Looking to buy my first MacBook Pro, advice needed

Hey all, this is my first post. I am looking to become a MacBook Pro owner for the first time. I have an iphone5 and an ipad but have decided it's time to step up. I have decided to give my ipad to my wife because she likes the more portable device and just uses it for web browsing and Facebook.
I am looking for opinions, I am currently leaning towards getting the 13" macbook with retina display. I will be using it mainly for Internet browsing. Downloading music and films. Managing them and using iTunes etc. will also be looking to stream what I download to my ps3 if that is possible. I am not a massive user in terms of I do not video editing or music editing professionally but like the idea of iPhoto and iMovie just for playing around and seeing what I can do. Could turn into a new hobby for me.
I had a windows laptop previously and it became riddled in viruses and slowed down so quickly so will not be getting one of those again. In terms of MacBooks do they generally stand the test of time? It will not be slowing down on me anytime soon will it?
My main concern is the storage. I feel my best bet is the 256gb hard drive and an external hard drive also.
Is there anything I need to consider other than what I have mentioned above before buying one having never used a mac before? Does the App Store work the same as on the iphone? Are there any really good apps to get me started?
All advice welcomed. Thanks

Depending on your intended use, you may want to max out the RAM to 16GB. This will future proof your Mac to some extent.
Althouigh your MacBookPro won't slow down over time, OSX RAM requirements may increase with future updates.
I agree a good backup plan is essential. Time Machine for incremental backups and a cloning strategy with an offisite rotation is ideal.
You may want to consider storing Music/Video on your network, either a NAS device or USB drive attached to a router. A future purchase could be a MacMini as a Server.
As for applications, the usual office apps are available in Mac versions (MS Office being the one that comes to mind). I would start with the Apple programs and then, if you need others, come back here or search the web for reviews.
Lastly, consider whether you need to run Windows either in Bootcamp (dual boot configuration) or as a virtual machine. For example, you may have Windows software that is not available on the Mac.
Good luck and enjoy your new Mac.
Sam.

Similar Messages

I'm looking at buying my first macbook pro and not sure which one to get

i want to compose music, not professionally just for home use, and i dont know if its worth saving the extra £300 on the the i7 8gb and going for the i5 4gb.
as its my first ever macbook i need advice please.

ok sorry this should go in macbook pro page sorry

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

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

I'm looking to buy a new Macbook Pro, and have questions about the Applecare extended warranty?

I'm looking to buy a new Macbook Pro, and have questions about the Applecare extended warranty? I want to know if the 3 year extended warranty covers what damage. Like water damage, accidental damage, lost or stolen macbook, manufactory defects, or any other kind of damage, maybe be even cosmetic damage. Can anyone help me?

If you are talking about features of the MBP itself, as long as you are not looking at the Retina models, then the memory you can upgrade yourself for a lot less than Apple charges, and that does not affect the warranty as Apple considers memory a user permitted upgrade. Great sources are Crucial and OWC, both are Mac specialists and have on-line videos on how to do the install.
If the 15" is what you are looking at, a good upgrade is the 7200 rpm hard drive, gives a little better performance over the standard 5400 rpm drive.
The Hi Res screen is good if you do a lot of graphics work.
Comparing the 13" amd 15" you will notice the 15" has a second, discrete graphic processor...helps when you get into heavy duty videos, games, graphics...but keep in mind that kicking in the second processor uses a lot of power and will run the battery down faster.
If you are looking at the Retina models, then keep in mind there are no post-purchase upgrade options...you have to buy with everything you want at the start.
Just some thoughts.

Buying my first Macbook Pro Non-Retina (13 or 15 inch?)

