Which Mac Should I Buy? By Apple Sliced

Transcription

Which Mac Should I Buy?
By Apple Sliced
Copyright 2013 by Apple Sliced
Published by Lonely CEO Media at Smashwords
Copyright Information
Copyright 2013 by Apple Sliced
Published by Lonely CEO Media at Smashwords.
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form
whatsoever.
This Smashwords edition book is a premium edition 2013. Created and designed in the United States
of America. For more information, visit AppleSliced.com.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Part 1 - Choosing a Mac
Part 2 - Buying a Mac
Part 3 - Accessorizing a Mac
Conclusion
Introduction
Buying a new computer can be a stressful endeavor. There are too many models with a seemingly
infinite number of configuration options. Product lines are constantly in flux, and usually when you
finally start to process all the information, a new model is released and everything changes.
Getting a new Mac doesn't have to be a headache or takes months of research. The aim of this book
is to simply help you pick the best Mac for your needs while showing you how to save a few hundred
dollars on your purchase. And it's not going to take 300 pages like some other computer books.
Here's a breakdown of what I'll cover.
In Part 1, I'll talk about the different types of Mac users and try to help you decide which user category
best describes how you plan to use your Mac. We'll also go over the five types of Mac models and
explain some of the specifications that differentiate the models. By the end of this section you should
be on your way to knowing exactly which Mac you want to buy.
In Part 2, I'll talk about where to buy your Mac. Believe it or not, there are a slew of buying options
that are less expensive than purchasing directly from the Apple Store! This section will provide you
with the resources to get the best price available for your Mac.
In Part 3, I'll talk about all the extras that go into a Mac purchase such as upgrading RAM, buying an
AppleCare Protection Plan, or deciding which software you need and where to buy it. I'll also talk
about buying an iPad. The goal of this section is to help you make smart decisions relating to all the
additional expenses that you might include with your Mac purchase.
Part 1 - Choosing a Mac
Before we get into the types of Mac models, it's important to first think about what we can do and
what you want to do with your new Mac. First learning what type of user you are will make the
selection process easier and help prevent you from buying a Mac that is either more or less powerful
than you need.
Most Mac users fall into one of these three broad categories (and users often overlap between two or
all categories). I like to refer to them as 1) Browsers 2) Artists 3) Gamers.
Browsers are those users who spend most of their Mac time surfing the web, composing emails, or
watching videos (with some light app use mixed in). Almost everyone falls into this category to some
extent. Screen size and portability are often major considerations for these users.
Artists is my all-encompassing term for designers, programmers, photographers, and video editors.
Artists generally require larger screen sizes, ample speed, and powerful graphics. Of course, there
are exceptions. Some programmers or photographers might prefer a more portable Mac solution for
coding or editing on the go. Designers and video editors generally prefer the most powerful Mac
options with large displays.
Gamers frequently have requirements that aren't too far off from Artists. Gamers want to max out on
speed and graphics capabilities and usually favor big screens. They often desire a machine capable
of effectively powering Windows in addition to Mac OS X to increase the number of games
compatible with their system.
Every new Mac is capable of performing any of the tasks mentioned above, though some will perform
better than others. This next section will outline each of the five Mac families (MacBook Air, MacBook
Pro, Mac Mini, iMac, Mac Pro) and give you an idea of the strengths and weaknesses for each model.
Before getting to the specific product families, it might help to explain some of the terminology I'll be
using when discussing the specifications of each model. This isn't a complete list of Mac spec types,
just a few of the most essential elements.
Processor: This is the part of the computer chip that fulfills the instructions sent to it by the software.
At its most basic level, this is one of the main factors that contribute to the overall speed of your Mac.
RAM: This is like short-term memory for your Mac. Increasing your RAM (random access memory)
will help your Mac be more responsive to tasks and handle more simultaneous tasks. In general,
everything will feel snappier.
Hard drive: This is where everything is stored. As the hard drive size increases, you can store more
photos, videos, movies, etc.
MB/GB/TB: These are units of measurement for storage. 1024MB = 1GB, 1024GB = 1TB
RPM: Revolutions per minute. Most often used to describe the speed of a hard drive.
