So you have decided to buy an Apple computer because a Mac is incredibly reliable and easy to use, but you aren't quite sure what model to purchase. Shopping for a computer can be an exhausting experience with so many different new models to choose from. You want to find the perfect balance between a computer that fits within your budget and has all of the features that you need. If you're making the switch from a Windows PC to a Mac, many of the specifications are similar, but Macs use their own operating system, they look and feel different and the price tag is much higher. You'll need to do some research before picking out your first Mac.
MacBook vs. MacBook Pro
A MacBook and a MacBook Pro look identical at first glance. The difference lies in what's under the hood. At a starting price just under $1,000, the MacBook is Apple's most affordable laptop. The MacBook comes in one basic model with 2.26 GHz of processing speed, 2GB of RAM and a 13.3 inch LED display. The MacBook comes standard with a 250 GB hard drive, a 7 hour battery and a built-in camera. With all of these functions, a regular MacBook will fit the needs of the everyday computer user.
The MacBook Pro offers all of the same features as the MacBook and a few more. The LED screens are available up to 17 inches. Graphics can be purchased as high as 1920 x 1200 compared to the standard 1280 x 800 graphics of the standard MacBook. The speed of the Pro can range from 2.26 GHz to 3.06 GHz. Most MacBook Pro models have 4 gigabytes of RAM and can cost anywhere from $1,199 to $2,499 depending on features and options. If you plan on buying the standard version of either model, then the MacBook is your best choice because it will fit most of your computing needs and can save you $200 bucks. But if you are a serious hardcore computer user looking for multitasking, graphics intensive applications and high-end gaming, then the MacBook Pro will fit your needs. If you want to save money, you can also buy a refurbished (Apple-certified) Macbook, especially if you're buying a laptop computer for a college student.
MacBook Air
As the name so aptly describes, the MacBook Air is a great laptop to use while flying the friendly skies. This is the sleekest and lightest of the Apple laptops, weighing in at just 3 pounds. The MacBook Air is so thin that "it fits in a manila folder, you can slide it under a door" according to Engadget. This is a beautiful notebook computer designed specifically for wireless mobile computing. All of that portability comes at a cost. The Air has limited features, less options and less power than other Apple laptops. The price tag for a MacBook Air can be anywhere from $1,499 to $1,799. While the MacBook Air may be great to look at; it is not the best bargain for your money.
iPad
The iPad is not technically a "Mac" but it should still be included in this discussion. The iPad has a 9.7 inch LED screen, is only 1.5 pounds and boasts 10 hours of battery life. The iPad's interface, software and overall look and feel are almost identical to that of the iPhone. It is an ultraportable device that is perfect for surfing the Internet, email, daily organization, e-books and accessing the App Store. It starts at $499 for the 16GB Wi-Fi version and can cost as much as $829 for the 64GB Wi-Fi, 3G version (which also requires a monthly plan). As it stands now, the iPad is not a replacement for your everyday computer whether it be a laptop or desktop. It simply does not have the power of the Mac options and it lacks a keyboard and mouse which are extremely useful for high levels of use. On the other hand, with its competitive price, the iPad is a great complement to your everyday computer and can be used for those times where you don't require high-level performance or a true operating system.
iMac vs. Mac Pro
Unlike laptops, desktops are designed for their configuration abilities. Desktops give you the best performance for the price. The iMac is the flagship of Apple's computers and is an all-in-one computer (the whole computer is built into the monitor so no separate tower). The iMac has been described as having incredible performance, is stylish and fun to use. Screen sizes start at 21.5 inches and go up to 27.5 inches. Prices range from $1,199 to $1,999 for the quad core iMac. A 3.06 GHz Intel processor and a 4GB of memory is standard on all models. The iMac is an all-in-one solution designed to meet all of your home computing needs and you can find the right one for you amongst the four models offered. Many people like the iMac as their home or office desktop solution because of its sleek design, large and vivid screen and the lack of a clunky tower underneath the desk.
The Mac Pro is designed for the user that wants serious computing power. It is the fastest and most expensive Mac that Apple makes. This is a computer designed for upgrading with four slots for hard drives and four slots of memory. The quad core Pro starts at $2,499 and the 8 core Pro costs $3,299. The Mac Pro is designed for the tech professional that wants a multitasking workstation for developing software, graphic design, computer engineering, or high-end gaming. It's way too much computer to use at home just for web surfing, emailing and creating documents.
Mac Mini
The Mac Mini is Apple's smallest desktop and retails for $599. The monitor, keyboard and mouse have to be purchased separately. This is a good value if you already have these components. Other then that, buying these components separately is too costly. Many people are now using the Mac Mini as a multimedia hub, because they can hook it up to an LCD TV via a USB port and play video games, watch downloaded movies and look at photos.
Which one is right for you?
Your best bet when buying your new Mac is to find the model that meets all of your specifications. Determine whether you need a computer that is portable like a laptop or stationary like a desktop. Make sure that your computer has the processing speed, memory size and hard drive capacity that you need. It makes no sense to buy an underpowered computer that will cost you more money to upgrade. Adding more memory, processing speed and hard drive space can cost you over a thousand dollars and be a logistical pain. Software packages are typically the same price for all models.
Picking the right Mac for your computing needs can prevent you from wasting hundreds of dollars and save you hours of aggravation. Erik Folgate, an editor at MoneyCrashers.com recently shared his story about how he saved money buying a new iMac by purchasing an Apple-certified refurbished model on the Apple store's website. These refurbished Macs have the exact same warranty as new ones, they look flawless when you receive them (not scratch and dent models) and they're typically sold at 15% to 25% cheaper than new ones. The only downside is that you can't customize them and the inventory changes every day. But, it's still a great way to save a good chunk of money if you're looking for a Mac. Do you have a favorite Mac computer for your job, home, or daily use? What are some strategies you've employed to save money when buying Apple products? Let us know!
Topic: Choosing the right Apple laptop (Read 2168 times)
