mac laptop

[EEVIAC]

What's the least expensive Mac computer you can get ?

I would like to get a Mac computer only so I can learn my way around the OS.  I don't need it for anything special..

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

You could probably install Mac OSX in a virtual machine on your Windows PC.


If you're really looking to buy a mac, the cheapest mac laptop would be the MacBook:
http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_mac/family/macbook?mco=OTY2ODEwOQ

It's currently priced at $999. If you are a high-school/university student (or teacher), you may be applicable for Apple's student discount.

I myself am getting a 15-inch MacBook Pro - currently en-route. A little bit more expensive... $2000....

[EEVIAC]

You could probably install Mac OSX in a virtual machine on your Windows PC.

legally ?       

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

Yes I'm pretty sure.

I know VMWare has a Mac OSX option in their Virtual PC drop-down menu. You just need to provide the disc.

[EEVIAC]

cool   

I've never been big on virtual machines.  Are there any free versions of VMware ?

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

I dont know of any, sorry.
Have a look for free ones on Google - or even free trials:
http://www.snapfiles.com/downloadfind.php?action=s&search.x=0&search.y=0&st=virtual+pc
http://www.google.com.hk/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=virtual+pc+free+trial&meta=&aq=f&aqi=g10&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=

[BC_Programmer]

I know VMWare has a Mac OSX option in their Virtual PC drop-down menu. You just need to provide the disc.

No it doesn't. In order to install OS X you need to select FreeBSD, and even then it's a struggle to get working.

And it's not legal to install mac OS on anything that is not Apple branded. It's against the EULA.

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

Oh really? Thanks BC.

Just checked VMWare. They don't support Mac. Could've sworn I saw the option there.....

[BC_Programmer]

Oh really? Thanks BC.

Just checked VMWare. They don't support Mac. Could've sworn I saw the option there.....

Well.. they don't <support> mac... but it's still possible to get it working.. .but there are so many issues with it when run in a VM it's almost never worth the trouble.

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

I meant as a default OS configuration, but yeah.

[EEVIAC]

 



Geez, I can't afford to pay 1000 bucks for one of those.  I was hoping I could get some practice in before I got a job, so I wouldn't have to think too hard while being trained.  I guess I'll have to settle for a good 'ol Mac repair/maintenance book, or something..

[Cityscape]

Geez, I can't afford to pay 1000 bucks for one of those. 

That's only if you need a laptop. You can get a Mac desktop for $599. See: http://www.apple.com/macmini/

[BC_Programmer]

That's only if you need a laptop. You can get a Mac desktop for $599. See: http://www.apple.com/macmini/

Or, he could stick his hand in a blender and save himself the $599.

(haha, sorry, couldn't resist the opportunity for the jab)

[computerhelpmaryland]

go to powermax.com or macmall.com for cheap mac laptops. If you have an education discount, you will probably get a new macbook for around $900? Otherwise, search for the macmall website, they have great deals on anything apple.

[truenorth]

If your objective as stated is to only learn your way around the Apple O/S then i don't see why you need to go where the big bucks will be necessary. There are many Apple desktop models that can be purchased very inexpensively. I have 4 in the house all with OSX (leopard) and i did not pay more than $100.00 for any of them--in fact one was a G4 at $2.00.truenorth