When should I buy a Mac

I am currently a PC users and thinking about purchasing a MacBook Notebook. First, I am not sure if I should get a MacBook Air or Pro. This will be my primary notebook for work and home. For work I will be using a Citrix network. For home I will be using Adobe Photoshop for photo editing and surfing the web. Second I am not sure when to purchase. I would be discouraged if I purchased and then the newer version comes out in a month. Can anyone give some suggestions?

Well, the newest versions of the MacBook Pro are quite recent. The 15 inch model came out this summer and the 13 inch was updated yesterday. No guarantees on how long before the next update, of course.
The real answer to your title question is "Buy it when you need it." Trying to time your purchase so that you have the latest and greatest model is a frustrating and ultimately futile endeavor. There is always something newer with more bells and whistles around the corner. Remember though, a computer is only obsolete when it cannot do what you want it to. It is not the computer's capabilities that change but your expectations for it.
For what you are doing, I would suggest the MacBook Pro 15". You may or may not need the model with the retina display. I would go down to an Apple store and look at them before deciding.
Best of luck.

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Why Should I Buy Another Mac Book Pro

I purchased a Mac Titanium Powerbook back in the day when it was so fresh and new, big bucks. Within 2 years the logic board began freezing all the time. It was fixed with big bucks again. 2 years later the laptop began doing the same thing, freezing up and so I went along with the extremely annoying issue.
When the Mac Book Pro came out I decided to start fresh with a new computer, with big bucks of course. Guess what happened 2 years later as i lived in another town, took it to another Mac repair place. They told me the Logic board was dead. So after big bucks I replaced it, so rediculous. And now, 2 years later it is freezing again, not only that, I can't connect to my wifi anywhere I want to in my own place with my own internet. I have to walk to certain spots in my place so my Mac Book Pro will communicate with my router that always worked with the new Mac Book Pro since day 1. But, after these updates Apple puts out to better the system, at some time it borked my internet connection. Reading these boards and seeing similar problems with other Apple users and seeing there is no solution is decerning. Then seeing a new security update from Apple about detecting virus popups and nothing addressing it's wifi issue is the last straw for me.
My wife bought a Toshiba 4 years ago and we put win7 on it when it came out since vista is disgusting. There isn't one problem with her laptop, nothing. And you can run still get on the internet with a laptop that runs win98. I cant even load a page when I get on my Mac Titanium Powerbook, that has to be connected to the internet via ethernet cable becuase detecting wifi on that is something that never occured, even though it should.
I am on the fence, Mac vs PC? Pricey vs Something that breaks less?
So why should I buy another Mac computer?

I don't think the experiences of a place where people discuss problems is necesarily an indicator of the overall populace using the product. Just as if you went to a hospital, you could not ascertain the relative overall health of everyone who is not in the hospital.
Statistically, you are probably an ideal candidate for a MBP, as it is extremely unlikely that you would have another problem of similar character. That is of course assuming that nothing you are doing is cutting short the life expectancy of your computers.
I am on my 4th MB variant, and have only had one major issue, which was handled terrifically by Apple. However, I am not entirely without worry that an electromechanical device nmade by humans can't fail. That is why I also have had AppleCare on everything.
But we differ in one great respect, I think. I figure that any computer i buy has a maximum life expectancy of 3 years. I have never used a computer longer than that, and I am routinely trading up within that time period. This time will be different though. I've only had my MBA for a little over 6 months, and It can't come any sooner that I'll move to the new one in about a month, if it nears my expectations.
Don't get me wrong, I respect the value you place on longevity. But I really think that unless your activities are especially harsh in a physical manner on your computers, then it is unlikely you will have the same experience once more. I do beleive that the current units are as good or better than anything Apple has had in their notbooks, in terms of quality.
But it is your decision,, that should be based on ALL facts and not just the experiences of those who visit a help forum.

Engineering software. Should I buy a MAC?

