Mac questions from a new Apple convert

[audball]

*ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS* buy Applecare, whether you think you will need it or not. I had a hard drive fail on one machine, and managed to break a screen on another within the first 6 months on one and year and a half on the other and without applecare....I would have been up a creek

And it pretty much covers EVERYTHING. I had a 15" Macbook Pro that just stopped working one day. About 3 months shy of the 3 year mark. Took it in and it was going to be a pricey repair. If I had bought the Applecare, it would have been covered. I didn't, as I'm not normally a warranty buyer. The cost to repair was so high I just bought a new one. Got a 13" Macbook Pro that time around and paid the extra for the Applecare.

With my first, I also had a power adapter issue after awhile. A new one was close to $90 and I was told applecare would have covered that free, too. Always buy Applecare!

 

[decodelighted]

Hey DS,
I upgraded the hard drive of my 11" Air to 180 gig. (After market -- we did it ourselves but my husband is a computer guy.) I have an external DVD drive (costs about $100) that I use when I need it for work sometimes. But never travel with it. This sweet little baby fits inside a padded Orla Kiely case INSIDE MY PURSE. I can carry it *everywhere*. No need for an iPad! But I do have a kindle. Let us know what ya get!
Deco

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Well, I am still undecided about which one! I really think I want a 15" Macbook Pro, but I do not want to spend $2k+ on myself right before Christmas, because I need to be buying for other people! I will be watching the specials between now and Christmas, though. I almost bought the 13", but since I have the iPad, I really want a larger screen for my desk. I just didn't want to rush and make the wrong decision just to save $100. I want to check and see what the educator discount is, too.

Deco...I used to have a 12" laptop that I used for travel, so I can imagine that you wouldn't need an iPad with the 11" Air! That would be a nice choice for a portable laptop! Oh, and it is great your husband could upgrade your hard drive for you, too! I read that it is less expensive to do upgrades yourself (for those who know how!).

I appreciate all the help, and I will update the thread when I finally buy one!

 

[Missy]

Just in case anyone is interested- my dh brought my macbook pro in to the apple store this AM and it needs a new hard drive- cost $300. We are just beyond our 3 year applecare agreement unfortunately but isn't that the way things work lol. According to the apple guy it is not unusual to need replacement after a few years. It also needs a new battery. Just wanted to update you for those interested.

Good luck DS with your purchase!!

 

[marcy]

DS, did you get a laptop yet? DH is probably going to buy a 13" MacBook to use for his work laptop so naturally I will want one too. BB has a sale on them again this week. Decisions, decisions.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Hi, Marcy, no, I decided to postpone buying one. I felt like I was trying to rush to decide while the sale was on, and it was just too busy that month before Christmas. I ended up getting the diamond for the Beaudry ring, so I didn't want to buy a $2k computer at the same time. I really want a 15" one when I get one since I already have an iPad. I did buy another $500 Dell to use temporarily and will give to my son as soon as I get an Apple. I'll check BB, though, thanks for letting me know! And let me know if you get one!!!

 

[marcy]

DS, getting a diamond is always nice too. Good idea to get a temp laptop that you can pass on when you decide what you want. I have no idea what I want to do either. If we wait long enough new models will be out.