SSD: This is a type of hard drive (most commonly found in the MacBook Air) that is faster than the
typical hard drive. It often has a much smaller capacity than a normal hard drive because it is more
expensive to produce.
Graphics card: This is the piece of hardware responsible for rendering the image on your Mac's
screen. A better graphics card means that less of your processor and RAM are needed for intensive
tasks, freeing those components for other uses.
MacBook Air (April 2014)
The MacBook Air is Apple's entry-level laptop line. It's thin, light, and quick. The MacBook Air is great
for students, travelers, or those who identify with the Browsers category mentioned earlier. Let's take
a look at the specs and then determine the distinguishing characteristics of each model.
MacBook Air 11-inch 128GB
11.6-inch LED (1366 x 768 resolution)
1.4GHz Dual-core i5 Processor
4GB 1600MHz SDRAM
128GB SSD
Intel HD Graphics 5000
Nine-hour battery life
Two USB, Thunderbolt, Headphone jack
FaceTime 720p, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
$899
4GB 1600MHz SDRAM
256GB SSD
Two USB, Thunderbolt, Headphone jack
$1099
4GB 1600MHz SDRAM
128GB SSD
Twelve-hour battery life
Two USB, Thunderbolt, Headphone jack, SD slot
$999
4GB 1600MHz SDRAM
256GB SSD
Twelve-hour battery life
Two USB, Thunderbolt, Headphone jack, SD slot
$1199
There are four base options for the MacBook Air - the first two feature an 11-inch screen while the
others sport a 13-inch screen. There are only two differences between the two 11-inch MacBook Air
models.
MacBook Air 11-inch 128GB vs. MacBook Air 11-inch 256GB
1) 128GB SSD vs. 256GB SSD
2) $899 vs. $1099
The processor, RAM, graphics card, and all other components are identical for the two MacBook Air
11-inch variations.
As for the two 13-inch MacBook Air models, there are also only two differences!
MacBook Air 13-inch 128GB vs. MacBook Air 13-inch 256GB
1) 128GB SSD vs. 256 SSD
2) $999 vs. $1199
So, the question when deciding between the two 13-inch models is whether an extra 128GB is worth
$200 to you. Usually Apple memory and hard disks are overpriced, but an additional $200 is pretty
much in line with the market price for that amount of SSD disk space.
If you compare all four models together, you'll notice in the chart from earlier that screen size, battery
life, SD card slot, and flash storage size are the only differentiators between the MacBook Air models.
When making your decision, first consider screen size and battery life (11-inch and nine hours versus
13-inch and twelve hours) and then decide on an acceptable SSD size.
The MacBook Air is the most portable Mac option available. The entry-level price point is also lower
than any other Mac model besides the desktop Mac Mini. And you can upgrade the SSD in the
MacBook Air if you outgrow it.
The MacBook Air might not be an option for some users because it lacks a SuperDrive (DVD/CD
drive). However, an external Apple USB SuperDrive retails for $79 for those users who really need it.
MacBook Air users can also connect wirelessly to the SuperDrives of nearby Macs using a featured
called DVD or CD Sharing.
The RAM is soldered to the motherboard, so it cannot be upgraded after you purchase the laptop.
If you have any additional MacBook Air questions, you can get advice at http://applesliced.com/ask or
send an email to [email protected].
MacBook Pro (July 2014)
The MacBook Pro is Apple's professional laptop line. It's fast, powerful, and available in two
configurations - 13-inch Retina Display and 15-inch Retina Display. The MacBook Pro is perfect for
those users who desire portability, but need professional level specs beyond those offered by the
MacBook Air. Artists, Browsers, and Gamers alike can all be satisfied with a MacBook Pro. As for the
base configuration options, there are three 13-inch Retina Displays and two 15-inch Retina Display
choices.
