable with it already. It's suprisingly easy (and fun) to get used to. cheers.

guytoronto

Buy a notebook when you need it. Don't need it now? Wait until you do.

Buy the notebook you need now. Don't buy the one you MIGHT use in a year or two. Don't overspend. Save money on the core hardware, and invest it in AppleCare, RAM, software, a backup harddrive, etc.

Don't cheap out on the notebook if you need the higher end model. You'll be kicking yourself in a couple of months.

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chas_m

All of the above posters are probably smarter than me, but I'm going to tell you to buy a MacBook now.

Because I know the value of a happy wife.

You can always sell it later (still under warranty) in the year if/when the MBs get an update. I bought my 2.16 C2D thinking I would be re-selling it when the next gen came out, only to find that it wasn't that big an update (and this BlackBook meets my needs really well) so I didn't. You may find yourself in the same situation.

If you do decide to wait, try to notice what times of the day your wife is least likely to use her machine, and confine your use to those times. Also, if you haven't already, you really should set up your own account.

PS. If you *really* want a happy wife, buy HER a new MacBook or MBA and take the old one for yourself. Your reputation among your wife's friends will "mysteriously" rise dramatically.

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chas_m

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rgray

Very wise!
About 30 seconds.

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screature

I must whole heartedly concur!! The only thing I would add is go to the refurb section of Apple's website MacBooks are there all the time and you can save some hard earned dollars.