Yay or Nay?

It's between a studio 15 with lots of nice options for around $1500, or a macbook pro 13 with pretty much stock options. I can get a $100 student discount from mac. I also can go to the apple store at the mall and just pick one up there, which is a lot easier than ordering online. I'll be using it for internet, office programs for papers and taking notes, and movies. I know I'll get a biased answer in the mac forum, but what do you think? What IS so great about macs? Sure they look sleek but other than appearance what will I see better over the studio 15?

 

I have both Macs and the latest 15" studio with high rez

I was talking to my sister yesterday, who is considering new laptop to replace her i6000 which is about 4 yrs old. I'm recommending the studio 15 because for the money you do get more.

simply compare the specs. I'd love her to have OS X and a Mac but with her budget she could benefit more from the Dell.

so your own research. Which do you like best? If it were me, I'd go Mac, no question. I like Macs. But is your money... so you decide.

 

I find the MAC much easier and simpler to use. Its more nippy as well. It just does everything you want quickly and easily. Seems much more streamlined. The hardware also feels solid - not flimsy plastic that bends and warps as you pick it up from one corner! Its very portable and feels like its built to last.
Ive had several dell notebooks, but I've fallen in love with the MBP now.

 

Well if ill get more for my money out of the studio, why even consider the Mac?

 

Thats the answer I was looking for. I agree with the flimsy plastic feel. I like to be able to just quickly do short tasks, instead of waiting on something to open for a short task. If the mac will do this, I think Ill go with it.

 

You will be using the computer for very light use. Your only real concerns are:
a) portability (battery life, footprint, weight)
b) screen size and resolution (for movies)
c) price

Make your choice based on those factors.

Note that for your intended use, almost any computer on the market with a modern processor (other than a netbook) will 'feel' fast.

 

Macbook Pro: $1099
Studio 15: $1500

After 2-3 years of ownership:

Macbook Pro: $700-$900
Studio 15: $400-$500

 

Yes they will feel fast, but I dont know how to explain it - Windows just feels 'clunky' in comparison to the OSx. Waking up from sleep is pretty much instant. Using the system and it just feels solid overall.

The battery life is MUCH MUCH better then a windows system. I was shocked with battery life when I started using my MAC.
The 13" is portable, the screen size is perfect for your uses, and the res is crisp and clear.

It comes down to whether you want to go with a higher spec machine, but not as well built or study as a MBP, or whether you want to go with the MBP, which is still a good spec, although lower then competitors, but is solid and better built.

 

Get a refurbished i5 15" MBP if you're looking at spending $1500. It's only $30 more than the 13" and it's a lot more computer for just about the same amount of money.

 

Good points, think ill go mac. Where do i buy refurbished? Will i be able to notice a difference from new?

 

Go to store.apple.com and look on the left sidebar. 3/4 of the way down on the the page, there will be a link titled "refurbished Mac."

 

Yep i found them but the 15 is still a bit pricey. Especially with the new i5

 

$1529 for Core i5 and autoswitching Graphics AND awesome design/build quality. Sounds fair to me.

 

Does the student discount come with refurbished? Would they have the refurbished 15 ready to buy at an apple store?

 

Student discount doesn't apply to refurbs. Only brand new products.
I don't think they have refurbs at the Apple Store. I might be wrong. You could always call in before you head there.

 

refurbs change all the time depending on what they have available... some days you'll see difference machines in there at different prices. If you see something you want, get it.. a few days later it might not be there anymore.

 

99% of the time, the baseline models like the one that OP is looking for will always be available. If it isn't, you could just wait for it to come back up.

If you are going to buy the i5 with no other options, it's almost guaranteed that it will be in-stock as that will be the most sold 15" MBP. On the other hand, an i5-540 15" MBP with a hi-res antiglare option is relatively rare as the people who are spending $150 for an upgraded screen are probably going to upgrade to the i7 as well.

The availability of a specific refurbished model is directly dependent upon its sales volume. I'm guessing that the return rates on MBPs are pretty much the same across the line, regardless of the model or option set. Because of this, the cheapest configurations in any given screen size are going to be available more often than the more expensive and more specialized ones.

 

lol you're dreaming

Go on eBay and search for 2009 MBPs. The used 13 inch models sell for about 750-850 before fees.

 

on paper, that studio 15 does look real good but I'm a 6 month old mac convert with a MBP 13, couldn't be happier, the built quality is.. well i've never come across any laptop with anything better, sure the specs aren't as good as windows built laptops but at the same time, OS X isn't at all heavy and mine chugs alone fine with 2gigs of ram, stock specs.

i think you mentioned something about getting refurbished, mate if you decide on the mac, get a new one since it's your first time

 

I am facing a similar decision this month and also have a few questions regarding the Mac and especially OS X. Great and helpful advice!

 

Why are you going to the Apple section of the forum to ask this? Of course almost everyone here will steer you towards the Mac.

I suggest you hit up the WNSIB section and fill out the form and get a broader range of advice.