my sister needs a computer - Team Juicy Racing's Racing School and Race Series Forums

arig · #1 03-12-2006

my sister needs a new computer. she currently has a dell desktop that breaks down and she is constantly on the phone to dell customer service. she says she wants a laptop so she can move around within her apartment with a wireless network. i think its absurd to spend more on a laptop to be able to use it around her small apartment. anyway, my opinion aside, what do you recommend for her? she would only use it for school stuff and surfing the web. i recommend an apple but thats my opinion. what do you guys recommend? can you recommend some specs that she could look for in searching for a laptop? thanks.

dalyduo · #2 03-12-2006

I use a G4 Powerbook, Vicki has a G4 ibook, and Julia now uses Vicki's old G3 ibook. We have airport wireless in our apt and it's outstanding. We don't even have a desktop computer anymore. They can do anything a desktop unit can do. You can hook 'em up to a big desktop monitor if you want or easily use an external hard drive for extra capacity and backup. They come with iLife which includes iTunes, iPhoto, Garage band, iMovie etc. Great stuff. If she's a student just add MS Office for Mac and your in business. The ibook is a terrific value. I'd suggest going to the apple store online and check it out. Here's a link. http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPL...60A&nclm=iBook

They have student discounts through many schools. (Usually 10%) The Microsoft Office for Mac bundle is usually deeply discounted through most schools.

If you go that way be sure and get the apple care service contract. Covers repairs and support 2 years past the basic coverage. Well worth it

sydude · #3 03-12-2006

I hope not to jinx myself, but I've had my Powerbook G4 which I use every day for about 3 years now. It's crashed a total of...

wait for it...

wait for it...

Zero times. You heard me. Zero.

The thing runs my life. All my business apps, email, web, race video editing, you name it. It even built a slightly misguided and sometimes interesting website called.. TJR.

Go get a Mac.

Or, you can get a Dell/PC, especially if you're lonely. You'll meet lots of new friends (tech support people) that way.

juicysue · #4 03-12-2006

MAC, MAC, MAC!!!!! It's the only way to go! Does she live on Long Island also, Ari? If so, take a trip to the Apple store in Roosevelt Field Mall and let them show her what they can do! Seriously, I LOVE my Mac and they have addressed the issues with platform crossover very well. It is almost seamless at this point. There's an even more amazing Apple store in Soho if you can get there.

MJAmok · #5 03-12-2006

Get a PC AND an assistant to spend hours on hold for you...

My problem with Mac is continued compatability issues. The whole world should be on Mac, but it's not.

JonMiller · #6 03-12-2006

Another vote for Mac. My G4 Powerbook goes everywhere with me, and hasn't let me down. Even converted my girlfriend to a Powerbook recently.

arig · #7 03-13-2006

thanks for the vote of confidence in mac. that is exactly what i told my sister and my dad, but i wanted an unbiased opinion from you guys. however, i just don't see her needing a laptop so i'm trying to steer her to the new imac or mac mini. i think the mac mini is an awesome deal. i really want one, but my pc is still ticking(and i literally mean it's ticking still) so i guess i know why mac's are a little more expensive than a pc is.

thanks for the help. sue, thanks for the advice about the b&m store, i'll send her to the boston one since she attends northeastern and went back today.