Mac for a student...

[CESIL]

As the title really, my son is after a macbook as he is studying music and need to run Logic Pro (that won't run on any sensible hardware or OS ).

 

Where is the best place for him to buy one to get the best price?

 

Currys are doing some with £100 cashback which seems to be the best deal we can find.

 

Any other ideas

 

Cheers

 

Mark

[ICTDirect_Dave]

Look on ebay. You can find some remarkably good used ones for far less than list price. even with buying the two year warranty it's cheaper and you'll have piece of mind

[mac_shinobi]

Look on ebay. You can find some remarkably good used ones for far less than list price. even with buying the two year warranty it's cheaper and you'll have piece of mind

 

Has to be less than one year old in order to be able to purchase applecare as far as I know

 

Apple have a refurb store that or if you work for education you can get a discount

 

Be worthwhile speaking to krcs. I think they also sell refurbs / ex demo units etc

 

Otherwise ebay

 

https://www.krcs.co.uk/pages/home

[ICTDirect_Dave]

Has to be less than one year old in order to be able to purchase applecare as far as I know

 

Apple have a refurb store that or if you work for education you can get a discount

 

Be worthwhile speaking to krcs. I think they also sell refurbs / ex demo units etc

 

Otherwise ebay

 

https://www.krcs.co.uk/pages/home

 

I was thinking of the squaretrade warranty Ebay offers with every computer that gets sold these days.

[mac_shinobi]

I was thinking of the squaretrade warranty Ebay offers with every computer that gets sold these days.

 

Wasn't even aware that was available. How do you get that or is that standard when you order through ebay or what exactly ??

 

Nevermind. Read the faq

 

http://pages.ebay.co.uk/help/buy/squaretrade-warranties-faq.html#How%20do%20I%20purchase%20a%20SquareTrade%20warranty?

Edited September 5, 2013 by mac_shinobi

[ICTDirect_Dave]

It's standard I think. A Quick search brought me this item: 231047904734

 

It's not the cheapest warranty, but it'll be a damned sight better than AppleCare

[Arthur]

my son is after a macbook as he is studying music

Is that at uni/college? If so, you can get 15% off list price if you use the relevant Apple Edu Store link for the HE establishment. Details below.

 

mikewilson.cc/2010/08/18/how-to-get-a-15-discount-at-the-apple-online-store-from-your-own-home-youve-got-to-be-a-student-though/

 

Logic Pro X will need to be purchased through the Mac App Store, since that's the only place it is available from: itunes.apple.com/gb/app/id634148309

 

You can often find iTunes Gift Cards on offer in various shops/supermarkets (e.g. 2 x £25 cards for £40). This would allow you to buy Logic Pro X for £120.00 instead of £139.99.

Edited September 5, 2013 by Arthur

[Arthur]

Wasn't even aware that was available.

You can buy the SquareTrade warranties through Amazon too. e.g.

 

http://i.imgur.com/tWnxQhi.png

 

 

 

Amazon is usually cheaper than eBay too. In this case, £159.99 rather than £179.99.

 

http://i.imgur.com/heNEnNK.png

Edited September 5, 2013 by Arthur

[mac_shinobi]

You can buy the SquareTrade warranties through Amazon too. e.g.

 

http://i.imgur.com/tWnxQhi.png

 

 

 

Amazon is usually cheaper than eBay too. In this case, £159.99 rather than £179.99.

 

http://i.imgur.com/heNEnNK.png

 

Amazon prices seem better as well although might need to compare model numbers to see which mac book pro you are getting as far as HDD VS SSD etc ??

[Arthur]

might need to compare model numbers to see which macbook pro you are getting as far as HDD VS SSD etc??

No need. You simply visit the link below, select how long you want the warranty for (2 or 3 years) and the value of the laptop from the drop-down box. The spec doesn't matter.

 

www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00448PNYW

[CESIL]

Well we went direct to Apple and got a Macbook Pro on a student deal for £859.00 which is %15 off list I believe.

