BAchme Loc: Middle Tennessee

I'm unsure if anyone can help, but since we all use computers, I thought it was worth a shot.

I'm a member of a group called FaithTech. A neighbor friend of mine coordinates the local group and invited me as a photographer to join. While it's just getting off the ground, I've found it to be an interesting mix of people. Many are coders in both the back and the front of the house and trust me, that is a whole other world! Some are employed, others aren't. This economy has really hit hard in their IT world. The group is to network, support, and share new knowledge. They also have labs on another day where members can work together on projects.

We all have different needs and have different things to offer. Tonight, over pizza, one member who is a writer/photographer wants to purchase a Mac and asked if we had suggestions as to the best place to purchase and what to look for. Obviously, money is tight. We all made some suggestions as she's a PC person. We recommended going to the Genius Bar and Apple to check for refurbished.

Does anyone here know of any other places that we might suggest?

Thanks!

Barb

jjanovy Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

If I’d been at that gathering, my response would have been “don’t.” If you’ve grown up on Macs, and have the resources to get good equipment, keep it updated, and there is a business fairly close that can service Macs if needed, then go ahead; but otherwise, don’t. That recommendation is based on the fact that I’m a longtime PC user and my wife is an equally long Mac user.

lesdmd Loc: Middleton Wi via N.Y.C. & Cleveland

If your new acquaintance is dissatisfied with her PC, and is convinced she should move over to a Mac (as I did and never turned back) she will quickly discover that prices on new machines are pretty much fixed. She can save a few dollars by purchasing refurbished directly from Apple.
I won’t bother debating what I feel are the advantages of using the Mac, and I am unaware whether PCs have eliminated the problems that I hated some 29 years ago. I will say that Apple keeps the machines updated at no cost, and that in my area of the country there’s no problem finding service if needed… which has yet to be the case.

Additional Loc: Chicago

MacSales.com has used Macs for very good prices.

Dwiggy Loc: Dunedin, FL

Discount Electronics https://discountelectronics.com/ - reputable online dealer from Austin, TX. I have done business with them with good success.

neillaubenthal

Tell them not to buy any Ontel based Macs…the Apple Silicon ones are they way to go. Apple sells reconditioned as does Mac sales.com…but for most people doing light duty LR work the 15 inch Air is plenty good enough for now and at least 5-6 years ahead. Just make sure to get enough RAM and drive space as neither can be upgraded…although 8GB RAM works upgrading to 16 is a good future proof investment if budget allows as well as more storage…

Machinedoc Loc: Yorktown Heights, NY

OWC.com is a great source for used/refurbished Macs...very reliable and reputable.

whatdat Loc: Del Valle, Tx.

I’ll second that. I have bought several desktops & several laptops from them over the years. Never one quit on me. They know their computers. Just my 2 cents worth.

—Michael

MJPerini

OWC is a Mac specialist who carries NOS, New , used, and used Build to order. They are quite reputable

rwm283main Loc: Terryville, CT

I recommend you find someone in the group that uses a Mac computer to pay a visit to an Apple Store with this person looking to buy a Mac. They can evaluate and price all that Apple has to offer. Having someone with experience there with you can help describe and demonstrate the demo’s that are on display. Apple also has financing which is very reasonable.
It sounds like this person is a writer and photographer so you would have to make sure that they can perform those tasks with the right tool and software.

Sounds like a nice group to be involved in. Do they offer “classes” to the public that can help and advise with projects, such as website development, etc.?

Rich

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I started out on Macs and a member of the Mac user's group - after my last I-Mac crashed I realized Macs are for well-to-do people - of which I am not ......so now I am a PC user ......

BAchme Loc: Middle Tennessee

Thanks for all the recommendations! I will share them with her so she can make an appropriate decision! I am in both worlds and started with Apple when everyone was in the other world. The worlds didn't place nicely together. While I would prefer a Mac, my desktop is a PC, but I have an iPad Pro and an iPhone. I hate that they are so expensive!

Again, thanks for all these great resources!

bkwaters

So true. Being able to easily upgrade and repair PCs as compared to Macs is a great money saver. Now if they would only make LRC and PS for Linux.

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

My wife uses a MacBook. I’m PC. Both of her MacBooks were purchased refurbished from the Apple website store using my veteran’s discount (10%). We both use iPads. Any support we need comes from my brother, Apple phone support, or by appointment at the Boulder, CO Apple store.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

I started with PC's but have had Mac laptops for years. I definitely choose a Mac and will never go back to a PC. I respect your choice and opinion just so long as you realize it is not the ONLY choice and opinion. Everyone I know who has a Mac will stay with Mac.

Dennis