I'm in the market for a computer right now and I have decided to buy either a Macbook Air or a Macbook Pro. So far, the feedback I have gotten back from my friends has seemed a bit biased. Since many of my friends are gamers, they've said I should go with the Macbook Pro, but I don't want to spend more than I have to.
I'm currently borrowing my sister's Dell laptop until I buy my own this coming semester. I'm leaning more towards a Macbook Air because of the light weight, portability and speed. I am not a very tech-savvy person, I don't game or anything like that. On the computer I am currently using, I have never needed to use the CD-Drive, so I'm really wondering if I'll actually miss not having one if I do decide on a Macbook Air.
This computer is really going to be about getting me through school. I don't need "top of the line" and I am all about practicality right now. If I decide to get a decked out Macbook of any kind, it'll be after I graduate and begin making real money.
I read an earlier post on this topic on this website where more than a few nursing students stated that while they liked their MacBook Pro's, they had more computer than they really needed. I plan on doing my school work, writing papers, research, and surfing the web.
Do you have a Macbook Air? Do you miss the CD-Drive?
Specializes in public health, women's health, reproductive health.
I have a MacBook Pro. I had a computer without a CD drive before (in my first semester of nursing school) and it was a problem for me. If you don't care, though, I'm sure the Air will suit you just fine.
I use a mac now, but I would have to agree with what @acmj wrote. If you are using the laptop for taking notes, doing research, writing papers, and surfing the web, a pc will definitely do the job and save you a lot of money while you are in school. All the best to you!
I have a Pro, but I want to get an Air. I like that it's lighter and more portable, and I SO rarely need a CD drive (really, only for music). I like how fast the Air is. **Someday!!** :)
The NEW macbook pro (that came out in October) is awesome. It's more powerful than the air but only .5lbs heavier. I love macs. They last forever. My last mac lasted 6 years.
I would get a superdrive if you need a CD rom because the new pro's do not have one.
It is just paying for a name... hard drives for all the major computer companies in the world come from the same exact place.. as do much of the other parts needed to make a computer. As for not getting viruses, that's not the case any more as Mac is quite popular now and as such, is a great target for all types of malware. It's not a superior product by any means, it's just a different one. Like I said, I love Apple. I use one at home. I'm just pointing out the fact that it's not the only option out there. For the price of a standard mac laptop, you can purchase a mobile workstation (ie. just-under-server grade laptop) that will outperform it due to the graphics card alone. I wish Apple competitors would use something other than a Microsoft OS to be honest. I love the Apple OS and am thankful it is becoming more compatible with all types of software... Also, for the record, of all the computer companies Mac easily has one of the worst customer service ratings. Their warranties are awful and almost anything you do will void them instantly. My mac fell from 6 inches and the laptop screen shattered and we had to void the warranty by having it fixed elsewhere because Apple wanted to charge 800 dollars for a 60 dollar fix. No we didn't buy accidental damage, but the fragility of the glass was a known issue that Apple had been working on and yet somehow it was my fault. So, it's not necessarily superior, it's just different. Again, not trying to step on anyone's toes, but just pointing out that you won't be computing anything differently on an Apple vs. a PC. Ultimately a word doc is a word doc.
Specializes in Pediatrics, High-Risk L&D, Antepartum, L.
It is just paying for a name... hard drives for all the major computer companies in the world come from the same exact place.. as do much of the other parts needed to make a computer. As for not getting viruses that's not the case any more as Mac is quite popular now and as such, is a great target for all types of malware. It's not a superior product by any means, it's just a different one. Like I said, I love Apple. I use one at home. I'm just pointing out the fact that it's not the only option out there. For the price of a standard mac laptop, you can purchase a mobile workstation (ie. just-under-server grade laptop) that will outperform it due to the graphics card alone. I wish Apple competitors would use something other than a Microsoft OS to be honest. I love the Apple OS and am thankful it is becoming more compatible with all types of software... Also, for the record, of all the computer companies Mac easily has one of the worst customer service ratings. Their warranties are awful and almost anything you do will void them instantly. My mac fell from 6 inches and the laptop screen shattered and we had to void the warranty by having it fixed elsewhere because Apple wanted to charge 800 dollars for a 60 dollar fix. No we didn't buy accidental damage, but the fragility of the glass was a known issue that Apple had been working on and yet somehow it was my fault. So, it's not necessarily superior, it's just different. Again, not trying to step on anyone's toes, but just pointing out that you won't be computing anything differently on an Apple vs. a PC. Ultimately a word doc is a word doc.[/quote']
Your opinion is noted but it's nothing more than one opinion. I don't know your background but if it's nothing more than nursing...it truly is a simply opinion. My opinion is based off of a close relationship with somebody who works directly in the IT field. Opinions from somebody in the IT world...Mac is a superior product.
You obviously failed to read my initial post thoroughly. I *work* for a major IT company that directly competes with Apple. I have an apple at home. I have colleagues that work at Apple, Google, etc. I'm pretty up to date on the IT industry. Which is why I can confidently tell you that I know what's in a computer and the differences between the computers on the market. My bachelors is in psychology and research and I promise you I research thoroughly. not trying to pick a fight. I'm just saying that cost-spec comparison, other computers give you more for our money. If the original poster is set on a Mac though, I would recommend the pro.
I have a MacBook Pro. Never used the air before, so I can't compare, but what I have is awesome. It's fast, reliable, and cheaper than the air, right?
On a separate note, you people complaining about weight, OMG, it's like 10 pounds! You're going to be lifting 400 pound slobs your whole nursing career, so if the weight of a MacBook Pro is really that much of a problem maybe you should consider a different job.
I have a MacBook Pro. Never used the air before, so I can't compare, but what I have is awesome. It's fast, reliable, and cheaper than the air, right?
On a separate note, you people complaining about weight, OMG, it's like 10 pounds! You're going to be lifting 400 pound slobs your whole nursing career, so if the weight of a MacBook Pro is really that much of a problem maybe you should consider a different job.
Slobs?
What year are you? How can you refer to patients as slobs? That's EXTREMELY unprofessional and rude.
You don't always know why people are in certain conditions and regardless....
After working in I.T. for almost three decades before switching careers, it is not just the name Apple brings to the table, but QUALITY and good service. That's why when one takes the time to read Consumer Reports year after year after year after year after year after year, Apple continues to lead in terms of fewer repairs, and higher consumer satisfaction over customer service. When my current PC desktop (which I've built from scratch) dies, unless there's an absolute need for it, I'll be on a Mac.
Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
You obviously failed to read my initial post thoroughly. I *work* for a major IT company that directly competes with Apple. I have an apple at home. I have colleagues that work at Apple, Google, etc. I'm pretty up to date on the IT industry. Which is why I can confidently tell you that I know what's in a computer and the differences between the computers on the market. My bachelors is in psychology and research and I promise you I research thoroughly. not trying to pick a fight. I'm just saying that cost-spec comparison, other computers give you more for our money. If the original poster is set on a Mac though, I would recommend the pro.
I promise I will give weight to the fact that you work for a major IT company that directly competes with Apple when I consider your opinions about MacBooks and PCs.
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I have a MacBook Pro. I had a computer without a CD drive before (in my first semester of nursing school) and it was a problem for me. If you don't care, though, I'm sure the Air will suit you just fine.