purchasing one. Times are tough, however I am still very interested in getting a MacBook Pro. Along with my laptop, I want to purchase Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop. With all of these combined, I'm looking at a hefty bill.
Apple offers an education discount so that reduces my costs, but then I'd like to add memory since I always run out. My total not including software purchases will be $1089. And even though that's a great price for what I want... Is it really worth the huge splurge?
Part of me is considering just getting a temporary laptop from a different brand because I'm uncomfortable with spending over $1000 on a computer. The only time I ever spent over $1000 was when I paid my security deposit for my apartment.
My question is, in your opinion, is a Mac worth the splurge or will I be satisfied with a different brand? If so, what brand/style?
Christina,
ReplyDeleteI found you through LiveLoveDIY and my actual job is in IT. I don't know if you splurged already or not, but I will tell you, I've worked with both platforms for a number of years, and it really all boils down to personal preference. I like them both and there are positives and negatives to both. Right now, I would steer anyone away from Windows 8. I know they will be making some improvements with the next version of Windows, but 8 is really difficult to get used to if you are not super computer savvy. It's a good idean in theory, but not the most efficient operating system. That being said, I LOVE Windows 7, so if you can get a PC with Windows 7 still on it, you're golden with any PC. I am an HP fan for all PC use, or HP or Lenovo for a good solid laptop. Macs are definitely worth every penny--the hardware is solid and so is the operating system. Macs and Adobe don't tend to get along well (surprisingly), but most people do not have too many issues if they are not super heavy users. Just depends on what you are doing. We use both at work, so I've seen some weird issues, but I think most computers and Adobe get along just fine.
Also, if you need office, but don't want to foot the bill--Open Office is a free download and runs on both mac and pc. It also is compatible and has the same functionality as Office without having to pay the office cost. It works great--I use it on all my computers at home and have no issues with work documents at all.
Sorry to talk your ear off--hope this helps. :)
Thanks Serendipity for all of your feedback! I have not splurged yet... I think if I get a summer school position I applied for then I will buy a Mac and if I don't then I will settle with something else (but maybe try for a Windows 7).
ReplyDeleteDo you use Publisher a lot? I may not even need Photoshop because Publisher has been helpful for most of my needs for my teacher pay teachers account. Does a publisher type program come with open office? I have used Open Office before, but can't remember if it comes as an individual document program or as a bundle of programs (like PowerPoint, Excel, Etc).
Also, thanks for taking the time to look at my blog. I saw I was linked up on your blog yesterday and I really appreciate it!!!
You are welcome! I'm happy to help.
ReplyDeleteOpen Office has Draw which is a lot like Publisher. I haven't used it much but I looked at it just now and it does have a bunch of the same types of functions. The other bonus about Mac's is that it comes with tons of creative software without having to purchase anything extra. So you pay a little more upfront, but possibly as much as you would have paid to buy all the software anyway, so I feel like it evens out.
Thanks for visiting my blog. Yours is a gem and I was happy to link it! :)
Fingers crossed for your summer school position!
Thanks for all your help, Serendipity!
ReplyDelete