Mac Air vs. iPad Air for a college student with writing courses.
Along with the occasional short story, I enjoy taking photos and editing them. Also need an HP Photo printer that has AirPrint. Any suggestions?
Note: Check to make sure you can format your documents how you like. Footnoting tends to have limited fixiblity. Some profs my not accept these limitations.
Check around and see if you might be missing common apps. Some online learning course have not been updated to support mobile devices.
In a local college library I have noticed that the students have made a rapid move to the Mac platform from 20% to 70%. I do not see many tablets.
Robert
Similar Messages
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MacBook Air: the right choice for a College student?
Hello there!
I'm buying my first Apple laptop in the near future (probably tomorrow as I like to buy things in store and not online and I live roughly 75 miles from the nearest Apple store and am heading to the mall it's located in on a shopping trip tomorrow, anyway). I currently have a 3 year old Dell that has no battery life at all (it has to be connected 24/7 to an outlet, the mouse clicky button doesn't work, it overheats, and the hardrive has already been replaced not once but twice) and I don't use it for anything other than school, facebook, watching movies via netflix, skype, and listening to music. I've been doing months of research and all has lead me to Apple.
I want this laptop to last me until I am done with my masters and into the first couple years of my teaching career, so roughly 6 years. Is that too much to ask from this machiene?
I'm inlove with the thiness, lightness and portability of the Macbook Air. I use my laptop a lot, this semester I'm finishing out my core requirements and a lot of them are "bullsh*t" classes where I can do nothing and get an A. I would therefore have my laptop with me, I also bring it to friends rooms to study and relax. My goal is to have a laptop that I can write papers, continue to watch movies and use it as a basic machiene. I barely use a cd drive (my aunt is willing to by the drive that goes with the Air) but when I do it's just for burning music to my itunes. I want a machiene that will have a long lasting battery life - that's my biggest concern.
My roomate has a Macbook Pro and keeps telling me that I'd hate the Air.
I've read that people do not like it as it does not have a backlit keyboard. That doesn't bother me as my keyboard currently isn't backlit.
I've also read that people continue to prefer the pro over the air but I am not a fan of the pro just as it is so much bigger.
I barely ever use my USB drive, when I do its to transfer over files that need to be printed. So having only two of them means nothing to me really.
I'm just looking for assistance to help me make my decision. I feel like I already made it but I just want to be sure that I'm making the right choice.
My personal pros/cons:
Pros: lightweight, small, highly portable, amazing webcam, excellent battery life
Cons: it's so thin I feel like I would snap it in two pieces
Thank you so much!Listen to us, Lovekate!
We know you're eager, but hold out just a little longer--maybe a week or two--for the update! Please! It's the smart thing to do because it may give you options you can use. Kate! Look away from the machines. This way! This way! You can do this. If you don't, you'll feel buyers remorse and that's not good. Hold off. You'll be happy you did...also, don't forget, when you do buy, you get a student discount.
From what you say, you've found the computer you love and don't need any encouragement from us. But here's advise for what you can say to your friends:
(1) To those telling you to get the Pro--you are not going to buy more than you need. With Clouds, and online mail and external hard drives, there is no need for you to haul around anything made heavy with a huge hard drive you'll never fill up. And the Air can do anything a Pro can do excepting update to a bigger hard drive (which you've just explained you don't need--like you don't need the CD drive). And the 13" actually has a longer lasting battery than the 13" Pro.
(2) Why should you get a computer you don't love, and therefore is no fun or joy for you to work on, rather than a computer you love, which you will love working on? Apple rule, "Always get what you love."
(3) To your Dad, you are buying something very like a car. And like a car, if you buy one cheap, it will cost you if it breaks down, needs repairs, or needs replacing. Needing to buy a new cheap car every other year can add up to the same cost as buying a new car that will last you ten years. You are buying a computer that will last you, be reliable, and not need repairs thus interfering with your productivity (by the way, get Apple Care--adds two more years warranty for a total of 3 years--trust us on this. If you can't afford it now, you can hold off buying it till the end of the first year, but do get it!). Apple computers also have good resale value.
