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I'm in the market for a new computer and am leaning towards a laptop. Several of my friends that live out of town have recently gotten Apple brand laptops and are attempting me to jump in so we can use ichat, etc to keep in touch. My two questions become:

1) Is the Apple premium worth it (assuming you can afford it)?
2) Is the cheapest place to get one through the Apple store (assuming I want a "new" versus refurbished product)?

I don't know much about laptops, computer specs, etc so any input would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

What's an apple laptop? Oh a macbook. There's nothing wrong with saving a few bucks and getting a refurbished one. Apple products tend to hold their value in the long run.

I loved my Macbook Pro I got a little while ago so much I replaced my desktop with a 27" imac. I think they are worth it.

when I get my tax return, I'd sell you mine for like $600.

13" Macbook 2.0 ghz Core Duo.
2gb ram
120gb hdd

Apple's refurbished products are often exactly the same as a new one, so I would just buy from the refurb Apple store. Also, I would definitely go with a Macbook. I bought one back in July, and I love it. (That was my first Mac.)

Refurb Apple all the way. Get the extended warranty and you'll be golden.

There's not much of an Apple tax these days on laptops. Comparable engineering in a PC laptop limits you to models like the Envy and Adamo. You also get a native and legal running copy of OS X ... but not sure that iChat is the best reason to go there.

The Apple refurb store lists their offerings by each machine, last I checked. If you see something you like, you might want to jump. Some resellers like MacMall will also discount older new models when a revamp comes out, or include bundles like printers or Parallels. Apple also gives direct education discounts.

I love my unibody Macbook (purchased new; my first), and I've heard only great things about Apple's refurbished products, so go for it! Never looking back. That said, I don't play hardware intensive games on mine, so if you're looking for a machine that's primarily used for hardcore gaming, you might be better served looking at a PC.

$799 if you're willing to drive up to OH.

http://www.microcenter.com/single_pr...uct_id=0321997

If you're a student, you can also try your school's Apple store or bookstore. Mine clearanced out the older model Macbooks for $300 less than MSRP.

I'm ganna say to not get a Mac...get a PC

Originally Posted by knotfan123 I'm ganna say to not get a Mac...get a PC

Why?

Originally Posted by JJSP Why?

It's not even worth the energy to ask that... A troll is a troll. He's probably just trying to stir stuff up.

Don't strain yourself get a Mac
I suggest the Apple care warranty if you plan on dropping 2k or more
Save a few bucks totally legit
http://www.macmall.com/home

http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/

Windows 7 on a Mac
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3986

Finish strong!
The Helmski

Originally Posted by blk00civicsi It's not even worth the energy to ask that... A troll is a troll. He's probably just trying to stir stuff up.

Or answering the OPs first question. You know, one of the 2.

ichat also supports built in remote desktop which is really great if you need to fix something on your mom's mac.

Just a heads up, i'd wait since there's rumors of the i5/i7 based macbooks coming soon.

I'm suggesting this because the extra money isn't worth it. What extra benefits do you receive nearly spending double on a laptop that aren't on an HP or Dell or Sony?

So no the extra benefits aren't worth it even if you have the money. If you purchase a Dell and it for some reason explodes you could still buy another BRAND NEW ONE and still save more money than if you were to purchase a Mac.

If I can't change your mind then yes a refurbished model with suffice.

http://www.apple.com/macbook/specs.html

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellsto...en&s=dhs&cs=19

Apple has a slightly faster processor...Dell has more RAM...bigger screen...bigger hard drive...yet the Apple's MSRP is double...I know it's MSRP but regardless...If you want to spend an extra couple hundred dollars for iChat...to each his own I suppose

I don't mean to troll/spam/whatever but I'm just giving my honest input. When I'm spending a decent chunk of dough I want something that is the most capable at it's price point. Macbook's just don't seem to compare to PC's in my eyes.

It really depends on what you're using it for. For nearly anything creative (design, music, film), it's almost required to use a Mac. The industry has dictated it since 95% of the industry uses Apple software and equipment.

If you're doing spreadsheets, word processing, and accounting, PC is the way to go.

Regardless, I'm a Mac because I enjoy the peace of mind and ease of operations. Mac OSX is virtually free from viruses (which means I'm not spending anything extra in service or Norton), it's extremely easy to use, and Apple's customer service has been excellent in my experience. I'm not the type to customize my entire rig, I don't play PC games, and I don't want to have to constantly perform my own upkeep on my computer.

Originally Posted by knotfan123 http://www.apple.com/macbook/specs.html http://configure.us.dell.com/dellsto...en&s=dhs&cs=19 Apple has a slightly faster processor...Dell has more RAM...bigger screen...bigger hard drive...yet the Apple's MSRP is double...I know it's MSRP but regardless...If you want to spend an extra couple hundred dollars for iChat...to each his own I suppose I don't mean to troll/spam/whatever but I'm just giving my honest input. When I'm spending a decent chunk of dough I want something that is the most capable at it's price point. Macbook's just don't seem to compare to PC's in my eyes.

Sorry but your comparison is a bit off. The Dell has no wireless N, a webcam, a worse a battery, and integrated graphics.

When you bring them to more equal the Macbook IS more but only $200 more. I am not including all of the cool software Apple provides (iLife suite).