Hi guys,
I need serious help deciding which Mac to get. I can't even begin thinking about buying one until I sell my PC laptop, which is about 4 months old. I know, it sounds like I made a rash decision, but I bought the laptop before I had a job (I'm a high school junior) and when I didn't anticipate getting one. Since I needed a computer for school, I got the PC since it would take forever to raise enough money for a Mac laptop of the same caliber. Anyways, now I have some extra money (got a job) and want to get the Mac. How much do you think my PC will go for?
-HP Pavilion zv5000
-3.0 ghz Intel Pentium 4
-1 GB RAM
-15.4" WXGA BrightView Widescreen (1280x800)
-80 gb 5400 rpm hd
-Wireless card built in
-CD-R/DVD drive
Since I am going Mac, I will sell it with Microsoft Office 2003 and a wireless mouse (never liked the mouse)
Now what should I do for a Mac?? Depending on how much I sell my computer for, I will have about $1500 - 2400 to spend. My uses: Heavy Internet usage, web design, light video editing/heavy image editing, typing papers, making PowerPoint presentations for school, watching DVD's, iTunes, and syncing my PDA up to it. I don't travel too much with it, but I would like something portable to bring with me when I babysit or on long car/bus trips and occasional air flights. Here is what I have been thinking of (all suggestions welcome!!), all with edu discount:
OPTION #1
-17" 1.8 ghz iMac (1 GB RAM, BT and wireless keyboard/mouse, Airport XT, 160 GB HD); Price: $1851
-Later, when I get the money together, a 12" ibook for my portability needs (1.2 ghz, 768 RAM, 30 GB HD, Combo Drive, Airport XT); Price: $1084
Total: $2935
OPTION #2
-15" Powerbook (1.67 ghz, 1 GB RAM, 100 GB HD, 128 graphics, SuperDrive)
Price: $2414.00
OPTION #3
--15" Powerbook (1.5 ghz, 1 GB RAM, 100 GB HD, SuperDrive)
Price: $2159.00
OPTION #4
-12" Powerbook (1.5 ghz, 1.25 GB RAM, 100 GB HD, Superdrive); Price: $1972
Later, I would buy a 20" Cinema display when I gather up the money
Total: $2871
I really can't decide. I love the idea of a PB but I am worried about its screen (seems sort of lackluster to me) as my main computer. I can hook it up to an external moniter, but why get a less powerful PB and Cinema (which is what I would get) when for roughly the same price I can get a much more powerful iMac and an iBook?
HELP!! I have no idea what to do. I also want a new mini (I have a 4G 20 GB, but I want something to bring on trips and one to leave at home as my stereo system).
Thanks!!
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