OT: Best Mac laptop for high school student?

[TasteofUConn]

Apparently the previous owner gave it away because it would not run the latest operating system or any current software - mainly because Apple engineered the model that way.

It's awesome you're getting into the guts of it all - kudos. Impressive.
But the thing is, Apple, from my view, is, for many people, X% computer and (100-X)% fashion. You can set the X value. I'd put it at 50. That's the main reason I've never gotten an Apple product. I don't want to be confused with somebody who cares what color their laptop computer is. I don't want people asking me, "Is that the i_____ 7? Does it have Appleswap TM on it? Does it come in fuchsia?" It's the reason the Apple logo is so large on the machines, and sometimes glows and shines. It's the reason that the original Honda hybrids did not sell. If you sold Apple products in a different package that said "Acme Computing" in very small font, instead of being branded with an Apple, and you knocked 10% off the price, you'd hardly sell any.
My point is, don't blame the obsolescence on Apple alone - blame it also on the majority of Apple users who place substantial value on having the new Apple gadget every 12 months or so.

 

[intlzncster]

I tinker with computers as a side hobby and I just started getting hip to the Apple stuff about a year and a half ago. Here's what I've learned so far - I hope it helps:

Apple is pretty big on planned/perceived obsolescence. They would have you think that you need to upgrade your entire rig to keep up with the latest software, but the dirty little secret is that their hardware is so darn fabulous, you don't need to.

Case in point: early last year I found an old, first-generation Mac Pro (the big aluminum one), a 2006 model, at a thrift store . The thing worked flawlessly so I snagged it and took it home to tinker with. Apparently the previous owner gave it away because it would not run the latest operating system or any current software - mainly because Apple engineered the model that way. Long story short, within a month I found out how to re-code the machine so that it actually would accept the necessary upgrades, and I am proud to report that the beast is currently running Yosemite 10.10, handling all my music programs without a hitch, and with a couple more upgrades (processors, hard drive) that bad boy will be handling it's business for the next few years to come.

As far as MacBook Pro's are concerned, I've found that if you're not a graphic designer and in need of the Retina display, a maxed-out 2011 or 2012 model is sufficient for anything you'd need to do (heck, I'm typing this on a 2011 model right now). Again, the hardware is still superb and the price point versus an entry-level MacBook Air makes it worthwhile.

A refurbished 2012 MacBook Pro with an i7 processor, 16GB of memory and a solid-state hard drive (or 'SSD') will handle anything your daughter can throw at it - and probably drive her to school as well!...

As an answer to the OPs question, you make a good point. For myself:

Apple hardware is phenomenal, no doubt, but it's the software that bugs me a bit. I know that is sacrilegious to many people. I just prefer the endless free software options on a Windows machine.

In the past, I've thought of buying an apple machine and running Windows on it, but it doesn't seem worth it. One, I'm an android guy. Two, for the price, I can get a better spec windows machine.

And it's not hard on merf to get my devices working seamlessly together. It's just not out of the box. That's all.

 

[jleves]

I tinker with computers as a side hobby and I just started getting hip to the Apple stuff about a year and a half ago. Here's what I've learned so far - I hope it helps:

Apple is pretty big on planned/perceived obsolescence. They would have you think that you need to upgrade your entire rig to keep up with the latest software, but the dirty little secret is that their hardware is so darn fabulous, you don't need to.

Case in point: early last year I found an old, first-generation Mac Pro (the big aluminum one), a 2006 model, at a thrift store . The thing worked flawlessly so I snagged it and took it home to tinker with. Apparently the previous owner gave it away because it would not run the latest operating system or any current software - mainly because Apple engineered the model that way. Long story short, within a month I found out how to re-code the machine so that it actually would accept the necessary upgrades, and I am proud to report that the beast is currently running Yosemite 10.10, handling all my music programs without a hitch, and with a couple more upgrades (processors, hard drive) that bad boy will be handling it's business for the next few years to come.