 

The other benefit is that the student warranty is 3 years rather than 1 year from retail and he got a £70 voucher for the app store.

 

Now I just have to get used to having an Apple in the house...at least until he goes back to uni...

[mac_shinobi]

No need. You simply visit the link below, select how long you want the warranty for (2 or 3 years) and the value of the laptop from the drop-down box. The spec doesn't matter.

 

www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00448PNYW

 

I was talking about which mac book pro as the amazon descriptions aren't correct. Ie on one of them it says a 512Gb HDD. I only know of 512gb ssd's

 

Such as model number ME664A/B

[mac_shinobi]

Well we went direct to Apple and got a Macbook Pro on a student deal for £859.00 which is %15 off list I believe.

 

The other benefit is that the student warranty is 3 years rather than 1 year from retail and he got a £70 voucher for the app store.

 

Now I just have to get used to having an Apple in the house...at least until he goes back to uni...

 

Seems a bit of a con as I paid full whack for apple care on my mac mini and iphone 5 and only get one year extra making it to two years not three !!

[mac_shinobi]

You can buy the SquareTrade warranties through Amazon too. e.g.

 

http://i.imgur.com/tWnxQhi.png

 

 

 

Amazon is usually cheaper than eBay too. In this case, £159.99 rather than £179.99.

 

http://i.imgur.com/heNEnNK.png

@Arthur - price of that cover varies depending on value of the computer you are purchasing and how many years cover. I think they possibly charge extra if you want accidental damage

[Arthur]

price of that cover varies depending on value of the computer you are purchasing and how many years cover.

Indeed it does.

 

I was talking about which mac book pro as the amazon descriptions aren't correct. i.e. on one of them it says a 512GB HDD. I only know of 512GB SSDs.

I see what you mean now. I wouldn't pay any attention to the specs on Amazon as they can contain typos. As long as the model number in the description matches the one on Apple's website then you can be certain that you will get the correct item.

 

www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00BHB6OHE

 

Seems a bit of a con as I paid full whack for Apple care on my mac mini and iphone 5 and only get one year extra making it to two years not three !!

Students (and teachers) get all sorts of discounts, so not really a con.

[mac_shinobi]

Indeed it does.

 

 

I see what you mean now. I wouldn't pay any attention to the specs on Amazon as they can contain typos. As long as the model number in the description matches the one on Apple's website then you can be certain that you will get the correct item.

 

www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00BHB6OHE

 

 

Students (and teachers) get all sorts of discounts, so not really a con.

 

1. Agreed

2. Yes - I am and always have been poor at explaining things and yes basically just make sure the model numbers match up between the apple store and amazon and you should get the same item / computer or whatever

3. Probably using wrong words but how come students / teachers get 3 years where as anyone else who pays full whack gets only one additional year cover, I was under the impression that there was some legislation in the EU that means everyone should get 3 years full cover on electrical items or goods etc - found this which outlines how long and what is covered etc

 

Apple (United Kingdom) - Legal - Apple Products and EU-wide Consumer Laws

 

Not sure if there is a similar link to show or indicate what staff or students get cover wise to see if it is the same or if they get an extra year or what exactly ?

 

Thanks @Arthur

[Flatpackhamster]

1. Agreed

2. Yes - I am and always have been poor at explaining things and yes basically just make sure the model numbers match up between the apple store and amazon and you should get the same item / computer or whatever

3. Probably using wrong words but how come students / teachers get 3 years where as anyone else who pays full whack gets only one additional year cover, I was under the impression that there was some legislation in the EU that means everyone should get 3 years full cover on electrical items or goods etc - found this which outlines how long and what is covered etc

 

They give students the discount so that they'll get pulled in to using Apple stuff for the rest of their lives. IMO it's hard to transition from PC to Apple but practically impossible to make the journey the opposite way. Not that the PC stuff is any worse for the same budget, but Apple locks you in.

 

They give it to teachers because they're considered opinion formers, and if they're using Macs they're more likely to push for them in schools.

