Buying first macbook

Hi,
I'm starting college this fall and am buying my first macbook this summer. I'm trying to decide between a 13 inch non-retina Macbook Pro, or 13 inch Macbook Pro with Retina Display. I'm trying to keep the computer from costing me too much, but want it to be well-equipped for all 4 years. Some concerns I have are that since the retina Pro doesn't have a CD drive, it may be harder to use CDs that come with textbooks and I may have to carry around an external CD drive. Because of the smaller storage space of the SSD, I'll also need an external drive. Both of these problems are not prevalent with the non-retina. However, I'd also like the retina due to it being lighter (I'll be doing a lot of walking and need my laptop to be portable) and having a better display, as well as better battery life and more ports available.
If I can get any advice from current college students, I'd really appreciate it. Please give me details to support your suggestions.
Thanks!

Hi Bob,
I'm going to be an Applied Math and CS major. As far as my school goes, they have software that should run on both Windows and Mac OS, and the 13 in MacBook Pro (non-retina) is still the predominantly sold laptop at the book store, although it has become dated. Do you think that purchasing the old MacBook Pro without retina would be good for all 4 years of college. It just has to survive 3-4 good years and be capable of stacking up well against whatever I throw at it for me to buy it. If it changes anything, this macbook will be the only computer I will be taking and will be my primary source of entertainment (TV shows, netflix, occasional video game) as well.

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HT203421 i buy a macbook air with my friend and i changed the apple id also.at first i can update the application but now its impossible to update the application.when i clock to update it shows the id of my fren andsomebody do you have idea to solve this

i buy a macbook air with my friend and i changed the apple id also.at first i can update the application but now its impossible to update the application.when i clock to update it shows the id of my fren andsomebody do you have idea to solve this problem.

The first thing to do with a second-hand computer is to erase the internal drive and install a clean copy of OS X. You — not the previous owner — must do that. How you do it depends on the model, and on whether you already own another Mac. If you're not sure of the model, enter the serial number on this page. Then find the model on this page to see what OS version was originally installed.
1. You don't own another Mac.
If the machine shipped with OS X 10.4 or 10.5, you need a boxed and shrink-wrapped retail Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6) installation disc from the Apple Store or a reputable reseller — not from eBay or anything of the kind. If the machine has less than 1 GB of memory, you'll need to add more in order to install 10.6. Preferably, install as much memory as it can take, according to the technical specifications.
If the machine shipped with OS X 10.6, you need the installation media that came with it: gray installation discs, or a USB flash drive for some MacBook Air models. For early MBA models, you may need a USB optical drive or Remote Disc. You should have received the media from the previous owner, but if you didn't, order replacements from Apple. A retail disc, or the gray discs from another model, will not work.
To boot from an optical disc or a flash drive, insert it, then reboot and hold down the C key at the startup chime. Release the key when you see the gray Apple logo on the screen.
If the machine shipped with OS X 10.7 or later, you don't need media. It should boot into Internet Recovery mode when you hold down the key combination option-command-R at the startup chime. Release the keys when you see a spinning globe.
2. You do own another Mac.
If you already own another Mac that was upgraded in the App Store to the version of OS X that you want to install, and if the new Mac is compatible with it, then you can install it. Use Recovery Disk Assistant to create a bootable USB device and boot the new Mac from it by holding down the C key at the startup chime. Alternatively, if you have a Time Machine backup of OS X 10.7.3 or later on an external hard drive (not a Time Capsule or other network device), you can boot from that by holding down the option key and selecting it from the row of icons that appears. Note that if your other Mac was never upgraded in the App Store, you can't use this method.
Once booted in Recovery, launch Disk Utility and select the icon of the internal drive — not any of the volume icons nested beneath it. In the Partition tab, select the default options: a GUID partition table with one data volume in Mac OS Extended (Journaled) format. This operation will permanently remove all existing data on the drive.
After partitioning, quit Disk Utility and run the OS X Installer. You will need the Apple ID and password that you used to upgrade. When the installation is done, the system will automatically reboot into the Setup Assistant, which will prompt you to transfer the data from another Mac, its backups, or from a Windows computer. If you have any data to transfer, this is usually the best time to do it.
Then run Software Update and install all available system updates from Apple. To upgrade to a major version of OS X newer than 10.6, get it from the Mac App Store. Note that you can't keep an upgraded version that was installed by the previous owner. He or she can't legally transfer it to you, and without the Apple ID you won't be able to update it in Software Update or reinstall, if that becomes necessary. The same goes for any App Store products that the previous owner installed — you have to repurchase them.
If the previous owner "accepted" the bundled iLife applications (iPhoto, iMovie, and Garage Band) in the App Store so that he or she could update them, then they're linked to that Apple ID and you won't be able to download them without buying them. Reportedly, Apple customer service has sometimes issued redemption codes for these apps to second owners who asked.
If the previous owner didn't deauthorize the computer in the iTunes Store under his Apple ID, you wont be able to authorize it immediately under your ID. In that case, you'll either have to wait up to 90 days or contact iTunes Support.

