New Compooter

[Goose]

I'm heading overseas for 6 months soon, which has left me with a slight dilemma. I'm not going to be able to transport my fridge-sized PC with me, and my work laptop isn't really suitable for personal use.

Now, the only thing I don't use (and write software for, every flipping day) is a Mac, so I'm pondering on getting one. Does anyone have any tips on what I need to be looking for, and how to get the biggest bang for my bucks? I'm guessing the airport duty-free would be the cheapest place, even compared to the teacher’s discount? Is there only 1 with a 17" screen?

I'm going to be doing the usual, watching DVDs, editing videos, e-mail, Skype and so on, plus a fair amount of coding.

[Mark]

Magic Mouse. You can get anything else you like, but you must get a Magic Mouse.

/thread :p

Seriously, I'm not sure what the FE/HE discount is, but it may well be more than VAT, which would (probably) make the airport option not worth it.

As for the rest, the general rule with laptops is get the best that you feel you can comfortably afford - mainly because upgrading later generally involves buying a new one.

[divine]

HE discount tends to vary between 16-18% depending on the item, I don't think it's constant across the store.

[Feek]

Here's the current HE discount prices..

http://ocukroguesgallery.com/feek/temp/HE-2010-1-20100101-155123.png

I tried a Magic Mouse and hated it. I love the concept, but it just doesn't fit in with my way of holding a mouse.

The 17" Macbook Pro is pretty large, I've got a 15" and I'd not want anything bigger than that but if it's going to be a main machine then it could be worth a look. I'd suggest going to an Apple store and having a good play around and see what you fancy.

[Goose]

I think I shall do that, thank you. I have a play with a few at work, I'm very impressed. Just what I'm after, tbh.

Edit: Just realised I get a discount through work, it'll be on the 'we will throw in a sticker for free' level, but I shall check...

[Goose]

Macbook Pro ordered, waiting. Had a play in the shop, it'll be perfect for the 6 months.

[Del Lardo]

What size did you order?

[Goose]

17". The guys in the Basingstoke store were good in showing me Project Builder.

I'm not sure whether I'm too used to using Visual Studio on a wide-screen monitor (or two), but the smaller screens made it hard for me to get into my flow, if that makes any sense.

[Mark]

Yes, it does. I used to have the same problem when I had a 4:3 monitor at work. 16:9 helped that a lot.

PS - I've got VS2010 installed. I really ought to have a play. :)

[Goose]

Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooh me wants! I sound like a petulant child at the moment!

[Goose]

Am currently sat in a hotel room in Arnhem, and am loving this machine (not in a literal sense, mind). It's taken me about 30 minutes to get used to everything, it's become so fluid to use.

[Mark]

You'll be buying it flowers and chocolates before you know it. :p

Wish I could convince myself to take more advantage of my Mac. I'm very much a Windows/Linux man though which makes me want to open Terminal all the time. :(

[Feek]

Your Mac has a terminal, Mark :)

Glad you're getting on well with your new laptop, son. It's a new learning experience but it's one that's not too hard to pick up.

[Mark]

That was the Terminal I was referring to. Even my iPhone has a terminal. :eek:

[Feek]

Er, yeah. A Terminal window to the OS. Your Mac has one.

http://ocukroguesgallery.com/feek/temp/Terminal-20100228-081746.png