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Comparable laptop to a MBP - Free XL Jiberish.

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galaxia
Posts: 307 - Karma: 697
Starting Grad School. Would like to invest in a laptop. Looking for a durable, reliable, quality laptop. Obvious choice seems to be a MBP. I am comforted by their reputation as being reliable and long lasting There must be some alternatives.

Since I know dick about computers, I will use the base MBP as a spec benchmark. So for around 1000 dollars, I can get a 13 inch laptop with 4 gig memory, 500 gig hard drive, 2.5 gHz processor.

I dont play computer games, dont want a touch screen. Just want a no-frills, excellent laptop that I can use for presentations, word processing, minor video editing (for said presentations) and using social media/music.

Let me know what you dudes think! If you give me a good idea, and I go with it, Ill mail you a Jiberish Windbreaker. So help me to help you
May 12 2014 3:21PM
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MLJ
Posts: 1849 - Karma: 3,649
If you are willing to pay 1000+ for said laptop, a MBP would be a pretty good deal for you as they look great and work even better. They are easy to use and will last forever, this is written off of a 4.5 year old (early 2010 model) MBP so I would know!

If you want something cheaper, I am sure one of the anti-mac people on here will chime in and enlighten you a bit.
May 12 2014 3:24PM
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stupendous-man
Posts: 8637 - Karma: 13,293
I picked up a 15" asus vivobook earlier in the school year for $700, it has 6gb RAM, 500mb hard drive + 30gb ssd, Intel i5 @1.7ghz. My only complaint is that the processor is kinda slow, but it's nice overall. it has a 10-point touchscreen (actually super useful sometimes), 5 hour battery life, aluminum case. looks pretty rad too.
May 12 2014 4:05PM
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eheath
Posts: 61098 - Karma: 118,247
You didn't exactly state a budget... Or what you would actually be using the laptop for. If you're only doing word processing and internet browsing, I would get the cheapest MBP possible.


But, the 15" mbps are very nice but they're $2000

If I were you, I'd check out the refurb section on apples website, lots of good deals.
May 12 2014 4:11PM
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arnie_grape
Posts: 3429 - Karma: 11,385
pc will be cheaper for what you're doing.

for example this one is pretty dope, only 700 bucks.
http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/acer-aspire-v5-15-6-laptop-black-intel-core-i5-4200u-1tb-hdd-10gb-ram-windows-8-1-v5-561g-6894/10284460.aspx?path=074feb331f9e6adadeee75644feeee07en02

if you're really simple I'd recommend spending the extra money but if not pc will be cheaper and you'll probably get more out of it.
May 12 2014 4:16PM
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arnie_grape
Posts: 3429 - Karma: 11,385
poohpc will be cheaper for what you're doing.

for example this one is pretty dope, only 700 bucks.
http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/acer-aspire-v5-15-6-laptop-black-intel-core-i5-4200u-1tb-hdd-10gb-ram-windows-8-1-v5-561g-6894/10284460.aspx?path=074feb331f9e6adadeee75644feeee07en02

if you're really simple I'd recommend spending the extra money but if not pc will be cheaper and you'll probably get more out of it.


also if you get a pc try and find someone who can put windows 7 on it because windows 8 is bunk as fuck
May 12 2014 4:20PM
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theBearJew
Posts: 10951 - Karma: 15,633
poohalso if you get a pc try and find someone who can put windows 7 on it because windows 8 is bunk as fuck


This so much.

But for the specs you said you want in a MBP you can get a better laptop for 1000 that is a PC.