I'm about to buy my first MacBook Pro and I need a little help

Hi everybody!
I'm about to buy my first MacBook pro and I have no experience on mac so I would be really thankfull if someone guides me to get an appropriate Notebook
Here are some imformations about what I want from a MacBook Pro:
1) I have a limited budget so the price can not go anywhere upper than 2,000 dollars
2) I'm a graphic designer working with photoshop, 3ds max and maya so I need strong CPU and VGA card
3) 15 inches and high resolution
4) Absolutly Lion OS
5) weight doesn't matter!
6) Ram doesn't matter cause I can upgrade it myself later when I got enogh money
7) Hard capacity doesn't matter (I can upgrade it later too)
8) It would be much better if it got HDMI port
That's all
Thanks for reading and answering

Except for #8, you're talking about the new entry-level MacBook Pro for $1,799.00 (see at http://store.apple.com/us/configure/MD103LL/A). It's a little less expensive at Amazon and you won't have to pay tax on it until you file next year instead of up-front.
It will do everything you need and, yes, you can upgrade it yourself when you get more cash. In fact, if you're willing to spend another $160 (still under your $2K limit) you can go ahead and upgrade the RAM to 16 GB. Later, spend $400 and put in a 512GB SSD.
Now to item #8. From monoprice, you can get a Thunderbolt-to-HDMI adapter for under $7 - click here.
You'll have exactly what you need for under $2K. Go for it...
Clinton

Hi. im ipad and ipohe user. now i want to buy my first macbook. i need to know what is better for me: macbook pro 13´´ or macbook air 13´´?? or another??

hi. im ipad and ipohe user. now i want to buy my first macbook. i need to know what is better for me: macbook pro 13´´ or macbook air 13´´?? or another??
i will not move it frecuently from home because i always have with me the iphone and sometimes the ipad.
im looking apple store online because im trying to buy it refubrished (im from argentina and travel to NYC next month)...
please i hear you...!

Light weight basic needs, power miser - MacBook Air (glossy screens)
Semi-light weight basic needs, more storage, DVD drive, hot machine (no 3D gaming) - 13" MacBook Pro (glossy screens)
Bit heavier, pro needs, 3D gaming, cool machine, power hungry, - 15" MacBook Pro (anti-glare screen option, recommended)
Same as above, larger screen for HD video, cool machine, power hungry, 17" MacBook Pro (anti-glare screen option, recommended)

