Purchasing a Macbook

I have some questions regarding the purchase of a Macbook. I was wondering how much a student discount is and if Macs come with preloaded software junk (first time Mac since I don't want to game a lot in college). It would also help if I can get some advice on any other laptop that's similar because I want to hunt for the lowest price at the same time. Thanks.

 

macs are really good for not having bloatware. they come with a pretty decent amount of software.

safari = better internet explorer (you will still probably want camino or firefox, both free)
ichat av = better aim / trillian
garageband is just like audacity, but with more features, for editing and creating audio
imovie and iphoto for editing movies and photos *gasp*
it ships with itunes and quicktime...


im too lazy to list out the rest of what all is on there. its mostly all very useful and directed toward content creation and organization.

everything on the system is yours- except there is trial software for iwork 06 and microsoft office 2004. you can go into the applications folder and just delete the two folders and they are gone. that is all the bloatware on the system.

 

Student discount is $100 off if I remember correctly.

 

Yep its only a $100 off. Is there a free downloadable version of microsoft office for OS X?

 

There's always Open Office or NeoOffice.

 

I got rid of office 2004 after the first time I opened it up. It sucked. Literally. Keynote is so much better than powerpoint, neooffice will suffice for most uses.

 

Oh um I also heard you can get $250 off if you sign up for an American Express card or something.....plus probably cash back.

 

ive noticed that with apple and ordering on line theres two tiers of discount

if you go the education store you can either click a link or input your university name and address.

if you do the former you go through and you get a decent discount

if you do latter.... and you actually have to be using university computers for this or the link will not work....... you get a further discount. or at least my uni seems to.

 

Didn't students get like 10% off before

 

If I purchased a Macbook after the new Leopard OS X comes out, will the new Leopard OS X come preinstalled with my Macbook? Just like how Windows Vista is coming preinstalled with all the new computers right?

 

^I can't imagine why it wouldn't, hopefully it will actually be released in October.