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Mac for a high school student?

14 years ago

I lost a friendly bet with my niece, who's going to be a high school sophomore. (I told her if she got straight A's last year I'd get her a laptop.)

We're a PC household, but she's also keen on getting a Mac laptop (new or used). Any ideas on minimum specs on a used Mac for a high school student? I found a 15" Macbook Pro 2.1 Ghz for $900 on Craigslist. When I see a $900 "ask", new PC's laptops start looking good to me, though my gut tells me there's nothing to lose (and perhaps lots to gain) with a used Mac plunge.

Any thoughts?

Of course, I suppose the "next" laptop in a couple years could be a Mac. Also, how seriously do I need to consider a transferrable warrantee?

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Comments (5)

asolo
14 years ago
Within a couple months of your niece's acquisition of the Mac (assuming OS-X) you'll be considering converting your entire household. It isn't a "plunge"....it's a massage/jacuzzi/etc....with a happy ending.

I'm biased. I switched three years ago after decades with PC/windows. Changed my computer-life entirely.....from wasting mega-time maintaing the stupid box and OS to forgetting all that crappola and actually getting things done. Thing just sits here and runs. First box I've owned since 1985 that actually does that -- and nothing else. Yup...I'm very biased.
genes
14 years ago
I know Macs are becoming more able to run most programs that PCs do. Having said that, better make sure daughters choice/your choice is able to run the programs that she needs for school
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asolo
14 years ago
Notwithstanding my personal mac-bias, Genes has given good advice. I advise all students/parents considering such purchases to check with the institution where the machine will be primarily used. If there are conflicts, that's something you should know and should be allowed to influence the decision.

I do know such "conflicts" and/or incompatibilities are far less common than they used to be. The educational market is where Apple/Mac has made it's largest gains in market-share so I would be optimistic.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
14 years ago
my absolute only advice is to check with the school for suggested programs as well as suggested operating system, if they use any proprietary software she will definitely need the appropriate OS for that.

I am as gung ho about linux, love it, suggest it, the fact it is free is awesome but you have to be able to run the software that is required and if linux or mac won't do that you pretty much have to go with windows.

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