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You are here: MacNN Forums > Hardware - Troubleshooting and Discussion > Mac Notebooks > MacBook Buying Advice For College Student

MacBook Buying Advice For College Student
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coreythemagnificent46
Steven Landon
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Join Date: Apr 2008
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Apr 12, 2008, 09:32 PM
 
Student Loans just came in. So I am planning on purchasing a new mac. Ive had my Mac Mini since October 2006. Great system I just need portability.

This is what I got so far

Apple Wireless Keyboard
Part Number: MB167LL/A

Remove $79.00 $79.00
Estimated Ship: Within 24 hours
Apple Mini-DVI to DVI Adapter
Part Number: M9321G/B
Gift message:
Add
| Create unique messages
Gift package: Add

Remove $19.00 $19.00
Estimated Ship: Within 24 hours
iSkin ProTouch Keyboard Protector for MacBook (Clear)
Part Number: TK035LL/A

Remove $24.95 $24.95
Estimated Ship: Within 24 hours
Griffin Elevator Notebook Stand
Part Number: TK651LL/A

Remove $39.95 $39.95
Estimated Ship: Within 24 hours
Refurbished MacBook 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo - Black
Part Number: FB063LL/B

Remove $1,049.00 $1,049.00
Estimated Ship: 3-5 business days
Incase Hardshell Case for MacBook (Black)
Part Number: TQ933LL/A

Remove $49.95 $49.95
Estimated Ship: Within 24 hours
Apple wireless Mighty Mouse
Part Number: MB111LL/A
Gift message:
Add
| Create unique messages
Gift package: Add

Remove $69.00 $69.00
Estimated Ship: Within 24 hours

Then I have this ram and LCD and drive enclosure from newegg


Acer AL2216Wbd Black 22" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor with HDCP support

Acer AL2216Wbd Black 22" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor with HDCP support - Retail
Item #: N82E16824009094
Return Policy: [LCD] Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy

-$20.00 Instant


$249.99
$229.99




Rosewill RX81U-AT-25A Rigid aluminum 2.5" SATA to USB 2.0 Ext. Enclosure - Retail

Rosewill RX81U-AT-25A Rigid aluminum 2.5" SATA to USB 2.0 Ext. Enclosure - Retail
Item #: N82E16817182138
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

-$10.00 Instant


$29.99
$19.99




Transcend 4GB (2 x 2GB) 200-Pin DDR2 SO-DIMM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Dual Channel Kit Laptop Memory Model JM667QSU-4GK

Transcend 4GB (2 x 2GB) 200-Pin DDR2 SO-DIMM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Dual Channel Kit Laptop Memory Model JM667QSU-4GK - Retail
Item #: N82E16820208404
Return Policy: Memory (Modules, USB) Return Policy

I had upgraded my Mac Mini's hard drive to 250GB so I am putting the stock 60GB drive back into the mini.

Anyone use the new wireless keyboard and have you found that you can live without the number pad. Also I was looking into an additional AC Adapter to carry with me any thoughts on this.

Im looking to have this laptop be my desktop and portable system.

What other advice do you have as This is my 2nd mac that I have ever purchased.

Thanks For your time
     
Cold Warrior
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Apr 12, 2008, 09:34 PM
 
Your thread would be more readable - and people more likely to help you - if you edited out all that stuff and just told us the specs, e.g., MacBook 2GB RAM, 120GB HDD, Superdrive.
     
0157988944
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Apr 12, 2008, 09:42 PM
 
I use the Wireless Keyboard and am fine. Thought the numpad would be an issue, but it wasn't.
     
slpdLoad
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Apr 12, 2008, 09:49 PM
 
Looks good to me. What suggestions are you looking for? A MacBook is a fine machine and refurbs are a great way to save money.
     
coreythemagnificent46  (op)
Steven Landon
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Apr 12, 2008, 10:01 PM
 
My student loans just came in and im looking to purchase a MacBook and replacing my core duo mini that ive had for over a year and a half

Its a BlackBook with the following specs
Refurbished MacBook 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo - Black
13.3-inch glossy widescreen display
1GB memory
160GB hard drive
8x SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
Built-in iSight camera

With the following accessories
Griffin Elevator Notebook Stand
Incase Hardshell Case for MacBook (Black)
Apple wireless Mighty Mouse
Apple Wireless Keyboard
4GB RAM Upgrade from New Egg for 70 Shipped
22 Inch Acer LCD for 229
USB SATA Drive enclosure for 9.99

Im looking at getting an extra AC Adapter to keep in my bag for school
How is everyone liking the Wireless keyboard can you live without the number pad

Ill be using this as my desktop as well hence the LCD and wireless keyboard and mouse

Is there anything else you think I missed

Thanks for all the help
     
bishopazrael
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Apr 12, 2008, 10:53 PM
 
:::::::::::::::::::must.........refrain..........f rom.........flaming:::::::::::::::::::

deep cleansing breath in.....wooooooooossssshhhhhhhhh---- ahhhhhhhhhhh

Ok. Yes you are on the right track. A refurb is the way to go. And thanks for cleaning up that post. My hair was about to catch fire... One thing that concerns me is the USB/firewire enclosure for $10. IDK but that sounds a bit shady to me. I might look for something that's likely to last a bit longer than what $10 will buy you. $25 isn't too bad for a good enclosure, but honestly the best ones that will last like the rosewill cases will run you closer to $70. On the flip side it's aluminum and has 2 firewire ports, one for pass through, and will take a beating being a portable drive.

And I'd also bump the ram from 1gb from Apple and find the memory on newegg for $80 for 4gb.
Backups are like guns and condoms. It's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
     
Cold Warrior
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Apr 12, 2008, 10:54 PM
 
Good call on the RAM upgrade. Will definitely make a big difference.

Are you going to do any video or graphics processing or storage? You might consider a firewire drive instead of the USB enclosure.
     
coreythemagnificent46  (op)
Steven Landon
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Apr 13, 2008, 03:04 AM
 
I decided to get a OWC Drive enclosure. Basically the 250 gig external is just a storage drive for all my disk image files and ISO's, Music and movies. I have a 500GB firewire drive on the desk that I plan on using for Time Machine daily backups. I also added a refurb iPod touch as well. My 4GB mini has about had it.
     
thetman
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Apr 14, 2008, 04:28 AM
 
rosewill enclosures are good quality, i have a 2.5" ide and a 2.5" sata, good brand
     
MacosNerd
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Apr 14, 2008, 07:36 AM
 
You configuration looks good.

Enjoy your new baby
     
SierraDragon
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Apr 14, 2008, 02:08 PM
 
Looks good except that I prefer a wired keyboard with full numeric keypad. Also in my case I prefer a large trackball or even the laptop's trackpad to a mouse but that is just personal preference.

-Allen Wicks
     
@pplejaxkz
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Apr 14, 2008, 11:09 PM
 
Originally Posted by Cold Warrior View Post
Good call on the RAM upgrade. Will definitely make a big difference.
I would agree on the RAM upgrade! I myself am a college student and my Macbook [in sig] works perfect for me. But I am doing some graphic work and a little more RAM could be nice, so I will spring for a 3GB upgrade when I get to it.
     
bishopazrael
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Apr 15, 2008, 01:39 AM
 
I didn't see it so I'll put this in:

You need a silicone keyboard skin. Hit ebay for it. $15 or so... and trust me you're a college kid. It's going to save your life one day not far from now when you wind up spilling something on it...as you will inevitably will do.

You're in college. It's GOING to happen.

YES. IT. WILL.

Good luck.
Backups are like guns and condoms. It's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
     
   
 
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