As far as MacBook Pro's are concerned, I've found that if you're not a graphic designer and in need of the Retina display, a maxed-out 2011 or 2012 model is sufficient for anything you'd need to do (heck, I'm typing this on a 2011 model right now). Again, the hardware is still superb and the price point versus an entry-level MacBook Air makes it worthwhile.

A refurbished 2012 MacBook Pro with an i7 processor, 16GB of memory and a solid-state hard drive (or 'SSD') will handle anything your daughter can throw at it - and probably drive her to school as well!...

Everything you wrote actually has nothing to do with Apple other than the planned obsolescence. It is all because Intel crushed it (and AMD) when they released the core architecture in 2006. I'm typing on a Windows 7 box running a processor released in 2007 and it does everything I want including some decent gaming (I did increase the memory, changed to a modern video card and put in an SSD - which everyone needs to do if they are running on an old machine). There is nothing in the Macbooks that you don't find in any Intel based windows box. They do make a great SOC for their phones - I'll give them that. I don't have to do any unlocking or strange things to install Windows 10 on this. It just works. Intel really hasn't stressed more performance in their CPU design in a long time. They have been focusing entirely on driving down power usage. The performance of the 95 watt CPU in this rig can now be duplicated by a sub 15 watt CPU.

Apple does make solid hardware and has a tight eco system that a lot of people really love - nothing wrong with that. But don't think for a minute that the reason you can still run on a 10 year old Mac is because of Apple's engineering. It's all because of Intel (and SSD technology).

 

[TasteofUConn]

Everything . . . It's all because of Intel (and SSD technology).

Very informative post. Thank you.

 

[nomar]

Let's play a game.
The game is, "Spot the plainly false statement. LOL dude. Sometimes it's okay to own it! A man has got to know who he is!

Had I said "Apple is better"--or even intimated that--once, you'd have a semblance of a point.

Here's what your ellipses omitted:

*The part where I accused Apple of planned obsolescence and fraud
*The part where I said that my experiences with Windows-based computers were a long time ago and where I said I think they're fine now
*The point where I said I have Stockholm Syndrome

Apparently you've got some axe to grind with Apple but leave me out of it, pal. I don't like being misquoted, even on a subject this unimportant.

And here's my tip back to you: A grown man has got to avoid saying "LOL."

 

[UConnLen]

I got a 5 speed Camaro soon after I got out of college and that was my favorite car for most of my life. When it was stolen I went to SUVs for most of my adult life (Pathfinder, Explorer, Durango). About 8 years ago I decided I wanted an entry level luxury car and looked at the Charger (not really luxury, but close). I heard the G37 was coming out and waited 3 months to finally see one and was shocked at how much plastic it had. I had driven a 335 coupe while I was waiting for the G37 and ordered one the day after I saw cheap interior of the Infinity. I waited 8 weeks for it to be built and shipped and found out I had actually purchased a entry level luxury sports car. I couldn't believe how fun it was to drive. I had just gotten a new motorcycle a month before the car arrived and hadn't finished breaking it in. Once I had the 335 coupe, I never got back on the motorcycle again.

I had the service for 6 years and loved driving it the entire time. When I had my first bill I had to pay for a repair (water pump and thermostat for $800), I immediately ordered my current car, a loaded orange Z4. I had to wait 8 weeks again, but got exactly what I wanted. The car is an absolute blast to drive and living in socal, the top is down as much as possible. A little mid life crisis flashy but I've never seen another one like it. I got it with the extended leather interior and when I got to the dealer to pick it up, there were 6 sales people all crowded around because they had never seen one delivered with that option. Never thought I would ever spend that much on a car (without winning the lottery), but it's been totally worth it and there hasn't been a second of buyers remorse.

Yes, apparently BMW had a problem with water pump failure-I had one replaced on my former 645ci at a cost of $900 among other things. I think I was told the new water pump had a lifetime guarantee because of problems with their water pumps. I loved the car-a real looker and fun to drive- but was told that the model had a bad repair record. The Audi S4 is available in an orange-ish color (volcano red?) that I liked but chose black instead. Good luck with the Z4!