There are plenty with double the RAM and double the hard drive that you are gonna get for 1000 on a MBP. All just depends on your PC brand preference. Lenovo has some for around 700 with a 1 TB hardrive and 8 GB of ram.
May 12 2014 4:38PM
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Ribss.
Posts: 3442 - Karma: 3,344
Just get the MBP. A PC is only worth it if you want to game. Oh, and that 4 gigs of memory is actually 4 gigs of RAM, which allow you to video edit more quickly. Those specs are fine though honestly and for what you want to do just get the Mac.
May 12 2014 5:02PM
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Ribss.
Posts: 3442 - Karma: 3,344
poohalso if you get a pc try and find someone who can put windows 7 on it because windows 8 is bunk as fuck


Double post but if you do get a PC with windows 8 just download a mod to make it look like windows 7, there are actually some performance enhancements that come from windows 8.
May 12 2014 5:04PM
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Nacho+
Posts: 3748 - Karma: 7,791
Ribss.Just get the MBP. A PC is only worth it if you want to game. Oh, and that 4 gigs of memory is actually 4 gigs of RAM, which allow you to video edit more quickly. Those specs are fine though honestly and for what you want to do just get the Mac.


I'd just get the MBP too. This is what I was thinking would be my answer to the question. If I really wanted to get into gaming I would get a PC, but a MBP is just so easy to operate and everything works well.
May 12 2014 5:08PM
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Rachy
Posts: 4355 - Karma: 2,761
Unless you are dealing with photos, video, or design, you would do well with the 13 in macbook air. Check for a refurb one. Basically get the cheapest refurb and get apple care on it. If you do this, you are guaranteed it will last at least 3 years. Also, apple doesn't actually refurbish their products, they sell open box/display items. I just got my 15 in Macbook Pro 24% off since it had been a display product (these almost always are the 20 - 25% off ones). That discount more than made up for the purchase of apple care. It was $1800 after tax and shipping. The same new was $2200 after tax and shipping. Apple care was $326. Same computer, $75 off with a 3 year warranty. And at the end of the warranty, if nothing has happened you can pretty much just request they change out the battery for you to make up for the cost.

The reason I say air over pro is personally, I'd only get the 13 inch if I was just editing photos and did occasional simple video edits. Anything more than that and the 15 inch is the way to go. If you don't intend to travel with it, get an imac or a pc desktop.

But it sounds like you'll be taking it with you all the time. The air weighs nothing. It's durable. It's cheaper. You'll appreciate that when you are carrying 3 huge text books at 8pm.
May 12 2014 6:10PM
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LiquorLanch
Posts: 1909 - Karma: 1,046
Macbook air seems to be your best bet. I have a 13" retina macbook and it was well worth the money. At first i was a little apprehensive about spending that kind of cash but it's so damn useful. It's got an HDMI port so i can very easily link up to other monitors and see my work in full. It's also so fucking fast due to the SSD drive or whatever apple calls them. From off to on, it takes like 45 seconds to fully turn on and connect to the internets
May 12 2014 6:23PM
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galaxia
Posts: 307 - Karma: 697
stupendous-manI picked up a 15" asus vivobook earlier in the school year for $700, it has 6gb RAM, 500mb hard drive + 30gb ssd, Intel i5 @1.7ghz. My only complaint is that the processor is kinda slow, but it's nice overall. it has a 10-point touchscreen (actually super useful sometimes), 5 hour battery life, aluminum case. looks pretty rad too.


what did you specifically like about the touchscreen? It is possible that I am overlooking some advantages haha.

poohpc will be cheaper for what you're doing.

for example this one is pretty dope, only 700 bucks.
http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/acer-aspire-v5-15-6-laptop-black-intel-core-i5-4200u-1tb-hdd-10gb-ram-windows-8-1-v5-561g-6894/10284460.aspx?path=074feb331f9e6adadeee75644feeee07en02

if you're really simple I'd recommend spending the extra money but if not pc will be cheaper and you'll probably get more out of it.


Do you have any experience with the above model? I am digging that. My only worry with PC is the dependability issue - heard about people who have had PCs and they just burnnn through em haha. Also fun fact, the MacBook I am using to type this is from 2007

RachyUnless you are dealing with photos, video, or design, you would do well with the 13 in macbook air. Check for a refurb one. Basically get the cheapest refurb and get apple care on it. If you do this, you are guaranteed it will last at least 3 years. Also, apple doesn't actually refurbish their products, they sell open box/display items. I just got my 15 in Macbook Pro 24% off since it had been a display product (these almost always are the 20 - 25% off ones). That discount more than made up for the purchase of apple care. It was $1800 after tax and shipping. The same new was $2200 after tax and shipping. Apple care was $326. Same computer, $75 off with a 3 year warranty. And at the end of the warranty, if nothing has happened you can pretty much just request they change out the battery for you to make up for the cost.

