[MizzouDJ]

Hello, I'm new around here.

I'm a freshman in college and right now i have an HP Laptop and its just driving me nuts. I have been looking at the Ibooks for a while and i think i'm ready to buy one. But i have a few questions.

- 14" or 12"? My laptop now is 15" so i'll probably go 14.
- How fast does the white get dirty?
- Having never using OS X...Is it easy to learn?

And lastly, say I get one and then its not for me...what are there resale value, or does apple have a return policy.

Thanks,
Drew

[notorious426]

hey how's it goin, I'm a sophomore in college who wanted to purchase a laptop for school and to get away from Windows machines. I purchased the 14" iBook about a month ago. I have nothing but good things to say about my switch. I too had been looking at Macs for quite sometime before I actually made the switch so it's good that you informed yourself regarding it. I haven't really had any problems getting used to OS X. All the applications are really easy to get used to and in a matter of time you find yourself using the command keys like a pro. Also regarding the iBook getting dirty I wipe it off once in a wihle it collects dust but it doesn't get dirty.

[SSharon]

I have been using macs for a long time but only recently got myself an ibook. I take it to class with me every day and aside from wiping some dust off once in a while I have not had to use a cloth or anything to clean my ibook in the past 6 months. Also, don't feel that you have to get the 14" ibook because you are coming from a 15" screen, the 12 and 14 have the same screen resolutions so if your eyesight is ok the 12" is not a bad option. Unlike the differences between the 12" powerbook and the 15" model the 12" ibook is not as stripped down as the powerbook is. I would advise saving the money and putting it towards RAM (you will hear this a lot here).
Getting used to OS X shouldn't be that hard, finding macnn is a great start and finding a mac using friend on campus that you can ask quick questions would be very beneficial. Lots of switchers are not aware of lots of software available for Mac or about some of the small neat tricks you can do.
Resale value is generally pretty good for all Mac computers, look in the marketplace forum to get an idea of reasonable prices for used ibooks and you will see.
So ask the people here for help (but search first, or IM me), get a lot of ram, and enjoy Mac OS X.

[MARINEOSX]

I have always had PC and then 2 years ago I found Mac again. Having only used it when I was in elementary and middle school I never really understood the potential for a Mac. My first Mac was an iMac 800Mhz G4 flat-panel and I fell in love with OS X. It would network with my PC and I could still play games on it with my PC. Then I joined the military and knew that I was going to need a portable computer. I will tell you that not once did any MS machine cross my mind. I went out and got my iBook. It has gone everywhere with me and the sand, heat, and everything else that I have put it through it has never had any problems. I have added wireless internet and changed the hard drive, and it just wants to keep working. They are reliable and will last you so long that you will be surprised. They do have a great resell value if you are one that likes to upgrade every year. as far as the return policy goes here it is:

RETURN & REFUND POLICY
If you are not satisfied with your Apple purchase of a pre-built product, please call 1-800-676-2775 for a Return Material Authorization (RMA) request within 14 calendar days of the receipt of the product. If the item is returned unopened in the original box, we will exchange it or offer you a refund based on your original method of payment. The product must be returned to the Apple warehouse within 14 calendar days of the issuance of the RMA. All products must be packed in the original, unmarked packaging including any accessories, manuals, documentation and registration that shipped with the product. A 10% open box fee will be assessed on any opened hardware or accessory. If you purchased your order using an Apple Business Lease, you may be asked to provide a major credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover) for apple to assess the 10% open box restocking fee.

Please note that Apple does not permit the return of or offer refunds for the following products:

Product that is custom configured to your specifications

Opened memory

Opened software*

Electronic software downloads

Personalized iPods

Software Up to Date Program Products (SW upgrades)

*You may return software after rejecting the licensing terms, provided the software is not installed on a computer. However, software that contains a printed software license may not be returned if the seal or sticker on the software media packaging is broken.

Cleanings are minimal and if it gets soiled usually a damp cloth, monitor wipes, or a white pencil eraser will get it off. I accidently got some plastic paint on mine after I built something and even that came off. As far as easy to use goes My friend wanted to get a laptop and she was thinking of a dell. I told her DON'T YOU DARE and took her to a store that had the iBooks she had seen mine and said ok I will try it and see and she has not turned on her PC for 3 weeks now. Her iBook does everything that she wants and more the day after she got it she was navigating and editing photos like a pro. The only thing you have to worry about is the addictive nature of the iBook.

When you get it you will be most likely sucked into it until the early morning of the next day because you will find yourself saying WOW what else can I do with this. As far as size goes it is totally opinion. the 12" screen does seem a little sharper as it is smaller and the pixels are bunched up but I like the 14" because it is bigger has slightly better battery life and when I play games I have a bigger view. Also if I do any type of coding it seems easier on my eyes.

But you really have nothing to lose and you can always return it if you don't like it. But Trust me you will like it. Sorry this was so long.

[MizzouDJ]

Hey, Thanks guys for your help! I think i'm going to go with the 14". I have an external USB 2.0 dvd+-/rw so is a super drive really neccassary. Will OS X recognize the burner? Thanks again.

[far200]

Hi and welcome.

I think you'll enjoy your ibook the os is easy to learn ( you just have to let go of the windowxp days. ) As said with os x you'll want to put in as much ram as possible. Keep reading the forms and you'll lean more everyday about your mac.

have fun

[ghporter]

Welcome, Mizzou! I can understand about getting crazy about using your HP laptop-they used to make pretty good ones, but since they bought Compaq, they kind of migrated downhill to Compaq's level. Not good for anyone. Their desktops have gone downhill too. Booo.

Anyway, an iBook will make you happy. At least in terms of computing, anyway. The machine works great (as long as you don't get "creative," and void your warranty in the process ), and OS X is superb! It's built on a completely different philosophy than Windows, so it is snappier, more robust (it won't crash in most situations that would bring Windows to its knees), and even looks better "finished."

You will run into a few "look and feel" differences that, if you're only used to Windows will be a bit disconcerting at first, but it only takes a little bit of use for it to become smooth, natural and pretty much effortless.

Enjoy!

[historylme]

If the drive is not recognized, used "patch burn" and chances are that it will work.

Do a search either in these here forums or on google. That how I have my external burner connected.