Hoping to make the switch.. need some advice

[marvolo]

Essentially, my [PC] laptop died a few weeks back and I [desperately] need a new one. I've been a Windows user for ages, but I think/hope that I'm ready to make some changes. SO, after much thought, I'm hoping to get a Mac this evening.

Some questions:

1) I have heard that this isn't the best time to get a Macbook (Macbook Pro?) because upgrades should be due soon, but I'm a student and I just can't wait. I'd like to get the base 13' MBP, but I'm a little worried the hardware will fall far behind with the upcoming upgrades. Should I up the RAM... do additional things? Or, would I be able to do that later on? I'd like a machine that's good to go for the next 3 years or so.

2) What's the average life of a Macbook? My laptop lasted about 2 years and I'd like the same (maybe even longer) longevity.

Thanks in advance!

 

[TattooedMac]

Some questions:

1) I have heard that this isn't the best time to get a Macbook (Macbook Pro?) because upgrades should be due soon, but I'm a student and I just can't wait. I'd like to get the base 13' MBP, but I'm a little worried the hardware will fall far behind with the upcoming upgrades. Should I up the RAM... do additional things? Or, would I be able to do that later on? I'd like a machine that's good to go for the next 3 years or so.

IMO its always a good time to get a Mac... lol
If you cant wait then go ahead and buy one. With  you never know when the updates are going to be. You should upgrade RAM later on.  charge the world for there upgrades.
OWC~Macsales.com is a good place to start for upgrades. All you need to do is put in Mac specs and it will bring up ALL compatible RAM, HD's and so on.
On falling behind. They dont fall that far behind. I have a white MB and am happy with performance running PS CS4 with no performance lag.

2) What's the average life of a Macbook? My laptop lasted about 2 years and I'd like the same (maybe even longer) longevity.

Thanks in advance!

Depends on how it is treated. There is 5-7yr olds running around this forum ...

 

[Collin Bl]

1) You will never have the latest and there are still people out there using iBooks quite happily and doing all they want/need. I got the 3G iPh as soon as it arrived and now the 3Gs is out - faster and better. No big deal and i may upgrade.
2) Last year Apple sold about 10 million Macs and even with a very low failure rate that is still heaps of units with a problem. You pays your money (Mac or PC) and you takes your chance.

 

[Slydude]

I concur with the guys so far. If you need the new Mac now and have the funding then I suggest buying now. I bought my 2008 MacBook Pro about six weeks before the 2009 models were announced. While there were some changes made, they were not significant enough to make me want to ditch the '08 model.

Extra memory is nice but it is easy to install yourself which should save a bit of money as well. I would consider buying the AppleCare extended warranty either at the time of purchase or within the first year. I have owned several Macs without purchasing the extended warranty but have purchased it for my last three Macs.