The reason I say air over pro is personally, I'd only get the 13 inch if I was just editing photos and did occasional simple video edits. Anything more than that and the 15 inch is the way to go. If you don't intend to travel with it, get an imac or a pc desktop.

But it sounds like you'll be taking it with you all the time. The air weighs nothing. It's durable. It's cheaper. You'll appreciate that when you are carrying 3 huge text books at 8pm.


I have looked at the airs, and my problem is that for only like 200 more dollars, I can get a MBP. I figure the investment is worth a more solid computer. Is that a safe thing to assume? Or is the flash storage actaully more durable because there are no moving parts?
May 12 2014 6:49PM
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edai
Posts: 4983 - Karma: 4,632
Listen when you buy a computer in store they will tell you "The average life of the laptop is 2 years" This isnt 100% accurate, but its not something they just made up. Most laptops, Asus, HP, Dell, etc. will have one or more components either break off completely or become innactive due to a number of reasons. Personally for what you need I'd say buy a Macbook off the refurbished section of Apples site, itll last you 4 years and OS X will do more than what you need, if its not your style, its a cakewalk to install Windows 7/8 on a Macbook, whereas it wouldnt work the other way around.
May 12 2014 6:56PM
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ethanfrayne
Posts: 190 - Karma: 1,196
Check out the dell xps 15z. Very similar to a macbook build but not the price. I7, 8gb ram. Its design is very similar for a great price. Hope it helps! Sounds like it would be a perfect fit for you!
May 12 2014 6:57PM
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acualywasdolan
Posts: 1172 - Karma: -747
Dell or gtfo
May 12 2014 7:00PM
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arnie_grape
Posts: 3429 - Karma: 11,385
galaxiaDo you have any experience with the above model? I am digging that. My only worry with PC is the dependability issue - heard about people who have had PCs and they just burnnn through em haha. Also fun fact, the MacBook I am using to type this is from 2007


I have an asus like that one, I bought it a year ago for $100 more and mine only has 8gb of ram and a 750gb harddrive. I love it.

but back in late november I had it in my backpack with sunscreen and the sunscreen bottle leaked which fucked up the screen a little and corroded the hinges. its like a zombie computer now but it still runs amazing. so they're indestructible as well.
May 12 2014 7:03PM
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Ribss.
Posts: 3442 - Karma: 3,344
galaxiawhat did you specifically like about the touchscreen? It is possible that I am overlooking some advantages haha.



In class, when you don't want to use a mouse, having a touchscreen would be handy for navigation. On a PC this really is a benefit because PC laptop mouse pads are nowhere as good as Mac laptop mouse pads. Another reason to get the MBP. I'm a huge advocate of PC's, but in your situation it just seems like the obvious option.
May 12 2014 7:14PM
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galaxia
Posts: 307 - Karma: 697
you guys think 128 g of flash storage is enough for a day to day use computer?
May 12 2014 7:32PM
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yasgur99
Posts: 402 - Karma: 955
galaxiayou guys think 128 g of flash storage is enough for a day to day use computer?


Luckily, I work at apple

I'd recommend getting the non-retina. First off, its cheaper, and despite the fact that the new one has a very sharp screen, its not worth the money. In addition, the retina doesn't have a disk drive. I have the regular 13 inch and its great. Ive had it since it came out and its functioning amazingly. I use it for photo editing, and video making, school, work, and personal needs. Couldn't be happier with it.