Hi, people. This is my first post on this forum. Sorry, I didn't now exactly where to put this thread.
I'm engineering student, and I work in a company where I have to use diverse software tools for engineering... My tasks, both at the university and at the company, are related with mechatronics: some topics with mechanical design 3D, and others with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), robotics, communication, sensors... So, have to use the laptop with varied software (LabView, Solid Edge, AutoCAD,...), even in the future maybe I will need to use more specific programs, special drivers for devices and machines, etc., not so well-know like previous mentioned.
I'm thinking about buying a laptop, and the idea of acquire a MAC attracts me, due to its robustness and its very high graphic proccesing performance, I think ideal for those programs for 3D mechanical design. But, of course, the idea of leave Windows, have compatibility problems and begin learning a new OS frightens me. I don't know if I will find all this software I need (varied engineering software). And, if I don't find it, I don't know if my MAC will run slowly when I had to execute Windows parallely in it. Furthermore, I don't know where do I have to get the software I need (both these programs I already use, but in MAC version; and those analogous to these I use but own of MAC).
On the other hand, I don't if I will need many time to get used to this new OS, or maybe, I will use it with normally in few days.
So, is here anybody in a similar situation to me?; in general, what do you recommend me in my situation?, should I buy a MAC?
Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Francisco

I kind of have a similar question. I already own an imac and was wondering if there was any software of any sort that could be used as an equivalent for some of the software I'm using. I will be using bootcamp (already paralleling but not pleased with performance) for my school applications. But I'm hoping to use Leopard as often as possible. Is there ANY engineering programs (3D CAD, modelling, element analysis, stress visualizsers etc.) that I could use? if you don't know of any off hand do you know a place where I could find them?
And for Porras78, I love my imac. never regretted my decision to buy one for a second even with the compatibility issues with programs that are needed for engineering schooling. Some cool scientific programs out there. and the performance is outstanding. I highly recommend even with the pain of finding niche programs.
Thanks to all posters,

When should I buy a new battery?

I've had my macbook for 8 months, I'm just wondering when should I buy a new battery?
The cycle count is 310, and checking System Profiler, the battery full charge is 5143.
Should I buy a new battery in a now, or should I not worry about buying a new battery, because I heard 310 cycles was a lot.

The question really isn't how many cycles your battery has, it is how long your full charge is lasting on a calibrated battery. If you've calibrated your battery within the last 60 days and you are getting less than 2 to 2 1/2 hours on a full charge then it is time to get a new battery. If you are getting 3 to 3 1/2 hours you are fine, regardless of your cycles. If you are in between decide if the $125 or so is well spent to get 4 hours or so.

When should i buy a iMac?

I have been wating for a while to buy a iMac. Some sources say it will come out sept. 12, others say october, or even early 2013. i really need one now but should i buy now though? i mean what happens when i buy one now but then the new one comes out in october?

Don't buy anything from Best Buy.
But what about the new model being so close, i just dont want to regret the buy.
No one knows about any new models. Significant upgrade cycles for Macs has historically been on the order of every year or so. There is no guarantee that will continue though.
"so close" is not significant for a computer that will serve you well for several years.
If you decide to buy from Apple they have a 14 day, no questions asked return policy. Should you buy a new Mac and another one comes out during that short period, you can return it for a full refund and buy the latest.
There's nothing wrong with using your existing computer. Replace it when it no longer does what you need it to do. If that happens to be now, you have your answer.

When should I buy?

I am thinking about buying a new 13" Macbook Pro this summer. However, I leave to study abroad in August and don't want to bring my new computer abroad (so I won't even be using it from August to December). I'm wondering if I should wait to buy a new computer when I get back in December. I either buy one now, get to use my fun, new computer for 2 months, and get a free iPod touch with the student deal, OR I buy in December, and maybe by then there will be new updates to the Macbook Pro. Should I buy now or wait? Getting it now + free iPod vs. waiting and possibly buying a better/faster computer?

