Post by: zodraz on August 18, 2003, 09:45:19 AM
Unfortunately, there is a raging debate on the best "solution".
The background is that we can afford to spend around $1500. This affords us an iMac, an eMac or an iBook.
I favor a 12" iBook with a low cost CRT screen for the dorm. (Highly portable, possibly stronger since the case is smaller - less twisting whilst in a backpack).
Daughter favors a 14" iBook (likes bigger display and doesn't want the CRT) and wants a mouse and keyboard for the dorm.
Mom thinks the iMac will technologically last her longer since it is available in a faster G4 (and possibly is more upgradeable). She wants the one computer to last her the whole 4 years. Also thinks adding the keyboard and mouse "makes" the laptop a desktop anyway - which items you get with the iMac.
She's going to Chicago University which is totally wired as well as "wireless" in many locations. They support Macs and Airport networking. Her current thoughts for a major is Comparative Liturature.
Daughter is dead against an eMac, although I think it's the most "bang-for-the-buck".
Soooooo...Any opinions?
I'd love to here some real-life stories.
And if anyone knows of any websites that discuss this, I'd like those URLs please!
Thanks
Post by: Bruce_F on August 18, 2003, 09:58:24 AM
Post by: RNKIII on August 18, 2003, 10:05:26 AM
Now if he could just find a job
Bob K.
Post by: jwboyd on August 18, 2003, 10:27:21 AM
Post by: zodraz on August 18, 2003, 11:24:04 AM
Any opinions on the 12" vs the 14" in terms of viewable area vs portability?
Post by: Gregg on August 18, 2003, 01:04:20 PM
The issue in favor of the laptop, IMHO is not portability, but size. Dorm rooms are small, physical desktop space is at a premium. My vote is get the laptop and leave it in the dorm, connected to the printer.
Obviously, with a desktop, you also need a monitor, whether built-in or a component. Either way, it takes up more space. The laptop can be folded down and set aside for more writing surface on the desk.
Post by: jwboyd on August 18, 2003, 01:42:14 PM
Post by: Mayo on August 18, 2003, 02:30:23 PM
The 12" wins the portability race hands-down, and it is less expensive than the 14". After a short time period I found that I don't miss my 17" monitor one bit...
The portability of the iBook means it can be used anywhere...on a desk, bed, at the library, outside under the stars. I would invest in a security cable since it is so portable and keep it tethered in the dorm room when not in use.
A combo drive means music via headphones or speakers, and it is a pretty decent DVD player that can also be connected to a TV.
I was also concerned about typing on the 12", but I have found it be quite pleasant to use-a real surprise!
Another option to consider is the 12" Powerbook. For a little more money you get a G4 CPU...
To make a long story short, the iBook has become my primary Mac, even though I have plenty of office space, as well as a CRT iMac and a Powermac. When it comes time to upgrade I anticipate getting another portable, and maybe a nice LCD monitor if I need a larger monitor. I doubt that I will ever buy another desktop Mac; the portables are just so versatile.
Post by: giantmike on August 18, 2003, 03:55:51 PM
Of course, I'm a special case, as not many people have two computers at college, but for me, it works out perfect.
And I would like to put another vote towards the 12" iBook. Get some speakers, a mouse (no need for an extra keyboard, the built in one works GREAT), a security cable, and a printer. She should then be all set to do whatever she wants.
Post by: zodraz on August 18, 2003, 04:21:05 PM
Maybe my daughter needs to spend more time with the different ibooks. Too bad you can't test drive one.
My daughter's no "gamer" so she'll be fine with just one computer. My son - well....
I've seen those laptop "lifts" - do they really help?
Post by: Mayo on August 18, 2003, 04:33:17 PM
Find it here: http://www.roadtools.com/ I bought mine at Staples.
