Making the switch to Mac...

Gall1987 · 1 Jun 2011 at 23:04

Hi guys,

I wonder if somebody give me some advice on switching to a MBP from a Windows laptop?

I am going to purchase a MBP tomorrow, using the university discount. I currently have a 15.6" laptop, but I'm going to a 13" because of price and extra portability issues. Do you think I will miss the extra monitor size that I have at the moment?

Also what software will I need to purchase, I know I'll need a new copy of Office, but will I need virus protection, or are Macs OK to run without?

I have heard rumours that there is also a new version of the MBP coming out soon, would you recommend waiting until that is released?

I appreciate any advice

Jimbeam3678 · 1 Jun 2011 at 23:15

I would recommend to wait until the apple conference is over with , it starts this Monday! Defin don't buy a thing until that has finished!

Gall1987 · 1 Jun 2011 at 23:17

divaboy said:
I would recommend to wait until the apple conference is over with , it starts this Monday! Defin don't buy a thing until that has finished!

OK, thanks. I wasn't aware that they were having one.

Also, does anyone know if Applecare if worth purchasing? I think I get it cheaper in store with the educational discount, or it might be over the phone. I'm not too sure...

pingwing · 1 Jun 2011 at 23:19

I think apple care automatically comes with the HE discount (3 years cover) and you just pay for the phone support and things, not 100% sure but for £40 to make sure I thought it was worth it.

Basically the care is the BEST THING POSSIBLE.

Jimbeam3678 · 1 Jun 2011 at 23:20

It doesn't really add much to you just a number to ring if you dont know how to switch on blah blah. But i adds to the resale value apparently......

I didn't bother with mine

Edit Above post seems OTT have a google and see what you think for yourself , but you defin get 3 years warranty anyway with HE discount

Gall1987 · 1 Jun 2011 at 23:21

divaboy said:
It doesn't really add much to you just a number to ring if you dont know how to switch on blah blah. But i adds to the resale value apparently......

I didn't bother with mine

Does it extend warranty or anything? I have had a quick look on Apple's website but I'd rather have an independent view on it.

Jimbeam3678 · 2 Jun 2011 at 00:02

No with HE purchase buy it and ring them up within the year or wait for them to contact you and they extend it for you . HOwever it is only available to degree students and above no 6th formers

QwaF · 2 Jun 2011 at 00:03

The main selling point wasn never the telephone support, but the extended warranty.

fleming222 · 2 Jun 2011 at 16:32

How much is the HE discount?

Jimbeam3678 · 2 Jun 2011 at 17:04

depends on which uni or education you are at etc etc

Alpherah · 2 Jun 2011 at 17:16

Its the same for all Universities ?
The discount depends on the item purchased.

The base model 13" with Office Mac installed is currently £936.
I suspect it might be cheaper to buy Office mac somewhere else, so the unit alone is £859.20

As for the other questions, ALL purchases of hardware from the HE Store get 3 years warranty, it shows 1 for your serial number at first but after 6 weeks or so it gets updated (they updated mine after i sent them a copy of my Uni ID they requested .. which no one else here seems to of had to do! Lol, im sure you could just call them though).
You get 1 year phone help, you can extend this to 3 years to match your warranty for £40ish.. its probably not worth it though.