STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

twinkle · Coach

the new MacBook Pro

manhattanmonkey · Kenneth Cole

Mara wrote:

I. Want. It.
Is it a bad idea to buy the first model that they release? I am desperately in need of a new computer and don't know if i should wait or just go for this one!

I saw this too and love it I need to get something more portable......but that probably won't be for another year or so.

Cecilia · Nine West

As much of a tech-junkie as I am...I have wanted to try a PowerBook (in any form) for several years now, even though I'm clearly a PC/Windows/Linux person...

I will not buy the first model. I have bought the first model of many things, items coming close to $1k. I have the first mp3 player ever built, the first video player ever built, the first cell phone to have a voicemail indicator, the first cell phone to have PDA capabilities, the list goes on. I do this because this is my business, and although it's expensive and a risk, I can make money off the risk. But a laptop, which is an important business tool, no. And at Apple's ridiculous prices? Too much of a risk.

But you need to figure out what you want to use it for, and make your decisions based on that. Got a few $k to spend? Go for it. But if you do it, be sure to invest in the service plan.

twinkle · Coach

Cecilia-

Sigh. What you said is the same thing that I've heard from several people. This is what I was afraid of. My dilemma is, I desperately need a new laptop (and I am fiercely loyal to Mac.) I've been waiting for a good 6 mos. to see what Apple was going to announce at MacWorld. And now that the MacPro is out, it would feel weird to buy one of the old Powerbooks since they are now on their way out to being extinct. But I need a new computer... and fast.

What to do...

laken1 · Hermes

My DH is SUCH a mac loyalist as well (and an IT guru) & I let him read this - he agrees with the fact that it's always scary to go first. But he said if it was him in your situation, he'd get the MacBook Pro & the applecare plan & hope for the best. I'd listen to him if it was me, but that's just me!

Cecilia · Nine West

Hi Mara,

Only you know what your disposable income is and how you can spend it. I am seriously considering for myself buying the previous generation Powerbook that hopefully I can get at a nicely discounted price. Computers of any sort are expected to last no more than 3 years anyway, and I'm quite certain that last year's model is not going to be completely extinct in 3 years.

Note: Ignore this part, I just noticed the MAC Loyalist comment. Stick with what you're comfortable with, unless you're a geek like me *grin* or perhaps choose an older version iBook until the new mac matures.<--Another suggestion, if you're very desperate, is to go for something *much* cheaper, that you can upgrade in a year or two. I have an Alienware laptop (the Sentia model) that can be bought for a few hundred dollars (they're having specials running around $700). It's nice & impressive looking, actually has better specifications than the powerbook (trust that I researched this to the hilt!), and has lasted a good 2 years for me so far.-->

If you have the $ to spare, Laken's suggestion makes sense. The protection packages are sometimes worth their weight in gold. There is a theory in technology that you should buy the absolute best that you can, given the money you have to spend. My only concern is that since it's so new, updates will be coming out quicker (when a product hits its peak, new versions slow down because things are working and I don't think the care packages cover upgrades to new versions.

Good luck, and let us know how your decision turns out!

-- Edited by Cecilia at 11:56, 2006-01-24

twinkle · Coach

thanks girls for all your thoughts! i really appreciate it! after much delibration... i ordered it. supposedly, it ships mid-Feb. i hope i made the right decision!