PC's are shit. They are slower to start, and last not nearly as long. So glad I made the switch

I recommend a MBP 13in with:
2.5GHz Dual-core Intel Core i5, Turbo Boost up to 3.1GHz
8GB 1600MHz DDR3 SDRAM — 2x4GB
500GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm

Total: $1300
(If your school is on apple, you will get a discount)

PM me with any other questions
May 12 2014 7:42PM
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Lucas
Posts: 4877 - Karma: 1,520
yasgur99PC's are shit. They are slower to start, and last not nearly as long. So glad I made the switch

You keep telling yourself that bud.
Just because you owned a shit box dell from 2001 doesn't mean all PC's are shit. In all actuality some of the newer Lenovo's or Asus' will be just as good as your MAC, if not better.
(this is coming from someone currently on a mac)
May 12 2014 7:46PM
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raymondcabral
Posts: 747 - Karma: 1,094
I have a Dell Inspiron 15r and this thing kills it. Super well built, and super fast. it has 8 gigs of ram, 1000tb hdd and a core i7 processor. Windows 8 takes some getting used to, but I actually kinda like it. The touchcreen is super nice and responsive as well.

I didn't want a touchscreen either, and was looking at the Lenovo y410p. It has similar specs and is also about 700$.

But yeah. I really like my computer as a low frills workhorse. This thing kills it for video/photo editing too. The battery also lasts just as long as my friend's $1500 macbook
May 12 2014 7:49PM
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yasgur99
Posts: 402 - Karma: 955
LucasYou keep telling yourself that bud.
Just because you owned a shit box dell from 2001 doesn't mean all PC's are shit. In all actuality some of the newer Lenovo's or Asus' will be just as good as your MAC, if not better.
(this is coming from someone currently on a mac)


Look at the # of PC users to # of MAC users.
http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2010/09/21/mac-vs-windows-tracking-the-customer-satisfaction-gap/

Agreed that PC are getting better, but they still aren't quite there. The operating system has been improved dramatically, but the physical longevity suffers, and so does the internal longevity relative to MAC
May 12 2014 7:52PM
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Lucas
Posts: 4877 - Karma: 1,520
yasgur99Look at the # of PC users to # of MAC users.
http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2010/09/21/mac-vs-windows-tracking-the-customer-satisfaction-gap/

Agreed that PC are getting better, but they still aren't quite there. The operating system has been improved dramatically, but the physical longevity suffers, and so does the internal longevity relative to MAC


Meh, Apple focuses on customer service way more than any other PC brand so the satisfaction could be contributed more to the service rather than the actually build quality (not saying that PC customer service is bad, or that Apple build quality isn't top notch.) Also, that could be contributed to the fact the Apple interface is so much simpler than any Windows interface so the average user will be happier because they will not struggle with as many problems that an experienced user wouldn't encounter. On top of that, there really aren't cheap MACs so if someone pays $300 for a computer and it shits the bed in 2 years there obviously going to be less satisfied than someone who drops $2000 on a computer that lasts 5 years. Another problem I have with this data is that it groups all PC providers together which doesn't provide a very good picture because you have a couple shitbox companies bringing the rest down.

Finally, someone who buys an Apple product is usually the type of person who tries to justify it as much as possible because they know it is overpriced. This will lead to people reporting high satisfaction scores because they want to justify spending $2,000 on a computer that has the specs of $1,500 priced competitor.

But hey, if you drop $2,000 on a nice Lenovo, Asus, or whatever and still have problems with the quality, feel free to let us know.
May 12 2014 8:10PM
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theBearJew
Posts: 10951 - Karma: 15,633
yasgur99Look at the # of PC users to # of MAC users.
http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2010/09/21/mac-vs-windows-tracking-the-customer-satisfaction-gap/

Agreed that PC are getting better, but they still aren't quite there. The operating system has been improved dramatically, but the physical longevity suffers, and so does the internal longevity relative to MAC


What about PC operating systems have improved dramatically? Windows 8 was a huge step back.


And to your comment about Macs lasting longer than PCs, I have a desktop that still works from 2003, ran a laptop for 4.5 years before replacing it, and using this one for 3.5 years with no issues.
May 12 2014 8:14PM
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galaxia
Posts: 307 - Karma: 697
really want to get this back on track ahah

Im super torn between the Air and the Pro. Wondering if 128 SSD is enough for day to day use in your opinion.

Im kinda thinking about geting the 13 inch MBP, staying at 4gb RAM, but upgrading to 128 SSD. How do you feel about taht combo?