Post by: JohnKentucky on August 18, 2003, 06:35:59 PM
But...considering your daughter is now a student, you would qualify to get the discount, which makes the 12inch Powerbook priced at: $1399
Post by: Mayo on August 18, 2003, 09:08:07 PM
Post by: ljocampo on August 18, 2003, 09:13:34 PM
I am a mac freak, but for the price you have to spend and her intended major, I'd recommend a Windows PC. You get a 15" LCD model for that price you quoted at most school computer schools. If you insist on a mac then spend the money and get G4 laptop and stay away from the G3 for longivity.
I just bought an USB HP multi-function (copy, scan, print) at Sam's club for $88. It's a 1200 dpi and prints better than my professional series HP printer. Plus you get a color scanner and copier. All this in a very small foot-print design. It comes with software that works great on windows or mac.
Post by: Epaminondas on August 18, 2003, 09:26:19 PM
Daughter favors a 14" iBook (likes bigger display and doesn't want the CRT) and wants a mouse and keyboard for the dorm.
Mom thinks the iMac will technologically last her longer since it is available in a faster G4 (and possibly is more upgradeable). She wants the one computer to last her the whole 4 years. Also thinks adding the keyboard and mouse "makes" the laptop a desktop anyway - which items you get with the iMac. >>
Who will be using the computer - you, your daughter, or Mom?
Get your daughter what your daughter wants you to get her. Then she will be happier.
And she will study on the computer SHE chose, not the one her parents chose for her.
And while fellow students are putting down their controlling parents and rejecting their own parents' values over this slight or that, imagined or real, your daughter will be saying corny things like: "My parents are swell" (or todays equivalent idiom).
"They listen to me."
Instead of saying "my Dad is a real jerk."
College is about becoming independent.
Back her play
Now she needs your help.
One day you will need hers.
Invest wisely -
Epaminondas
Post by: Bruce_F on August 18, 2003, 11:28:39 PM
QUOTE
Now she needs your help.
One day you will need hers.
One day you will need hers.
Yeah, that was going through my mind when I posted my reply.
Post by: Mayo on August 18, 2003, 11:30:58 PM
Whether her choice winds up being good for her or not, she will learn something from the experience. If Father or Mother makes the choice, Daughter learns zip, except that she can't make major decisions until she is away from Father and Mother...
Epaminondas, thanks for the reminder...
Post by: zodraz on August 19, 2003, 09:17:02 AM
Ouch! Please don't get me wrong, I'm not going to plop a 12" Powerbook in her lap! It WILL be her decision (and her purchase).
This whole thread started because of mom getting anguished about not being 100% satistfied that our daughter had done enough research (which is true). Mom would perfer that she start school; then, after she gets an idea of how she plans to do her studying make the purchase.
This also revolves around the fact that we're srcapping by as it is, so there's no chance of changing the computer during her time a school. There's no room for a "learning-by-making-the-wrong-choice".
I do, however, concur with my daughter's idea that she should get the computer now so it can be configured to her liking, as well as her getting familiar with it before school starts.
I'm just trying to help gather some insights/information.
Which everyone here has contributed! Thanks a lot!
FYI - Two months ago she was sure she wanted a destop!
Would everyone agree that the extended warranty is a must? Her uncle's iBook's extended warranty more than paid for itself when the display died.
PS to ljocampo: A windows machine isn't on her radar, and frankly, I wouldn't reccomend something I wouldn't use.
Dig this, we went to her dorm last week. And what did they have in the lobby, lined up like a bunch of pay phones? Four orange iMacs! I guess it was for students to do some computering before they left the building!
Post by: Bruce_F on August 19, 2003, 10:47:15 AM
Without a doubt! B)
Post by: pendragon on August 19, 2003, 11:19:09 AM
As for the Apple Care Protection. Absolutely! My PB G3/Lombard, which I treat very gently, has had the drive and keyboard replaced (thanks to Apple Care).
Harv
Post by: Epaminondas on August 19, 2003, 11:37:16 AM
AppleCare for laptops - a necessity.
_____________________________________________
The College Computer - I have followed a number of threads on this on different boards over the years.
It really depends on the specific college.
