Purchasing a new apple

[Amy B]

After wanting to buy a macbook pro for way too many years, i've finally got the funds to purchase one. Only thing is I seem to be going around in circles with what I want! I'm not going for the new one with retina display as I would like like to have a CD/DVD drive built in. I think I will be going for the 15" 2.3ghz version, but was wondering if anyone can suggest any upgrades such as memory, hard drive or display that would be worth paying for? I would also like to get the Photoshop CS6 student edition preinstalled, but is it worth getting the microsoft office package installed too, or will the built in things be ok?

Thanks!

 

[neil_g]

via apple.. none.

get memory and hard drive upgrades from elsewhere and DIY, youll save a HELL of a lot.

 

[Amy B]

Hmmm I wish! I'm not very computer minded!

 

[aeronic]

I think you'll find the standard spec adequate.

 

[neil_g]

Hmmm I wish! I'm not very computer minded!

do you know anyone who knows there way around a screwdriver? seriously, youll save £100s.

spec wise at least 8gb memory by todays standards is a good idea. a solid state disk is also worth the money.

 

[Chappers]

Amy

I think the standard machine will be fine for you. Opt for the 8Gb memory upgrade, as this is 1600 Mhz memory and the only option from Crucial at the moment is 16GB and is £130. The £80 upgrade from Apple makes more sense. The choice of an SSD is personal, but you have to weigh up the costs. In fact if you do fancy a 256 Gb SSD opt for the Reina display model, it's cheaper than upgrading the standard machine .

Mac's come with iLife, which is iPhoto , Imovie and Garage Band, but no office suite. You can download iWorks from the app store. Pages ( the word processor) and Numbers ( the spreadsheet programe) will save files in Microsoft format, or you could simply get the student edition of Office.

You have to instal this yourself, but it's simply a matter of putting the CD in and letting it run. You will have to do this with Photoshop anyway.

There is an Apple shop in Cambridge as you probably now, so if you do get concerned about installing the software, I'd go in and ask for help I've always found the Apple staff helpfull even when you ask stupid questions !!

John C

 

[Amy B]

Thanks for your advice everyone. I've gone with the 2.3ghz 15" model and upgraded it to 8gb instead of 4gb. Also ordered CS6 Design standard to come with it. I'm going to wait and see before I purchase word or iworks as I time before the next acedemic year.

Being a student has its benefits, as well as a pretty good discount, I also got a £70 itunes voucher and free 3 year apple care

 

[digitalfailure]

Can't complain at freebies