The Girl's Guide to Buying a Laptop Computer

We know shoe shopping can be a challenge, car shopping even worse-but venturing into the world of technology can be downright daunting for some and even more so for the average woman. There are far too many gigabytes, and ram, and megabytes, and other bytes I've never heard of. So when my six-year-old laptop was on its final leg, I had to begin my quest into the highly advanced world of all of the new things technological.

I wouldn't call myself a techno-savvy pro, but I do know a little more about computers than some people. Having used both PC and Mac computers and software at work and home, I prefer Mac. This debate used to rile up my brothers. Although PCs can be less expensive, Apple products quality and security are worth it. I have owned several Apple Macs including the Color Classic, Performa, 2-iBook g4's, and the IMac's I use at work. I trust Apple products.

While shopping recently, there are several things I learned.

Prices will vary according to your area, but these are what I found to be true in the greater Los Angeles area.

Viruses
I have many friends that opt for the less expensive, PC (personal computer) platform. I have also seen these same friends go through a lot of frustration and anguish each time their computer catches a virus (a computer program designed to sneak onto your computer and cause a lot of problems) and they have to try to recover all of their files all over again or worse, have to buy a new computer. Macs are not susceptible to the same viruses at PC's. This means, when someone sends you a malicious e-mail and you open it, it can cause your computer to work against itself and ruin what you have. These viruses do not affect Macs.

Software
Software is the program you run that allows you to write letters, send e-mails, create presentations, work with photographs, and do other word processing tasks. In the beginning, Mac and PC's ran on two different platforms, sort of like a car that is stick or one that is an automatic. They both work-but differently and once you know how to work them, they are fairly simple to use. In my opinion, Macs have always been more like the 'automatic' transmission-simpler to use. Now both seem to run a similar platform, although some of the shortcut commands are slightly different.

Buying the Right Apple Lap Top
There were three lap top choices available. I found each had its strengths and limitations. Computers have gotten smaller and smaller because they are being designed with less internal moving parts. The information is being stored on smaller flash drives which have no moving parts.

Mac Book Air
The Mac Book air is the smallest, thin silver computer. It is about 9" to 13". It is fine for all of your internet and word processing needs. The only drawback I found was the lack of an internal CD drive. Most programs and games are available online, but if you have CDs or DVDs on disc, you need some type of drive to play them. This model runs about $999 at the local electronics store.

MacBook Pro
The MacBook Pro looks like the MacBook Air, but comes in a 13" and 15" size. It does have the CD drive, but offers a lot more. It is a very high-tech model that is really designed for people who use the computer professionally. It is a computer that is capable of performing high-speed and complicated functions. This is more than needed for the average user. It retails for around $1,199.

MacBook
MacBook's are the last of the Apple lap top computers to have internal moving parts. The technology is advancing and this type is being ''¹..."retired.' They are 13" and are white. This model runs programs that enable you to work on the Internet and fulfill your word processing needs. It does feature a CD drive where CDs and DVDs can be played and burned. The underside of the computer is lined with a non-slip pad. It retails for $999, but is often on sale for $949.

The MacBook ultimately was the perfect model for me. It has everything I needed and wanted.

One difference with this computer and the one I purchased several years ago, is this did not come with word processing software. The sales person did try to get me to purchase Apple's iWork that can create word documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. I went online and tried the trail versions of iWork and Microsoft Office for Macs. I preferred Microsoft Office for Macs. It has Word, Excel, and Power Point. I was able to purchase the downloadable version and began working right away.

The difference between my old iBook and new MacBook is amazing. It took me 22 minutes to upload and save photographs from my old computer. The new computer downloaded all 3,600 jpegs in less than 3 minutes. The software had really advanced as well. I have been working on it for a few weeks and am very satisfied. I discover new features daily. On my very first attempt, I was able to create a wonderful surprise Power Point presentation that was played at my daughter's college graduation party. She also looked over all of the available models and decided that a MacBook was what she wanted for her graduation present.