 

The EU legislation is for a 2-year warranty, and isn't legally binding in the UK IIRC.

[Miscbrah]

Now I just have to get used to having an Apple in the house.

 

Wave a load of incense around theatrically and point and exclaim "Unclean! Unclean!" whenever it's in view.

[seawolf]

They give students the discount so that they'll get pulled in to using Apple stuff for the rest of their lives. IMO it's hard to transition from PC to Apple but practically impossible to make the journey the opposite way. Not that the PC stuff is any worse for the same budget, but Apple locks you in.

 

Just wondering, but how does Apple "lock you in"?

 

Do you mean the App Store and iOS? Not much different from Windows Phone. If you meant the Mac, well then there is no more lock in than on a PC. PC apps work on PCs, Mac Apps work on Macs. Both have their own company branded app stores, but both also let you download apps from anywhere and install them, or to write your own.

[mac_shinobi]

They give students the discount so that they'll get pulled in to using Apple stuff for the rest of their lives. IMO it's hard to transition from PC to Apple but practically impossible to make the journey the opposite way. Not that the PC stuff is any worse for the same budget, but Apple locks you in.

 

They give it to teachers because they're considered opinion formers, and if they're using Macs they're more likely to push for them in schools.

 

The EU legislation is for a 2-year warranty, and isn't legally binding in the UK IIRC.

 

Not like I can do much about it. It is what it is. Once it runs out I can upgrade the slow 5400 rpm drive to a decent ssd and upgrade the ram so not all bad

[Flatpackhamster]

Just wondering, but how does Apple "lock you in"?

 

Do you mean the App Store and iOS? Not much different from Windows Phone. If you meant the Mac, well then there is no more lock in than on a PC. PC apps work on PCs, Mac Apps work on Macs.

 

iTunes, which turns all your music, videos, podcasts etc in to Apple-only formats that'll only work on iDevices.

 

Windows Phones, AFAICT (and I've only just got one) don't do that.

 

So once you've gone down the Apple route, it's very hard to get out because all of your stuff is in formats that can only be easily read by iDevices. The transition back to PC is complex.

 

Both have their own company branded app stores, but both also let you download apps from anywhere and install them, or to write your own.

 

Well, not really. If you're going to write an app for Apple store, first you have to be an approved developer. Then you have to have your app vetted. And correct me if I'm wrong, but Apple devices can only get apps from the Apple store.

[Flatpackhamster]

Not like I can do much about it. It is what it is. Once it runs out I can upgrade the slow 5400 rpm drive to a decent ssd and upgrade the ram so not all bad

 

I have to say I was REALLY surprised when I read it has a 5400 drive. I know it's to extend the battery life, but a 7200 drive makes such a huge difference to performance.

[Arthur]

iTunes, which turns all your music, videos, podcasts etc in to Apple-only formats that'll only work on iDevices.

AAC isn't an Apple-only format. If the files aren't DRM protected they will work on any device.

[mac_shinobi]

I have to say I was REALLY surprised when I read it has a 5400 drive. I know it's to extend the battery life, but a 7200 drive makes such a huge difference to performance.

 

This is on a 2011 mac mini and yes it does !!

[mac_shinobi]

AAC isn't an Apple-only format. If the files aren't DRM protected they will work on any device.

 

Not to get involved in this debate but you can adjust settings to import music as mp3/aac and some other formats in itunes. Also itunes store if I recall correctly has a drm free area but think they charge a little bit more for those.

 

Although I prefer to buy music cd's and import it into itunes as I leave the discs at home and listen to music using my iphone

@Flatpackhamster

 

Spec of my 2011 mac mini with a 2.5 ghz i5

 

http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_mini/specs/mac-mini-core-i5-2.5-mid-2011-specs.html

 

Hopefully not going off tangent here but will PC3-12800 DDR3 RAM work and just work at a slower speed or will I need to get PC3-10600 RAM ?

 

Also is it possible to once the applecare / warranty has expired to upgrade the cpu as well ?

Edited September 6, 2013 by mac_shinobi