In short, as much as it costs, it will be worth it.
Hope that helps, and remember...hold out! or if you've already bought it--you have 14 days to return it. -
In downloading my Events from iPhoto on my Mac to my Ipad Air, the Events arrive in Photos in the correct order but not showing the Key photo. At the same time, the Events arrive in iPhoto in a totally random order but with the Key phto showing. Why? of course and is there a way to shift the order in Iphoto and get a Key photo in Photos?
HHi, thank you for the reply. I have checked my iPad and iPhone and neither has iCloud Photo Library (Beta) enabled. Turned off in both. Photostream is turned on.
i tried to sort it out by dragging all the photos to Events on the Mac and then deleting them from iCloud - (left hand side of iPhoto under the section 'Shared'). the photos now show up in Events. I did force quit but the issue remains. The message reads ' photos are bing imported to the library. Please wait for import to complete.'
i can't empty iPhoto trash either. The message read "Delete error. Please wait for import to complete.'
WHen I was moving the photos to the Events I always had a message about duplicates - to the effect that the photos already existed, did I want to import them? I clicked on Yes, import all duplicates. But when it showed the images - duplicates side by side - one showed the photo and the other was blank.
I really don't know what to do! And I don't know how to handle my iOS devices. Is it to do with the large number of photos? Any help, advice appreciated. -
Help with choosing a MacBook Air Model for a college student.
I am a college student and I am debating between the two 13 inch Mac AirBook models that Apple offers. I was wondering if someone can give me a breakdown of the differences and also, which model would be a better fit for a college student?
The two models are described here:
MacBook Air (13-inch, Mid 2013) - Technical SpecificationsJun 10, 2013
Actually, there is only one model. You can purchase it with 128GB or 256GB of storage. But you can customize other features as well, such as the processor speed and the RAM size.
Asking which model is best for a college student is just like asking what type of car you should buy. It's up to you. In my opinion, if you're going to spend a bit of money to upgrade from the base model, the first place to upgrade would be the RAM size. -
Looking for a reading App.
iPad (iOS 7.1.2) - Kindle.
I am looking for a good app that can help a college student with reading books that cannot be found on audio book. I have tried voice over and it works but it's very monotone and it really strings things together.
- I'm willing to pay for a good app but I can't seem to sort though the many that are out there. Any suggestions.Ah. I'm surprised, but there we go.
Have a look here ...
http://jam.hitsquad.com/vocal/about2136.html
(courtesy of googling 'OSX free multitrack recording software')
Didn't have time to do more than skim, but 'Ardour' looked promising. Protools is the only one I've used, the full product is one of the industry standards, but the free 'lite' version listed here seems to be limited to 2 in/out as well.
Referring to your original post, I'd think trying to write or 'script' something would be a nightmare ... synchronisation of streams within something like Applescript would be a major issue, quite apart from anything else.
G5 Dual 2.7, MacMini, iMac 700; P4/XP Desk & Lap. Mac OS X (10.4.8) mLan:01x/i88x; DP 5.1, Cubase SX3, NI Komplete, Melodyne. -
I would like to have an email account that is password-protected that I can access on my Mac, Iphone and Ipad, separate from the Mail application, with an alert button that indicates unread messages
Try a search... I'm sure if you put forth a little effort you can find a solution that will work for you.
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How could having a mac book pro benefit me as a college student?
how could having a mac book pro benefit me as a college student?
To be honest, which computer platform you use isn't likely to make much of a difference. You need a reliable system first and foremost. Granted, low end Windows machines can be less reliable. But I have found comparably spec'd Windows machines to perform as reliably. It does take a little more work on the PC side with respect to maintainance and avoiding viruses.
The most important thing is that you get a system that will allow you to do what you need to do. If you're not familiar with using a Mac (and subsequently, OS X), the best time to learn isn't when you're in school. You don't want to be spending time trying to figure out how to do something when you're up against a tight deadline.