MacBook Pro 13-inch 2.6GHz 128GB Retina Display
8GB 1600MHz SDRAM
128GB SSD
Intel Iris Graphics
Two USB, Two Thunderbolt, Headphone jack
FaceTime HD, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, SDXC slot
$1299
8GB 1600MHz SDRAM
256GB SSD
Intel Iris Graphics
$1499
8GB 1600MHz SDRAM
512GB SSD
Intel Iris Graphics
$1799
MacBook Pro 15-inch 2.2GHz Retina Display
2.2GHz Quad-core i7 Processor
8GB 1600MHz SDRAM
256GB SSD
Intel Iris Pro Graphics
Eight-hour battery life
$1999
MacBook Pro 15-inch 2.5GHz Retina Display
16GB 1600MHz SDRAM
512GB SSD
Intel Iris Pro Graphics
Eight-hour battery life
$2499
There are only two differences between the entry-level and mid-level MacBook Pro 13-inch Retina
Display models.
MacBook Pro 13-inch 2.6GHz 128GB Retina Display vs. MacBook Pro 13-inch 2.6GHz 256GB
Retina Display
2) $1299 vs. $1499
Besides the $200 price variation, the only difference between the two models is the size of the SSD.
The upgrade to the mid-level model is a decent value for an extra $200.
The mid-level and high-end 13-inch MacBook Pro Retina Display models also have only three
differences.
MacBook Pro 13-inch 2.6GHz 256GB Retina Display vs. MacBook Pro 13-inch 2.6GHz 512GB
Retina Display
2) 2.6GHz Dual-core Intel Core i5 vs. 2.8GHz Dual-core Intel Core i5
3) $1499 vs. $1799
The entirety of that $300 difference is the additional SSD space (which can be quite expensive) and
the processor upgrade.
The two 15-inch MacBook Pro Retina Display models have three differences.
MacBook Pro 15-inch 2.2GHz Retina Display vs. MacBook Pro 15-inch 2.5GHz Retina Display
1) 2.2GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7 vs. 2.5GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7
3) $1999 vs. $2499
The $500 difference can be accounted for due to the additional SSD space and a faster processor.
When it comes time to decide on your model, try to first narrow your options by choosing a screen
size. If it's the 13-inch or 15-inch, I recommend getting the low-level 13-inch or low-end 15-inch. And
remember, the Retina Display is unique compared to old MacBook Pro models in that you cannot
upgrade the RAM after you purchase it because it’s soldered to the motherboard like the MacBook
Air.
Learn more about upgrades at http://applesliced.com/memory or send any questions you have to
[email protected].
Mac Mini (October 2012)
The Mac Mini is a small, but powerful, desktop option, perfect for people switching from PCs or users
looking for a home media server. PC switchers will appreciate the Mac Mini because it allows you to
affordably transition to a Mac at the lowest possible price point (assuming you already have an old
PC display, keyboard, and mouse on hand). It's also a popular option for a second or third computer
for your household (again if you have an extra display, etc.).
If you are looking for something that can be connected to your HDTV, the Mac Mini can do the job
easily. It includes an HDMI port and an HDMI-to-DVI adapter, allowing connection to most modern
TVs.
The Mac Mini should be considered as a low-end option for Artists, Browsers, and Gamers - it's good
at everything, but not great at anything. Let's take a look at the three models.
Mac Mini 2.5GHz
4GB 1600MHz SDRAM
500GB, 5400 rpm Hard Drive
Four USB, Thunderbolt, FireWire 800, HDMI, Ethernet, Audio in/out
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, SDXC slot
$599
Mac Mini 2.3GHz
4GB 1600MHz SDRAM
1TB, 5400 rpm Hard Drive
$799
Mac Mini with OS X Server
4GB 1600MHz SDRAM
Dual 1TB, 5400 rpm Hard Drives
OS X Server
$999
There are two base configuration options for the Mac Mini, plus a third Mac Mini Server option. The
two base models have only a few differences.
Mac Mini 2.5GHz Dual-core vs. Mac Mini 2.3GHz Quad-core
1) 2.5GHz Dual-core Intel Core i5 vs. 2.3GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7
2) 500GB vs. 1TB
3) $599 vs. $799
With only a $200 price differential between these models, the higher-end option isn’t a bad deal for a
faster i7 processor and the additional hard drive space. I would recommend buying the entry-level
model and perhaps upgrading the RAM. You can swap 4GB for 8GB of RAM for around $40; see
http://applesliced.com/memory/mac-mini.
