Looking to buy a MacBook.

[Dustu2]

Hey everyone. I'm not sure if this is the right sub-forum to be posting under if I want to buy a MacBook, but the Marketplace was labeled as, "A place for individuals to sell iPhone or iPod accessories."

So, I came here. You guys are more open and friendly in my experience anyway, so hopefully someone can help.

I've been a Windows user for as long as I can remember, and I'm ready to switch. I was considering buying an iMac for a while(I tend to change my mind on what I want to buy about every ten minutes), but it's looking like the minimum wage job that I MIGHT be getting won't be able to pay for it very well.

Now, I know I'm not in the perfect position to go off buying expensive computers, which is why I've made my way here. I'd like to buy a used MacBook or MacBook Pro. Preferably a current-gen unit, but I'm not going to be that picky about it.

I don't plan on using it for anything extreme or heavy on resources, just an abnormally large amount of internet browsing, along with music-listening and even the occasional movie-watching. Perhaps some World of Warcraft, but not if the computer can't handle it. (I'm not going to buy a more expensive computer to meet the requirements of one game, that already requires monthly payments.) And syncing an iPhone, if I can get one. >_>

I'm just looking for something to begin my Mac experience with, hopefully somebody around here can help me out. Also, any advice on any particular unit I should get would be nice, and very appreciated.

EDIT: I would really, REALLY prefer a machine running Leopard.

NEXT EDIT: Trading a Dell Dimension 4550(stock) to reduce price on the MacBook.

[Lincoln]

A MacBook is definitely a nice, solid way to start out. All of the MacBooks Apple sells have plenty of GHz or memory to browse the internet and listen to music. I'm not sure what the system requirements are for World of Warcraft, but it's likely the MacBook would meet them.

However, if you do not require your Mac to be a notebook, I suggest you get the Mac Mini (http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_mac/family/mac_mini?mco=MTE3MTA). While the Mini is not an all-in-one like the iMac - you need to have a monitor - it's great way to start using Macs and it's a lot cheaper - starting at $599 for 1.83 GHz and an 80GB HD.

Once you start using your Mac for more power-demanding work (if you're that kind of person you'll start building your way up to more powerful Macs. Two years ago, before I started doing a lot of graphic design, I had this Mac (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/56/Indigo_iMac_G3_slot_loading.jpg/614px-Indigo_iMac_G3_slot_loading.jpg). Then I needed to use it for more work, so I bought a Mac Mini. Then, I bought a MacBook Pro (1 GB RAM). When I smashed that, I bought my current black MacBook (2 GB RAM). I'm now looking into getting a MacPro (http://www.apple.com/macpro/) in the next year or so.

[projectdarkside]

A MacBook is definitely a nice, solid way to start out. All of the MacBooks Apple sells have plenty of GHz or memory to browse the internet and listen to music. I'm not sure what the system requirements are for World of Warcraft, but it's likely the MacBook would meet them.

However, if you do not require your Mac to be a notebook, I suggest you get the Mac Mini (http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_mac/family/mac_mini?mco=MTE3MTA). While the Mini is not an all-in-one like the iMac - you need to have a monitor - it's great way to start using Macs and it's a lot cheaper - starting at $599 for 1.83 GHz and an 80GB HD.

Once you start using your Mac for more power-demanding work (if you're that kind of person you'll start building your way up to more powerful Macs. Two years ago, before I started doing a lot of graphic design, I had this Mac (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/56/Indigo_iMac_G3_slot_loading.jpg/614px-Indigo_iMac_G3_slot_loading.jpg). Then I needed to use it for more work, so I bought a Mac Mini. Then, I bought a MacBook Pro (1 GB RAM). When I smashed that, I bought my current black MacBook (2 GB RAM). I'm now looking into getting a MacPro (http://www.apple.com/macpro/) in the next year or so.Wow I havnt seen one of those since like the early millennium:smile:

[Dustu2]

Mac Mini's are a great way to start, but I don't want to have to pack up my keyboard/mouse/screen/Mini every time I feel like going somewhere and taking the internet with me, know what I mean? A MacBook just feels right.

[coasts]

dustu, keep your eye on the refurb section at www.apple.com.

[phsycology]

Go for it....I recently bought one and I love it! It really is excellent, and you'll love Mac OS X.