Looking at a MacPro with Retina display...have some questions

cmoose · ‎04-15-2010

My daughter is going into high school and in need of a new computer. We are looking at the MacPro with retina display. She will be doing a lot of writing as well as research and other typical school work things.

We have never purchased a Mac before. Is it worth it? Would you recommend the Apple Care package? Is there anywhere that gives a break on price? What else should I be aware of before we buy?

Any advice would be great. TIA!!

ahoymate · ‎05-30-2010

I love the MacPro retina display and have been wanting one for a long, long time. It is pricey and the only price breaks I've found are if you buy used from Apple's used computers.

However, it's very small deduction, ~10%. Not worth it! You never know what someone did with this before you bought it.

I would not buy an Apple computer from anyone but Apple. They will take care of any problems. They have great service, training, support.

Have you gone into Apple stores and talked to the sales people? Do your homework. Bottom line: they R great computers. Your daughter is very lucky if she gets one.

gidgetgh · ‎03-09-2010

I bought one a few months ago for my nephew for his high school graduation gift. He absolutely loves it. You can't go wrong with Apple products, in my opinion. Any updates to the Operating system, down the line, are free.

To second what Skyland said, I'd definitely buy directly from Apple and I'd definitely get the Apple care. The Macbook Pro isn't cheap and I think the Apple care is worth it.

I think Apple is running a special now- a back to school thing- where you get a gift card back, $50 maybe?

Oh- and I'd get the Office for Mac software from the Apple store also. It will allow her to have the Microsoft programs Word and Excel on her Macbook.

Why is it, when I have a 50/50 guess at something, I'm always 100% wrong?

Caitlinh429 · ‎06-25-2014

I highly recommend Mac's for laptops over any other brand. I got my macbook for college back in 2008 and haven't had a problem with it yet (besides the battery last summer which i got a new one from ebay for $30). i remember a lot of the kids then getting the new windows on their laptops (which ended up being a sham) and many kids computers crashing & whatnot, but my mac didn't! virus's are also rare on macs as well. i got a great deal, macbook with an hp printer/copier & ipod nano from Apple. I'd check out Apple because they always get deals like this around August for the new school year.

brii · ‎06-20-2010

You can never go wrong with a Mac ever.

But be sure to get Office for Mac. She will need the Microsoft programs for school.

customerqvc2 · ‎02-04-2011

I've owned many computers in my day and I think Apple is the Cadillac of computers. The customer service is great and I have had no issues with the Apple computers I've owned. I highly recommend the Apple Care protection program. We had power issues in my home last summer and they completely fixed everything for free inside my computer. Since the issues weren't Apple related, I was totally impressed that they were so nice. The prices for Apple are set by Apple. You can't really get a price break or find one cheaper by shopping around. They are very careful to have Apple dealers sign contracts and they monitor the stores to make sure the prices stay at a set rate. Apple runs great package deals this time of year for back-to-school, so you might call your Apple store about those specials. Your daughter is one lucky girl! Enjoy.

Lynnj · ‎03-21-2010

I moved away from PC to Mac several years ago and will never go back. Yes, you pay more money for a Mac, but they run flawlessly and last. Can't say that was my experience with PCs.

Just today, Apple announced the newest enhancement to the Macbook Pro line. Intel increased the processor, and Apple also lowered the price of a Macbook Pro by $100. So better standard computer and cheaper.

Read article here -http://www.macworld.com/article/2458905/apple-bumps-macbook-pro-processors-across-the-line.html

Now to be honest, I am not sure a Macbook Pro is needed for High School. They are really considered Apples top of the line laptop series. I actually think your daughter would do better with a Macbook Air. The Air is much lighter than a Pro, and this would perfect if she intends to be carrying it back and forth to/from school. The Macbook Air is just as good as a Pro. Unless she intends to do heavy video/audio editing and play a lot of processor intensive games, she doesn't need a Pro. Maybe when she gets to college, you might want to consider a Pro at that point? But first Mac, using it for High School level work, and everything young teens use computers for nowadays, the Air is perfect for her.

One thing to note, the Air does not have a Retina display (yet). There are rumors that one may be introduced this fall, but no one really knows for sure. I have an Air, and I have an iPad with Retina display. I can barely tell the difference between the two. I don't think not having a retina display is a deal breaker...especially for purposes of High School. Unless she plans on heavy digital photography or video work, she really doesn't need that level of detail in pixels.

My recommendation is this - search online and google Macbook Pro versus Macbook Air. There are a ton of articles and forums that debate the two. Then I would visit an Apple store and look at both models before buying.

And yes...get the Apple Care! As far as price break, Apple is running a back-to-school special right now. I think you get $100 iTunes gift card with purchase? The details are online at the Apple site. Apple doesn't discount often, at the most about $100 off, and the only time stores like best buy discount apple products is when they are clearing out inventory for old models.

violann · ‎03-10-2010

If you're anywhere near an Apple Store, contact them and make an appointment to tour the laptops available. A "refurbished" Mac has the same guarantees and warranties as a new one. You can also find comparisons for all the computers by googling "....compare _______ and______". You can compare one Mac to another or all the Macs to each other. We are also a Mac family and will continue to be. Definitely take Apple Care. There is an educational special in progress right now in the neighborhood of $50-$100+. Your daughter will have to connect with the tech specialist in her HS to find out the information about what her school specifically requires. I'm going to bet she'll be THRILLED with her new laptop!

jaxs mom · ‎04-18-2012

You mean the macbook pro laptop? The mac pro is a desktop and doesn't come with a monitor which is why I'm asking. I love my macs, but I've never owned their laptops so I can't comment on them. I've never had a need for apple care.

Don't Change Your Authenticity for Approval

addiegal · ‎06-09-2014

I love my Apple products. I have an iMac and iPad. Purchase the AppleCare...it is worth it. I had a problem with the fan on my iMac and it was repaired, no charge, and in perfect condition. This gives you 3 yrs. of coverage and access to Apple technical help. And with the Office for Mac your daughter will be good to go.