| Author |
Message |
    
viva
Citizen
Username: Viva
Post Number: 234
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 - 3:30 pm: |     |
My son (high school student) is in the market for a laptop and is looking at the Dell Inspiration 1100 and the Apple iBook.
I told him that I could probably get good advice here. Any input appreciated. |
#9Dream
Citizen
Username: 9dream
Post Number: 324
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 - 4:07 pm: | |
You're talking about two different platforms here - Windows & Mac. Which is better is partially dependent on what your son plans to do with the computer, and partially a matter of personal choice/preference.
If he's going to go the PC route, then I think Dell is the way to go. Their computers are top-notch and their service, while not what it once was, is still very good. If he's going Mac, then....well....Apple is about your only option. |
woodstock
Citizen
Username: Woodstock
Post Number: 116
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 - 4:49 pm: | |
Viva,
Perhaps you can give us an idea of what he'd like to do with it. Both platforms have their strengths...
Games? Internet access? remote access (wireless)? Is he starting a business?  Is he an up and coming web designer? Musician? Hardcore techie geek? |
viva
Citizen
Username: Viva
Post Number: 235
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 - 8:35 pm: | |
His needs are not too specific. He would use it for schoolwork, internet access, listening to music, games. Wireless. I can get a small educator discount if he decides to purchase the iBook. |
lseltzer
Citizen
Username: Lseltzer
Post Number: 1454
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 - 9:41 pm: | |
In programming terms:
if playing(games)
then do_not_get(a Mac); |
Dave Ross
Supporter
Username: Dave
Post Number: 4624
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 - 10:31 pm: | |
That's how it used to be. Tons of gaming titles for Mac now:
http://www.apple.com/games/
I'd recommend the iBook just because Apples last longer than PCs and are a heck of a lot more intuitive and fun to use. Visit the Apple Store at the Short Hills Mall to try one out. |
Dave Ross
Supporter
Username: Dave
Post Number: 4625
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 - 10:33 pm: | |
Another great, great aspect of Macs: No real worries about a computer virus damaging all your files. |
barleyrooty
Citizen
Username: Barleyrooty
Post Number: 618
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 5:12 am: | |
Where's he at in high-school? Bear in mind that most colleges require something close to a brand-new state-of-the-art laptop on arrival. We just went through this for my niece at Virginia Tech. I was jealous of the machine they forced her (me) to buy.
You probably don't want to be shopping again a year from now. Maybe get a cheap one for now (last year's model on ubid.com for example) if you have to.
Agreed that Dell's are good. The Mac vs PC debate usually becomes more of a religious war than a reasoned argument. I'd say if he's working towards an artistic field (music, graphics, etc) then go with the Mac. Otherwise PC. But that's just my opinion. Business colleges generally require PCs. |
viva
Citizen
Username: Viva
Post Number: 237
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, May 1, 2003 - 4:57 pm: | |
this information is great. my son's leaning towards the iBook -- and almost has enough saved to buy one. the beauty of an employed teenager. thanks from both of us. |
davidbuckley
Citizen
Username: Davidbuckley
Post Number: 91
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, May 4, 2003 - 7:55 am: | |
I write here on my magnificent little iBook and heartily recommend it!! Stable, reasonably fast and EASY to use, almost always intuitive. Definitely spend the extra to get an Airport card put in it--wireless networking and internet access that WORKS!! Like, here I am in bed next to sleeping wife w/ iBook on my (not insubstantial) tummy wirelessly on the internet at high speed...it really is TOO cool and I've had it for a couple of years and it's STILL cool!!
I am an Apple partisan, I must aver, but if you do decide on one, I can give you really good advice re where to get iBook and what to buy and I have no business involvement!--Private line me or post email or phone here and I'll be happy to help. (That means click my blue user name to the left to send me an email, in case you don't know.)
Be well, all.
David Buckley |
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