Some colleges have computers all over the place to such an extent that people do not feel the need to haul a laptop around much at all.
Some colleges are so Wintel-centric that Macintosh users actually find themselves at a significant disadvantage.
Some colleges have such a theft problem that people prefer desktops to having to zealously guard their more easily disappeared laptop all the time.
Talking to real live students at your daughter's college would be most helpful.
Additionally, I suggest calling student affairs/student orientation/the school IT department/the school store/etc. and to get an idea of the local landscape. In the process you can probably learn about the college student discounts. I.e., some colleges have Microsoft word - typically required by many profs - for around $100, some for $5, some for free - it just depends on what the college has negotiated as a site license. Hardware prices may also see significant discounts.
It can be nice to be different, true. But conformity (i.e., "fitting in") in these matters can also be very comforting with someone in transition to a new way of life.
<< I do, however, concur with my daughter's idea that she should get the computer now so it can be configured to her liking, as well as her getting familiar with it before school starts. >>
Yup.
Time to get on that telephone - times a -wastin'!
Best regards,
Epaminondas
Post by: Gregg on August 19, 2003, 12:44:07 PM
QUOTE(Epaminondas @ Aug 19 2003, 10:37 AM)
AppleCare for desktops - I have never bothered.
AppleCare for laptops - a necessity.
_____________________________________________
AppleCare for laptops - a necessity.
_____________________________________________
IAWE
Post by: Mayo on August 19, 2003, 01:02:27 PM
Maybe the emphasis that the Chosen Mac has to last the entire four years, etc. is placing a tad too much importance/pressure on the computer purchase. A computer can be sold, a new or used Mac purchased for no extra money or a few hundred dollars extra, whether it is to replace one that didn't meet her needs or to augment the earlier purchase.
Since I began working at around 12, I was making big ticket purchases in high school using my own money (no parents around kicking-in dollars...). Some of my decisions didn't turn out so great, but it wasn't the end of the world and I always learned something about judging my needs vs. my wants, product quality/features and the value of a dollar, especially when you earn it and spend it yourself.
So whether Daughter has done enough research and considered all the angles or not, any Mac is better than No Mac and she will learn something about herself in the process, no matter how it turns out.
So is Daughter reading these posts? If she is going to join the Mac Club she should know about the wonderful TS Universe in case she needs a little tech support in the future...
Post by: zodraz on August 19, 2003, 02:18:00 PM
No problem with Mac support.
They have Macs (and pcs) in the dorms, libraries, etc.
The student handbook refers to wireless networking with the Apple "airport" in a laptop model. Not the generic (windows) IEEE 802.11 WIRELESS 11MBPS PCCARD NIC.
Both Ma and Pa asked her to seek info from other stundents.
No telephone, just AIM and checking the schools discussion sites.
The few answers have been a mixed bag so far. The dorm does have computer rooms besides classrooms, the library and other campus buildings. The quality and accessabilty are unknown though.
Post by: Paddy on August 19, 2003, 05:58:09 PM
Absolutely get a mouse!! Keyboard isn't necessary - or can be added later. For portability, size and convenience, I'd recommend the Kensington Pocket Pro - it is small, optical, has a retractable cord, and has two buttons and a scroll wheel. For cases, the Brenthaven series (Apple sells them, as do a few others) cannot be beaten - they're made specifically for Mac laptops. They are, however, expensive. They make a laptop backpack that would suit a college student well. I have their briefcase one for my TiBook.
And as has been mentioned, the CoolPad Traveler is a very useful addition, though maybe not as crucial with the cooler-running iBook. I've found it very useful in meetings etc. with my Ti - and the Ti of course gets quite hot, so the CoolPad improves the circulation.
