2) will the computer be able to handle 4-5 years worth of upgraded OS and/or software? I'm pretty confident about the iMac, mini and MacBook Pro but less so about the MBA.įinally, I'm seeing loads more tablets with and without keyboard cases. You probably wouldn't believe the number of ducktaped and otherwise jury rigged notebook computers I see on campus. 1) will the computer physically last the 4-5 years it will take you to graduate? The iMac and mini are much more likely to survive than a notebook. Is the college you want to attend one that places emphasis on having a computer in class?Īny Mac you buy today is plenty fast enough to handle what you want to do, but there are two questions to ask yourself.
By this time you probably have identified the college(s) you really want to attend and maybe even gotten early acceptance. And in college, I'm not 100% sure that I will have the money on hand to purchase another iPad whenever I need one.Īnd that's it! Let me know what you guys think, I really appreciate any and all input ? Even if it doesn't answer the whole question, any insight is helpful.įirst I strongly recommend that you determine if you want or need a notebook.
As I said earlier, my worry is that the iPad will break and I will be stuck without a portable machine (I handwrite much slower than I type). I haven't extensively considered the iMac, but if given some good reasons, I could be persuaded. the Air, so I don't know the performance difference. However I haven't had the chance to try it vs. That or it will prove too bulky to take in my backpack.
My real worry with this machine is that my iPad will break, and I will try to take this notebook to class and back and end up tilting and damaging the hard drive. Then I could fork over more cash for performance upgrades. I think the Retina display is great, but not for me, I just wouldn't find the extra resolution useful (I don't do photo or video editing). Many friends have warned me that the Air won't be fast enough, and that I will need the Pro. I was planning on the 13-inch model, but if there was a good reason, I could be swayed to consider the 11-inch with slightly less processing power.
I would upgrade the RAM to 8GB on purchase, but stick with the default space on the SSD. I absolutely love the design, and if my iPad or the case breaks, it will be just as (if not more) portable. I have done extensive research on the topic, and from what I've watched or read, the Macbook Air 2012 should support my needs. I have several thumb drives, and I don't have a massive video/picture/music library, so space is not too much of an issue for me. If I end up doing recording/mixing on the Mac, (if it is possible) I will use one of the drives for that program, saving space on the computer itself. I plan on purchasing one or two external hard drives.
Also, I won't need Bootcamp or Paralells for Mac, because I will have the Windows machine. I hope to do all my tinkering on that machine, so I don't risk any damage to the Mac.
I have a decent Windows 7 Ultimate PC that I fixed after a hard drive failure that I will be taking to college with me. However, since I won it and didn't buy it, I had no opportunity to get the AppleCare plan, so if it breaks, that's the end of its portability. Right now, that's my portable "laptop" for school. I have the Clamcase for the iPad, which makes taking notes in class at my high school a breeze. I won in a contest the iPad 2 a couple of years ago, and it has lasted well with no noticeable performance dips. What I Already Have/Will Definitely Purchase: Therefore, I fully expect this computer to last all through four years of college without me needing an upgrade. I am very careful with my gadgets, and have resurrected several PCs and used them well beyond their expected expiration dates. I am focusing on performance and longevity. I will definitely be purchasing the AppleCare Protection Plan. I will be receiving financial aid for this purchase, so I don't have a definite price tag, however $2000 sounds like a reasonable ceiling. Since I will be a music major and I enjoy doing multi-track recording on the side, apart from the regular internet, mail, and word processing, the Mac will have to be able to handle Garageband, Logic Pro, and (possibly) Finale without a hitch. My question is this: which Mac should I get? I will also be studying Computer Science. I will be going into the Music Department, so I will need a Mac computer. I am currently a senior in high school, and will be going to college this coming Fall. First of all, let me apologize for the length and classification of this question, there was no way for me to pick multiple categories.