Buying a Mac

[Abe]

Where is a good place to buy a Mac. I saw the sticky for online stores but it seems like they all pretty much offer the same pricing as ZAStore. Whatever happened to competition?

Also, what is a good starting machine?

 

[syntax]

I would recommend buying from an authorized reseller, and some place close to you in case you need support.

As for what to buy, it really depends on your needs, if it has to be portable, and u just use it for general run of the mill stuff, get a macbook white (dvd wr) version. Its got everything u need, and is quite a bit less than macbook pro. The Imac is amazing for desktop, but can be a bit pricey when compared to the mac mini.

Its all dependant on budget and needs.

If you are interested in trying out the different types, Digicape where cybermoo and i work has a full demo floor where u can mess around with all of them and see what you think. We also offer extra warranties etc, but like i said, u want to buy from somewhere in close proximity to you

 

[bwana]

Where is a good place to buy a Mac. I saw the sticky for online stores but it seems like they all pretty much offer the same pricing as ZAStore. Whatever happened to competition?

Also, what is a good starting machine?

There is little wiggle room for competition because not only do Core (zastore) sell macs to the public but they supply all the other dealers as well.

Are you looking for a desktop or laptop?

 

[DDV TECH]

What are the advantages a MAC has over a Intel based setup?

 

[bwana]

What are the advantages a MAC has over a Intel based setup?

You mean despite the obvious one that it runs OsX?

BTW - Mac's these days are an intel based setup

 

[syntax]

What are the advantages a MAC has over a Intel based setup?

Uh, they are Intel?
They run Osx
they have protected memory
they can still run windows if you want
very low virus risk
the apple logo is cool

 

[Cybermoo]

Suggestion from my side would be to get as many prices as possible to get your best price.

Only deal with Authorised dealers, and finally don't always judge your purchase on price look into the support and services side of things. There is nothing worse than purchasing a machine and not knowing if the guys you got it from can support you when something goes wrong. :-(

 

[DDV TECH]

You mean despite the obvious one that it runs OsX?

BTW - Mac's these days are an intel based setup

Uh, they are Intel?
They run Osx
they have protected memory
they can still run windows if you want
very low virus risk
the apple logo is cool

So it’s the cool factor? LOL just joking, I’ve never worked on one, never knew they ran on Intel hardware. They used to be preferred by graphics designers back in the day, but lately MS does well with graphics design, so was just wondering. Thank you.

 

[syntax]

indeed it is the cool factor, if you have never worked on a mac it is a bit odd and sometimes frustrating, but i doubt you would go back. See if u can demo one somewhere before you buy to see if it is for you

 

[Ou grote]

So it’s the cool factor? LOL just joking, I’ve never worked on one, never knew they ran on Intel hardware. They used to be preferred by graphics designers back in the day, but lately MS does well with graphics design, so was just wondering. Thank you.

Don't start with us mac fanboys - stick to the PD or CA sections where people will be nicer to you.

 

[DDV TECH]

Don't start with us mac fanboys - stick to the PD or CA sections where people will be nicer to you.

For sure, it must be something they throw in the plastic they use to make a mac….

 

[d0b33]

For sure, it must be something they throw in the plastic they use to make a mac….

Whatever...

*sniff**sniff**snifffff*

 

[SlinkyMike]

TIP:Get the extended warranty - if you have an issue and need something fixed and go into an Apple store you are a like a second class citizen without it...
Think of it as driving and expensive motor car without a motor plan.

 

[Ou grote]

For sure, it must be something they throw in the plastic they use to make a mac….

Well u can't afford one on a spietkop salary anyway and cool is just not you, so better off forgetting u were in this section.

 

[DDV TECH]

Well u can't afford one on a spietkop salary anyway and cool is just not you, so better off forgetting u were in this section.

*snif snif*

 

[Abe]

As for what to buy, it really depends on your needs, if it has to be portable, and u just use it for general run of the mill stuff, get a macbook white (dvd wr) version. Its got everything u need, and is quite a bit less than macbook pro. The Imac is amazing for desktop, but can be a bit pricey when compared to the mac mini.

