Tips for Buying a New Mac
Why do you want a new Mac? That is the first thing you need to ask yourself before you invest in a new computer. If your current computer does everything you want, there is no need to purchase a new computer. If you just want to keep up with the latest and greatest, you’ll be buying a new computer every six months! Here’s what you need to know before you buy.
Mac or PC?
I use to recommend a PC ( Hewlett Packard or Dell) if you used a PC exclusively at work or for gaming. Since Apple’s switch to Intel processors, I will never recommend a PC for home use. The new Mac’s will run the Mac operating system as well as Windows. You can have both on one computer. If you are a gamer, get a Wii or an Xbox. If you are an Uber gamer and use your PC for on-line gaming, get a life!
Desktop or Laptop?
If you travel or want to take your computer from place to place, get a a MacBook. Or if you are like me and take your computer to bed, then a MacBook is for you! If you have a designated location where you use your computer and you don’t need to take it any where, get a desktop model like the iMac.
MacBook or MacBook Pro?
A MacBook is fine for most people who need to be portable. Never purchase the cheapest model. You will regret it later! Start at the middle and work your way up on what you can afford. Of course you could just be cool and get the black one!
You need a MacBook Pro if the programs you normally use every day cost over $1,000. Such as Final Cut Studio, CS2, Maya, and so on. If you have no idea what these programs are, get a MacBook. You need a MacBook Pro, because you are pro .... get it? That’s what the Pro stands for! My rules for what model to get still applies, start in the middle and work your way up with what you can afford. (Sorry, no black).
iMac, Mac mini or Mac Pro
The iMac is like the MacBook, it’s great for just about anyone. The middle of the road rule still applies with a little revision for the iMac. Do yourself a favor and don’t get anything smaller than a 20” screen. It is worth the extra cost and is pleasing to your eyes and easy on them at the same time.
The Mac mini was invented especially for the Windows crowd that were complaining about how expensive it would be if they switched to Mac. So, this was the shut up and stop whining model so they would have nothing more to say. I don’t recommend a Mac mini to anyone. Remember, all you get is the mini. No keyboard, mouse, or monitor. You will have to factor in additional costs unless you have the items I just mentioned. The Mac mini is a viable option in special circumstances. To find out if that’s you, call me and I will help you make that determination.
This leaves the Mac Pro as the only other desktop available. This should be a no brainer. See the “Pro” on the end? That should tell you something. Most people do not need this computer. It would be like buying a Ferrari to drive on a dirt road! Why bother? If you are a Pro and need this beautiful, throbbing, hunk of computer, you will need to configure it yourself. WARNING just for the heck of it, I configured the one I want and the total came to $17,825. Make sure you pop a valium before configuring.
Additions
RAM or memory is something where you can never have enough. A hard drive is where everything lives on your computer. RAM chips are where they go to work. The minimum RAM or memory configuration on any new computer Apple has to sell is a joke. Get at least 1 GB. Max out the computers memory when you buy it if you have the money.
Whether you get your new computer at the Apple Store on-line, or CDW.com, or MacMall, or any of the other on-line stores is up to you. Just make sure you get the best deal. Most offer free printers or memory. You just have to jump through all the hoops to get your money back. If you don’t like jumping through hoops, you can always go to your local Apple Store. Check on-line first so you don’t end up purchasing more than you need. Call or E-mail me and I will be more than happy to make recommendations.
New or Used
New
I always say, if you can afford it, get a new computer! There is nothing like cracking the seal on that beautiful Mac box yourself. Even the boxes are a work of art! I cut out the pictures of the computer on the box, frame them and hang them on the wall in my office. I even cut out and save all the apple logos. (I know, I’m pretty twisted). If you want to save some money on a computer that is from 1 week old to 6 months old, Apple sells Apple Certified Refurbished products. Go to the on-line Apple Store , scroll down to the bottom of the window and click on the red SAVE tag. All of these computers have the same one year warranty that comes with any new Mac or iPod. You can also purchase AppleCare on anything you buy.
Used
Use caution when purchasing a used Mac from eBay, the paper or any where else. People get ripped off all the time. Please call me with your intentions and I will be more than happy to give you my professional opinion or make recommendations. You are in the market for an Apple, not a Lemon!
AppleCare Protection Plan
Should I or shouldn’t I? That is the question you ask every time you purchase a new Apple Mac, iPod, AirPort Base Station or any other Apple product. If you are planning to keep the item you purchased for more than a year, GET THE WARRANTY! I fix Mac’s but until they get pretty old, the cost for replacement parts are out of this world! The computer is worth way more in parts than it is as a whole unit! Just ask your local chop shop that strip stolen vehicles. That’s why they do it. I have told several clients to get a new computer when their logic board went out and their computer was only two years old. It’s not worth putting half the cost back into a computer when you can put that money down toward a new computer. A two year old computer is ancient compared to what the new ones have to offer.
I hope you have found this helpful. If you have any questions, click on the Contact Me tab and let me know.
|
|