Furthermore, do you know the difference btwn the SSD and PCle-based flash storage
May 12 2014 8:18PM
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eheath
Posts: 61098 - Karma: 118,247
galaxiareally want to get this back on track ahah

Im super torn between the Air and the Pro. Wondering if 128 SSD is enough for day to day use in your opinion.

Im kinda thinking about geting the 13 inch MBP, staying at 4gb RAM, but upgrading to 128 SSD. How do you feel about taht combo?

Furthermore, do you know the difference btwn the SSD and PCle-based flash storage


If you have the money, go 240gb


I was torn between a 13" MBPr and 13" mb air. The 1.7ghz i-7 air is just as powerful as the low end 13" MBPr. The MB air has a longer battery life, runs cooler, lighter, smaller, etc. Only thing you dont get on the air is the hdmi port. Both have usb3, thunderbolt and the 13" retina screen is a joke, i compared the 13" air with a 13" retina and they look the same.
May 12 2014 9:11PM
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ethanfrayne
Posts: 190 - Karma: 1,196
galaxiareally want to get this back on track ahah

Im super torn between the Air and the Pro. Wondering if 128 SSD is enough for day to day use in your opinion.

Im kinda thinking about geting the 13 inch MBP, staying at 4gb RAM, but upgrading to 128 SSD. How do you feel about taht combo?

Furthermore, do you know the difference btwn the SSD and PCle-based flash storage


Next to skiing, computers are my next biggest passion. For the most part, people will use an ssd as their "boot drive". This means it will have windows and boot files so their computer can boot up VERY fast. A 7200rpm drive is also fast, just not as fast as an ssd. Since this will be your school computer I would DEFINANTLY say more storage over am ssd all the way. 128gb is NOT enough storage for schoolwork or any kind of work for that matter. And since you will be using this for school, and ssd would really not give you any advantage over a moving drive other than boot time. In conclusion, 128 is WAY too small, only advantage with an ssd is boot time, and I would HIGHLY recommend you to not get the ssd and opt for a big conventional hard drive. Reply to me please with any further questions and I will be glad to help you:)
May 12 2014 9:16PM
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yasgur99
Posts: 402 - Karma: 955
100% agreed that the screen has no major difference. At this point, I'd go with the air. If u are looking to save some $ I'd go with the 128, but To tell you the truth, I help a hell of a lot ton more students and they end up going with the 256 air over the retina.
May 12 2014 9:19PM
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yasgur99
Posts: 402 - Karma: 955
SSD and Flash are both solid state, but they are virtually the same despite that flash gives you a quicker, smoother, more flawless experience.
May 12 2014 9:27PM
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galaxia
Posts: 307 - Karma: 697
As far as getting a refurb goes, does an Air made in 2012 vary greatly from a Air made in 2013, if the specs are the same? its all the same hardware right?
May 12 2014 9:39PM
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Caleb.E
Posts: 3556 - Karma: 1,014
yeah save your self some money and dont buy apple, for what your looking todo any computer will do you fine and if u treat it right any computer will last for ever.
May 12 2014 9:43PM
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yasgur99
Posts: 402 - Karma: 955
Very much the same. It the classic longer battery addition. A better processer as well. And a different RAM component. I see very slight differences in person with the processer/RAM, but it is true to get 2-3 more hrs on the 2013 vs the 2012. I'd go for the 2012 because of price.

Here's a quick link to compare/contrast
http://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/macbook-air-2012-vs-macbook-air-2013/#!MTJpp
May 12 2014 9:47PM
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TNORTS
Posts: 2076 - Karma: 2,753
theBearJewWhat about PC operating systems have improved dramatically? Windows 8 was a huge step back.


Please tell me more about how windows 8 is shit. My workflow has gotten way faster since making the switch. It also out performs windows 7. There is a difference between not liking an OS because you suck at using it and not liking an OS because it doesn't perform well and hinders workflow.
May 12 2014 9:58PM
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skier58284
Posts: 1705 - Karma: 5,365
Asus and Toshiba generally make the best laptops. Asus laptops have really bad keyboards (good enough to use when travelling, but you'll want a separate uSB keyboard when at home), but all laptops do to some extent. Their touchpads are kinda bad too, but not horrible. Those two things are really their only flaws. I don't have personal experience with Toshiba, but they're one of the highest regarded brands (along with Asus). No matter what brand you go with, I would recommend getting a separate USB mouse and keyboard. The cheap Logitech ones at walmart work fine, there's not really any reason to pay more than that for a mouse or keyboard.

