Student getting a Mac - Which one?

stormbreaker · 22 Nov 2011 at 20:49

I am studying music in London but I'm not sure whether to get a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro? Any recommendations?

Deleted member 77746 · 22 Nov 2011 at 21:55

This is discussed time and time again. Check the threads.

rogan · 22 Nov 2011 at 21:55

I vote 13" air unless u can wait till summer in which time there shud be a refreshed MBP and student deals on.

stormbreaker · 22 Nov 2011 at 22:03

Thanks, I'll check the other threads.

Unfortunately I cannot wait until next year as it will come from a grant/allowance. I just have to say what I would like and they get it for me, but I do get to choose. My course is a one year Higher National Diploma.

Disco Boy · 22 Nov 2011 at 22:37

It depends on whether you want portability or power.

stormbreaker · 22 Nov 2011 at 22:56

I think personally for me it would have to be power. I really like the higher spec 15" MacBook Pro.

Jimbeam3678 · 22 Nov 2011 at 23:10

Mac book pro then you answered your o wn question :-)

stormbreaker · 22 Nov 2011 at 23:15

I suppose I have. What about the additional options that Apple allow you to change?

Skyboat · 22 Nov 2011 at 23:32

Don't get the standard 5,400rpm HDD. Everything else configurable is just personal preference.

dfarrall · 22 Nov 2011 at 23:38

MBP

Love mine, definatly the way if you want power.

15" if you want the extra power, 13" if you want style

stormbreaker · 22 Nov 2011 at 23:51

I'm not sure about the 13" because the headphone/microphone plug is all in one, whereas on the 15" it's one for each. I feel that could get annoying as a musician.

dfarrall · 23 Nov 2011 at 00:08

stormbreaker said:
I'm not sure about the 13" because the headphone/microphone plug is all in one, whereas on the 15" it's one for each. I feel that could get annoying as a musician.

Ah definatly, not something i need so didnt really matter to me, but for you you'll regret a 13" because of that alone! Go for the 15" then

stormbreaker · 23 Nov 2011 at 00:10

Thanks. What about 8GB RAM, SSD? Hi-res screen is almost a certainty.

PaulyD · 23 Nov 2011 at 08:36

If you can get it from them then go for it. If you were buying yourself the advice would be to upgrade it yourself. From memory its around £160 from Apple for 8GB of RAM when you can get that for around £50 yourself and possibly less.

You would also be able to get a better performing SSD than the ones Apple provide, for cheaper

FreeStream · 23 Nov 2011 at 11:49

Buy the bottom end 15", add a hi-res screen and then buy the memory and SSD separately.

stormbreaker · 23 Nov 2011 at 17:21

Sadly I don't have the funds to change stuff myself, especially a SSD. I have to say what I would need/like.

I will have a look at the lower spec 15".