And don't fall for the "free printer" deal if it's either of the two lowest-model HP's (3320 or 3340). I just finished researching inkjet printers for my Mom and the user reviews at CNET were uniformly negative (which I have never seen before for any product!). Expensive to run (heavy on the ink) and don't last. The reviews of the low-end Epson printers often offered as "freebies" were similarly negative, though not quite as bad. We settled on the Canon i550 - more expensive, but got very good reviews, and lots of them. Also, it is apparently a cheaper printer when it comes to replacing ink. Again, her usage patterns should help determine which printer is most suitable. The HP all-in-one might be quite useful - or go for one of the better HP or Canon models. Another option would be one of the less expensive laser printers, though they are still quite a bit more than any inkjet, they will be a lot cheaper to run. If most of her output will be print (term papers & assignments) this option may be worth considering, despite the higher initial cost. Many of the cheaper inkjet printers cost LESS than one set of replacement ink cartridges! A toner cartridge for a laser printer can last 3500-5000 pages (depending on the printer) and cost as little as $50 for some models, up to about $82 if you purchase a remanufactured cartridge ($99 for a new cartridge for my printer, the 2100). A typical black inkjet cartridge for an HP printer will cost $26-$30 and only last slightly under 800 pages. (both comparisons are at 5% coverage - ie: printed word). Many color HP cartridges printing at 15% density will produce approximately 450 pages, and tend to cost about $35 new.
Post by: zodraz on August 20, 2003, 09:14:33 AM
You are so right about those printers!
I was able to check out a Consumer Reports article about them.
The Epson 820, which is either a "freebie" or buy it and get a "free" Epson scanner; got very low marks all around.
The Cannon 850 was ranked 4th overall, and this was in comparision with machines almost three times the price!
The 550 you have is almost identical, same inks, same resolution. Just slower on print speed.
Unfortunately that $99 (Best Buy list price) model is discontinued! It's been replaced with the 560, which is the same machine with this additional way-cool USB port that will print directly from any Digital camera. Unfortunatley, it's not needed if you're using iPhoto/Mac, our any other computer/software solution to rework/catalouge your images. AND the price is $129.
Apple's "free printer" deal offers the HP 5550, which ranks one or two below the Cannon 850. Probably because it's cost per page is double the 850's!
There was a sidebar about what that costs out over time. However the Best Buy salesman (who showed me the article) was hovering so damn close I was getting uncomfortable.
I have pondered the inevitable "upgrade" the laptops will have. Do you really think September will have a change? I've read of rumoured G5 "books", but that maybe wishful thinking. A G4 iBook would mean that the PowerBooks will need a marked speedup to justify their premium price.
And what about the rumoured G5 "Cube"?
Thanks!
Post by: pendragon on August 20, 2003, 11:17:36 AM
Harv
Post by: Gary S on August 20, 2003, 12:02:51 PM
switched back to a Mac. He's got an ibook.
Post by: zodraz on August 20, 2003, 03:02:43 PM
Here's one from me: http://www.thinksecret.com/news/augustpowerbooks.html
It'll probably be an incremental "bump". Maybe FireWire 800 and USB 2? With maybe 10GBs more HD space and a bit more RAM.
I was just at the Apple Store and picked up a Powerbook. That baby was hot! Literally! It would be very uncomfortable on someone's lap.
If they do put in a faster G4 it would have to be no hotter.
I've heard of faster G3s available from IBM. A +1 Ghz G3 ibook would be great. However, it won't happen if they can't move the PowerBooks speed up.
Post by: Mayo on August 20, 2003, 04:16:54 PM
I am waiting to see if this issue is resolved in the next model. If not, I am sticking with my iBook...
Post by: zodraz on August 21, 2003, 12:15:28 PM
In all fairness, those computers in the store were running all morning (if not 24/7) on flat laminate tables.
Post by: Mayo on August 21, 2003, 01:01:45 PM
It might be nice in the winter...
Post by: sandbox on August 22, 2003, 01:08:51 AM
some choices
http://www.Kensington.com/html/1436.html
ideal size and functions
http://www.Kensington.com/html/1144.html
Post by: Gregg on August 24, 2003, 05:36:42 AM
Post by: pendragon on August 24, 2003, 07:35:37 AM
FWIW, I would not be without mine.