Unfortunately, many schools still use some Windows only applications. The good news is that with a Mac, you can still natively run Windows, so there is no downside in going with a Mac. You can have the compatibility with Windows that you may need and you'll also have your comfy Windows there if you run into something in OS X that you don't have the time to figure out.
These forums are great for support, but sometimes you might need an answer "now" in the middle of the night while you're working on something, and it may take some time to get a helpful response. In those cases, you'll be able to fall back on Windows.
Over time, you'll find you can use Windows less and less and you'll start to get more comfortable with OS X. The benefits to a Mac aren't so much in the hardware, but rather the OS. It tends to be stable, clean, and efficient.
Frankly, being proficient in multiple operating systems is always a benefit as well. There may be Mac only applications out there that are better than their Windows counterpart. With a Mac, you'll be able to use those programs... which people running Windows machines may not even know exist. It's sort of like being able to speak a different language. You can broaden your options. Also, in today's job marketplace, any advantage you can have is a good one. -
I purchased Adobe Creative Ste 5.5 Master Collection for windows for my college student daughter in '12 and she would like to install in on her iMac. Please advise on the process. Software has not been used yet.
you need to exchange your win cs5.5 for mac cs5.5.
unfortunately, adobe only offers that for cs6, Order product | Platform, language swap -
I'm trying to use my iPad mini for the first time with a previous apple ID and password but it says "iTunes is not working try again"...it allowed me to download an app on my iPhone using the same apple ID & password but all my apps are in "Waiting Status" on my iPad mini because it says "iTunes is not working"...PLEASE HELP ME NOW!!!
Previous user installed iOS 7 beta on that iPhone.
Take it back and get your money returned. You
are running into a new security feature. Whoever owns
the ID that it is asking for is the only person who can
remove the security. That iPhone is worthless to you. -
Is a time capsule a good idea for a college student living in a dorm?
Is a time capsule a good idea for a college student living in a dorm?
Before you buy......you need to check with the school to see if they allow wireless routers in the dorms, or on campus at all.
Most schools prohibt the use of wireless routers due to interference issues.
Even if the school might allow this, there is no way to know in advance how well this might work....and frankly this type of setup is difficult, even if you have a friend who "knows computers".
If it were me, I would purchase a hard drive for backups....just like you do now.... and send an email once or twice a week to the student to remind them to "backup". -
MacBook Pro or Air for a College Student
Hi, I am a college student and want to switch over to Apple. I not sure which MacBook is correct for me. I had an iPad 2 but it really did not work out for me because I just like having an actual laptop with me, so I got rid of the iPad. I basically use my current HP laptop for surfing the web, typing papers, doing research and and for my large music collection. I am unsure if i should get the 13 inch MacBook Pro or the 13 inch MacBook Air. What the the pro and cons of each? Any fellow students out there that could help me out?
Actually for you the 15" anti-glare would be the better choice.
1: Larger screen, it's only slightly bigger than the 13", sits about 3 feet wayfrom eyes.
2: anti-glare option, lets you "see the goddarn screen" in nearly any enviroment, class, outside etc.
3: more powerful dedicated graphics card (less you get a 3D gaming itch, better video.web animation) 30-45 points on Cinebench
4: can survive more OS X upgrades with CPU + dedicated video card
5: flexibility, you have the performance if your needs change, need to run Windows in virtual machine
6: lasts longer if you take care of it because of the more horsepower.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_X0wo6dIsMU
Also search for "glossy" "Mac screen" in Google images, you'll see pictures people have taken where the screen is unreadable.
13" drawbacks
1: Integrated only video,
2: hotter machine because of integrated video (Intel HD 3000)
3: glossy only option
4: overpriced, any $400-$800 Win 7 cheap laptop is basically the same thing and you get a larger screen
5: can't successfully weather as many OS X upgrades having only CPU and doing double duty for graphics
6: need to hunch closer to the screen, almost placing it on your chest
IMO if your going to be paying $1500+ with AppleCare for a Mac laptop, get something that will last a bit longer AND make you happy.