Hey, I'm currently buying my first MBP for University. I've been using my 17' Sony Vaio for University so far, it's incredibly fast and HD, but it's way too big for University. When you're sitting in the hallway and trying to do work, way too big. It's literally 10 pounds as well, carrying it hasn't really been a problem, gotten used to it, but I think it's time to make the switch to a MBP.
For financial reasons, as well as me not wanting to take a 2500+ (roughly) laptop to school on a daily basis, worrying about it being stolen/dropped or something, I don't want to buy the MBP retina yet, it's new technology and a little overpriced because of that (I personally feel).
Anyway, for my new MBP I'm going to use it to take notes/write essays, make powerpoints. Pretty much just do my work, I got a desktop computer at home as well, so I don't think I'm going to be too into video editing or gaming or anything really that important (who knows though, might fall in love with it, and want to - so kind of hoping to get a little more than the base, not sure though, please give your suggestions.)
Anyway, I was considering buying the upgraded 13' MBP (All Student Pricing by the way)
13-inch: 2.9 GHz
2.9GHz dual-core Intel Core i7
Turbo Boost up to 3.6GHz
8GB 1600MHz memory
750GB 5400-rpm hard drive1
Intel HD Graphics 4000
Built-in battery (7 hours)2
$1, 429.00
The base model is $1, 129.00 i5, 2.5GHz, 4GB memory, 500GB hard drive.
But my friend who had a 13 inch almost all his life recently bought a 15 inch MBP and told me that he highly recommends I get a 15 inch MBP, he tells me his 13 inch was way too small, and that I'm going to regret it, he told me the screen size makes a huge difference when trying to do more than one thing, and it's just a nuissance.
Me, having a 17' Sony Vaio all my life initially want to go as small as possible, to save the hassle, but he's pretty sure that I'm going to regret it.. So the 15 inch models are..
2.3GHz vs 2.6GHz, pretty much the same diff. as the 13 inch in terms of specs, 4GB to 8GB memory & 500GB to 750GB Hard drive.
Base model is 1729.00, upgraded one is 2029.00
So, the way I'm looking at it right now is to get the 2.9GHz MBP because it's specs are pretty much all equal to or better than even the upgraded 15' MBP, only difference is screen size/resolution, which is one of my questions, because somewhere I was reading how Apple ruined the 13 inch MBP because of a bad graphics card or something, or the screen is really bad compared to the 15 inch or something like that..So I was wondering if anyone knew anything about that.
Anyway, what would you recommend, especially considering the upgraded 15' starts at the base 15' Retina price, so I highly doubt getting that, cause if I was convinced on that, I'd probably go for retina.
By the way, people also recommended getting base models for whatever I wanted and upgrading them myself, or going to a shop to do it or something, they say it'd be cheaper, but the problem is I'm a student and I'm getting the AppleCare warranty regardless, and I think that would void the warranty, not sure how that works though.
So please, any suggestions. For a first time MBP user, looking to switch, what would you recommend? Sorry for all the writing, just wanted to make it clear what my thoughts were, so I know which would be best for me.
Thanks in advance!
Oh, and should I buy now, or wait for Mountain Lion to come out and by then? Because regardless, It's going to be relatively new and I'm not going to be doing a backup or anything, so don't really thinks it'd make much of a difference, but if it does, please state so and why!
Thanks.

I know exactly how you feel about having a lot screen real estate and then wishing you had something more portable. My previous laptop was a Toshiba Qosmio 18.4'' screen. It was/still is a beast. However like you said it literally weighs 10 pounds and just really doesn't work for "on the go" stuff. I decided to get a 13.3'' MBP. I love it.
Don't worry about Mountain Lion with http://www.apple.com/osx/uptodate/ program you'll be set.
Now to all other questions...
This article 13-inch MacBook Air vs. 13-inch MacBook Pro: Which should you buy? | Apple - CNET News compares the MBP and MBA, I know you said you were considering two different MBPs but this might have relative information.
The MBP retina model uses parts that are all soldered on to the motherboard for the best possible speed and lightest/slimmest design (it is only slightly thicker than a MBA at its thickest part). This is important on two fronts. First you wont be able to change ram/HDD after you buy it. However, with everything integrated that way the effect is a SIGNIFICANT boost in speed.
So if portability is ultimately what you're after a MBA may be your best option. From the uses you described to me it doesn't look like you'll be doing a lot of things at once. Once you learn gestures and how easily it is to switch between spaces and full screen apps multiple windows on a single screen will start to be a thing of the past. Also the MBA uses SSDs which provide it a decent speed boost over traditional HDDs.
If I were in your shoes I would highly consider the MBA or the retina MBP. In my opinion they offer the slimmest lightest options.
Good luck and remember only you can decide what is best based on your needs and preferences.

Looking to buy a refurbished MacBook Pro for video editing. Need suggestions on what to look for.