Buying a Macbook pro for the first time and i need your opinion

Hello everyone! I'm buying a Macbook pro for the first time and i need your opinion. I'm a Web Developer / Graphic Designer, and i need this macbook for my work. Currently i have these 2 options:
1) Macbook Pro with Retina (13")
128GB SSD, 2.5GHz Intel i5 Processor, 8GB Ram
2) Macbook Pro i7 (15")
Intel i7 2.6 Processor, 8GB Ram, 750GB HD
So my dilema is. Do i go for the newest 13" Macbook Pro Retina & SSD drive or do i go for the 15" Macbook Pro i7 non-Retina, non-SSD hard drive?
Help this first time Macbook buyer (me) to decide which model to choose

Injektil wrote:
Hello everyone! I'm buying a Macbook pro for the first time and i need your opinion. I'm a Web Developer / Graphic Designer, and i need this macbook for my work. Currently i have these 2 options:
1) Macbook Pro with Retina (13")
128GB SSD, 2.5GHz Intel i5 Processor, 8GB Ram
2) Macbook Pro i7 (15")
Intel i7 2.6 Processor, 8GB Ram, 750GB HD
So my dilema is. Do i go for the newest 13" Macbook Pro Retina & SSD drive or do i go for the 15" Macbook Pro i7 non-Retina, non-SSD hard drive?
Help this first time Macbook buyer (me) to decide which model to choose
Your 2nd choice
2) Macbook Pro i7 (15")
Intel i7 2.6 Processor, 8GB Ram, 750GB HD
is user upgradable. The Retina is not.
No matter what for your needs I would max out the 16GB of RAM

I am about to buy my first Macbook Pro, should I wait for the possibility for a 2015 macbook, or just get the most recent model currently? (9-22-14)

I am about to buy my first Macbook Pro, should I wait for the possibility for a 2015 macbook, or just get the most recent model currently? (9-22-14)

No one knows if there will be a new model and if so, when that would be. However, there always will be something bigger, better, and newer around the corner, so you'd be waiting forever.
Buy it when you want or need it.
FWIW, here are the specs of the latest models (which happen to be mid 2014):
Apple - Support - Technical Specifications

To buy a Macbook? Help me decide, please.

Hi Guys,
My 12" PowerBook G4 is getting a little long in the tooth, so I'm in the market for an upgrade. My choices are either the 15" MBP or the high-end white Macbook. The deciding factor is the dedicated video card in the MBP.
My question is about the performance of the Macbook with a 23" Apple Cinema Display. You see, I have a friend with a first-generation Macbook with 1GB of RAM and she recently hooked it up to my display in order to watch a quicktime movie. It was a horrible experience. The movie played fine, but if you tried to drag the window around or tried to interact with the OS, everything lagged. In short, the integrated graphics were inept. Way too underpowered to use with the external display.
I realize that the new Macbooks have updated graphics. Those of you that have new MBs and external displays, how is the performance? I routinely have 3 Creative Suite apps up at once along with safari, pages, mail, etc. I need to be able to use all these apps at once, switching between them flawlessly on a 23" display. I will not tolerate any lag or hesitation. (Dragging CS3 windows around must be smooth, expose must be instant and smooth, etc).
If I buy the Macbook, it will have 4GB of RAM, so I'm especially interested in the experience of those who have maxed out their memory. Thanks very much!
-Bryan

Yea, that's the same conclusion I've reached. The only downside is that I'm currently doing a massive publishing project that I could really use the power of a new MBP for. But with Montevina coming out in five months, it's just dumb to spend $3,000 at the moment.
Santa Rosa is not bad and the current MBPs are no slouches, but the new Montevina chipset with Penryn Core 2 Duos will really up the ante. Plus, Montevina brings built-in support for DisplayPort and it will be roughly 20% smaller, which means we might see a redesigned MBP at WWDC in June.
So the wait continues! Thanks for you help, guys.

