skip to main content

Mac for a high school student?

16 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?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

asolo
16 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
16 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
Related Discussions
Schhol board approves birth control for middle school students!
Q
Comments (13)
I've seen so many discussions about this topic. And in almost every case, it was pretty obvious that most people were looking at the topic from their own experiences. Yes, for many of us, it's unthinkable that 11 year olds would be handed birth control pills or a supply of condoms. However, I've taught in an urban ghetto, as well as in a very expensive suburb. In the city, there was a school set aside for pregnant girls--but no high school students could get in, because it was filled with jr. high kids. And that was 35 years ago--things are MUCH worse there now. In the suburbs, we had lots of 7th graders having sex--many were charging for it (mind you, they were mostly from pretty well-off families). I feel this way about the question. A child from a family where they are teaching their children NOT to have sex at a young age, to be responsible--is going to have a really difficult time approaching those strict parents to ask for the pill, so if they think they need birth control, I'd rather they had the option of getting it from a trained health care worker. And the other side of the coin? The child who has parents who are uninvolved, maybe too poor to take the kid to the dr, even if they wanted to--well that child for sure needs to have access to birth control, if they think they might need it. Either way, more resources are always better than fewer--IMO.
...See More
Boarding school beyond high school?
Q
Comments (2)
A friend of mine has a son with learning disabilities. He went to a special high school and once he graduated he went to a college that has special programs for kids like him. No uniform, though. I don't know the name, I just remember it is in Florida. But there were several schools they looked at. I would think a high school guidance counselor could help you, or even a local organization that helps parents advocate for their kids. Why does it need to have uniforms? If that is really important I think you will be greatly limiting your choices.
...See More
Help Your High School
Q
Comments (9)
Actually, OUR high school doesn't have this program, it's in a neighboring town. DH tried to talk to our school district about starting this. Administrators seemed to resist 'outsiders' coming into the schools...afraid they'd be "spying" on them? Some teachers within the program have not chosen to use Grand Times, perhaps fearing they would have to create lesson plans involving the volunteers, or that their authority would be undermined. I think one reason Grand Times works is because it doesn't require intensive *mentoring*, pairing a Senior with a student over the long haul. It's not Big Brother or Sister. It's not CASA. It's not working with 'the disadvantaged'. It's supplemental help to facilitate learning within regular classrooms. I admire the whole attitude of this other town. It cultivates a sense of 'Community'. The churches and synagogues, the schools, the police and 'city fathers' are all vocal about *inclusion*. They've deliberately taken that tack instead of letting social differences divide them. This is an old school district. Some of the volunteers graduated from it, had kids graduate, have grandchildren attending. Over two hundred grandparents attend the annual spring Grandparents Day, coming from all over -- or walking two blocks. There's a large Jewish population, a long-established Italian-American population, and a more recently added Hispanic population. There are mansions. There are families renting small quarters.
...See More
Classroom Design Ideas For High School?
Q
Comments (2)
I have the hardest time decorating my classroom. What age group and have you checked with admin to see what the rules/restrictions are? Also, is this long term or will you be switching out boards/themes with changing units?
...See More
sameboat
16 years ago
Love my Mac - we just got one last year after years of no-good PCs. I got Microsoft office for Mac so my sons can use it for school as well. They love it, too!
asolo
16 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
16 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.

Related Stories

MY HOUZZ My Houzz: Leafy, Light-Filled Loft in a Historic Former High School

By Caela McKeever

A creative couple lives among the trees in a converted condo that was once filled with students

DECORATING GUIDES 11 Spaces That Aced High School

By Charmean Neithart Interiors

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. But who knew high school influenced interior designs too?

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: Stylish Desks for the Student in All of Us

By Two Story Cottage

Nicely sized and reasonably priced, these attractive desks are great for kids and grown-ups alike

DECORATING GUIDES 9 Dorm Room Classics Schooled in Grown-Up Style

By Lisa Frederick

Furniture, shelves and lighting from college years past make for high-grade interiors with a bright future

MOST POPULAR Houzz TV: Fred MacMurray’s Enduring Farmhouse Retreat

By Mary Jo Bowling

One of the most beloved actors of the 20th century traded fame for farm implements on this California ranch. His daughter shows us around

DECORATING GUIDES Alphabet Decor Spells High Style for Rooms

By Lisa Frederick

Letters in artwork, on wallpaper and even woven into rugs show that you're well versed in design. Word up

KIDS’ SPACES 8 Homework Areas That Make Back-to-School Rock

By Kristie Barnett, The Decorologist

Give your kids an academic edge with an area that makes studying easier and more enjoyable at home

MOST POPULAR How High Should You Mount Your TV?

By Matt Clawson

Today we look at an important question to consider when locating your television: How high should you set it?

WOOD Knotty and Nice: Highly Textured Wood Has a Modern Revival

By Mary Jo Bowling

Whether it's cedar, fir or pine, if a wood has a knot, it's hot

LIGHTING Why It’s High Time to Reconsider Flush-Mount Lights

By Toronto Interior Design Group

Look past your negative perceptions and see how versatile these lights can be

Sponsored

More Discussions

Tired of MS Office 365 Monthly Fees?

1