Hey Everyone,
I already own a 2012 Mac Pro Desktop. I do some pretty advanced video editing on it, using FCPX and After Effects, with FXFactory and many other plugins.
I need to invest in a MacBook Pro so I can transfer my projects and edit at different locations.
I'm looking for a refurbished or used model to save some money where I can.
My budget is not too large, but I can probably manage $1,000 - $1,500
Can anyone suggest a good model (im guessing 2011-2012) and a good graphics card to look for, so it can handle this type of stuff. I will obviously max out my RAM also.
Thank you so much for all the suggestions in advance!!

Hey BobRzand OGELTHORPE
Thanks for your reply! BobRzJust looking to clarify.. When you said "Also, that's typically not on the 13" models but is on the 15" (or the 17..." were you referring to the onboard graphics memory? Should I stay away from a 13 inch? I'm going to follow OGELTHORP''sadvice and go for the 2011 model. The 13 inch are the most affordable and I've found ones with a 2.8GHz Processor that is right in my price range. Thanks again for your help guys!

PC User Seriously Considering MacBook Pro - Advice Needed!!

Hey guys and girls,
So I have been using PCs now for almost 20 years and of course Windows since the 3.1 releases. I have been using a Sony Vaio laptop for the last 3 and a half years and the poor thing is just getting slower and slower and formatting the computer does not make much difference at all. Also I am getting a little bit tired of problems associated with Windows and PCs and although I know how to solve them I just want an easier life so I am thinking about upgrading to the MacBook Pro.
I have played around on a MacBook for a small amount of time as a friend of mine has one. I have read up alot about Leopard and I really like its design and features (so I will wait until Leopard is released before I buy). My main concern really is that I need a laptop that is capable of business tasks (as I run my own business) and I also wish to use it for Audio Recording (demos, EPs etc). So I need to know what MacBook / MacBook Pro would be best for me bearing in mind I have never owned a Mac before!!
If you can give me some advise I would really appreciate it! Thanks =)
P.S. I am looking to steer away from Windows as much as possible but I will need it to run certain products associated with my business that only use Internet Explorer 6 or above.

Welcome to the forums. Glad to see you are having a serious think about moving to the Mac and OS X. The Vaio is a well-made machine, but Windows is not to everyone's taste these days.
Many of the problems you have on Windows do not exist on Macs but that is not to say they are not problem-free. Before you settle on the model (and the date) have a look at Apple's own resources, for example their "< href="http://www.apple.com/support/">Solutions" including Switching 101.
As well as a version of Microsoft Office for Mac, there are a number of other solutions such as Open Office or (my choice) NeoOffice -- perhaps a little slower but certainly usable. There is also the new Numbers application in iWork (including Keynote (instead of PowerPoint) and Pages (instead of Word).
If you are looking at such professional applications as sound recording, then you would probably be best looking at the MacBookPro: the only choice you need to make is size (15", 17") and configuration. Go for what you can afford, but also factor in buying more memory as soon as you can.
If you need to run IE6, there are a couple of solutions: a Windows installation using Boot Camp, Parallels Desktop or VMWare Fusion; or perhaps Crossover for one or two Win applications (mine does run IE6); and you might also look for alternative browsers as sometimes these are enough to spoof those websites that think they need IE6.
If there are other must have Windows applications, you might try with Crossover first (download a trial to check it out) or you may have to consider one of the three solutions (above). There is a Boot Camp forum and I believe a Parallels user group where you might find additional answers.

First Macbook Pro. Which Graphics Card?

I’m looking to buy my first Macbook Pro and have a question about graphics cards. I’m going to get a 15” Retina and was wondering what is the best graphics card to go with? Intel Iris Pro or nVidia I will primarily be using it for filmmaking purposes (editing, After Effects etc.) and also programming in Xcode and gaming. Any help would be awesome! Thanks!

By default the "Automatic Graphics Switching" is used to maximize battery life.
So unless anything 'graphics intensive' comes up then the Intel 3000 is used and the AMD 'sleeps'.
You can change the automatic switching in the Energy Saver Preferences http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4110
When choosing to always use the SMD then the System Profiler should show it.
Stefan

I want to buy a refurbished Macbook Pro solely to use 'protools 8' on-nothing else. I am being told there are only certain year Macbooks Pro that will run this programme. I know I need 8gb, can anyone give me advice on what to buy/look for?

