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General discussion

New Laptop Investment

Mar 20, 2011 3:29PM PDT

Graduate student looking for a new laptop. Current laptop is the Dell Insprion 9300 (purchased in 2005). I am tired of faulty hardware and would appreciate a computer I can turn on and go. I take very good care of my computers and would like something that is fun and durable at the same time.

I have done my research and have asked questions about the macbook pro. I appreciate the dependability for research/presentation/studying (especially the option to record my lectures with the microsoft 2010 for mac).

Is a Macbook a good investment that will last a good 4 years without constant hassles? Reading the reviews for the new Macbook Pro 13-inch, would the graphic card low score affect my functions for the laptop? Or should I upgrade to the 15inch Macbook Pro?

Discussion is locked

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That depends
Mar 20, 2011 11:35PM PDT

That depends. Apple is not immune to producing a bad batch of systems now and again just like everyone else. It's just it's more of an isolated incidence with Apple as opposed to say Acer or HP, where it seems to be the norm. So it's entirely possible you're the unlucky one who gets a POS system with multiple bad parts, and every now and then, as any hardware tech will tell you, you just run into a system that refuses to be fixed. You can literally replace every single component, and somehow it will STILL not work right.

That all said, I think we'd need a bit more to go on as to what you use the laptop for to say for sure whether or not it will last 4 years. And keep in mind Apple only offers an extended warranty to 3 years, so that final year could result in some very expensive repairs. Tell us a bit about what you'd be doing with the laptop, and we can give you a better idea if it'll work or not.

And a minor note, is that the Mac versions of MS Office are always one year later than the Windows one. So in this case, it's Office 2011. It'll save a little confusion if you go into a store like Best Buy or Fry's where the sales clerk may just take you to the Windows version of Office 2010 instead of the Mac version of 2011.

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Laptop Usages
Mar 22, 2011 2:19AM PDT

I will be using the laptop for note taking during class, lit reviews, presentations. I would also like nice recreational programs like making keepsakes like calenders or holiday cards. 75% of the time, academic will be the use of the computer. I do not download music, but I will enjoy connecting the laptop to the television from time-to-time.

Hopefully this is a more detailed picture.

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In that case
Mar 22, 2011 11:06AM PDT

In that case, I would say the low end 13" model would likely be fine, but I really wouldn't expect the idea of taking notes in class to pan out. Unless you have amazing discipline, you're likely to be spending more time on facebook than notes, and even then, unless you have several keyboard shortcuts worked into muscle memory, you'll likely spend way too much time fiddling with formatting options than taking notes.

Most people always assume that they will be different, and then most people end up finding out they aren't. I'd suggest you take note taking off the list of possible uses, and then decide whether or not you still think it's worth having. If yes, I would expect that any model would likely suit you just fine. If note taking is off the table and that changes the equation such that it's not really worth it anymore, then better to find out now.

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Good information
Mar 22, 2011 2:17PM PDT

Thanks for the help, but I have been taking notes with my laptop for quite some time now and have not been distracted. I don't have a facebook. There are many students who are able to pay attention in class and not become sidetracked with internet privileges.