Purchasing a MacBook Pro - Have Questions

[paradoxv2]

So I'm a lifelong PC-user that has decided to take the plunge and buy a MacBook Pro laptop. But I've got some questions, hoping you guys can help me out -

1. Should I wait? I'm worried about prices dropping or something brand spanking new coming out the minute after I purchase an MBP. A month after I bought my iPod Mini (remember those?), the Nano came out for the same price and the Mini was phased out. I haven't been able to trust Steve Jobs since.

2. Parallels or VMWare Fusion? Windows is still very necessary for remotely accessing my office workstation.

3. I'm hung up on choosing between a 15" and a 17". Portability isn't really an issue for me, so the 17" is attractive, but is it that much bigger/better that I pay extra?

4. Where should I buy it from? Apple Store? Apple Store Online? (I can get the student discount ;D ) MacMall?

5. Think its worth getting the 3-year warranty?

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. I'm trying to wrap up this purchase soon, getting really impatient, I want a new toy!

 

[coach_z]

1) if you keep waiting you will wait your whole life until you are dead...buy what you like and stay happy with it

2) pick which one you like te most....i hear good things about both but you might find one works better for you....it might be a few dollars to test the waters

3) pick whatever you like....if you dont need portability go for an imac though

4) buying it from all three of the listed places is all the same....you might be able to get a rebate from macmall, but there is no real advantage to buy from them

5) if it breaks then it is worth it, if it doesnt break its not worth it....thats my standard answer....you neve rknow what is going to happen with your computer....i like getting the waranty for a little peace of mind

hope this helps a bit

 

[snoslicer8]

So I'm a lifelong PC-user that has decided to take the plunge and buy a MacBook Pro laptop. But I've got some questions, hoping you guys can help me out -

1. Should I wait? I'm worried about prices dropping or something brand spanking new coming out the minute after I purchase an MBP. A month after I bought my iPod Mini (remember those?), the Nano came out for the same price and the Mini was phased out. I haven't been able to trust Steve Jobs since.

If you wait, you'll never buy anything. This is technology. Something new is around the corner of every week. If you REALLY have the time to spare, you COULD wait until after Mac World SF in January. This is the longest I would recommend waiting. Otherwise, you'd deprive yourself of the joy that is Apple for even longer!

2. Parallels or VMWare Fusion? Windows is still very necessary for remotely accessing my office workstation.

I've had good experiences with both of them, though I hardly use Windows at all anymore. Since you are buying with Leopard pre-installed, it couldn't hurt to give Boot Camp a shot. It's free, comes with the computer, and runs Windows at native speed. However, there is the downfall of needing to restart the Mac to switch OSes. Test out Boot Camp first to make sure you use Windows as much as you think you're going to.

3. I'm hung up on choosing between a 15" and a 17". Portability isn't really an issue for me, so the 17" is attractive, but is it that much bigger/better that I pay extra?

If I were going to go for the 17", I'd spring for the HD level screen. Otherwise, I am perfectly OK with my 15". I don't take it off my desk as much as a lot of people with Notebooks do, but WHEN I do, I sure appreciate the smaller footprint.

4. Where should I buy it from? Apple Store? Apple Store Online? (I can get the student discount ;D ) MacMall?

Buy it from wherever you can find the best deals. Be sure to remember to check out the Apple retail stores for their "Refreshed" computers...those are their version of "open-box".

5. Think its worth getting the 3-year warranty?

ONE THOUSAND TIMES YES. For $350 extra, your computer is covered for 3 years. Considering Apple computers retain their residual value quite well, should you ever decide to sell your computer, the warranty makes it that much more desirable. Plus, MOST repairs can be done at the Genius Bar in-store, even on Notebooks. That means no 2-3 week waiting periods for a fried hard drive. That's 3 years of what I can only describe from MY visits as the best tech support I have EVER experienced.

 

[Sgt Beavis]

I pretty much agree with snoslicer8 but I'll add these points...

I have a preference for VMware. (disclosure: I'm a VMware Certified Professional) VMware has more x86 virtualization experience than just about anyone. The Unity feature is simply bad *** and they do a better job on performance and 3d rendering (support DirectX 8 and experimental support of DirectX9)

As for whether to get a 17" or 15" I think you should ask yourself if the laptop is going to be a "desktop replacement" which sits most of its time on your desk or if you are going to carry it around a lot. If you carry it around, you might like the 15" better because it is lighter and easier to handle. If you are going to use it for a desktop replacement, the 17" is gold.

snoslicer8 is also dead on about the AppleCare warranty. IMO it is simply insane to not get it. Unlike other extended warranties, this one is actually really good. Not only is it covering parts but you can call Apple support with simple or difficult questions on how to use your Mac.

 

[zyepod]

I would recommend going to an Apple store if you can. Even if it's a drive. As for me I could make myself buy something that of that price with out looking at it. That being said while there I bought the 15" instead of the 17" and the Matte screen instead of the Glossy...

 

[paradoxv2]

Thanks

Thanks guys. I'm going to run over to the Apple Store to decide b/w the 15" and 17", then order online tonight. Really appreciate the input.