Keep in mind you can get a better desktop for less money than a laptop, so if you don't need a computer that you can bring with you, a desktop is a better choice. Whether you buy a desktop or laptop, I would recommend the same two brands.
May 12 2014 9:58PM
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yasgur99
Posts: 402 - Karma: 955
Sh4dowAsus and Toshiba generally make the best laptops. Asus laptops have really bad keyboards (good enough to use when travelling, but you'll want a separate uSB keyboard when at home), but all laptops do to some extent. Their touchpads are kinda bad too, but not horrible. Those two things are really their only flaws. I don't have personal experience with Toshiba, but they're one of the highest regarded brands (along with Asus). No matter what brand you go with, I would recommend getting a separate USB mouse and keyboard. The cheap Logitech ones at walmart work fine, there's not really any reason to pay more than that for a mouse or keyboard.

Keep in mind you can get a better desktop for less money than a laptop, so if you don't need a computer that you can bring with you, a desktop is a better choice. Whether you buy a desktop or laptop, I would recommend the same two brands.


I dont wanna step out of place, however its a bad Idea for a student to get a desktop. It limits you to only work at home/wherever the student is living. They cannot use it for notes, nor can they surf ns during school
May 12 2014 10:03PM
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Rachy
Posts: 4355 - Karma: 2,761
Air doesn't come with retina. Unless you are a design or arts student, the normal screen is great. I prefer non retina because 90% of the internet looks better. I'm a web/app developer though, so I need to build for retina.

On a 13 in you are basically looking at pro or air. If I wanted something for school, i'ld go air. 128 GB is a lot. I'm a developer and I have 256gb ssd. Reasoning... So much faster and these days I prefer to do cloud storage for media so I can access from anything. But that's me. I have a 500 ssd for backups for time machine. I keep around 50gb of stuff on my computer. 300gb of movies/music + backups on external.

If you are going to go pro, i'ld still go refurb because the discount is more than student and you WANT apple care which is about $300 but you can buy anytime the first year and it's good even on refurb products meaning you are promised at least 3 years.

I learned the hard way. First mbp, apple care. Dropped down cement stairs, still works but it's 8 years old and too outdated for my work. It's now a media/friend computer. Mbp2 made it 2.5 years before the GPU went. Apple refuses to recognize it. It's a $700 fix. If I had bout refurb/AppleCare, it would have cost me nothing and I would have a laptop I could sell now for $800 - $1000... Since I didn't have AppleCare I decided to just buy a new refurb. Now in 2 years I can still sell for $1000 or so and it will still have a year warranty left on it.

I'ld still go air if you aren't doing video/graphic work.
May 12 2014 11:05PM
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Dr.Dealgood
Posts: 2587 - Karma: 1,352
yasgur99Look at the # of PC users to # of MAC users.
http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2010/09/21/mac-vs-windows-tracking-the-customer-satisfaction-gap/

Agreed that PC are getting better, but they still aren't quite there. The operating system has been improved dramatically, but the physical longevity suffers, and so does the internal longevity relative to MAC



You are so full of shit. Just fucking full of it.

PC's not quite there? Do you think fucking NASA or any high end research facility uses Mac? No. They don't. PC are the industry standard for rigorous computing (save for some graphic areas, which is debatable even then). I'll take any Falcon Northwest computer over any Mac any day of the year.

The new Mac cases and their internal architecture make it painful to swap parts upgrade anything except memory, etc way more difficult than it should be.

The computing power you get from a Mac per dollar is woeful compared to that of a PC.