Some advice - buying a MacBook Air

Hi,
I am planning to buy a MacBook Air (13" version), and have some questions which I would like some help!
1. Performance/Upgrades
I am trying to figure out whether I should get the Processor (i5 to i7) and/or RAM (4GB to 8GB) upgrades - is it worth it, for me?
My day to day usage is quite regular - Outlook, spreadsheets, writing, browsing, streaming online videos, a few flash games here and there. But, I do multi-task heavily, in that I can have large numbers of files/programs/browsing tabs all open at the same time, flicking between them to get things done quicker. On a few odd occasions, I do use more intensive programs such as photo editing, web design, video editing etc.
From the research I have done I believe that a faster processor would only really benefit me in some of the more intensive tasks such as a video conversion. Now I know a professional video editor would the quickest conversions if they are doing it all the time, but for me, because this sort of task is quite infrequent, I can handle it taking an extra 10 minutes to convert something. What I couldn't deal with is for these applications to be slow and draggy in their overall usage.
For the RAM, I guess this would be a lot more useful for me, in terms of the multi-tasking applications and files? My existing laptop (albiet old and cluttered) is a Windows 7 with Core i5 dual core and 4GB ram. I have sometimes found when opening significant numbers of tabs, it tells me I am out of memory, or the application windows will start failing to load/turning black screen etc). Things take a long time to open. This sort of thing, I find annoying!
If I get either upgrade it means spending £1050-£1150 on the Apple Store. If I don't need the upgrades, I can get hold of the standard MBA for just £850 from Tesco, and that's quite a saving that I would appreciate at the moment... but only if it doesnt result in a lower performance that I would notice.
So this is the first question - what sort of day to day tasks would a faster processor and/or extra RAM benefit, and would I likely notice this? What about for the heavier applications? Do you think from my comments above that I should bother with either?
2. Using Windows apps
I've seen that you can run Windows programs on a Mac through Boot Camp or other software like Parallels. This would be really useful for me as I do have the odd program which is Windows-only and I would still need to use. However I have also been reading that doing this would significantly reduce performance/battery life on the Mac.
Does this mean that the Mac would have reduced performance/battery ALL of the time - even when Windows isn't being used, or does it just mean for the duration of time that you're actually logged into the Windows OS?
I can deal with slow performance whilst using Windows applications, as I don't intend on using the MBA as a full time Windows machine - but I would not want my battery/performance to suffer for the rest of the time when I am just running Mac stuff.
Any thoughts or experiences with this? And any tips on the best and most cheapest/efficient way to run Windows programs on a Mac?
3. Other crucial tips on switching?
I have used Windows for 15-20 years and never had a mac, but with the new Windows 8 being completely rubbish especially without touch screen, I think now is a good time to make the change and give Mac a try.
I've given the topic a good bit of research and have an idea of what will be different between a PC and Mac, but if you have gone through "the switch" yourself and think you have any particularly good tips from personal experience - such as things I might find difficult in getting used to or things I will have to sacrifice, or things a Mac won't do that I could have done in Windows etc - then let me know so I dont get any nasty suprises
I realise this is a lot of questions and info but having read lots of reviews and articles I'd like to just get some Apple user feedback - straight from the horses mouth - as this is kind of a big step for me to make this change and I dont want to spend all that money and regret it!
Thanks so much!
Danielle

Hi,
Thanks for your reply.
>>Running bootcamped Win7, yes power consumption is more, a lot more,....indications are no.
Sorry, can you clarify on this one - do you mean the power consumption is more DURING the use of Windows, or ALL of the time (even when using the Mac as normal with OSX).... also what did you mean by indications?
>>From the parameters of what you say your use would be, Id recommend the I5 with 8gig of ram. the 12 hour >>batt. life is only rated for the 13" on the I5, ....not the I7.
Sounds like my first guess was about right - and good point about the battery life - as that is something that's quite important to me!
>>The "switch" is extremely easy. Ive seen grandmothers switch to a MAC and have its 'everyday use' >>conquered in under a week. So, you should have no worries, its extremely user friendly, no worries of virus, >>etc.
Glad to hear I've done more research and already seen a few features I can see myself preferring a lot more to the Windows system!
>>As a former computer repairman, Ive owned nearly 200 diff. laptops (many were free, or Franken-computers >>built from parts) and I can honestly say the Macbook AIR is the finest piece of beloved hardware Ive ever >>owned by a mile.
>>Many people incorrectly see the THIN nature of the Air and incorrectly conjecture its "less than" a full laptop, >>but the contrary is the case.
Nah, I don't associate size with performance - especially these days, everything is getting smaller. My concerns are really just about whether to upgrade for extra performance, and using the OS - once I have those nailed I am pretty cofident the hardware will perform well.
>>Additionally the AIR is the only Mac that has 802AC wifi, new Haswell cool-running processor, and extremely >>long 12 Hr. batt life on the I5 13" configuration.
Yeah that battery life is one of the big sellers
Cheers for the tips,
Danielle