On this discussion board it is against the rules to speculate on when Apple will replace products. There are other sites that will speculate about that - macrumors does that.
It depends what is important to you. How badly do you want to get the free iTouch, and how important is it to you to wait for the next newer model, and how important it is to you to keep your old computer for your study abroad trip? Ultimately, what is most important to you?
There is also insurance available to purchase (Safeware), which might protect you from the laptop being stolen (you would have to check with the different ones and what they have to offer).
Oh well, those are just some things for you to consider in your decision making process.

Based off last update should I buy the Mac Mini?

Hello,
I think this is my first post on the Apple Discussion Boards. It may seem a little weird but me get down to it.
I want to buy a Mac Mini to run Windows 7 on it to run as computer that runs like an Apple TV showing HD streaming content over my Wireless N network to my HD TV via HDMI and to run as a proxy server to route all my internet traffic on my network through it. The reason I want a Mac Mini is for the energy effciency of it.
That being said I'm worried about buying a Mac Mini because it hasn't been updated in over 450 days and I keep thinking that they will release something that will better suit my needs.
What do you folks think about this? Should I spring for it now? Will the MD387LL/A fit my needs?

My experience going back to 2006, is that regardless of what Intel Mac you get, Windows will run faster on it than on ANY PC that costs less than $10,000.
And you can stream to a TV with OS X. You really don't need Windows for that.

Should I buy I Mac mini?

I want to connect my computer (my only computer-macbook) to my TV LCD HD1080p 120hz. I know I can do this with HDMI cable (but may need HDMI to DVI to mini DVI connectors to connect tv to laptop - not sure). My laptop is working wirelessly with DSL modem using high speed DSL to connect to internet. I have an airport extreme base station that is not currently attached to anything.
I'm considering buying the mac mini to connect TV to internet instead of HDMI cables. I have very limited amount of space by my TV. I only have a cheap portable DVD player attached--no other equipment. Any thoughts? I also need a way to backup computer (time capsule maybe).

MacMystie wrote:
Could you elaborate on connecting external drive to mac mini to back-up.
if you get an external HD (USB or firewire), just plug it into your Mac - time machine (TM) will ask you if you want to use this drive for backups.
see _*Time Machine 101*_ for information.
Which would do the backing up the mac mini or the external drive?
TM will back up the entire contents of your startup disk to the backup drive, unless you specify items to be excluded from backups.
see the _*Time Machine FAQ*_ user tip.
Would that be cheaper than time capsule
probably. of course, a time capsule (TC) is very convenient if you have e.g. a portable computer because you can back up wirelessly to it. the TC is also a wireless router (more precisely, a wireless router with a built-in hard drive).
however, all drives will fail eventually. there4, many users make bootable clones of their startup disks using e.g. _*Carbon Copy Cloner*_ in addition to TM backups.
JGG
edited by the Jolly Green Giant (where Green stands for environmentally friendly)

Should I buy a Mac Mini (new or refurbished)?

