Tuesday, April 14, 2009

second thoughts.

After pining away for months over a MacBook, I’m having second thoughts.

I’ve raised approximately 1/3 of the sum I’ll need to purchase my dream machine, but I’m wondering… is it worth it?

I blame the new PC commercials. They make my skin crawl. Immediately questions pop into my head: “What if I’m a poser? What if I just want a Mac because all the “cool” people have Macs?” The thought process goes downhill from there.



Then, while reading Newsweek in bed, I came across this article. Now I’m really tormented.

Does it look stupid to buy a Mac during this economy (especially since Jordan and I are running on one income)? Will their prices ever go down? My Dell has lasted me five good years; will I be satisfied with a Mac for that long? And although I’ve heard terrible things about Vista, Windows 7 is on the horizon; would it be more profitable to wait and get a PC for a whole lot less?

These are the questions that keep me up at night.

So, I’d like to know what you guys think. Are you a Mac or a PC? Is an Apple computer really better for an editor/designer? Or is that all talk? In this economy, would you shell out $950 for a computer? Seriously, people. I need opinions. We all know I can’t make a decision. Help!

8 comments:

jenna said...

Oh dear. I can see why your head is spinning over this decision. I just watched the commercial and read the article. I just don't know....

I love my Mac. I can do things on here that I never knew how to do on my PC. BUT, I am also in a job where I have to do these designs and things, so I was forced to try and learn. I also have someone available who can help me. (I will say, that I haven't had to ask for as much help as I thought I would, and I do think it is because the Mac really is so user-friendly.)

I also didn't buy my Mac. It is technically my work computer, though it serves as my personal as well.

What would I do? Where I am in life, I would probably save up for the Mac and get it. But we are in different places in life right now...so....

So I guess this long comment really doesn't have any actual advice for you... sorry!

Anonymous said...

Are you wanting a Mac for the design programs for your career? Because if that's the case, you can get them (photoshop, indesign, illstrator, flash) for a PC. You can use a student discount to purchase them at a wonderful price! You may save more money that way without giving up your creative juices!

Cory said...

On account of the fact that my computer is so close to being caput that it tells me when it wants to be on....I'm also on the search. I had in mind that I wanted a Mac, but I'm rethinking the decision, too. Most especially, because if it has to be sooner rather than later, it's just a lot more financially feasible. Our graphic designer here is a PC fan, says that you can get everything you need for a lot cheaper. Here's the one I started looking at today: http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/laptop-inspiron-1545?c=us&cs=19&l=en&ref=lthp&s=dhs

Let's keep each other posted on the search for truth.

Rachel Heartsfield said...

I'm a PC, but I wish I were a Mac. I've heard (mainly from Gerard- Apple's number 1 fan and spokesperson) that their customer service is amazing, and after dealing with HP support, I'm easy to convince.

If you're worried about the price, I've heard of people getting a refurbished Mac for much cheaper.

Anonymous said...

I say get the Mac. It'll probably take a long time to save that much money,;) so by then maybe the price will have gone down.

Velva said...

Annie,
Save the money for your Mac-It is the perfect computer for you. Don't forget to include office software for Mac which will give you and Jordan the best of both of worlds(Word, Excel, Powerpoint,etc.).

There is not a day that goes by that I don't enjoy my Mac computer. You won't regret the purchase.

Velva

Jessica said...

Hey Annie,

I have some bloggy technical questions and you seem to have it pretty together so I was wondering if I could ask you a few things. Can I ask that here or what? Like I said, I'm still learning!

Jessica

Betsy said...

I agree [with your comment on my blog...I never know where to leave my responses!]. I think that we would have been kindred spirits if I had stayed in Tallahassee longer! I love reading your blog too...so many times you put into words what I can't, and you have such a God-given talent with writing!

As for the Mac...my best friend is a photographer/graphic designer and does EVERYTHING on her Macbook, and loves it. Plus, it's small and durable enough to travel with and has built-in wireless connection. So while it costs a pretty penny, the convenience is worth it in the end.