Harv
Post by: giantmike on August 24, 2003, 09:16:38 AM
Obviously, my suggestion for external injput would be a nice three button optical mouse. I prefer the Microsoft ones.
Post by: Mayo on August 24, 2003, 02:06:12 PM
The Orbit is the most comfortable and versatile trackball I have used, since it works for both Righties and Lefties (we are talking hands here, not political bent...). My wife has a Kensington TurboRing trackball I bought for her, and I think it is a piece of crap...the scroll wheel doesn't work properly and it is rather uncomfortable to use.
However, the Orbit is not a "portable" mouse, and I think it would be a hassle to use anywhere but on a desk. The PM Pro is quite small, has a scrollwheel that works reasonably well and a retractable cord. It takes a minimum amount of space in a bag or pocket. I use it everyday with my iBook and this dedicated trackball user loves it. It may be small, but it fits my average size male hands and the programmable buttons are a nice feature.
But when working with my iBook on my lap, etc. the trackpad is the easiest way to move the cursor, and I am not usually a fan of trackpads. If I am going to be doing a lot of scrolling or work that requires a mouse, I move to a horizontal surface and use a mouse.
Post by: RHPConsult on August 24, 2003, 02:40:48 PM
My 1.66¢ worth
• Go for Apple Care for the PB
• Go for the largest screen that afforable.
• Go and inquire which security appears to work best on her new campus.
• Go for "offering" a lot of parental advice as to wise decision-making, but let her choose the "winning" candidate.
Finally, write a Memo to Parents and post it here, on the process and conclusions of this interesting adventure, as others will surely benefit.
Tell her to drop by and say "Hello" to TS when she's settled.
Post by: pendragon on August 24, 2003, 03:32:16 PM
“Any data worth having, is worth backing up.”
“There are only two kinds of people in this world: those who have had crashes and those who are about to."
So, if there is any way you can swing it, an external drive may well be of great benefit. And they are ideal (or required) for running utilities that cannot be run from damaged volumes.
Harv
Post by: Mayo on August 24, 2003, 08:37:20 PM
Post by: pendragon on August 24, 2003, 08:52:04 PM
Harv
Post by: zodraz on August 25, 2003, 09:42:00 AM
I think for the mice (at this moment) my daughter will opt for the MicroSoft Optical Pro (the "blue" one). CompUSA is offering them for $20 ($5 instant savings), and I have the "lower end one" on my Mac at home. The kids really like the scroll wheel and right button (and so do I
).As of this moment the 12" PB is looking pretty good. Why? Well, the student discount is $200, making it the same price as a 14.1" iBook. Pluses for the PB are the slot loading CD, BlueTooth, AirPort Extreme capabilities and G4 processor. Video spanning vs mirroring is also a plus, but not critical.
It WILL cost out a bit more since the AirPort Extreme card is more as well as the AppleCare.
I really want my daughter to check out the 12"; explain the "specs" difference. And let her make the choice.
Regarding the G4. Does anyone know of a list of software that utilizes it? I've searched GOOGLE and found an old link to an Apple page that no longer exists. Also, how much of the OS uses it? Does any of the Apple software use it?
Thanks again!
Post by: ljocampo on August 25, 2003, 10:21:51 AM
Surely you joke
http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/
Post by: kelly on August 25, 2003, 11:32:46 AM
http://macspeedzone.com/archive/5.0/misc/a...lications.shtml
The OS itself very much does take adavantage.
I think many/most Apps have been updated since.
Apple would rather tell you about the G5.
Here's a a little on the G4.
http://www.artref.com.au/Apple%20-%20iMac%...20Processor.htm
Post by: zodraz on August 25, 2003, 12:42:09 PM
I meant the "Velocity Engine" (Altivec).
All things being equal; a 900 Mhz G3 will equal a 900 Mhz G4 if the task does not use the Velocity Engine. Right?
The I know G5's architecture is so different that you couldn't do a straight comparison.