Wasn't sure if this was the correct place to make this post. If not, please accept my apologies...
I have a 5-year-old Dell desktop with a 40GB HD and Windows XP. Am sure the HD will give up the ghost one of these days. I had put more memory (1GB) in it (which was “fun”) and noticed the HD would be “fun” to remove and replace as well. When the HD dies (or close to it; within the last year or so it’s had the “blue screen” come up, which scared me to death), I really don’t want to go through the hassle of replacing it.
I also have a Sawtooth G4 that has a 160GB hard drive, but of course only “sees” 120GB of it. It’s got 640MB of RAM (I replaced a 64MB with a 512. Should have maxed it out, but couldn’t afford it at the time.). It’s starting to get slow because of the memory… With newer software going away from PowerPCs and to Intel Macs, I thought about saving my money and getting an Intel Mac that can have Windows XP as well, because I have some documents that can only be opened with the Windows programs (not available for Macs) currently on the Dell…
Looked to see which Macs are Intel and the only ones I find are the Mini and the iMac. Even checked to see how easy or hard it would be to upgrade the HD and memory if needed. Of course, it looks like it would be a very difficult job to do! I really don’t like the idea of the iMac having everything together (I know it has been that way since day one…) and crammed into that skinny case… It’s too expensive for my budget anyway. So I’m looking into the Mini. Am kind of concerned that with its small crammed case that it won’t last very long and have a heat issue. Maybe I’m worried for nothing on it.
Have looked on *bay and some said on this Discussion Group (which by the way, I LOVE as I’ve learned a lot about Mac here!) to stay away from Minis on there, as some want to get rid of them because of problems… Have been watching a bunch of them selling and they are selling at or more than a new one! Seems like people don’t do their research before bidding. I have bought three old Macs on *bay, and only one (strawberry iMac had a bad HD to begin with (it didn’t happen until I had had it three weeks after getting it). I replaced its HD, PRAM battery, added more memory and installed Tiger on it. I hardly use it at all, but use it as my all-in-one DVD player. The other two were the Sawtooth (replaced the HD and installed Tiger…) and a B&W G3. The towers of course were very easy to work on and the iMac was more difficult. So, I think I’ve done pretty well on getting some old Macs on the 'bay.
Plan to edit photos I’ve taken (with possibly PhotoShop Elements 6, which I haven’t bought yet), do email, Internet, documents, create projects (flyers, cards, etc.), stuff like that with the Intel Mac.
*I did find a refurbished Mini (starting bid at $399 & Buy it now for $450) from TCW Computers (Item #: 230368377067) currently on *bay that has the following:*
*# 1.66 GHz Intel Core Duo processor*
*# 1 GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM*
*# 80GB 5400-rpm Serial ATA Hard drive*
*# Slot-loading SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) - Ports*
*# One FireWire 400 port (8 watts)*
*# Four USB 2.0 ports (up to 480 Mbps)*
*# DVI output - VGA output (using included adapter)*
*# Bluetooth - built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) module*
*# Wireless - Built-in 54 Mbps AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi (802.11g)*
*# Built-in 10/100/1000BASE-T (Gigabit)*
*# optional external USB Modem*
*# Mac OS X Tiger 10.4.11 & Dual Boot with Windows XP Professional (OEM COA Sticker)*
*# Keyboard & Mouse*
*(I would need the USB modem as I have dial-up.*
*I have asked them 2-3 times on if the HD has been replaced, if it has a warranty etc. Some of my questions were answered, but not the ones on the HD and warranty. Have the feeling that maybe I should steer away from this deal! TCW Computers website says they’ve got an Apple store, but it doesn’t say anything about refurbished Macs or if they are an Apple certified refurbish business.*
From what I’ve read here on the group, I would probably be smart to get a refurbished one from the Apple Store. Also read that the Apple Care is cheaper through *bay. Do most of you out there recommend getting Apple Care through *bay or elsewhere (Apple wants $149.00 for it on the Mini.)? It will cost me more to get it at Apple and then put Windows XP on it, but it’s better to be “pound wise than penny foolish.” I’d have to buy the XP software as am sure the Dell’s won’t work and it’s Service Pack 1.
Sorry I’ve rambled on about this. Just want to put all my ducks in a row before putting hard earned money down on something that I might be sorry I bought.
Thanks.
Silverado93

I would echo BGreg's advice and stick to official Apple refurbished Minis sold through the store.apple.com site. They will have a 1-year warranty and be eligible for AppleCare. And they will have current OSX and iLife software.
The term "refurbished" is often abused by other retailers who apply it to used computers that have been returned by unhappy customers -- but have not actually been fully diagnosed or repaired.
The 1.66 GHz model you list is rather long in the tooth. At least get a Core2Duo model, rather than a CoreDuo.
The links to the offical Apple refurbs are here:
http://store.apple.com/us/product/FB138LL/A
http://store.apple.com/us/product/FB463LL/A
http://store.apple.com/us/product/FB139LL/A
http://store.apple.com/us/product/FB464LL/A
You'll have to check these links daily for a week or more to find them in stock.
I'd be very leery of buying AppleCare via *bay.
But lacomputercompany appears to sell genuine boxed AppleCare at prices close to Apple's educational price for AppleCare.
On another topic you brought up ... for desktop publishing on a budget I'd strongly endorse SwiftPublisher. Just enough features, just the right price -- and to my mind, works more intuitively than Apple's Pages program.

