A thread to explain apple laptops?

[DELETED_83755]

Hey Guys,

I'm going to be travelling across the world in a few weeks time and I would like a decent laptop so that I can pretty much replace my desktop in most tasks apart from gaming.
This means I need it to be able to play 1080p videos, stream HD videos on youtube and generally run smoothly without slowing down.

However I'm having difficulty understanding which specs or models I should go for as I understand that hardware on OS X runs differently to that of windows:

1) What are the disadvantages of getting the basic macbook as opposed to a macbook pro? I'm interested in the 13 inch models of both.

2)Where can I get one for the best Price, is there much variance in price in apple stores and other retailers?

3) What is the Higher education discount and is this only available through the apple store?

4)Do files such as .mkv and .avi work the same as in windows. Will browsing and flash content run the same?

5)Will I notice a speed drop/gain in booting and loading files compared to my rig in my sig?


Thanks In advance!

 

[DELETED_83755]

Interesting idea. I will be away for 5 weeks. I guess I'm going way above what I need it for!

What cheap netbooks are decent?

 

[DELETED_83755]

Im going to Malaysia hopefully! Will be there most of the time!

My first idea would be a Dell Inspiron Mini as it looks more robust. Can I get any better for the £180- £250 price range?

 

[DELETED_83755]

Thanks for the advice. No I shall be in and around Kauala Lumpur and other major cities most of the time!

 

[DELETED_83755]

I guess I could take my phone and use a local data sim and use that. The thing is I need to type up my experiences there and submit a piece of written work. It may be possible on a phone but I'm not sure.

Also I would go mental without the internet when Im travelling!

 

[DELETED_83755]

I have decided to just take my phone when I'm away and purchase a local sim when I'm there and use wifi where available. Thanks for the ideas guys!