MacBook vs. Chromebook

Dranger · Jan 13, 2014

Chromebook times a MILLION. Mine was 200 bucks and has everything you need for school, google docs, word processing, powerpoint capabilities and the internet.

Put it this way...300 bucks vs 1500-2000 when both do essentially the same thing.

As a computer guy this is a no brainer, the chromebook is cheap, efficient and easy to carry around/place on those small desks.

PS Your hubby is not alone most people who know a bit about computer hardware despise Macs and their cult following.

Ruby Vee, BSN · Jan 13, 2014

OK I am at a crossroads. I need a new laptop and I don't know what to get! Hubby despies MACs but I want something dependable and reliable to get me through school. I love the look and capabilities of the HP 14 Chromebook. But I hear great things about Macbooks. I want something slim and easy to carry and also easy to use. I have an android device so that's another thing I love since I love Google.
Please help!

A MacBook would certainly get you through school dependably. But as mentioned earlier, they're expensive so if you aren't absolutely sold on the Mac OS, you may be happy with the Chromebook. (I don't know anything about Chromebooks -- I've been on a Mac for years now.) MacBook Air is certainly slim, easy to carry and has a beautiful display. And the Mac OS is far easier to use than Windows, especially Windows 8. (We also have a PC in our house, bought on an impulse when the Mac was in the shop with a hard disk issue I thought was fatal, but turned out to be easily fixed (for free!) by the Mac Geniuses. Windows 8 is a nightmare to use!)

If you have the time and the interest, there are other forums that can answer your questions about the pros and cons of your computer choices. The CNET forums come to mind, if they're still active. But I'm sure you can Google a forum that would answer those questions.

I know you didn't ask for help about this, but it is a supremely BAD idea to use your own photo as an avatar. This isn't FaceBook! One of these days, you're going to make a post that is unexpectedly controversial, ignorant, ill-informed, too specific or otherwise dangerous to your continued good reputation at work or school. When that happens, you don't want to be immediately and without a doubt identified by your instructor, dean, boss or coworkers. Please change your avatar! And don't use a picture of your child or pet if your colleagues or fellow students could identify them, either.

CountryGuy · Jan 14, 2014

I have a macbook air and like it. I think it's worth the $, but expensive.

The Samsung 11.6" chromebook from 2012 has good ratings. You have to use google docs, no MS office. It's about $240.

Dell inspiron 15R is a good value at $587 with about 9 hour battery.

Just for the record, I'm not really Harrison Ford.

sjalv · Jan 14, 2014

I have a macbook air and like it. I think it's worth the $, but expensive.
The Samsung 11.6" chromebook from 2012 has good ratings. You have to use google docs, no MS office. It's about $240.
Dell inspiron 15R is a good value at $587 with about 9 hour battery.

While it is true that you cannot install Microsoft Office on the Chromebook, Microsoft offers 'Office Web Apps' which (as the name implies) is a form of Office on the Internet.

Office Web Apps--Create, edit, share Microsoft Office documents, spreadsheets, presentations and more online - Office.com

acmj · Jan 14, 2014

The major problem with Chromebooks is that you absolutely have to have some type of internet access to access your documents. all storage is in the cloud on these, which is great because it doesn't not down your computer.... Except that this means you can't really edit/save anything without being on the internet for the most part.... If those are your only two choices, go with the Mac. If you're open to other options, I agree with the previous poster. That Dell is quite reputable amongst students.

CountryGuy · Jan 14, 2014

If not chromebook make sure you purchase MS office directly from MS using home use program for $9.95.

Don't pay $140 for the same thing with the student edition.

pmabraham, BSN, RN · Jan 14, 2014

Good day:

What I have never been able to fathom is that given the same parts argument, why on earth is Apple on top of Consumer Reports every single year for the lest number of repairs, highest consumer satisfaction with customer service?

Thank you.

CountryGuy · Jan 14, 2014

They're way ahead of other companies. They release products they created two years ago.

Other companies are doing pretty good creating new products to compete with their two year old products.

Do you want to pay a premium for a two year old product or do you want to pay a little less to purchase a product that competes with a two year old product.

Compassion_x · Jan 14, 2014

I would do the mac. I've used chromebooks before and... I don't know, they feel a bit cheap in my hands. That and the whole always need the internet thing. Also, what if you need to use certain CDs or programs for school? I don't know if chromebooks can run those? By all means if someone knows please chime in. More and more programs are starting to be mac friendly as well.

Dranger · Jan 14, 2014

If your schools still use archaic CDs, go out and get a $300-500 dollar laptop but please for the love of god don't be a sheeple and follow the droves paying 400% mark up on a product that has nothing really special about it. I have an Iphone 5s, it's OK but I cant even tell the difference between it and my old 4. That is Apple's way, they can release product after product with little improvement and people line up to buy it. I kick myself everyday for getting one. Same idea with Mac computers.

If you just need a computer to run school stuff or surf the web, go grab a notebook/chromebook or a decent laptop. Please don't be a sheeple.

Signed,

Former IT/hardware guy before nursing.....built probably a few hundred computers during that time...

pmabraham, BSN, RN · Jan 14, 2014

Good day, CountryGuy:

Based on Consumer Reports -- year after year after year -- less repairs = more time working with the technology that works, less time spent at repairs, less aggravation over repairs, etc.

More consumer satisfaction = ___

So why should I pay for Windows stuff that has yet to be Apple in the less repair and consumer satisfaction part? For consumer dissatisfaction and more repairs? ;-)

Thank you.