When should I buy a new MBP?

I'm leaving for college in the fall and I would like some help deciding when it makes sense to buy a new computer. I'm planning on buying a new MBP with Retina display, but I'm not sure if it's totally worth updating yet. I currently have a Late (October) 2009 White Macbook (2.26Ghz, 8GB RAM, 250GB HD), that works decently, but isn't wonderful--it's slowing down. I would appreciate some ideas and thoughts on when it makes sense to upgrade: now, before I leave for college; sometime during the fall semester, after I really know my computing needs (my least preferred option); or, this Christmastime? If anyone has some advice, it would be much appreciated.
Cheers!

ccshaw wrote:
Wouldn't it just make sense to put the money for the 7200rpm drive towards one more upgrade on the MBP? I could just cut that up front cost.
You can choose to forgo the hard drive upgrade, however 250GB is quite small, meaning your likely using a great portion of the second 50% of the drive, which the read/wrire performance is substancially reduced.
7,200 RPM doesn't make that much of a battery life dent that one will notice it, but one will notice the speedier response.
S0 by incrreasing the RPM's and the storage size, plus newer drive with better read/write speeds through technology improvments combined with a zero erase + fresh install of 10.6.1 (your original disks) and Software Updated to 10.6.8 (10.7 is slow) should make a dramatic improvement on that model.
However a erase + fresh install of 10.6 on that present 250GB can do the job well too, 10.7 is slow and you likely have other problems the 10.6 install will also cure.
How to erase and install Snow Leopard 10.6
How to revert your Mac to Snow Leopard
I'm not sure where I can get a copy of 10.6.8. Do you know where I could obtain that?
Your computer came with 10.6.1 install disks, hold c or option key down and boot off the disks, use Disk Utility to erase the entire drive (select the drive makers name and size on the left) with Security Option > Zero all data, wait, then when finished quit and install 10.6.1 and Software Update fully to 10.6.8.
If you no longer have the 10.6.1 disks, call Apple for a machine specific replacement disks for your 2009 Late 13" White MacBook.
You can also use the $29 10.6.3 white Snow Leopard retail disks sold here
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC573Z/A
f it turns out that I do need Windows for class applications, do I install it on a partition by using disk utility and partitioning my HD (also, how big does that partition for windows need to be)?
There are two methods to use Windows on a Mac.
1: Apple's Bootcamp, which takes the bottom free space on your boot drive (250GB isn't much if you have a lot of OSX data) and allows you to direct install Windows 7 (only) there.
2: Virtual machine software, which allows one to run Windows (any flavor and Linux's) in a window in OS X.
You can read about both (pro's and cons) here:
Windows in BootCamp or Virtual Machine?

Where or when should I buy the 3gs?

I have not pre-ordered yet, and I've read lots of articles talking that pre-orders have sold out. I live in a less congested area and there is a Best Buy Wal-Mart and AT&T store where I am, (Fort Smith, Arkansas). However, I have other things to do Friday, and couldn't be at either one of those until probably 10:30AM. Should I pre-order from Apple Online today or tomorrow? Or do you think, if I walk into an AT&T store cold halfway through the morning Friday that I should be able to get one since in a smaller area?

Awesome, thanks for the info. I called with the nearest Best Buy since it's an hour and a half away. They couldn't do pre-orders over the phone, but I have a co-worker going up there so I asked if he had my ID if he could pre-order it for me when he pre-orders his own, and they said yes!! Looks like reserving at Best Buy is the route to go as they are guaranteeing 100% that if you pre-order it you will have it Friday!

What RAM should I buy for Mac Pro?

