Do you think MacBook 11inch would be good for Nursing School? Or is it too small?

[NRRN,IWP]

I like the 11 inch MacBook laptop because I think it is very light and easy to get in my purse or backpack. Very light weight and just very practical but what do you guys think? Let me know :)

[VivaLaVespaGirl, BSN, MSN]

I have spent years working on and administering/supporting PC's, but I am a Mac user at home. You simply cannot beat a Mac for stability and reliability. It is worth it to me to spend the extra money and not have to deal with the headache. It's just a bonus that they last so long. The only thing I have had to do to my 4-year old Macbook Pro and 3-year old iMac is upgrade the memory. Where I would have reformatted and reinstalled the OS on a PC multiple times in that number of years, I have not had a single reason to do it to either of my Macs despite multiple in-place OS upgrades.

[Dranger]

Good day:

I came from the IT world (almost 3 decades), and Consumer Reports year after year after year (without fail) rates Apple products not only at the highest quality, the highest customer service, the best warranty, and the best repair rates. Not a single PC manufacturer comes close to the ratings. Phones aside, I think the reason for people choosing to get an Apple for a computer is due to decades of track records which have yet to be beat.

As for me, I've a PC desktop (which when it goes will be replaced by an Apple MacBook; I'm still researching which one), an iPad, and an android phone. So I read you on the technology melting pot. I built my desktop from scratch; and while it was an interesting lesson to go through, it like the Dell's, HP's, Compaq's, etc. that I've owned in the past doesn't match experientially to what I hear from my fellow Apple users (hence, when it goes, Apple will get my business from then on unless they start losing on Consumer Reports win after win after win after win after win after win -- get the picture?).

Thank you.

That's funny I can build a PC that can blow any Mac out of the water performance and capability wise for half the cost. For anyone who knows a a tiny bit about technology, a Mac is just a money sinkhole.

My hardware alone in my desktop (used for high end gaming and editing) surpasses Mac power 3-4x easily. Behind that shiny aluminum are the same Chinese parts used in EVERY computer

[Dranger]

I've had my Compaq Presario PC since 2003. It is still going strong.

I've had my HP laptop since 2008. It is still going strong.

Besides, if the $399 laptop crashes and burns a few years after you own it, obtaining another $399 laptop would still be cheaper than spending thousands on an Apple/Mac. However, I agree that Apple products rate highest for reliability.

The issue with most people is they don't know how to maintain their PC thus it inevitably fails within a few years. Macs are made "stupid" proof but for a hefty price tag and gimped because they are closed source software, but for the masses who don't care about money they work well....I guess.

[la_chica_suerte85, BSN, RN]

Too small. I'm old now and I can't see on that tiny of a screen. I would recommend an iPad since you can increase the size of the font at will. But, if you don't have a problem with that, then that's cool. Just would be hard to write papers on, as others have mentioned. I like being able to spread out on my screen and have multiple windows open, especially with the Mendeley app I've been using. Otherwise, why not get the 11"?

[pmabraham, BSN, RN]

Good day:

Since we have decades of Consumer Reports (3rd party validation) of the value of Apple laptops, I think we can get back to the discussion at hand. From what I understand, testing the 11" and 13" at Best Buy or in the Apple store is the best way to go. Last night I read Two months with the MacBook Air 2013 | Bill Bennett and I'm leaning towards the 13" myself, but need to spend a little time with both to get a feel if the 2" smaller would be that much more portable.

Thank you.

[NRRN,IWP]

so true!

[NRRN,IWP]

Thank you all!

[OCNRN63, RN]

I think the 11" mac air would be fine. Go with the base model. 4GB Ram and I5 processor.

Use the $100 difference between the 11" and 13" model towards a 21" - 23" monitor or laser printer for home.

You can also get a discount as a student from Apple if you are enrolled in a college/university. I got discounts on both of my MacBooks. Check to see if they still have the discounted or free printer to go with it.

I switched from using a PC to Mac a long time ago; it's much easier to use than a PC, IMO. Apple offers free classes as well as one-on-one training, and their teleph. support is very good.

​I think a MacBook would be fine as your only computer. I do quite a bit of writing, and I've never needed a desktop. They even have "Office Mac" which makes writing very simple.

[OCNRN63, RN]

Yep. I'd rather get a $399 Toshiba laptop or a $599 HP laptop instead of spending thousands on one Mac. For the life of me I will never understand the brand-name obsession with Apple products.

LOL...you just named two brands. And I never understand people who throw money at crummy products that crash and die shortly after you buy them.

[jnichox2]

I am not in an actual program, but I am taking my pre-reqs. Any laptop or desktop will do the trick. As long as it windows or OS X with a word processing software. I personally find the laptop in the classroom a distraction. If your on a budget there is nothing wrong with a laptop, netbook, etc. But if your willing to spend the money by all means go for the macbook.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

If an 11 inch MacBook is the computer you have, it will be perfect for nursing school. You (or your parents) are about to incur the debt of nursing school. Do you really need more debt to get a different computer?

[NRRN,IWP]

Thank you! ?