Could I be refused Applecare if I was to buy a MacBook Pro from Ebay?

So, I'm looking to buy a MacBook Pro. Only problem is, I'd rather not have to spend the £1000 I'd need to do so.. Mainly because I haven't exactly got it all, and even if I do, I'd rather not spend it all..
I've been browsing ebay looking at Pros for sale, and I've found a few possible ones- But I want to know if anyone else has done the same and had certain problems in the past? I mean, I would only consider buying from someone with 97% - 100% positive feedback anyways..
My idea was to buy a one that I liked the look of, for say, £400 maximum, and then just buy apple care afterwards from the actual apple store.. Good plan?
Some people have mentioned that Apple may refuse to sell/cover me with applecare? Would they actually refuse it? And if so- how could I get around it?
Any help and advice will be much appreciated! Thanks in advance-
L!

You can only buy Applecare in the first year of ownership. Not sure if any Used Mac's can get Applecare. I think it is for the original buy only, but I may be wrong on that.
Sure if the system was older then one year Apple would not sell you Applecare even if you were the original owner.
That is One Year from Date of Original Purchase. 367 day old NO Applecare.

I would like to buy a Macbook Pro and the model which I have selected is MGX82HN/A MB PRO DUAL CORE i5 2.6GHZ/8 GB RAM/256 GB SSD/ Iris Graphics device. would it suffice for a normal user ? Please advice.

I would like to buy a Macbook Pro and it would be my first Mac device. I have selected this model MGX82HN/A MB PRO DUAL CORE i5 2.6GHZ/8 GB RAM/256 GB SSD/ Iris Graphics device. Please advice whether it would suffice a normal user who works in a management consulting industry with project presentation related software in work ? Thanks.

Saptarshii wrote:
instead of buying an Apple USB superdrive, is it safe to use third party usb optical drive ?
Not only would it be safe but less expensive as well. The tray loaders are deemed to be the most reliable. Apple does not support Blueray so avoid that.
Ciao.

Should I buy a MacBook now? Please help!

My old Notebook just messed up, so I definitely need a new one quite soon.
I had a look at some MacBooks at the store and really liked them.
I would order it online at the Apple Store and choose a bigger harddrive (80gb), so it would definitely be a new built one.
But my main concern is: if I order a MacBook now at the Apple Store, will it eventually suffer all these symptomes that are mentioned here, especially the Random Shutdown?
Or can I assume that these things have been finally fixed by Apple, and newer models (mine would be week 40 or later) wont experience these symptomes?
I really need a new notebook, and as the estimated shipping time is up to 2 weeks, I should order asap.
But I dont want to get one of the last MacBooks that has The RSS.