But if wonderful aesthetics and ultra premium prices are your thing -- get a Mac.
May 12 2014 11:14PM
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*SID*
Posts: 3133 - Karma: 975
What are you going to be doing in grad school? If it's something like 3D modeling or video editing you're going to want something better than a MBP. If it's just for taking notes, doing homework, etc. then yeah, a MBP is perfectly fine.
May 12 2014 11:20PM
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chicken
Posts: 6843 - Karma: 2,122
galaxiadick


haha
May 12 2014 11:47PM
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cool_name
Posts: 4295 - Karma: 3,131
take that 1000, and spend 500 of it on a computer today, and then in 2-5 years buy a replacement one

or the more appealing option, spend the saved money on beer/food/rent/vacation etc

if you need a computer worth more than 1000, you dont need to ask for advice.
May 12 2014 11:51PM
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Phil-X-
Posts: 7205 - Karma: 14,399
Also going to say 13" mbp. On a mid 2009 right now and it runs great. My parents have an 11inch air, so i cant really speak for the 13, but I would stick with the pro because it just seems sturdier and less toy-like
May 13 2014 12:01AM
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Phil-X-
Posts: 7205 - Karma: 14,399
Dr.Dealgoodany high end research facility uses Mac? No.


Um, up until 2012/13 apple had an entire webpage dedicated to their branch of equipment dedicated to high end scientific computing. They only got rid of it because theyre way more profitable selling consumer electronics like iphones and MBPs. The new mac pro is still an amazing option for people working with large visual data rendering and shit
May 13 2014 12:23AM
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Lé.Skiing
Posts: 10035 - Karma: 8,122
if you check out Used PC's I bought a Sony Vaio that was like 4-5 months old when I got it normally like $1200 bought it for $400 just because the student bought it and wanted a mbp instead. Just cause it was apple. I have now had this laptop for like 3 years and its still awesome I have The adobe master collection. but for what you're looking for I would say a MBP would be the easiest thing. Just try and pick up a used one or something might be able to find one cheap if you're into a deal. One word of advice is to always just check everything out before you pay for it. you never know, just like turn it on plug the laptop in and make sure the charger works and main stuff like that. If you can afford to buy a brand new I would also suggest that. or if you have a futureshop or best buy check out open box MBP's cause sometimes they can drop the price of an open box item because they are harder to sell.
May 13 2014 12:25AM
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Lucas
Posts: 4877 - Karma: 1,520
The referenced post has been removed.


Your Completely missing the point of his original post though. OP was just replying to some jackass talking about how PC's aren't on the same level as Mac's and to back up his point that, in fact, they are, he talked about how no big companies rely on Mac's.

Although, I would say this has to do more with the fact that there are a lot less softwares that you can run on a Mac in comparison to that of a PC.
May 13 2014 12:49AM
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DIPED_IN_SAUCE
Posts: 858 - Karma: 2,256
OK, go to best buy.

Look in the cage thing in the back of the laptop department- this cage is spoken about in hushed tones

this cage is full of returned "open box" laptops

It is also full of magic and deals



I got a$750 samsung Ativ book 4 for $500, plus a bunch of goodies.

5ooGB with 8GB ram, and a good graphics card.
May 13 2014 12:52AM
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deleted5
Posts: 14507 - Karma: 13,500
the one that plays runescape
May 13 2014 12:54AM
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Lucas
Posts: 4877 - Karma: 1,520
The referenced post has been removed.


*wooooooosh*
May 13 2014 1:15AM
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chicken
Posts: 6843 - Karma: 2,122
Phil-X-Um, up until 2012/13 apple had an entire webpage dedicated to their branch of equipment dedicated to high end scientific computing.


May 13 2014 1:18AM
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skier58284
Posts: 1705 - Karma: 5,365
yasgur99I dont wanna step out of place, however its a bad Idea for a student to get a desktop. It limits you to only work at home/wherever the student is living. They cannot use it for notes, nor can they surf ns during school


Potentially, yes. I just mentioned it because I don't know OP's exact situation. A lot of classes don't allow computers for notes, and even if they do, computers aren't really ideal because of diagrams, etc. Of course there are other advantages to laptops, but it really depends on the details of OP's situation.
May 13 2014 1:22AM
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