Need it for development. We need to start targetting the Mac market. The Mac's are certainly more expensive then the white box PC's. It would be really nice if Apple released a VMware version or a white box variant but it's not going to happen. They make too much money off the hardware. Looking at the iMac at the moment. The Macbooks look nice but the screen is far too small and the Pro is just madness price wise.

If you are interested in trying out the different types, Digicape where cybermoo and i work has a full demo floor where u can mess around with all of them and see what you think. We also offer extra warranties etc, but like i said, u want to buy from somewhere in close proximity to you

Was going to say that I am nowhere near you but it seems like there is a DigiCape in Jhb as well - quite close to me actually. One of the online stores was offering an extra 2Gb of RAM with the entry level iMac which looked like a good deal.

Are you looking for a desktop or laptop?

Either or. Just don't want to break the bank. It's an experiment so I would hate to throw a ton of money at it.

What are the advantages a MAC has over a Intel based setup?

For us, it's a potential target market.

Only deal with Authorised dealers, and finally don't always judge your purchase on price look into the support and services side of things. There is nothing worse than purchasing a machine and not knowing if the guys you got it from can support you when something goes wrong. :-(

Would not deal with any unauthorised dealers although I am unlikely to encounter software problems that can't be fixed. Hardware is another kettle of fish, though.

TIP:Get the extended warranty - if you have an issue and need something fixed and go into an Apple store you are a like a second class citizen without it...
Think of it as driving and expensive motor car without a motor plan.

When out of warranty, is it not an option to replace the components with white box stuff if they go faulty (mb aside)? I would imagine that std ram, hard drive, kbd, monitor, processor, etc will all work in the machine or am I sadly mistaken?

 

[PeterCH]

So it’s the cool factor? LOL just joking, I’ve never worked on one, never knew they ran on Intel hardware. They used to be preferred by graphics designers back in the day, but lately MS does well with graphics design, so was just wondering. Thank you.

I would say stability is the one main benefit. If you're into video editing
Macs have Final Cut Pro which is the second most used platform for that
in the industry. Mac OS X has a great interface too. No viruses. No malware.
No being bugged by your USB connecting correctly - Mac OS X doesn't
tell you when things work, it only warns you when they don't unlike
Windoze which takes every opportunity to interrupt you.

 

[PeterCH]

When out of warranty, is it not an option to replace the components with white box stuff if they go faulty (mb aside)? I would imagine that std ram, hard drive, kbd, monitor, processor, etc will all work in the machine or am I sadly mistaken?

Things in Macs usually break early on so ext warranty to me is a waste of money.

RAM - you can buy 3rd party certified RAM.
HD - identical to PC.
Monitor - identical to PC, except Imac has integrated monitor, which sucks.
Kbd and mouse - use any under the sun.
Processor - may be possible to replace but chances are you
won't find one when it finally breaks down, not that they do,
unless u overclock.

I'm using a Mac Pro with Dell 30 inch monitor (beats Apple Cinema Display),
1GB stock RAM (4GB 3rd party RAM), all HDs are bought at places like
Incredible Corruption, Keyboard is 3rd party by Bella Co for FCP,
but can be used on PCs too. Only thing is G-fx card which must have EFI
and not BIOS so you must buy from Apple.

 

[Abe]

Monitor - identical to PC, except Imac has integrated monitor, which sucks.

Damn, didn't notice that

Would like to have an external monitor.

I'm using a Mac Pro with Dell 30 inch monitor (beats Apple Cinema Display),

R27K without a monitor. You have to be kidding, thats ludicrous.

Do you know if they apple dev hardware discounts are valid here? The Select developer plan gives a 20% discount for $500.

 

[Abe]

Damn, didn't notice that

Would like to have an external monitor.

Looking at a MacMini now but that looks like a quagmire of proprietary stuff. I would imagine that the Mac is as well seen as it has an integrated screen.