Post by: ljocampo on August 25, 2003, 05:20:41 PM
Wrong! The G4 is a generation ahead of the G3. Your reference point of 900MHz just says they have the same clock speed. Clock speed doesn't equate to speed comparisons across different CPUs. The G4 is about 20 or 30% faster than the G3, mostly due to its advanced memory design.
Just about all versions of OS X 10.2x Cocoa applications take advantage of the Altivec system. Many Carbon applications do too. But many non graphical applications don't even need the speed boost from the Altivec system.
Post by: Epaminondas on August 25, 2003, 08:55:03 PM
Post by: zodraz on August 26, 2003, 09:05:33 AM
http://www.macspeedzone.com/archive/5.0/up...G3-G4Cards.html
And this 1999 article in Accelerate your Mac:
http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/G3CARDS/XLR8G4/G4vsG3.html
I think the old concept was that there was a small diference. But it seems over the past few years the overall performance of the G4 has improved over similar speed G3s.
I am surprised with the difficulty of finding any meaningful list of applications that use the velocity engine.
Post by: kelly on August 26, 2003, 09:10:39 AM
The G4 was introduced in '99.
What exactly is your point anyway?
Deciding between an iBook and the 12" Powerbook?
Powerbook would be better in a lot of ways.
Better enough for the money? For you to decide.
Or your daughter.
Ask kps how he likes his.
Post by: zodraz on August 27, 2003, 02:59:28 PM
What exactly is your point anyway?
Reply:
That my knowledge WAS old news.
The G4 is now more than just the "Velocity Engine" added to a G3.
But it seems to me that if the Velocity Engine is as hot an item, it would be much easier to find a list of applications that use it. I think with the speed (and future speeds) of the G5, the o'l Velocity Engine will fade away as a selling point.
Kelly,
Deciding between an iBook and the 12" Powerbook?
Powerbook would be better in a lot of ways.
Better enough for the money? For you to decide.
Or your daughter.
Reply
My daughter will decide.
But she's not a computer-head. She likes the bigger screen, doesn't play RPG's, and will mostly use "Office apps". She may (because of her arts background, use some graphics applications.
However, this thing has to last her 4 years. And Ma and Pa will have to toss in a few bucks to get either.
Actually the price difference is minimal. The difference for a 14" ibook with wireless and AppleCare and a 12" PowerBook is about $80! This is also figuring in the 7% sales tax.
The pluses of the PowerBook's faster DDR memory, G4, Bluetooth and AirPort Extreme (iBook uses the slower AirPort) make it obvious to me which is the better deal.
BUT Daughter likes the bigger screen! So, I need all the information I can get. Which I think I now have.
So once again, Thanks so very much!
My last adventure will see if buying the PowerBook on-line might save us some money. MacWarehouse has the 12" (list price) with a "free" AirPort Extreme card, extra memory, tote bag and a printer.
After that, I'm done.
Post by: kelly on August 27, 2003, 10:10:11 PM
I believe with the Powerbook you can hook it to a Monitor and have different resolutions.
With the iBook you're stuck with one resolution.
Except for a hack. Which may cause problems.
I still say you should ask kps.
Post by: Mayo on August 27, 2003, 10:29:54 PM
Post by: zodraz on August 28, 2003, 12:31:49 PM
Sent kps a personal message via TS.
Let see if it works!
That AltiVec, Velocity Engine thing still is an issue with me. Here is an ad from PowerLogix:
"The PowerForce G3 is the most advanced CPU product available for these machines. Descended from the original PowerForce G3 introduced in 1997, the original PowerForce G3 includes either 512K or 1MB of backside cache running at half the CPU speed. The newly-introduced PowerForce G3 800 features an IBM 750FX running at 800MHz with 512K of cache running at a blazing 800MHz. Its great performance at a very economical price.
The vast majority of mainstream applications still do not take advantage of Altivec, and therefore having greater clock speed for tasks that are used most often will extend the life of these machines well into the future."
Yeah, I know they want to sell you their stuff, but there must be truth there.
