Mac Computer choices Forum

[yossarian]

You don't see any reason to wait till the Yosemite update? I think my 2008 blackbook could get me to October. Didn't know if the hardware will be any diff w the update or if the computer starts w an advantage being loaded w the most up to date

Thanks for the best buy tip. Appreciate it.

[ymmv]

You don't see any reason to wait till the Yosemite update? I think my 2008 blackbook could get me to October. Didn't know if the hardware will be any diff w the update or if the computer starts w an advantage being loaded w the most up to date

Thanks for the best buy tip. Appreciate it.

If you don't need it, then sure, wait. But don't get sucked into the Apple product treadmill mindset. Their update cycles are ridiculously short, and if you get one of their machines at a good price it will typically last for years without failure or obsolescence.

Personally I would take a current (and recently updated) MBA now at a major bargain rather than waiting for October to get a minor update at full price, but again if your current machine is still kicking there's no point in rushing. By October I'm sure the current MBAs will be readily available refurbished at an excellent discount.

[BVest]

Mac nerds!!

Should I buy a Macbook Air this summer? Or is there an advantage to holding out until Yosemite (maybe Oct)?

I will say this: If you plan to take your exams on your computer, you probably want to start with Mavericks and only upgrade after your school has announced that you can. It seems like every fall there's an urgent email from IT about how the exam software does not support (Mountain Lion/Mavericks), followed around Thanksgiving with a followup that the new OS is now supported. I wouldn't want to take the risk that the update is not completed in time for finals.

[yossarian]

Thanks ymmv again. Hadn't considered that BV. Excellent point. Thanks.

[bombaysippin]

Didn't read entire thread, but wait for the 12 inch air retina display!

[ymmv]

Didn't read entire thread, but wait for the 12 inch air retina display!

If these new MBA Retina rumors turn out to be true, then that would probably be a worthwhile reason to hold off until October. BVest's warning still stands though.

[bombaysippin]

Didn't read entire thread, but wait for the 12 inch air retina display!

If these new MBA Retina rumors turn out to be true, then that would probably be a worthwhile reason to hold off until October. BVest's warning still stands though.

Is maverick the latest version? I think I'm still running lion or whatever os was with my 2011 mbp.I should prolly keep up to date with os upgrades, but I don't.

[BVest]

Yes Mavericks (10.9) is latest. For the longest time (through all of the big cat names) I could not remember what version I had (and "About this Mac" only gives you version #), so every time IT would send out an email about support for Mountain Lion or no support for Snow Leopard, I would have to google to find out what the version numbers were.

[bombaysippin]

Yes Mavericks is latest. For the longest time (through all of the big cat names) I could not remember what version I had (and "About this Mac" only gives you version #), so every time IT would send out an email about support for Mountain Lion or no support for Snow Leopard, I would have to google to find out what the version numbers were.

hahaha, so true about not remembering. I wish they just had numbers like Windows.

[BVest]

3. PC's are just better suited for rigorous academic work;

I'd be curious what you would consider rigorous academic work and what would make a PC better suited for it.

Otherwise, a rather amusing post. Unless you have the computer skills of your grandmother, switching from Mac Word to PC Word is not exactly a challenge. Not sure what else they should be getting used to. Firm client management software?

And yes, PCs are more adaptable than Macs, as a whole, but PC laptops are basically as rigid as a Mac.

As for the final comment, well that just shows ignorance.

[bombaysippin]

3. PC's are just better suited for rigorous academic work;

I'd be curious what you would consider rigorous academic work and what would make a PC better suited for it.

You know like internet surfing for research

[ymmv]

Yes Mavericks is latest. For the longest time (through all of the big cat names) I could not remember what version I had (and "About this Mac" only gives you version #), so every time IT would send out an email about support for Mountain Lion or no support for Snow Leopard, I would have to google to find out what the version numbers were.

hahaha, so true about not remembering. I wish they just had numbers like Windows.

They do have numbers. We're on OS X, or more specially 10.9. Mavericks, like the former cats, is just a nickname for branding purposes on annual updates. Kinda like the Windows service packs released every couple years.

[ymmv]

I know you're apparently set on a MAC, but let's take a look at some reasons to go for a PC

1. Most law firms use a PC, so may as well get used to the software, etc.
2. PC's are more adaptable (in every sense of the word) and more friendly to third-party software
3. PC's are just better suited for rigorous academic work; MAC's are more of a 'fun' tool for teenagers and hipsters

I'd seriously reconsider getting a MAC.

180 PC v. Mac troll, bro.

[bombaysippin]

Yes Mavericks is latest. For the longest time (through all of the big cat names) I could not remember what version I had (and "About this Mac" only gives you version #), so every time IT would send out an email about support for Mountain Lion or no support for Snow Leopard, I would have to google to find out what the version numbers were.

hahaha, so true about not remembering. I wish they just had numbers like Windows.

They do have numbers. We're on OS X, or more specially 10.9. Mavericks, like the former cats, is just a nickname for branding purposes on annual updates. Kinda like the Windows service packs released every couple years.

