Is getting the new macbook a good investment? Need comment from actual users.?
823579
Yes. I am a technology coordinator and I deal with both Apples and PCs everyday. They are not the same. Putting anti-virus software on a PC is not the same as getting a Macbook. The new Macbooks start at $1000 and are lightweight and compact, great for traveling. Compared to the smallest PC laptops, the Macbook is very affordable. \nYou will not have to worry about getting any viruses or spyware with the Macbook, and the glossy screen and long battery life make it great for watching movies while traveling.
1003389
The Apple MacBook could be the laptop your'e looking for. It may seem more expensive at first but it will last far longer for you as well as the lack of viruses, spyware, adware, trojans, etc. It also comes with a lot more applications and software than most windows-run laptops. I believe they're going to incorporate bootcamp soon so if you visit an apple store or something they can help you out with that as well. You can also get a 100 dollar student discount on the laptop through apple. The website below has all the specifications. any questions feel free to email me. I use both often and have a much easier time with the Macs as far as not having to do any maitenance for it.\n\nOh and it also comes with an application called Dashboard that Windows lacks. It's a program that has widgets and just a ton of  awesome stuff in general.
582401
I have a business that repair's and maintains computers. I own iMac's and powerbooks and use them as my choice of computer. Buy a PC so I can keep working. I have a steady customer base as long as microsoft keeps putting out their stuff. Apple updates their computers every quarter,or so it seems. you wait till fall for their new OS upgrade and then the next quarter a hardware change take your pick, jump on any time and remember no virus yet. I dont think they will change the macbook anytime soon but who knows. I recommend Mac's to all my family and freinds. Have fun.
768518
$50 a WEEK for an allowance?? That is crazy - you're already lucky there...\n\nIf you really want one, tell her you'll get a job and earn half. Then get a job and earn half. Don't do the "I'll pay you back once I get a job" bit, that is annoying. Put up the offer, get a job, and actually pay for half.\n\nYou could buy a great laptop new for under $700. Macs are overrated anyway. So if you cut the cost in half by not wasting your money on a MAC, and then OFFER to pay for half - get a good part time job and you can be playing on your new laptop within a month!
826971
Once Vista is actualy stable (assume 1-2 years post release) it will likely be a matter of openion. I've heard Vista has some pretty cool features, but MAC has always been a lot easyer to use and navigate.
1107881
Yes.  I used to be a PC user until I saw the light.  The great thing about Macs is that everything just works.  It's easy to use and I don't have to worry about viruses (Not as much as I would using a PC anyway).
947816
Macs are definitely a better machine if you look at the technical specs.  Esp. the new MacPro Books, they have dual Xeon Core Processors (the ones found in servers!!!).  Also they offer up to 16 GB of memory, for a laptop that is amazing!  But it all depends on what you want to use your machine for.  If you need to crunch numbers and process spreadsheet and data warehousing PCs are for you.  If you want a machine that runs beautifully and so smoothly like for Video artists, Musicians, and anybody who can appreciate a piece of technology that is also dually a piece of art than the Mac is for you.  One last thing to get really hooked up the MacPro Books (I mean Bluetooth keyboard, mouse, 23" HD panel, 16 GB RAM, 500 GB harddrive space, and the works)  you will have to spend about $5,900.  PCs are much cheaper, but if you look at the specs you will see why!
1039476
Mac with Intel is wonderful.  New Macbook laptop is sooo easy to use.  You have the option to run windows or tiger,  Software is simple, I am able to transfer my ipod between a windows computer and this laptop with no problems, so It handles some windows software with no issue.  Stick with a mac and stay away from the dark world of windows!!!
542961
Looks to me like if you want to buy new, you can get a MacMini 166 GHz Intel for around $799.  It looks pretty good.  The problem with the Mini is that without a monitor you can't do too much with it.  I think you also have to buy a keyboard and mouse.  All that should still be under $200 to fit in your budget unless you go crazy with it.\n\nIf you are wanting to go a little over budget you can get the 13" MacBook for $1099.  That way you have everything built in and wireless so you can surf from your local coffee shop or sports bar.\n\nEither way you won't be disappointed unless you are looking for a machine that has TONS of power in which case you will need to spend a little more and go with a higher end machine.\n*Computer prices based on The Apple store.
186080
I wouldn't turn my back on it. It always depends on price and anticipated use.\n\nThree of my friends have recently picked up a brand-name notebook, 1GB RAM, 100 GB hard drive, built in bluetooth and WiFi, DVD burner, Windows XP Home, AMD 1800 processor and 15 inch screen, external (USB) floppy. It has been selling here for US $999, no rebates. That's been the cash register price.\n\nIf what you are looking at is $200 less, I would say they are equivalent values.\n\nAs for use, yours is quite adequate for standard business use and home computing. For graphics manipulation or gaming it is a bit of a lightweight. If it's significantly cheaper, US $600 or less new from a good local store, I'd go with your selection. It sounds like yours is a respectable, competent machine. Only your preferences and pocketbook and availability in your area can say for sure.
1151561
Get the best Mac you can for your budget.  The MacBook should be sufficient for what you need.\n\nBut if you think the Mac is less vulnerable to spyware or viruses its just a matter of time.  If you carelessly surf and don't protect your machine, then the same thing will happen.  Windows is more vulnerable because it has such a larger audience for users and potential damage than Mac.  But there were major virus outbreaks a couple of weeks ago aimed at the Mac as well.
805907
Get the new Apple, it can run MS and it is WAAAYYYyyy better. That's my next buy.
1033588
i like compaq(same components as HP but cheaper) because i'm a student so i have a small budget. i think macs are sh1t. i have to use them at my school for math classes. I CANT STAND a 1 button mouse.
711917
You really should spend an extra $100 to get the Macbook. You can get software to make the mac turn into a PC and it is amazing, no spyware, the fastest computers ever, and they are extremely durable, I've dropped mine about 5 tiems and it has never broken once. Join Apple users and benefit! PC's are bad, Apple is good!!!!!!!!
499284
Apple gives pretty good discount to students, but i'm not sure about non-profit.  The student store is convieniently online.\n\nThe question of a MacBook Pro being good for video editing depends on your needs.  It is a good mobile solution, but doesn't leave you with much hard drive space to work with.  In my case, I have the 15" MacBook Pro with a 2.0 GHz Intel.....100 GB 7200 RPM hard drive.  I chose the 7200 because it's better for video, but my primary purpose was school, where i need to pull things up quickly and save quickly.  By the time the OS was installed, Final Cut Studio (everything = 46 GB installed), 12 GB of music, and a few pictures, i only had 20 Gig left for video!  For smaller projects, that's fine, but as for everything else, it's externa.  I usually edit at home anyways, because editing at school or whereever else I am doesn't work out.  I have to have my SD monitor and either my large speakers or my large headphones.  If you weren't mobile all the time like I am, i would recommend an iMac for your price range.  You get a lot more hard drive space, and a larger monitor for less money.
1184565
Get smart and buy a Macintosh.
259882
I suggest getting an Apple, its the preferred choice of designers. Of course, it all depends on what software you run, if you are running the Adobe suite of products then you are good with a Mac. \nAlso would suggest going in for the biggest screen size possible.\nHowever if you want to get a Windows product, I suggest going in for a 17" Dell(cause it's cheap!! and sturdy!) That said however please consider the weight of bigger screens before purchasing. Any thing above 5.5 pounds is heavy.