As for the Mac Mini Server, it has a faster i7 processor, two 1TBGB hard drives compared with the
one found in the other models, and the same 4GB RAM found in the others. Although the biggest
difference is that it includes OS X Server in addition to OS X Mountain Lion.
If you have a Mac Mini question that hasn't been covered here, send an email to
[email protected].
iMac (September 2013 / June 2014)
The iMac is an entire desktop computer packed into the form factor of an LED display. It's also the
most popular Mac desktop available. The iMac is a popular option for families. It's also a much better
value (at the expense of portability) when compared with its laptop counterpart, the MacBook Pro.
Artists and Gamers can both find something to like with the iMac, while most Browsers will be more
than happy with one of the entry-level models.
iMac 21.5-inch 1.4GHz
8GB 1600MHz SDRAM
500GB, 5400 rpm Hard Drive
Four USB ports, two Thunderbolt ports, Mini DisplayPort, Ethernet, Headphone port, Audio in/out
FaceTime HD camera, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, SDXC card slot
Apple Wireless Keyboard, Magic Mouse
$1099
8GB 1600MHz SDRAM
Intel Iris Pro graphics
$1299
8GB 1600MHz SDRAM
NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M with 1GB
$1499
iMac 27-inch 3.2GHz
27-inch LED (2560 x 1440 resolution)
8GB 1600MHz SDRAM
NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M with 1GB
$1799
iMac 27-inch 3.4GHz
27-inch LED (2560 x 1440 resolution)
8GB 1600MHz SDRAM
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 775MX with 2GB
$1999
There are five base configurations, three 21.5-inch options and two 27-inch options. Luckily the
differences are pretty straightforward, which should make your choice easier. Let's start with the first
two 21.5-inch models.
iMac 21-inch 1.4GHz vs. iMac 21-inch 2.7GHz
2) 500GB vs. 1TB
3) Intel Iris Pro graphics vs. NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M w/1GB
4) $1099 vs. $1299
For another $200, you receive a significantly faster processor, a hard drive that is doubled in size,
and a better graphics card. We recommend the 2.7GHz model in this case if you can afford it.
The other two 21.5-inch models only have a couple differences.
2) Intel Iris Pro graphics vs. NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M w/1GB
3) $1299 vs. $1499
For an additional $200, you receive an incrementally faster processor and a slight graphics card
upgrade.
If you look at the differences between the high-end iMac 21.5-inch and the low-end iMac 27-inch you
will notice a $300 price differential for the jump from 21.5-inch to 27-inch. The hard drive is slightly
faster in the 27-inch and the graphics card is the same. The rest of the specs are identical.
If you compare the two 27-inch options, again you will see just a few differences.
2) NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M with 1GB vs. NVIDIA GeForce GTX 775MX with 2GB
3) $1799 vs. $1999
Notice the $200 gap between models for a processor boost and graphics card upgrade. I would
probably choose the low-end 21.5-inch or low-end 27-inch because the upgrades to the higher-end
models do not seem worth the cost. Instead, you could buy a separate 16GB RAM upgrade for $75$100 to get a real performance boost that is also cost-effective (see
http://applesliced.com/memory/imac).
As always, I'm happy to clarify anything or answer additional questions. Just send an email to
[email protected].
Mac Pro (December 2013)
The Mac Pro has historically been the model favored by power users, but has only recently received
an upgrade after being ignored for years. Now, it's probably more machine than any person outside
the Artists category needs.
The biggest plus going for the Mac Pro is its potential expandability. As for the two base
configurations available, the differences are rather uncomplicated. Let's take a look.
Mac Pro Quad-core
3.7GHz Quad-core Intel Xeon E5 Processor
12GB 1866MHz ECC SDRAM
256GB Flash Drive
Dual AMD FirePro D300 GPUs with 2GB VRAM
Six Thunderbolt, four USB, one HDMI
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
$2999
Mac Pro Six-core
3.5GHz Six-core Intel Xeon E5 Processors
16GB 1866MHz ECC SDRAM
256GB Flash Drive
Dual AMD FirePro D500 GPUs with 3GB VRAM
Six Thunderbolt, four USB, one HDMI
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
$3999
The entry level model has less RAM (6GB vs. 12GB) and a slower processor (quad-core vs. 12-core)
than the other model. It also has a graphics card that is slightly worse. If you're the type of
professional that needs the power and configuration options available with a Mac Pro, it makes sense
to get the best machine you can afford.
