[iranfromthezoo]

Okay so I`ve decided I will purchase a Mac Pro in the coming months.

I am a college student and have NO credit whatsoever. Would you guys recommend me taking a loan out or credit card or do it the ole fashion way and save my money up.

Also I am going to be doing graphic design work do I really need the fastest processor out there? I am figuring 4 gigs of ram will do with a 500 gig HD...

I really do not know what to get...but it will expensive I know but my iBook just can't handle anything at all...


Also would you recommend the apple display (20") or a dell ultra sharp?

*edit

I forgot to say that I will be using this computer for video projects with Final Cut, CS2 and Macromedia Studio 8 for sure...

I may try aperture out...

[Lateralus]

I'm kind of in the same spot. I'm 21 and have zero credit, can't get approved for any type of financing through Apple either. I could, however, afford one in cash but then I question the reasoning behind spending so much on something that would depreciate so quickly. That's the main reason I sold my Dual G5 a few months back and stepped down to something that only cost me $600.

It'd be nice to find a way to finance a Mac because 1) It would allow me to get a nice toy without draining my savings and; 2) It'd be a nice way to build a credit history.

[jlmodell]

Did you listen to all the anti-credit zealots or something?

Being responsible with your credit for the past few years would've gone a long way, but as it is, you'll probably have to go through your parents, either using their credit or taking a loan from them directly.

Open an account (maybe a student card for the op -- usually $500 ish credit to start) and start your credit history asap.

[mduell]

Don't buy a computer on credit. They depreciate too damn fast.

2.66Ghz/2-3GB sounds like a good setup to start with.

Both LCDs use the same panel, I vote for the Dell. Lately I've seen it on sale for $350ish.

[iranfromthezoo]

yeah thats what I`ve been thinking...I'm still on the want vs need issue...I believe I need a new one.. how do you figure this stuff out? haha

[mduell]

On a slightly offtopic note, building credit is always a good idea.
I'm 21, fresh out of college with a job, and I've got enough credit to get myself out of a bind, but not enough to hang myself with.

[aristotles]

mduell is right. I financed a computer back in the day when I was in high school and that experience served me well later on in establishing a good credit history.

[Nugget]

Originally Posted by Lateralus

I could, however, afford one in cash but then I question the reasoning behind spending so much on something that would depreciate so quickly.

This makes no sense. If you buy it on credit you just spend MORE, not LESS, on something that depreciates so quickly.

[Madrag]

I vote for saving vs buying through credit, because in the long run you'll save money.
Now, if you have some work "waiting" to be done with the new machine, and that work will allow you to pay for the machine, then buy it with the credit and then pay it as soon as possible with the income you've made with that work...

Back to topic: the 2.6 is more than enough!, and 4 GB will do just nice
The only problem is the preformance trhoug rosetta, but that's another story, one of the reasons why I'll only get an intel based mac after the complete software swich as been done.

[brokenjago]

Originally Posted by Lateralus

It'd be nice to find a way to finance a Mac because 1) It would allow me to get a nice toy without draining my savings and; 2) It'd be a nice way to build a credit history.

I agree that it's very important to be responsible with credit. I consider it very important. If you do, however, want to take out a loan to finance a new Mac, check out Prosper. It's a site for people-to-people lending, and even has an Apple user group for those wishing to join to finance a new Mac purchase. As a matter of fact, I have 0 credit and got a $4000 loan funded for buying a Mac.

Pretty cool.

As for the OP, if you don't care about looks, then go for the Dell monitor. it's undoubtedly cheaper.

Oh, Madrag, I might add that paying off a loan in 6 months or less can actually damage your credit, or not help it if it's in a bad place (or no place at all.)

[Madrag]

Originally Posted by brokenjago

Oh, Madrau, I might add that paying off a loan in 6 months or less can actually damage your credit, or not help it if it's in a bad place (or no place at all.)

1st: it's Madrag, you need to get a better monitor
2nd: you can notice that I don't know a thing about credit, I always buy without credit, I'm one of those "save for three years and buy it" kind of guy...

[brokenjago]

Oops! Corrected.

And yeah, no problem. Just mentioning it so you (and everyone else who reads this thread) knows.