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General discussion

A few quick questions!!!

Nov 28, 2007 6:16AM PST

Well, some of you may have been reading my thread in the laptop section of me researching a new laptop. Last summer I was going for an Apple MB, but didn't get enough money and just bought a Xbox 360 (I know, microsoft, but who dosen't like Halo!!!) This year I would like to start saving up early, and just a possible raise at work this summer. So, in my little dreaming head, I thought about getting an Apple again. I could get decent one for $1299. It has around the same specs as my windows laptop, expect for the @GB of RAM the windows one has compared to the Apple with 1GB, but that is easily changed with more RAM from online retailer. My first question is, is it worth the price for almost same specs to the windows laptop.

My next question is, can a MB run Mac Office 2007 and iWork with no problem. The Office I need for school, and I would like to use IWork for other things, like letters, etc. Would a windows machine be better right now. Thats all we have in school right now and thats what a big part of my computer will be for. I have had many papers to type so far, and for the moment I think a PC laptop would be better, especially for the price. But just so I don't tick anyone off, like I said eariler, this is just an idea in my head for the apple, a dream and a possibilty. Thanks

Discussion is locked

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Trick answers...
Nov 28, 2007 7:25AM PST
first question is, is it worth the price for almost same specs to the windows laptop. Yes. You can run two operating systems on a single platform is you really need to - among other advantages whcih you already know about.

can a MB run Mac Office 2007 and iWork with no problem. Qualified Yes - define "no problem". What if you want to take advatage of a feature in the Mac Version and the Windows version can't handle it? This is one recent example... http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9049618&source=NLT_PM&nlid=8
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Ok
Nov 28, 2007 7:41AM PST

Thanks alot. By no problem, I mean run fast, not slow really. I was just afraid of overloading it and then it runs super slow. Really, like I said, i need Office for school to do powerpoints and papers. After, that, all I really need it for is college. But then, I'd buy a MBP. Thanks for the input.

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It should run just fine - BUT...
Nov 28, 2007 8:25AM PST

that will depend on the content of the spreadsheet/word doc/powerpoint presentation...

In any case, one with a LOT of formulas/macros/graphics/video/etc would likely run equally well/slowly on a Mac or Win machine. But if just plain old text/no or limited graphics/no macros... well, you get the idea. If there is an Apple Store nearby, see if they have what you are looking for loaded with what you think you will use.

Is there a reason you think you need MS Office? NeoOffice is pretty compatible - as is iWork. I am forced to use XP by my employer, but I do a lot of work at home and generally get more done on my old G5 flatpanel iMac and just transfer the presentation/word/spreadsheet over to XP... and it all works. Admittedly, not very sophistcated docs, but they seem to be about the same as my son's college work (animal science major).

And it is likely that by the time you are ready to buy, the next great thing will be with us... which means a reduction in price of the MBP - if it is even available...

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Thanks
Nov 28, 2007 9:15AM PST

Ok. I really just want a MB for now, as I'm in 9th grade and just want an apple to take on the road, etc. Ever since going to an apple store a few years ago, I've wanted one. Next summer I'll hopefully be able to buy one. Thanks for the input