I want to buy a refurbished 'Macbook Pro' solely to use 'protools 8' on-nothing else!.
I am being told there are only certain year Macbook Pro that will run this programme.
I know I need 8gb, can anyone give me advice on what to buy/look for please?

It appears to depend upon the version you will be using:
http://avid.force.com/pkb/articles/en_US/Compatibility/en352429
Based on what I can tell, you may have to go to the second hand market in order to get a MBP that will run a compatible OSX.
Ciao.

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)

I currently run the Design and Web Premium CS6 on a first generation MacBook Air and want to buy a new MacBook Pro. How do I know whether I can install my Adobe programs onto the new computer? Because I know there is some kind of limit.

I currently run the Design and Web Premium CS6 on a first generation MacBook Air and want to buy a new MacBook Pro. How do I know whether I can install my Adobe programs onto the new computer? Because I know there is some kind of limit.
Also, I had to install the software twice on my same computer before because I had to reboot the computer. I don't know if this affects the limit.

You are allowed to have two activated installations so there should not be a problem having working installations on the two machines. If by chance you have somehow tied up two activations for the one machine you can have Adobe support help resolve that thru chat.
Serial number and activation chat support (non-CC)
http://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/global/service1.html ( http://adobe.ly/1aYjbSC )

Do I buy a 13" MacBook Pro or an Air?

Okay, I am having a dilemma and need some advice. I am looking to buy a new laptop to serve as my only computer. I currently have a 15" MacBook Pro with an i5 Processor. I bought the 15" last year because I thought I NEEDED an anti-glare display and since it was my first laptop, I was worried about losing screen real estate. Also, I didn't want to get a core 2 duo and to get an i5 or better I had to get atleast a 15" I have since learned I am fine with glossy (actually, I PREFER it) and also prefer portability over power. I feel like I bought a Ferrari to handle a 2 block commute. The 13" screen does not seem much smaller. I am a student so I like bringing my computer to class and on trips or even to a friend's house. However, I find the size of the 15" to be a little too bulky and I find I only bring laptop around with me "when I absolutely have to". It's heavy and also does not fit well in a bag. It feels too big to bring to a coffee shop or to friend's houses, and I hate carting it around campus. I see a lot of people with 13" MBP's and they take them around, no problem.
I am planning on selling my 15" MacBook Pro and then buying a 13" MacBook Pro or a 13" MacBook Air. It will be my only computer. I mainly use it for browsing the web, e-mail, writing, watching movies, MS Office, skyype, itunes, and then I also do light editing with imovie. Also, I want something that will serve me well for the next 4 or 5 years. Since the AIr cannot be upgraded once you buy it, will it be too poorly equiped to handle typical tasks within a few years? Would I be better off buying a pro? The 13" Pro feels A LOT smaller than the 15". However, are the going to revamp the 13" Pro next year and eliminate the optical drive? Which one serves me better for the future? If I had a MacBook Pro 13" I could always upgrade the ram and swap in a SSD in a couple of years. Also, which machine is more fragile?
I am sure many people are having this dilemma now that the new airs feature the newer processors. What do you think my ideal set-up should be? I have about 20 Gigs of media on my computer as of now, and obviously the number will grow. Like I said, I want this computer to last me atleast the next 4 years.
Should I get a 13" MBP or an Air? If so, which specs should I make sure are included on the machine?

I was in the same position.. debating between the beautiful lightweight Air or the Pro. There were many pros in both aspects I had to consider.. the power the Pro has is crazy.. and honestly, I'll probably never use all of the power it comes with. The air was great for being so lightweight and portable.. and I travel with my computer all the time.
I went with the Macbook Pro and couldn't be happier with my choice. I know the Air boots up lighting fast.. but the Pro is super fast itself.. the Air, as beautiful as it is.. I felt like with one wrong move could snap right in half.. the Pro feels so sturdy and strong. The Pro also has the SD slot which the 11inch air doesnt.. so that was important to me too since I love taking a lot of pictures. Being able to watch DVD's on my laptop is a huge plus too .. and burning DVD's and CD's.
I feel like I completely got my monies worth with my Pro.. no problems at all and just seems so advanced.

Should I buy a new Macbook Pro 13 inch or Macbook Air 13 inch?