I would buy it. I've had mine for 3 1/2 months and I think I just had my first random shutdown (don't worry, mine's week 21, an early build). I'm a little apprehensive about finding a place to fix it quickly in Europe, but this is by far and away the best notebook I've ever had, and that doesn't even say enough about it. I trust Apple to fix it, I know they stand behind the quality of their products, and the macbook has been so superior to anything I've ever used...
You should also remember that long-time Apple owners are used to quality approaching perfection, and they can be very demanding - not that there's anything wrong with that! But my previous two VAIOs made a habit of freezing, had loud, constantly-running fans, had letter keys that popped off at random, and the last one - which I used for 4 1/2 years before buying the macbook - had a nasty habit of giving my hands little electric shocks when I touched the palmrests! Even when it was brand new, I had to type with a towel between my hands and the palmrests to avoid pain! And I just accepted ALL of this, didn't even TRY to have it fixed, only sent it in for repairs when the hard-drive crashed, and when it came back from repairs with a crooked hinge, I didn't say anything but was simply glad they had given me the new drive without a problem.
I really think a week 40 is likely to be perfect, but if it isn't, I expect that Apple will work on it until any problem it has is fixed. I wish people would remember that PCs also crash and burn - far more commonly than macs - and when they do, you are generally on your own!

Need expert advice on buying new macbook pro 15 inch

Hi I Am a digital textile designer and planning to buy my first retina macbook pro. I need expert advice, which model should i buy 15 inch base model or with dedicated graphics card. i will use macbook for digital designing on Adobe photoshop and multi tasking. so now really confused is intel iris pro graphics will handle heavy files on photoshop or Nvidia GT750 m will good for heavy work. I am working on very large resolution file like 10 to 15k in resolution approx 1 GB in file size with lot of filters is being use while designing. Which model will handle above task well and last longer.

Look at the specifications here:
http://store.apple.com/us/buy-mac/macbook-pro
You may be confusing the quad core CPU with the Graphics processor.
It should have no difficulty in running Adobe Photoshop.
Ciao.

First MacBook Pro 13 inch

Is it true that the first MacBook Pro with a 13 inch screen is the mid 2009 generation?
Reason for the question is that I am considering buying a refurbished unit. However I would like to make sure that it is of the latest generation. Is there a reason why Apple does not list the generation in their refurbish store? Or did I miss it?
Thanks for you help.
Olaf

Is it true that the first MacBook Pro with a 13 inch screen is the mid 2009 generation?
Yes
Is there a reason why Apple does not list the generation in their refurbish store?
If there is a reason, nobody here would know.

Iam looking at buying a macbook

I am looking into buying a macbook and I need some help. It will be my first Apple. I am very excited but am also a single mom and watching my dollars. I was thinking about getting one on Ebay that is new in box. If I do this can I still buy the ProCare and the One to One service? Is the warranty still available to add on? I am trying to make a smart purchase but also be very cost effective. PLEASE HELP!!!

I have bought my last 3 Macs off of eBay... and you are right, it is much cheaper!
One thing i would advise is to make sure the Paypal protection care is at the $2,000.00 level and not just $200.00! If you get scammed, Paypal will only refund $200.00 if the coverage is $200.00. If the seller you are dealing with is only covered up to $200.00, then i would be very CAREFUL!!!
Buying off ebay does not prevent you from purchasing the Apple extended warranty... and if you look around you will be able to get one for around $175.00. (i bought my first Applecare for $165.00 and the second one for $145.00 but i think i really lucked out both times!)
Apple's One to One service should not be affected by where and how you purchased your laptop, so enjoy your new Macbook and welcome to our side... Oh, get a keyboard protector cos' you never know when an accident might occur and you don't want anything happen to your new MacBook! :o)
blue skies,

Hey. i'm about to travel to thiland and i'm thinking to buy there Macbook air\pro. how can i tell if it's fake?

hey. i'm about to travel to thiland and i'm thinking to buy there Macbook air\pro. how can i tell if it's fake?
thnks

If possible, I'd make sure to register it on Apple's online system at first start IN THE STORE, and verify it is a kosher serial number before walking out. That way you'll be sure to be covered by the warranty. If the machine is fake, Apple's system won't accept the serial number. If it is stolen and already registered to someone else, it won't accept the repeat registration.

Buying first macbook

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