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Originally Posted by murphy
(Post 6923960)
Just a friendly piece of advice: in general, Mac people want Macs. If this is a gift for a Mac user, a Thinkpad will go over like a lead balloon. Go to apple.com, get her a Macbook, and call it a day. Trust me on this one. Order the stock 2Ghz for $1299, and your friend will be very happy.
The MacBook is a great choice, and the simple way is indeed just order direct from Apple.com. The US$1299 model has everything necessary. (The base US$1099 model would need to have additional RAM and wouldn't burn DVDs.) Although I have to say, after seeing one, it looks cooler in the more expensive black color to me. The price premium to get black is now a little lower (vs the previous pricing of the earlier model a couple months ago) if you factor in the hard drive upgrade that is also included. The tradeoff is the matte black finish shows lots of fingerprints. |
If you want a basic macbook with no customizations (eg extra memory, etc.), another option is to order from amazon.com. This way, you don't pay sales tax (well, technically you still should ;) ). Depending on where you live, this can be a substantial savings. Plus Amazon usually has rebates available for the macbook (currently $75). They also have printer discounts with the order of a new laptop (though it isn't that well advertised). Shipping is also free and fairly fast--mine arrived ~3 business days after the order was placed (and this was during mid-December, during the holiday rush).
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Originally Posted by eastwest
(Post 6921786)
Part I:
I treated myself to a new laptop for Christmas 2006. I ordered direct from Apple at the website and got the MacBook Core Duo 2 upgraded to a 120GB HD and 2GB RAM. I love it. I am using bootcamp (free from Apple) and am running Win XP Pro with no problems. I took the plunge and selected the "glossy" over the traditional "matte" screen...and I am pleased as punch. Only disappointment is the battery life. I get about 3.5 hours on a full battery when I am using it normally and making no effort to save power. No big deal though, I just ordered a second battery. Your FT friend, -eastwest Just one minor note: macbooks only come in the glossy screen. MacBook Pro gives option of glossy and matte. Happy Holidays to all |
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Another good web site for Mac-buying is expercom.com. They're the only web site (besides Apple's) that I've found that sells some of the build-to-order options. Free shipping over $1000. Add tax in Utah.
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Originally Posted by Ken hAAmer
(Post 6923620)
Hmmm... given that there are fewer "Apple retail stores" in Canada than there are in some US neighbourhoods (and also that the closest one is over 2000 miles away) I might have to fall back on a ThinkPad, of which I'm much more familiar and comfortable. 'Course, the final decision will rest with my friend who will be using it.
(The OP is up here in Canada, so US mail order outlets are not going to help him. They may not charge the state sales tax, but he'll have to pay both federal and provincial sales taxes when the item clears customs. Ordering from the online Canadian Apple Store solves this problem, though does not eliminate the sales taxes. However the net pricing may be favourable given the Canadian list prices are slightly lower than the current dollar conversion rate. Also, if ordering from the Canadian Apple Store online, use the AIR MILES portal to enter the Apple.ca site. If you order before January 6th, there's a 50 AMs bonus, plus the standard 5 AMs bonus for using their portal, plus 1 AM per $20 spent at the Apple Store. Both FUTURE SHOP and BEST BUY now carry Macs, as does STAPLES. You've surely got some of these in Vancouver...but just make sure FUTURE SHOP or BEST BUY don't try to sell you a Core Duo instead of a Core2 Duo.) But I do agree with the others, if the person who you plan to give it to is expecting a Mac, you'll be disappointing them more than you can realize. They may never say it to your face, but they will hold it against you for the rest of your life...and you don't want to be known as "that uncle"... |
Originally Posted by swise
(Post 6914195)
The Mac is great for document writing, and it's the best thing available for work with photos or video.
A trifle disappointing really :( |
Originally Posted by Emma65
(Post 6914288)
Indeed!
And I agree with every single word he said. /E - made the switch to Mac a few years ago and not looking back. |
Picture this:
1990 a summer evening - sat down in front of my friend's classic to help him with a song lyric he was working on. Coffee was being served as soon as cup emptied. At some point he said he was going out for a while. Someone popped in to say hello and when the door bell constantly rang just as I finished and realised I was alone - I went to open the door. The guy who walked in asked me how long I had been sat infront of that thing. Uhm.... I don't know, what time is it? Turned out I had been working for more than 24 hours straight and not even noticed it. I thought it was morning when the doorbell rang. Mac rules. I have no idea why I was using PC for so long but Mac rules. /E |
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