Does step-son need Macbook for uni?

Gloomendoom

shortchanged wrote: »

No he doesn't need a macbook, he WANTS one.

The latest fashion accessory for students.

Hardly the latest. Macbooks have been very popular with students for years... at least where I work.

thescouselander

I have pretty much that computer - nice machine but I seriously doubt it would be a requirement for uni. I dont think I would have wanted one as a student if only because of the risk of theft which seems to be epidemic in areas where student accommodation tends to be.

Secondly your step son might get a new appreciation for budgeting one he realises he needs to fund a student lifestyle on not too much cash.

If a Mac is the prefered machine there are plenty of cheaper models available which should do the job. There is always the option of buying a refurb unit from Apple too which can offer good discounts - I've done this myself and been very happy as the refurb looked exactly like a new machine.

Lastly - if he wants a really expensive machine perhaps he should pay the difference between a standard model and the top of the range himself.

thescouselander

jaydeeuk1 wrote: »

And if he was a real tech geek, he'd know that.
A windows laptop half the price will do a better job and probably have a comparable spec too.

Really? I've always found comparable PCs to be almost expensive as the Mac equivalent. Yes, if you just concentrate on the hardware specs a PC can be had cheaper but if you want a nicely finished premium machine you'll pay for it whatever you get.

Strider590

im-lost wrote: »

nowt to do with buying them with the student loan they get then I know plenty of students that bought the most expensive mac they could, because it was essentially 'free' and I don't blame them, it'll likely last the time at uni and beyond.

but its a waste of money if you ask me, a £300 windows laptop should be sufficient for most students, and they'll only moan when they start running out of readies and have to phone mummy for some shopping money so they can eat

How does "loan" and "free" fit into the same sentence?
This is why we're in the mess we're in, all these kids at uni, thinking they're getting free money, when they leave uni they pile up the credit cards and end up owing crazy amounts.

Anne_Marie_2

jaydeeuk1 wrote: »

And if he was a real tech geek, he'd know that.
A windows laptop half the price will do a better job and probably have a comparable spec too.

Funnily enough, I found this not to be the case around 3 years ago, looking for an ultra light laptop for travelling, and was looking for a Windows laptop, hadn't even considered a Mac. The Macbook Air was cheaper than equivalent Windows laptops, and why I have one.

Certainly think that the OP's stepson is wanting the cream when the milk will be totally fine, going by what we have been told that the laptop is needed for. I'd be asking him why he needs those particular specs, and be prepared to question his reasons.

Why does he need an i7 processor in particular? Video processing, high end gaming are the common uses, but certainly not for most things. An i5 processor (which I think is the minimum in Apple laptops), is more than adequate.
Have a look at this http://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/intel-core-i5-vs-i7/

My daughter got a Macbook Air 11" just over a year ago, for going to Uni, which was a gift (not from me). She loves it, would have still been able to use her old windows laptop, but wouldn't have been able to carry that around so easily at Uni, so a definite plus for the weight, and a bit like me, loves the easy use of the trackpad.

Now, there's a lot more choice with the new 12" Macbook, the Macbook Air in 11 or 13", or the Macbook Pro Retina. If he is insistent on a retina screen, then that will have to come down to the 12" Macbook starting at £1049, or the Macbook Pro Retina starting at£999. Uni education prices will be lower than this, so you would have to look into this.

There is also the refurbished macs that still come with the one year guarantee. http://store.apple.com/uk/browse/home/specialdeals/mac

Apple charge a fortune for a bigger hard drive, and it's just too big to justify for me. I'd recommend buying a portable drive or two....the geek son should know this. He can always buy this himself, or request funds for as a birthday pressie.

If I were to be buying now, with the same criteria I had a few years ago, I'd have to go into a store and try out, as I did then. It's a bit more difficult if not buying for yourself. I'd probably have a look at the new Macbook and compare it with the Macbook Pro 13" Retina, going by what you asked.

I'd be very tempted to say that you will put x amount of money into buying a laptop for him, and he can add any extra for buying the laptop that he wants. Bear in mind that he can get around a 20% discount on being a Uni student, so that you keep your spending amount that bit lower on your base figure.

surfsister

to be honest the best thing she can do is teach him the most valuable lesson in life that 1500 quid macs don't drop out off the sky just like that. If he really wants one suggest he gets a part time job as soon as exams over. Then when he's saved say $500 then add some to it. if not he'll never stand on his own feet. Also don't unis buy in bulk and get them cheaper? you could enquire if he needs one and if they buy them in.

surfsister

Strider590 wrote: »

How does "loan" and "free" fit into the same sentence?
This is why we're in the mess we're in, all these kids at uni, thinking they're getting free money, when they leave uni they pile up the credit cards and end up owing crazy amounts.

yes true as fees cost either 27k for 3 yr course or 36k for a 4 year course then add on living loan etc many will owe 40 or 50k!!! not free money but a millstone around their necks!!

jbainbridge

The request for the i7 gives it away ... You don't need that for Word or surfing the internet! There will be a recommendation from the uni, ask to see that.

buglawton

Isn't the answer to OP's question the same whether step son or real son?

No one's being tricked, the youth of today are same as always, they think why not push the boundaries?

There was another thread by one such asking what kind of nice car he should buy with his mums windfall. He got quite short shrift but at least he had the orbs to post his demands on MSE himself!

duchy

There will be notes on-line for his course with specs for any equipment needed.

Whilst in most cases a Windows machine is adequate - journalism is one of those crossover subjects where a Mac *could* be required or stated as preferable. Best thing is to look at the course notes/offer and see what it says rather than listen to people who don't really know either way (the thought that most students don't take laptops around with them is a silly one - sometimes lectures don't allow time to return to halls between lectures or it's just too far ...or even they want to work in the libarary.

One thing I learned from returning to uni last year was things have changed considerably and so much is now on-line compared with even ten years ago that a tablet or laptop anytime you are on campus is essential whereas even a decade ago you could get away with using a machine at home and on campus machines.