 

[TasteofUConn]

Apparently you've got some axe to grind with Apple but leave me out of it,

No axe to grind. They make a useful and fashionable product, and the world of men will always have room for such things, because there will always be fan boys - like you!

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

That's the main reason I've never gotten an Apple product. I don't want to be confused with somebody who cares what color their laptop computer is.

If you ever need a handy example of what insecurity looks like, you could do a lot worse than this.

 

[nomar]

No axe to grind. They make a useful and fashionable product, and the world of men will always have room for such things, because there will always be fan boys - like you!

I like it when people out themselves as @ssholes, so thank you. "LOL."

 

[TasteofUConn]

Hello. My name is Nomar. I am an Apple FanBoy.

Wear it proudly Nomar.

 

[jleves]

Wear it proudly Nomar.

The only thing worse than an Apple Fanboy is the Anti Apple Fanboy who believes it's their obligation to have a personal crusade against them.

Probably time to reign it in.

 

[TasteofUConn]

The only thing worse . . . is the Anti Apple Fanboy

Actually, don't care much either way. Apple seems to make awesome products. I just don't have the kind of use/need/affection for my computer/phone gadgets to get me excited about any product, regardless of brand. Windows can really suck. Windows 8.1 took a few hours to move from "intolerable" to "utilitarian." A 75$ 7" tablet running Lollipop with a name I don't recall seems to work pretty seamlessly. I have an XP machine hanging in. My wife has a kindle that seems to work well. It's not about the product. It's not about the company. It's about a spade not knowing he's a spade. It's not interesting that he's an AFB. It is interesting that he's unaware of it.

 

[nomar]

You know what's not interesting? You. Time to stop digging that hole. You have an axe to grind, and serious reading comprehension problems. And you're a . Not a great combination.

 

[TasteofUConn]

You know what's not interesting? You. Time to stop digging that hole. You have an axe to grind, and serious reading comprehension problems. And you're a . Not a great combination.

My apologies. Didn't mean to make it personal and evoke that reaction.

 

[nomar]

My apologies. Didn't mean to make it personal and evoke that reaction.

Accepted. Go Huskies.

 

[8893]

Funny thing about Apple products is how they tend to draw out such strong reactions from both those who are fans and those who are not. I have found that the stronger the opinions, the more likely they are to be irrational.

I've also found that those who are not fans are more likely to have stronger opinions.

How much longer until "sheeple" is invoked?

In perhaps an extreme understatement, Apple does a lot of stuff very well. Perception is clearly one of those things, but that alone could not sustain its success. Their products are generally good, durable, attractive and intuitive.

They are also more expensive than most of their competitors, many of which excel in one or another criterion, but not all. And in my experience that frequently leads people who are not fans to over-explain why, and to cast aspersions on those whom they know have paid more.

 

[Fishy]

Would you just buy a computer already before these people kill themselves?

 

[TasteofUConn]

Would you just buy a computer already before these people kill themselves?

Gold.

 

[epark88]

Everything you wrote actually has nothing to do with Apple other than the planned obsolescence. It is all because Intel crushed it (and AMD) when they released the core architecture in 2006. I'm typing on a Windows 7 box running a processor released in 2007 and it does everything I want including some decent gaming (I did increase the memory, changed to a modern video card and put in an SSD - which everyone needs to do if they are running on an old machine). There is nothing in the Macbooks that you don't find in any Intel based windows box. They do make a great SOC for their phones - I'll give them that. I don't have to do any unlocking or strange things to install Windows 10 on this. It just works. Intel really hasn't stressed more performance in their CPU design in a long time. They have been focusing entirely on driving down power usage. The performance of the 95 watt CPU in this rig can now be duplicated by a sub 15 watt CPU.

Apple does make solid hardware and has a tight eco system that a lot of people really love - nothing wrong with that. But don't think for a minute that the reason you can still run on a 10 year old Mac is because of Apple's engineering. It's all because of Intel (and SSD technology).

In that case, thank goodness for Intel - they make the Mac OS pop.