I have mentioned this before, but the best way to increase performance from a new Mac purchase
while minimizing investment is to max out the RAM. Check out http://applesliced.com/memory/macpro to see the many Mac Pro memory upgrade options.
So Which Mac Model Is For You?
Hopefully, after reading this, you are on your way to deciding which Mac you want to buy. If you still
have questions, email [email protected], and I will respond to you right away.
Part 2 - Buying a Mac
The best time to buy a Mac is immediately after a product line is updated. That leaves you with the
choice to do one of two things: 1) purchase the latest and greatest while it's still new, or 2) buy the
previous generation at a steep discount.
Now, that's not to say this is the only time you should buy a Mac. Truthfully, if you know where to
look, there are deals for Apple products year-round that exceed even Apple's Black Friday sale.
Many Apple fans are surprised to hear that you can buy a Mac from sources other than the Apple
Store. There are actually numerous vendors (called Apple Authorized Resellers) licensed to sell
Apple products either in retail stores or online. In fact, there are so many resellers that it can
sometimes complicate the buying process when you are looking for the best price. Luckily, there is an
online resource to assist you in finding the lowest price on your Mac purchase. It's called Apple Sliced
(http://applesliced.com).
Apple Sliced helps you find the lowest prices on Apple products. Apple Sliced doesn't actually sell
Apple products, instead the site tracks Apple products and shows you which store or site has the
lowest price for each. For instance, when I go to Apple Sliced and enter my ZIP code, I can see
prices from 10 stores for the MacBook Pro 15-inch. And it shows a savings of nearly $300 on the
Apple Store price (including shipping and sales tax)!
Apple Sliced also lists promos (http://applesliced.com/promotions) and rebates. One example, as of
this writing, there is a promotion for 50% off an AppleCare Protection Plan plus a free copy of
Parallels 7 Desktop with any Mac purchase.
You probably noticed that many of the stores listed on Apple Sliced do not charge sales tax in your
state. That's because Internet merchants are only required to charge sales tax in your state if the
merchant has a physical presence there. This sales tax savings combined with the alreadydiscounted prices you will find through Apple Sliced result in a huge price cut over the Apple Store.
You might be wondering, what's the difference between buying a Mac at the Apple Store versus an
Authorized Apple Reseller like those listed on Apple Sliced? Other than the money you save, there
isn't a difference! You get the same Apple warranty you would receive if you purchased straight from
the Apple Store. And, if you ever have any problems or questions, you can get free Genius Bar
support at an Apple Store no matter where you purchased your Mac.
Part 3 - Accessorizing a Mac
Should I upgrade my Mac's RAM?
If you are looking to get a performance boost from your Mac, the most cost-effective solution is to
upgrade your RAM. Earlier I mentioned some reasons why you should never buy a Mac directly from
the Apple Store; well, the same is true for memory upgrades. Buying RAM directly from Apple is
expensive! As of this writing, an 8GB upgrade for the MacBook Pro is $400. With some quick
comparison shopping (try Apple Sliced Memory, http://applesliced.com/memory) you can find 8GB
(sometimes even the same brand that Apple uses) for $35-$50! That’s a discount of at least 88%.
Choosing the right type of RAM for your Mac can be a little tricky, but if you head over to Apple Sliced
Memory you will find more than just price comparison advice. The site contains videos that will help
you determine how much memory you have, how much your Mac can support, and which memory
modules are supported by your Mac.
Memory installation is pretty straightforward and only takes a few minutes. Before you start, watch
some step-by-step installation videos to see if it seems like a task you might be comfortable
performing. I recommend visiting Other World Computing (http://eshop.macsales.com/installvideos/)
because they have install videos for just about every Mac model. If the process seems overwhelming,
try asking a nerdy friend for help!
