Notebook vs Macbook vs iPad

[Mitchell Madness]

will be buying one before i go overseas, and just wondering which way i should go.

Im swaying toward a macbook as the warranty is the selling point.

Have had a bit of experience with Apple Products, do find them a little difficult to navigate compared to windows, but i think thats what you get when you use one brand for 15 odd years....

which one should i go for?

 

[red+black]

various options: notebook, netbook, macbook, macbook pro, macbook air, iPad, Android tablet

what size screen do you want? something 14"-17" or closer to 9"-13"?

remember that the iPad is not really a proper computer, it's probably not the best for work/business computing.

what particular needs do you have?

with macbooks, you can make it dual boot for Mac OS and Windows, or just create a Windows virtual machine that you can run from Mac OS.

 

[Mitchell Madness]

its just going to be for personal use.
Need one to run skype off (in turn reducing the cost of calls home dramatically)

 

[red+black]

Go to an Apple shop and spend some time playing around with a Macbook Pro and Macbook Air. Ask one of the technicians a few questions. You should get an indication whether you think one of those devices are for you.

Mac OS is pretty easy for surfing the web, installing apps, managing your files, etc. I've only been on Mac OS for 4 months so I'm pretty new to it. Use Windows at work and still have a PC at home.

Skype of course is available for Mac: http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/get-skype/on-your-computer/macosx/

 

[Vinnie Vegas]

Don't get a MacBook. Massive waste of money, and you've stated yourself that you find Macs hard to use.

Get a Dell Inspiron or XPS for roughly half the price that an equivalent MacBook would cost you, and enjoy using the operating system you actually like and understand. You can extend the warranty to three years for $169 if that's a big factor for you.