Also PowerLogix has a press release about the G5 vs their upgrades veiled as a congratulation to Apple. It's pretty transparent.
Note: I've bought and used their stuff (no problems), so no knocks on the company!
Post by: kps on August 28, 2003, 09:59:24 PM
You have a wealth of great responses in this thread and they're all valid from each individual perspective.
You asked if I'd recommend the 12" powerbook, well yeah, I would and not just because I already have one.
It's an absolute joy from a mobility standpoint, small and rugged, phenomenal form factor. Lugging this from class to class will be a breeze. The screen is clear and sharp and not difficult to read at all and the keyboard is awesome.
If the purchase has to last 4yrs, I would seriously think about this model over the iBook. Mainly because of the processor, but also because the "return on investment" will be better, not to mention resale value at the end of it.
Who knows what new developments lie around the corner, the 12" PB will be better positioned to deal with many of the things to come.
Since it will be your daughter's decision, I'd take her to a place where she can try it.
If you have more specific questions, feel free to ask them...I'll try to answer them if I can.
Post by: Mayo on August 28, 2003, 10:34:58 PM
Post by: kps on August 28, 2003, 11:34:11 PM
I did follow the instructions and "conditioned" the battery when first used. I also reset the power manager as recommended.
At Harv's recommendation, I got The CoolPad and CoolPad Traveler. Great products for any laptop. Thanks, Harv.
I related my first impressions in THIS THREAD.
Post by: Epaminondas on September 01, 2003, 12:40:51 PM
Post by: zodraz on September 02, 2003, 01:09:22 PM
My daughter is the proud owner of a new 12" PowerBook! Ta Daa!
We bought it at the "Oak Brook Mall" in Oakbrook. FYI, of the three Apple stores in our area (Chicago, Schaumburg, Oakbrook), the Oak Brook store has the lowest sales tax (Schaumberg 2nd, Chicago most). Didn't know that, but found out from talking to the Apple rep.
We got the "base" machine. That is, no extra RAM, and just the "combo drive". Our budget was pretty much blown with what we got! The young man (College student, summer job), told us that was the machine he was saving up for. He said he was not reccomending the SuperDrives because they are so slow (1X DVD write). And the $200 difference for the SuperDrive could purchase an external FireWire DVD Burner that would be faster. Also, we can add that later IF she even needs or wants that(which she currently doesn't).
Got the AppleCare, since the 3 years start AT THE DATE OF PURCHASE OF THE EQUIPMENT. So waiting woudn't have given us any more time. That also meant they updated all the OS X software. Saved me the hassle, especially since I only have dial-up.
We will get the AirPort probably from Amazon.com since her uncle gave her a gift certificate from them. We may also get MS Office education edition there too, since it's the lowest price ($100, free shipping).
Got the HP 5150 printer (free after rebate). Did not buy the USB connector cord there ($20!). Bought one at Walmart for $10. It was still too much! It's such a rip that they (HP) don't include one!
Hopefully this week we'll pick up a MicroSoft Optical Wheelmouse at Best Buy (on sale $10). They work great in OS 9, and it's not a big loss if she swaps it later with some other device.
And we got the iPod deal. She doesn't want it, but I couldn't pass up the deal. I hope Apple hurries up with the rebate check!
So, with a little bit of hassle I got the laptop connected to our dialup ISP. However, for some reason I have to use the "Terminal" window to logon, wereas with OS 9, and Winows 98 it connects without a keystroke. Weird and annoying!
But once "connected" she's had lots of fun setting up iChat with her AIM account and talking to her "buddies".
Showed her Safari which she's been using to watch Homestarrunner and check her College email. I keep asking her if the schools mail system supports POP or IMAP so I can set up "Mail". I've tried to explain the advantages, but so far she's not interested. Oh well...
At least I can play with the iPod!
Thanks Again!
PS. Whats this about setting up the power manager (to reduce the heat)?
Post by: kelly on September 02, 2003, 09:41:05 PM
How about asking questions in a new Thread?