Macbook VS Macbook Pro?

Go with a Mac for sure-I've been successfully using them for my entire life. If you aren't using too many programs, the MacBook should suit you well. If you're going to be using a lot of flash, and need tons of memory, use Pro. I don't think Paint Shop Pro is available for Apple, but you can always use Photoshop [free trials are available-it's possible to make them last]. Yes, they do come with iMOVIE and iPhoto. They are permanent. Macs also come with PhotoBooth, iTunes, BoardGames, TextEdit, and other useful widgets, such as Calculator and Dictionary. Apples are so simple to use, don't fret over it! Have fun =]

Ah...I am sooo glad you have discovered this Mac world. It is AMAZING compared to PC.

First, I suggest a MacBook. MacBook Pro's are for a bit more professional and if you only need it for those few things, you don't need to spend that much money.

Second, Macs come with all of iLife. This includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, iCal, Photo Booth, and more. These are not trials like you would find on a PC. These are full versions. I use each of these products at LEAST once a week. VERY useful programs that you get FREE.

Basically, in all things, Mac is much better than any Dell.

Get a MacBook Pro. It will give you the extra niceties such as the bigger screen size and the illuminated keyboard for doing homework at night. It will handle all those programs that you will use just fine.

Macs come with iLife '08. With is a suite of programs like iMovie, iPhoto, iDVD, GarageBand, iCal, and Mail. Which are pretty self-explanatory applications. These are the full-version apps, which means you can delete the apps if you want to.

I am on my Mac Book right now. It is great! The only difference between the MacBook and the MacBook Pro is that the Pro has more memory. I have been using Mac computers for about 6 years now, and they have always worked for me. You can also just but either a Mac and install a program called Intel to it. Intel allows you to run Windows programs and Mac programs on your computer. Mac's are sometimes more expensive than Dells are, but sometimes, they are around the same price. I say, get the Mac.

Go with Macbook Pro, its slightly more expensive and bigger in size, with illuminate keyboard that will come in handy when you are doing your home work late at night.

Well all laptops have a life expectancy of 3 to 4 years, then things will start to go wrong.

But it is still better to go with Macbook pro.

I have a macbook, coz its smaller and easier to use when i am traveling.

Dell has lost its quality and edge for the last several years, their products really are not that good anymore.

If you ever decide to switch over to windows, its easy to install Windows on a mac and use windows without a problem.

Since you want to be a teacher, most schools have mac, so mac would be better option.

You will never regret a MacBook.

You reminded me of my same dilema years ago when I too was in college. Firstly, knowing the wonders of MACS takes a lot more than just fondling with one at the Apple Store.

Now then, a Macbook or Macbook Pro might be what you are thinking.

Since this is your first MAC, and that you indictaed that you don't play a lot of games, and the programs you are using are fairly basic with Paint Shop Pro (and perharps Photoshop), you may stick with the MACBOOK 13". And suggest you get one at least with a built in DVD Burner (that is the Superdrive)

iPhoto comes with the laptop, together with GARAGE BAND, iDVD (only works with internal DVD Burner), iMovie, and iTunes. The ease of using all at once is just simply amazing, and the result, Astounding. I am a graduate in Computer Science and Multimedia myself to testify to this.

The only one program that does not work on Macs are EXPLORER web browser.....but who needs that if you have safari anyway???

And if you like doodling and playing simple games when you are bored, there are many "widgets" you can download free and play it at the dashboard. (if you are bored with meetings or some group projects, you can secretly play them and just hit escape to hide and flash back to your main screen)....shh....

Finally, you can also make your MacBook extra cool and protect it from scuffs. My personal favourite is Macket by ESTHER KINSON at http://www.estherkinson.com/ ....leather like covering. Dresses your Macbook even while in use.

A Mac Book is just like a Basic laptop with a Mac OS on it, a Mac Book Pro which would cost $2,100.99, gives you more power for your money since the Mac Book Pro has a Nvidia or ATI video card, and not a crappy Intel GMA. So I would pick the Mac Book for cheapness, and the Pro is for more power and games. Mac OS X is much more stable, Vista is just a power hog, it will really slow you down.

You can get MS Office for the Mac's, and tons of games have been ported over to the Mac so don't listen to those Nay Sayers about gamming. It is tons of fun.

macbook pros just have a faster cpu and larger hard drive options i think.

it sounds like you'd be find with a macbook.

the newer macs have intel processors now and leopard comes with boot camp installed, so you could put windows on there too and have a dual boot machine if you really want to.

i iLife comes on all macs and includes iphoto, idvd, imovie, etc and is fully functional.

if you're not a hard core gamer you really don't need windows at all, in my opinion.

just make sure all the software you use in mac compatible and with the intel processors, i'm pretty sure it is.

what college will you attend ???

if you plan to attend graphic design or arhitecture you'll need macbook pro

macs are the gold standard for following professions:

- publishing

- audio/video editing

- architecture

- any kind of design (web, fashion, house, landscape)

if you're into any of these professions you'll need macbook pro otherwise macbook will do it

mac os x is the best desktop on planet earth

you can run just about any windows program on mac too -you just need to buy separate copy of windows and boot camp software program (part of mac os x versions tiger and leopard) will walk you thru the process of installing it on mac

mac comes with ilife suite preloaded - check it out at

http://www.apple.com/ilife just left click this link

be prepared with cash if you want to have mac too

macbook starts at $ 1100 and macbook pro at $ 1850 plus if you want to install windows on it you will have to add money for copy of windows

for the money you spend on macbook which is entry level mac laptop you can buy almost top of the line windows

if price is not objection choice is easy - go with mac

notebook otherwise go with windows

note here that some colleges that teach for professions where macs are standard (above mentioned) REQUIRE from students to have mac - you just have to have it so check with yr college first

i know that almost all graphic arts colleges just REQUIRE from students to have macs - when you finish this college you will work on mac in the office

check with yr college first

Macs are only good for certain things....being young and starting college you need wayyyyyy more flexibilty.....you need a computer that is compatible with the "real world"

Get a standard PC (Sony or a Toshiba or a Dell and customize) and wade through Vista and it quirks....

You will be much happier!