I used to be all in on PCs and Windows, until Win 8 came out and I couldn't make heads or tails out of it. Also when I dove head-first into music production, the programs on PC just didn't do it for me. Ever since I found the thrift-store Mac Pro, the game changed: the music programs for Mac OS worked so much better for me. So much in fact, I turned my Dell laptop into a Hackintosh! (shh, don't tell anybody).

Folks seem to have strong opinions on Mac vs. PC, and that's cool. But it always comes down to "what works best for what I need to do?" Full disclosure, I loathe the iThingies, and I don't so much as admire Apple the company as I merely tolerate them. But their computers just work best for what I need them to do - nothing more, nothing less...

 

[J-dog]

In that case, thank goodness for Intel - they make the Mac OS pop.

I used to be all in on PCs and Windows, until Win 8 came out and I couldn't make heads or tails out of it. Also when I dove head-first into music production, the programs on PC just didn't do it for me. Ever since I found the thrift-store Mac Pro, the game changed: the music programs for Mac OS worked so much better for me. So much in fact, I turned my Dell laptop into a Hackintosh! (shh, don't tell anybody).

Folks seem to have strong opinions on Mac vs. PC, and that's cool. But it always comes down to "what works best for what I need to do?" Full disclosure, I loathe the iThingies, and I don't so much as admire Apple the company as I merely tolerate them. But their computers just work best for what I need them to do - nothing more, nothing less...

And for college kids (and parents of college kids), I like the Mac option. Speaking from experience, I had twins in college. One went PC & one went MAC. The PC student went through 3 laptops in 4 years. The Mac student continued to use her original Mac multiple years after graduation.

 

[storrsroars]

I have a 2007 Santa Rosa MacBook Pro. Prior to that I had a 2005 MacBook. I became a big Apple fan until I wasn't anymore. I've got this perfectly fine piece of hardware sitting around doing nothing because Apple won't work on it and there aren't a lot of folks around my area that will. I got tired of new OS releases that took a lot of workarounds to get to operate on my machine and which caused numerous issues with existing programs. I personally think 5 years is the outside range of a Mac's usefulness these days unless one takes the time to understand how to work on them and has the patience of Job when doing so.

I spend $250 on a Chromebook a couple months ago. Couldn't be happier with it. When I need to do "serious" work, I use my desktop.

 

[IMind]

I donno I've got a 2008 Macbook pro. Still works fine. Installed the latest OS. Run Windows XP on it. I'll probably buy another one. My wife has a Macbook. The biggest quality of life improvement I made was buying the wife a Macbook. I used to spend a fair amount of time fixing various issues be they from malware, spyware, virus, windows updates, etc. I just don't do that anymore. I'll probably buy her another one. The kids have a Mac Mini... same deal... low maintenance. Whenever I go to my inlaws who still have a desktop... I spend a half of a day uninstalling whatever new and wonderful malware their anti-virus software failed to pick up. My mother in law has never met a link she didn't want to click.

 

[gampelcrazies]

Have two MacBook Pro's

2011 MacBook Pro 15 (Use it to edit HD games for UConn Husky Games)

2015 MacBook Pro (Other video editing and to take to school)

Love both of them and would never get anything else.

 

[Da_Aisijimo_Gou]

I am familiar

When either some yoga pants or the Han Solo-style looks good, they can be a thing of beauty. Unfortunately, the latter doesn't occur frequently enough in the jumbo-sized U.S.

Neither a PC on 'roids nor a bionic Mac Book's graphics can improve the American jumbo appearance, but a 13" MacBook Air will meet all reasonable needs of the OP's daughter and her own budget. Kudos to the young girl saving for her own purchase.

 

[fatlucy]

I'm in real estate and run financial proformas in excel and Constructon estimating software as well as architectural drawings and renderings in multiple formats on multiple hi def large monitors and I use the new tiny 12" MacBook. Its about 3 months old and it's awesome. It works like a dream and is incredibly portable. The high def screen makes up for the screen size when mobile and I'm in my forties and can't see up close. I keep it in an iPad sleeve and carry it in my briefcase. And for what it's worth, it looks awesome and turns heads.