I want to increase the speed of my Mac Pro but I'm not sure exactly which RAM to buy for my tower. I bought this Mac Pro in 2008 I believe. Any suggestions on which brands to buy and exactly which specific RAM?
Thanks.

There were half a dozen articles on MPG on memory upgrades, CS5/6 and more on SSDs to keep you reading!
When choosing boot drive SSD can make sense, so would 10K WD VR 250GB ($154)
Saving files you work on can take "too long" when you go from 300MB up to 2GB.
Disk drives may never get down to where they were (2TB WD Black $169) but large high density = high I/O and even the 1TB has gotten faster recently.
MPG goes into using SSDs on PCIe card but that has not always been ideal - better in the last two Mac Pro models.
The other 'big' ticket item has been the Nvidia GTX 570 2.5GB model ($500 though for a MacVidCards version) to help CS6 w/ 10.7.4 (and yes it helps but some are waiting for a GTX 680 instead but that could requirie 10.8 too).
But getting 4 x 2GB $110 16GB might make more sense using 667MHz instead of $220 for 2 x 4GB $220 800MHz. Both gets you 12GB, better but not ideal. For some, it is a stop gap rather than buy a 2010 or waiting for a new 2013 Mac Pro.
http://www.amazon.com/BUFFERED-PC2-5300-FB-DIMM-APPLE-Memory/dp/B002ORUUAC/
http://www.amazon.com/BUFFERED-FB-DIMM-PC2-6400-800MHz-SPECIAL/dp/B0062B2JRS/
http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digital-VelociRaptor-WD1000DHTZ-10000RPM/dp/B007ZR YNVS/
WD Black 1TB (and others)
http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digital-Caviar-Internal-Desktop/dp/B0036Q7MV0/
SSD Crucial m4 128GB $119
http://www.amazon.com/Crucial-2-5-Inch-Solid-State-CT128M4SSD2/dp/B004W2JKZI/r
I like WD 10k VR in latest series $200 500GB
http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digital-Drives-VelociRaptor-Enterprise/dp/B007VPGK 42/
http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digital-Drives-VelociRaptor-Enterprise/dp/B007V5A1 BK/
http://www.amazon.com/Velociraptor-WD1000DHTZ-SATA-Hard-Drive/dp/B007VPGJIY/
RAM stays with your Mac, disk drives are an investment.

When should I buy my new Macbook?

Im in a bind. I need a new laptop for college and I have a crappy Asus Laptop that is literally a rock. I need advice on if I should wait until WWDC 2014 in June or should I get a new Macbook Pro Retina now. I don't know what to do. My laptop ***** and I am literally close to smashing it. I am a person who wants the latest and greatest but I dont know if its worth waiting or not. Can someone give me some help?

I have the late 2013 rMBP, and I cant imagine what they can add to this to make it any better.
I have the 2.6Ghz with a 1TB Flash Storage. They use the same flash storage in this as they do in the Mac pro's so it has read and write speeds about 1.2GB/second. It boots in about 10 seconds. And just everything works FAST.
My guess is that the next version may have a small speed increase, But I think you will be extremely happy with the current line.

Where and When Should I Buy My 2GB Crucial RAM?

hello all,
I'm recently getting an iMac G5 and want to upgrade to 2GB with crucial memory. I'm wondering where or when I can find the best deals on them. If anyone knows it, please let me know. Thank you very much.
(does this question violate the rule on this board? please ignore this post if it does)

Buy it directly from Crucial.

What kind of HDD should I buy for Mac mini late 2007

1. Toshiba or Hitachi or Maxtor or Fuji...?
2. 2.5" SATA or 2.5" SATA2 or..?
3. What brand and specification inside the New Mac mini(March 2009 later) for 120GB and 320GB?

Toshiba, Hitachi and Maxtor have varied histories when it comes to letting bugs get out of the manufacturing process. That's why I mentioned Seagate. I don't know how good Fuji is.

When should I buy a Mac

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