Should I buy an AppleCare Protection Plan?
The standard Apple warranty included with any new Mac purchase covers hardware for one year with
90 days of phone support. If you purchase AppleCare, the hardware warranty will be extended for
three years with software support included. You do not have to buy AppleCare right away - you can
buy it at any point within the first year after your Mac purchase.
One thing to keep in mind, AppleCare does not cover accidental damage (dropped laptop, spilled
liquid, etc.). And even if you don't have AppleCare, you can still use the Genius Bar at the Apple
Store regardless of what your warranty status is or where you purchased your Mac.
If you are interested in the extra protection that comes with an extended warranty like AppleCare,
check out the AppleCare section of Apple Sliced
(http://applesliced.com/browse/accessories/applecare). There are usually discounts available to help
you save 30%-50% on the Apple Store price.
And, if you sell your Mac before the three-year AppleCare warranty ends, the warranty transfers to
the new buyer - you cannot apply the remainder to your next Mac.
I do not buy AppleCare because I usually upgrade my Mac every two years. But, if you are also a
serial upgrader, I recommend buying your Mac with an American Express credit card. AMEX will
cover an additional year if you use their card to make your purchase, leaving you with a total
coverage period of two years. For more information see http://applesliced.com/ask/how-do-i-extendan-apple-warranty.
Do I need an AirPort Extreme/AirPort Express Base Station to use Wi-Fi with my Mac?
No, any wireless b/g/n router should work with your Mac.
Does a Mac come with Microsoft Office?
Office does not come with a new Mac; it has to be purchased separately (see
http://applesliced.com/browse/accessories/software for the best available price). You can also
purchase Apple's iLife as an Office alternative or try Google Docs (http://google.com/docs - my
personal favorite) if you would prefer a free solution.
A Word about iPads
Should I get an iPad mini with Retina Display or iPad Air?
The main difference between the iPad mini with Retina Display and the iPad Air is screen size (7.9”
vs. 9.7”). Otherwise the internal components are more or less comparable. If you are unsure about
which screen size to choose, I recommend trying both models in person at an Apple Store or Best
Buy (just remember to use Apple Sliced to find the best price before purchasing).
What's the difference between the iPad Wi-Fi and iPad Wi-Fi + Cellular?
The Wi-Fi model is only capable of connecting to the Internet where a wireless hotspot is available
(like your home, a coffee shop, airport, etc.).
The Wi-Fi + Cellular model is able to connect to the Internet through a wireless hotspot (Wi-Fi) but
also supports 4G/LTE wireless access from a cellular provider such as AT&T, Verizon, or Sprint. LTE
service allows you to stay online (almost) anywhere. If you choose to buy a Wi-Fi + Cellular model,
there is a higher upfront cost, plus AT&T/Verizon/Sprint charge a monthly fee for the service.
Unless you need Internet access everywhere, the Wi-Fi model is the best bet (and the most popular
option).
What size iPad should I buy?
When contemplating an iPad purchase, there are two considerations: 1) getting a Wi-Fi + Cellular
model (see previous question), and 2) capacity. The iPad is available in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB
configurations. The 16GB is the most-popular size. If you are taking tons of photos and downloading
numerous gaming apps, you might want to get 32GB. The 64GB is best suited for those who like to
carry around full seasons of TV shows and other videos.
With the introduction of Apple's iCloud, a service that lets you access your data from multiple devices
while storing it in one location, photos and music (two media types that previously required a lot of
space) can now be accessed via the cloud, requiring less space on your device. If you are using the
iPad for web browsing, email, books, and apps then 16GB should be enough. Splurge on the 32GB if
you require additional media storage.
One caveat, iPad storage is not upgradeable. So once you buy it, you are stuck with it.
Conclusion
I hope I have helped you decide on which Mac to buy (while showing you how to save some money
too)! If I missed something or anything was unclear, please contact me by visiting
http://applesliced.com or emailing [email protected]. I respond to every message (often within an
hour).
If you found this ebook helpful, please leave a review wherever you downloaded it. Thanks for
reading, and enjoy your new Mac!

Which Mac Should I Buy? By Apple Sliced

Transcription

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