The AIr is for those who know they operate within it's limitations, since you don't exactly know that...
If later you do decide a Air is better, you can sell the 15" and there would be a lot of interest and buy the Air.
You buy the Air and decide you need the 15" then you won't have a lot of potential buyers for the Air as you would for the 15" -
Which computer is better for a college student? Macbook Air or Macbook Pro?
help.
DNA1421 wrote:
I am studying Psychology so I know I will have to do a lot of papers, and a lot of Internet use. I also need to be able to carry it wherever I go. I would like it to be capable for years of use.
Even the least expensive Mac can do papers and Internet; those are pretty basic tasks. So you dont need to go overboard with a Pro model. The only reason for you to get a Pro is if you want it to last as long as possible, but now that you can't upgrade most MacBook Pros, a loaded 13" Air would probably last just as long.
You could buy a lower-end Mac to handle what you need to do, and to make it last longer you can order it with more RAM and storage since you can't upgrade it later.
ds store wrote:
The 15" anti-glare, you likely will have to run Windows too to run software only Windows has (as well as keeping up with your skills there), and it's easier to run it as a program in OS X (virtual machine) than using Bootcamp which a weaker Mac will have to do.
OK, a couple things here. I have the 15" antiglare so I sure do love it but...where do you buy one these days? I don't think it's an option because I don't think it can be ordered any more.
Also, lots of college students can get through their program without ever using Windows, I don't think it should be assumed. The need for Windows compatibility has gone down as more required apps now live on the Web, which is platform agnostic. -
How Do I Transfer Files From Mac To An iPad Air With A Lightning Wire?
How do I transfer files from a Mac Mini to an iPad Air with a lightning wire?
Syncing with iTune
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1386 -
Will the base 13' Air suffice for Film editing for a college student?
I was considering the machine due to it's portability and low entry price but I am concerned about it's possible lack of editing power for my college courses.
That is completely subjective. What are college level films? How do they differ from any other type of film?
Go out and buy a base model 13" Air and test it. You have 14 days from date of purchase to return it for a full refund. If it doesn't meet your need then either get one with a faster CPU and more RAM or buy something else that will work at the speed you want. It is not about will it do it, it will do whatever you want. It is about the speed it will do the work you want it to do. Again this is subjective as only you can tell if it is working fast enough for you. -
Macbook air or iPad air for mobile use with iMac at home
Ok i have a 2012 21 imac and i love this machine. I also have a 2013 13 macbook air for mobil use at work and in class. I am considering though selling the Macbook air and strictly getting an iPad air for my mobile computing needs. I already always use iCloud for all my doc and i don't do anything beyond taking notes for class, web browsing, email, iMessage and occasionally remote desktop support support for things at work on my macbook air. I believe an iPad air could fill all those needs and with something like the clam case pro for the iPad air when it comes out would be perfect for my desire to always type on a real keyboard instead of a virtual one. but I'm still a little unsure. Ive had a laptop and a desktop since 2005 so I'm a little apprehensive to ditch the laptop in favor of a tablet.
What are everyones thoughts and advice?Personally, the iPad is NOT a very good laptop replacement and you are getting a much more limited mobile OS.
If you already have a MacBook Air, it is a more capable mobile device and has the instant on capability as an iPad.
With your MacBook Air, you get the full OS X operating experience, also.
Plus, iPads do not have a bulit-in keyboard and trackpad and doesn't have all of the ports and connections your MacBook Air has.
Plus, your MacBook Air has a bigger screen, more RAM and more hard drive storage than an iPad.
An iPad is a downgrade from your MacBook Air.
Why would you even consider a downgrade to an iPad from a much more capable MacBook Air.
Stick with your MacBook Air. It is head and shoulders much better mobile Apple device than iPad.
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