Hi,
I was wondering if I should buy the new Macbook pro 13 inch, or keep my old 2010 1.4 C2D Macbook Air. I am not satisfied with the tiny 64GB SSD that my current Macbook Air has, because just a few weeks after I had done a clean reinstall of OSX Lion, the whole disk almost filled up. The one thing I do like about the Macbook Air, however is the speed of the SSD. Its really quick, and it boots in under 20 seconds. The Air didn't have many performance issues (other than overheating like crazy after playing a few graphics-intensive games).
If I were to buy a new Mac, my price range would be from $1200-$1500. I plan to use Garageband/iMovie frequently for making Youtube videos/school projects, and store a large music library. I also plan to do some moderate gaming and run Windows 7 in Bootcamp/Parallels. I don't plan to take it around much, but I don't want to have to weigh down my backpack in case I have to. My two options now would be the new Macbook Pro 13 inch or the new Macbook Air 13 inch. Could anyone give me a suggestion of which computer to buy?
Thanks!

I went through this same thing when I purchased my first Mac 3 days ago, also between the 13 inch MBA and MBP. I ended up deicding with the 13inch MBP, here's why:
1. More hard drive space, yes it may not be an SSD but more space is more space. I have also heard about people taking out the disc drive and adding an SSD in its place, so there would be an option.
2. The disc drive, I rarely do use it but just in case it's there and easier than carrying around an external.
3. Upgradability, I plan on keeping this Mac for a while because I spent so much on it. On a MBP I can upgrade the internal parts such as the hard drive and RAM. On a MBA everything is soldered together so what you buy is what you stick with.
4. Ethernet port, this is one that could be gotten around by an adapter but I still took it into consideration. Not everywhere has wifi yet including my work where every computer is hard wired.
5. Bootcamp, as well I plan to run Windows 7 on mine and Windows 7 takes a good amount of space so this is another spot where the larger hard drive of the MBP comes in handy. You could always have an external hard drive and run Windows 7 off of that on an Air but then you would have to have it always plugged in when you wanted to run Windows 7.
About me, I am a student so I had a lot to think about and read a lot of reviews online before I decided on my MBP but I am glad I decided on this over an Air. It may be a few pounds heavier also but in the long run for me I think the Pro will be better, I do plan on adding more RAM in the future as software becomes more memory intensive. With you're pricerange being 1200-1500 the 13inch MBP with the i7 processor may be one to look at. From Apple with their student discount, if you are one, you get $100 of plus a $100 giftcard. At BestBuy (where I got mine) the price of the i7 13inch MBP is 1,424.99 and if you're a student you get $100 off but no giftcard. I got the i5 13inch MBP because I don't need an i7.
In the end it all comes down to what works for you, but I hope I was able to help you some.

I have just taken delivery of my first MacBook Pro so I am new to all that goes on underneath the cover. One quick question though...I had pre-installed three programmes to cover Exel, Word and Powerpoint. Can anyone tell me where to find them?

I have just taken delivery of my very first MacBook Pro so I am new to all that goes on under the cover. Can anyone tell me how I open the pre-installed programmes which are compatible with Word, Excel and Powerpoint?
Thanks

Your welcome, gald to be of help
Welcome to Apple Support Communites and to the Mac, after a little time you will be flying!
Make sure if you have not done so yet to run software update to make sure you MBP is up to date, you can do this by clicking on the Apple logo at the top left on your menu bar, and clicking on Software update.
One other thing that will help you when posting here is to make syre your profile is up to date/correct. You have in your profile as of now your MBP model and year which is freat, but you have for your operating system, iOS(mobile devces) 7.02, which would be for and iPhone, iPad, iPod. Your MacBook Pro operates on OSX (which in your case should be 10.8.5, you can find this info under the Apple logo, About this Mac) having this info available to anyone reading a question post is very helpful for them offer advice/sugesstions that may apply to your particular OSX, as well as eliminating confusion.
Thank you for the green check, by marking your respones it helps other users to find solutions if they are having a similar issue, if you are looking for something, after typing yor question, check the right hand side bar under "More Like This" and sometimes you may find an answer there.
Synergy is a great thing.
Thanks for using Apple Support Communities and enjoy your new Mac.
One more suggestion is to purchase AppleCare it will extend your warranty to 3 years and you will also have free phone
in-store/online for the entire period. I have done this with my families machines and found it to well woth the relativly small investment.

Looking to buy my first MacBook Pro, advice needed

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for