That Guy's Random Quest to Buy a Portable Computer Machine!

[Rather On Fire]

I've wanted a laptop for a while, but after learning that a friend saved up money for a laptop.  I decided to do the same.  And, so...

~-~ The Quest Begins! ~-~

I think I'll try and get enough for a good Mac...somehow.

-=- Current Status -=-
Saved $: 0.⁰⁰
Latest Acomplishment:  Chose Mac, Possibly
Next Goal:  Choose a Mac Type

The iPhone seems possible, though I am unsure if it is as good as a laptop is.

~-~ The Goal Is Set ~-~

I think I'll go with a white, 13 inch MacBook.  I might as well check Windows laptops, as well.

-=- Current Status -=-
Saved $:  0.⁰⁰ / $1,099.⁰⁰
Latest Acomplishment:  Chose A Mac
Next Acomplishment:  Check Windows Laptops

~-~ Complication ~-~

I've also found a computer at about $475 which can run Vista.  At this point, I'm unsure.

-=- Current Status -=-
Saved $:  0.⁰⁰ / ???
Latest Acomplishment:  Found a New Laptop
Next Acomplishment:  Make a Decision

[Nicolas Sarkozy]

Post specs on both of them the PC

You can run Windows on a MacBook, but it's expensive, so if it's out of your price range or if you can find something better that's cheaper than you should probably get it.

[Rather On Fire]

Post specs on both of them the PC

This page is where I found the PC: http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5673667

[Goombazoid]

I hate Vista, it's like Windows trying to be a Mac. Plus not all of the peripherals and software are compatible yet. Though since you are presumably going to be saving a while Microsoft might release a service pack that fixes most of the problems I have with Vista.
I still reccommend the macbook, but it really depends on what you're going to be using it for. And as razr3d said you CAN run windows on a mac.

[Nicolas Sarkozy]

Yeah, I don't like Vista either, and that computer looks awful (who buys a computer from Wal-Mart?!).

It seems like you want a Mac most, though, so I'm not gonna object to that. You can run Windows on it if need be, which is good. I'm willing to bet you won't be using the computer for more than browsing the web, occasional word processing and other basic stuff like that. Although, if you want to play games, that's where the ability to run Windows comes in.

There's a buyers' guide for the MacBook here: http://guides.macrumors.com/MacBook_Buyer%27s_Guide

It looks alright right now, but I can't imagine you purchasing one right off the bat, since you've got to save money. There'll probably be an update to them by the end of the year, which is probably close to when you'll have the money saved. Just bookmark that and remember to check it once you have the money.

[Rather On Fire]

I have one other thought -  an XP laptop.  I could probably go on to Vista when I feel I should, and use XP until then.

[Nicolas Sarkozy]

I'm just being nitpicky, but you're not really using the right terminology here. There's more to a computer than just what OS it runs, although that is a major factor when you're looking to buy. I don't know a whole lot about PC manufacturers, but I'm sure that someone here does. The biggest ones, to my knowledge, are HP and Dell, but I have no clue if those are the best ones or not. I still would never buy a laptop PC from a really weird small company like the one you linked to.

[Rather On Fire]

~-~ Decision ~-~

I've seen that good laptops don't come cheap, so I think I'll go the extra mile for a MacBook.  I have some possible ideas to not just save, but make money.

-=- Current Status -=-
Saved $:  0.⁰⁰
Latest Acomplishment:  Plan Forming
Next Acomplishment:  Begin the Earning, Possibly

[stinkoman k]

ALthough my mac has been having major problems, it is a very old laptop, and I've seen much better performance out of it than any windows machine I've owned. If you're not focusing too heavily on customizing, I'd go with the mac.

[Conner]

Go with the Mac, you won't regret it.

If you want, hit me up, I'm willing to talk for hours about Macs. I also have a macbook, it's great.

[Homestarguy]

Well, I own a Black MacBook, so obviously I'ma gonna recommend that. And, I hate Vista (too much flashiness, not enough performance). AND, Apple upgraded the line.
AND AND, OSX 10.5 will be out in about two months...

BUT, despite my [sarcastic remark]unbiased remarks[/sarcastic remark], it's honestly about your wallet, your interests, and your needs.
If you have a tight budget, obviously go with the pc: i won't stop you. But if you'd like to live you ElectroLife* royally, go with the mac.

Bottom line: I prefer the macbook, but the pricetag is obviously higher than the pc's.


*ElectroLife is a registered trademark of Homestarguy Holdings, Inc., LLC, Corp.

[Conner]

Also, for Leopard and for Vista, 1 Gig is minimum (the min offered now) and 2 gigs is recommended.

[JackisNimble]

What's your price range and what do you plan to do with it?

Expect to pay an insane amount more for a MacBook compared to a laptop that has the same exact specs.

If you plan to game at all, don't get a MacBook. Sure you can Bootcamp to use Windows, but what is the point if the laptop will be nowhere near powerful enough to run a game. Also, if you do wish to game, expect to pay much more for a laptop with a decent GPU (Close to $1000 range or more)

Right now, if you want to go with a laptop, this is an AMAZING deal:
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2709084&cp=2032061&f=Taxonomy%2FRSK%2F2032061&categoryId=2032061&kwCatId=2032061&kw=toshiba&parentPage=search

1.73GHz, dual core
1GB DDR2 RAM
120GB HDD
15.4" Screen

To be honest, unless you really need a MacBook, don't get one. They are overpriced compared to the PC that can do the same exact thing. Also, Vista isn't as bad as everyone is claiming. While I still haven't made the switch, most of the bugs are worked out now. The peripheral problem has been fixed for the most part, and the game instability issue has been fixed. If you still don't want to get Vista, XP can easily be found on the internet for free, if you know where to look <_<

[atomic]

Iphone is a phoneputer (yes I totally just made that word up now) though
basically all its just a phone built into a supersmall computer, thats more functional then the ipod, and with a touch screen built in.
Not really a great computer considering you need to pay for the phone stuff to use it, a ipod touch would probably suit you better if you are looking for something small and mac based, but if you want to use at&t for a year or so, go ahead. 

[Revan/anakinjmt]

I think you know my stance. I've had issues with Windows and my PC laptop (just this week, I downloaded updates for Adobe and my wireless connections weren't working. Apparently, software has been running my wireless connection and not the Windows hardware, and the Computer Technical Support guy at school had no idea how that happened, what program it is, and therefore how to fix it, though it is working now, but he says it's still better to have the hardware running it than software). One thing that is very important to mention is the difference in start-up and shut-down times. PC's, even new ones, can take time to start up and shut down. Macbooks though, like my friend's Macbook, within ten seconds of turning it on is up and running, something that very, very few PC's do. I'm talking fully up and running, not "Okay, here's the desktop but some things are still loading in the background" but "Desktop is here and everything is loaded up." I will admit that I have 512 MB RAM which I know is part of the problem but even PC's with a GB or two will have that issue. Plus, if you prefer the Windows look, you can get Windows for Mac and have the OS you want while still having the reliability of a Mac.