Oh damn, thanks for teaching me something new hahaha

[BVest]

They do have numbers. We're on OS X, or more specially 10.9. Mavericks, like the former cats, is just a nickname for branding purposes on annual updates. Kinda like the Windows service packs released every couple years.

For some reason, our IT guys always liked to ignore the numbers, as if everyone had memorized the Mac OS big cats in order.

Wasn't one of the Windows versions also something about cattle?

EDIT: Longhorn. I guess I should have remembered

[ymmv]

They do have numbers. We're on OS X, or more specially 10.9. Mavericks, like the former cats, is just a nickname for branding purposes on annual updates. Kinda like the Windows service packs released every couple years.

For some reason, our IT guys always liked to ignore the numbers, as if everyone had memorized the Mac OS big cats in order.

Wasn't one of the Windows versions also something about cattle?

EDIT: Longhorn. I guess I should have remembered

Yeah, that's a silly practice for an IT guy. Damned if I remember whether Panther or Jaguar or Cheetah came first anymore.

[ymmv]

3. PC's are just better suited for rigorous academic work;

I'd be curious what you would consider rigorous academic work and what would make a PC better suited for it.

Otherwise, a rather amusing post. Unless you have the computer skills of your grandmother, switching from Mac Word to PC Word is not exactly a challenge. Not sure what else they should be getting used to. Firm client management software?

And yes, PCs are more adaptable than Macs, as a whole, but PC laptops are basically as rigid as a Mac.

As for the final comment, well that just shows ignorance.

You've basically affirmed my contention that a PC is better than a MAC for when it comes to law school. You've simply attempted to equalize my + PC assertions, not providing any evidence that the MAC trumps the PC. Indeed, that type of argument would be futile.

Rigorous academic work encompasses usage of various writing, editing, processing software, intense research and data-basing, etc.

I'm pretty impressed that in a mere 11 posts you've managed to vomit a Microsoft ad from the mid 90s, drunkenly solicit TLS females for cyber sex, and defend the institution of Southern chattel slavery. That has to set some kind of new TLS troll-speed record.

[BVest]

3. PC's are just better suited for rigorous academic work;

I'd be curious what you would consider rigorous academic work and what would make a PC better suited for it.

Otherwise, a rather amusing post. Unless you have the computer skills of your grandmother, switching from Mac Word to PC Word is not exactly a challenge. Not sure what else they should be getting used to. Firm client management software?

And yes, PCs are more adaptable than Macs, as a whole, but PC laptops are basically as rigid as a Mac.

As for the final comment, well that just shows ignorance.

You've basically affirmed my contention that a PC is better than a MAC for when it comes to law school. You've simply attempted to equalize my + PC assertions, not providing any evidence that the MAC trumps the PC. Indeed, that type of argument would be futile.

Rigorous academic work encompasses usage of various writing, editing, processing software, intense research and data-basing, etc.

I guess he disappeared? Well, if you're still there Pennsatucky, you're right, I didn't make any attempt to prove that Macs trump PCs, and I didn't attempt to prove it because I'm not the one making unsupported claims of superiority.

[ymmv]

I think he was banned, mods be praised.

[Chekhov'sGun]

Best Buy is having a good student sale right now, like $150-200 off MacBooks combined with student rate. Good time to buy an MBA since they recently updated. Also see if you can get your hands on one of the 10% off movers coupons.

The one caveat to this deal is that BestBuy only sells 4GB models, which for me is not ideal given my atrocious habit of having 50 tabs and 20 apps open at any given time.

Also, if you have an AmEx card they have a deal where if you spend $250+ at BestBuy you get a $25 statement credit. Nice way to save an extra $25.

[yossarian]

Got my 13" air. God it's amazing battery life, not heating up, no fan or drive noise. SSD is a beautiful thing in a notebook.

[jk148706]

Just bought a new MBP. It's my first time owning a Mac, so forgive my ignorance with these questions.

But:

Should I install Windows 8? I assume being familiar with Windows is important since it is used in most business settings, but I don't really know.

Also, does anyone know if students can get Microsoft Office on the cheap? Or do any law schools offer a decent price to students?

tyia

[ManoftheHour]

Also, does anyone know if students can get Microsoft Office on the cheap?

I've heard there are a few free copies laying around at the Bay of Pirates.

[BVest]

Just bought a new MBP. It's my first time owning a Mac, so forgive my ignorance with these questions.

But:

Should I install Windows 8? I assume being familiar with Windows is important since it is used in most business settings, but I don't really know.

Also, does anyone know if students can get Microsoft Office on the cheap? Or do any law schools offer a decent price to students?

tyia

No to Win 8.

Generally, yes to the latter question, but it depends on your school and varies widely from "Ugh, I probably could have found a coupon to save that little" to "Holy shit, just $15?!?!" Try to find the campus computer store online.

[sundance95]

Just bought a Mac book air. Education discount is currently ~$50 plus a $100 gift card, which I used to buy office.