What type of laptop should I get?

daniellehorses · Nov 29, 2014

No cd slot any more but honestly I haven't needed it. If you have an apple store close to you go check them out side by side. I have been an apple fan for awhile but they stand behind their product if you ever do have an issue and their Guinness bar is awesome! If you have a student ID they also offer a discount.

Miss-kate · Nov 29, 2014

Oh good to hear you don't need the cd slot I have read it online and they all say they have hardly had to use it. :-) thank you!

daniellehorses · Nov 29, 2014

Your welcome!

RunBabyRN · Nov 29, 2014

I wanted the Air, but got the Pro because that's what the VA would pay for. I like the weight of the Air, plus, it's instantly on, whereas with the Pro, you have to wait a minute for it to get online and all that.

I did have the VA buy me MS Suite, because I had trouble with converting Pages to .doc files- even when I'd do that, they couldn't be opened by my professors.

I think you'd be happy with either computer, but it's nice to have the lighter weight of the Air. I like my 13" Pro.

One thing with the CD drive issue, some of your textbooks come with a DVD, and I know that our Fundamentals books had skills DVDs, which were very helpful. You could likely view them at school or on another computer, but it's just something to think about.

OneDuckyRN · Nov 30, 2014

RE: the CD drive issue - you can also look into getting an external drive if you think you will need one. If you go to an Apple store to buy one, they are likely to be very expensive, but you can get a PC/MAC compatible one for a lot less on Amazon.

I love my MacBook Air, and only very occasionally do I miss having a CD drive.

That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Nov 30, 2014

My air battery can easily last 12 hours with doing light duty on it. Honestly I would get an air and get a second monitor and keyboard especially if you are in a BSN program. Having the second screen that is larger helps so much during research papers and typing up care plans/papers on a full size keyboard is a godsend.

Are far as office goes, if you are a student they have a pretty decent deal to get the main Office programs for free through certain schools. Its through the web though so connections are necessary. I outright bought it though because I use it enough when I am out of school to justify the one time purchase. They are updating Office for mac later this year if you are a stickler for the latest and greatest.

sjalv · Nov 30, 2014

It is my personal opinion that I do not see the point in spending $1k+ on an Apple laptop (whether it be a Macbook Air, MBP, etc) when you could spend like $500 at Best Buy getting a Windows laptop with similar specs or better. I have an Asus laptop that I have had for the last 4 years and it has not give me any issues yet.

Winordietrying · Dec 3, 2014

What do you guys think about the MacBook Air 11'? Is it too small? I'm planning on buying that one for school

Miss-kate · Dec 3, 2014

What do you guys think about the MacBook Air 11'? Is it too small? I'm planning on buying that one for school

When I went in store to look at them I looked at both. I have used smaller laptops in the past (non apple) and I find them really hard to use but that's just me. I think the extra 2 inches would make a difference and I'm not sure about the price difference wherever you are from but I think the little bit extra would be worth it. Unless you want something which is ultra small and portable which it will be. I am still waiting for my air to come in and when I lifted both up in a store I didn't notice that much of a weight difference. Maybe go into store and ask questions and have a feel of them and you will soon know what feels right for you! Happy shopping.

Dalton925 · Dec 6, 2014

I am a big fan of the MacBook airs. They are very portable for students and are very efficient for productivity.