Apple lap top/note book

[beckyman]

Should I consider purchasing a pre used App;e mac notebook? I have not owned one before and am a silver surfer used to windows.

[hc4361]

If you are used to using Windows, is there any particular reason you want a Mac?

[woofgang]

not sure about second hand but macs are brilliant

[snags]

^ Good question.

That aside, buying a used Mac is much the same as buying any other laptop. Go for the most recent OS your budget will allow (I wouldn't recommend going further back than an Intel based Mac running OSX Leopard 10.5): go for the fastest processor, the largest Hard Disc and as much RAM as possible. If you get the chance run the Apple Hardware test from the original install discs prior to purchase.

[snags]

^ Having said that, I bought a mid 2005 14 inch iBook and it does everything almost as well - although not as fast - as the newer Macs. It runs Adobe CS2 perfectly and the only real problem I've encountered is Adobe Flash is no longer supported for this generation (OSX Tiger) of Mac so very soon watching online videos/Youtube/iPlayer etc. will not be possible, but as a back up work machine I can't really fault it for the money I paid.

[snags]

''Adobe Flash is no longer supported''

But there is a hack workaround for that which will extend the life of pre Intel machines...

[VHG]

Pound for pound you get more for your money with a Windows PC than an Apple Mac.

And if you are used to Windows why change now.

[beckyman]

Hum Hum Hum. I don't really seem to have advanced very far. My old lap top is underpowered when virus protected - it slows almost to a stop. Virus protection uninstalled gives me a decent speed for my needs usually but I feel vulnerable. I am intrigued by Mac because it seems to enjoy what seems to be overkeen enthusism from its followers and I don't really understand why. The specification of Mac laptops and notebooks appears to me to be inferior. I can't afford new - but is it safe to buy pre-used Macs from a reputable dealer? I realise I may face a steepish learning curve but will I regret it?

[hc4361]

Apple sells refurbished Macs direct, although they have non available at the moment.
http://store.apple.co...home/specialdeals/mac

Buying a second hand Mac elsewhere is no different to buying a pc. You might get a good un, you might not.

What do you use your pc for? My friend is an avid Mac lover but still has to use a pc to operate her satnav and for some other tasks.

What virus protection are you using?

[EvianBaby]

My Brother (who may as well be employed as a salesman for Apple) always tells people that if you're just using a PC for basic surfing, etc then there's no point in spending money on a Mac.

[beckyman]

Thanks everyone. I think I shall stay with my present PC, an IBM thinkpad T30. I have uninstalled open office (300+ somethings) and I wonder about photo management (also 300+ somethings) but I'm afraid that uninstalling that may wipe all my photos even though I use Picasa to organise them. I gather from somewhere that Picasa is only an organiser not a storage system. If Photo management is just an organising system comperable with PIcasa I will uninstall it as I don't need two such systems and I don't alter my snaps in any case once they are safely filed on my hard disc. Can someone please untangle my novice musings!

[snags]

Don't worry, should anything be wiped from your PC you have all your important files and photos backed up to disc or and external hard drive... don't you ;-p

[hc4361]

Large numbers of photos on your hard drive will not slow down your pc; keep them on the hard drive.
Picasa is primarily a photo organiser and editor, although PicasaWeb does store your photos on the web. I would not rely on any such thing as the only storage of my photos.


As you are prepared to change your laptop entirely, can I suggest you reset yours to 'factory default'. This will restore your laptop to exactly the way it was when you bought it - it clears all the rubbish that has gathered over the years.
It is easy to do BUT you do need to back up all your files and photos to an external source first - they will be wiped from your laptop.
Be prepared to put a few hours aside to do this as you will need to reinstall programs that you use, and of course updates.

If you are interested in doing this, ask again and you'll get all the info you need.