Back to School Laptop Advice

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I just finished browsing through the Globe and Mail's disappointing online back-to-school laptop guide.

The guide features one - count it one - Apple laptop model, the MacBook Air, in the "Chic and Pretty Section."

What a crock.

Now, if you're serious about getting a laptop for back to school, here are some criteria (aimed primarily at the university demographic):

- Easy to use wireless connectivity
- Portable
- Great battery life
- Durable
- Stable operating system with relative immunity to computer viruses
- Great personal digital media (music, photos, video) management software
- Runs Microsoft Office.
- Built in, simple back up utility
- Great total cost of ownership.

Now, here's the good news. There is one brand of computer (can you guess what I'm about to recommend ;) that meets all of these criteria: Apple.

Budget Conscious Mac

For those looking for the lowest price Mac that still offers a great mobile experience, the choice is Apple’s rugged MacBook ($1,099 – education price).

It features:

- 13.3 inch widescreen
- Built-in 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and iSight Webcam
- 2.13 Core Duo Processor
- 2 Gigs of Ram
- 160 Gig Hard Drive
- Built-in CD/DVD Burner

You can learn more about the MacBook at http://www.apple.com/ca/macbook/. To find the education pricing, go to http://canadaedu.apple.com/routing/index.php?lang=eng

Power and Elegance

If you’re looking for a Mac with a bit more oomph, check out either Apple’s 13.3-inch or 15.4-inch MacBook Pro (http://www.apple.com/ca/macbookpro).The pros boast more powerful graphics cards, faster processors and larger hard drives than the entry-level MacBook.

13.3-inch MacBook Pro ($1,299)
- Slightly faster processor (2.26 Ghz Core Duo)
- Secure Digital Card slot (very handy)
- Backlit keyboard (very handy for dark lecture halls)

15.4-inch MacBook Pro ($2,149)
- Faster processor (2.66 Ghz)
- More RAM (4 Gigs)
- Larger Hard Drive (320 Gigs)
- Faster Graphics Processor (for gaming, video making)

Ultra Portable

I’m likely not the first to say this, but I’ll say it anyway – Netbooks are not adequate replacements for a full-featured laptop or desktop. I’ve used them. They’re great for casual e-mail or quickly surfing the web. But their cramped keyboards, tiny screens and near useless built-in touchpads / pointing devices are a usablity nightmare when it comes to any kind of lengthy work (i.e. writing a term paper).

If you’re interested in a super portable machine that is also the cat’s meow in design, check out the MacBook Air (http://www.apple.com/ca/macbookpro)($1,629)

Refurbs

In addition to the education discounted priced models, Apple also offers great deal of refurbished machines. These reconditioned Macs come with a full one-year warranty (you can also buy the extended warranty) and a significant discount. You can find the latest deals at http://store.apple.com/ca/browse/home/specialdeals/mac

Did I mention the free iPod Touch?

Yep, you read correctly. Right now when you buy a new MacBook or iMac, you can get a free iPod Touch. You can find out more at http://store.apple.com/ca_edu_108267/browse/campaigns/back_to_school.