We live in a world where there is a rift that lies between computer users. In this world, there are generally only two options when it comes to the computer you plan to use -- PC or Mac. Through the years it has been an endless battle between those power hungry enough to build their own PC and those who wanted the simplicity and elegance of a Mac.
Through all of this turmoil and chaos in the computer world arose those who believed that PCs and Macs each had their benefits and elected to use both. Is this complete sacrilege? Or is the great debate finally coming to a close?
It wasn't until very recently that the thought of possibly owning a MacBook entered my mind. I was undoubtedly a PC guy through and through. How could someone possibly choose something so simple and linear when it was possible to build your very own battle station that could blast any Mac back down to its original form as a fruit?
I built my gaming PC for just that reason -- gaming. My 6-core AMD FX-6300 and Nvidia GTX 660 GPU came roaring to life when I pushed that power button. I could run all the games I wanted with no problem, and I had all the functions of a normal PC at my disposal. Knowing that even this spectacular PC wasn't even close to the top of line made me even more secure in my PC master race ways.
However, there came a time when I found myself away from my desktop PC for long periods of time. I needed a computer to go, so I opted to buy a tablet with all of its accessories to keep me going throughout my daily travels. A Microsoft Surface RT was my choice of mobile device, but I found it to be a poor excuse for a computer. Windows RT's struggles are well-documented, and as an end user, I can say that the criticisms were warranted.
I grew tired of the inconvenient updates and the inconsistencies of Microsoft products and the devices that come with them. The Surface RT, among many other Microsoft products, drove me to the decision to break my moral code and introduce a new type of computer to my arsenal.
I decided to break down and buy a MacBook Pro.
As soon as I went online to look for a MacBook Pro, I remembered one of the main reasons I hated Apple: Its prices are insane. The least expensive MacBook Pro was $1,200 with completely unimpressive specs. I could buy an Asus ROG G Series laptop with better specs for less than half the money. Undoubtedly, the thought to buy an impressive PC laptop crossed my mind more than once, but I didn't want power (and more potential issues); I wanted a sleek, durable MacBook Pro.
Knowing that Apple products are very well-manufactured and seem to last as long as you need them to, I elected to buy a used MacBook Pro. The decision to do so over buying a new PC, even for a diehard like me, wasn't as difficult as you might think. I was entirely too fed up with Microsoft at the time to even consider looking at any more of its software.
After some searching, I was able to find a late 2011 Pro with an Intel Core i5 (2.4 GHz) for $600. After ensuring that the lithium–polymer battery didn't need to be replaced, as they usually do after 4-5 years, I purchased my first Apple product.
It's been about a month since I bought the MacBook Pro and honestly, I couldn't be happier with it. I needed a laptop that could handle everyday student needs and make my life easier, not more difficult. I can say that this laptop accomplishes both of those things. Its aluminum unibody enclosure makes this Pro feel almost indestructible. Even though it's 4 years old, it barely has a scratch on it.
The battery life average is just under what Apple claims a new 2011 Pro should offer. The Core i5 can handle the 4-years-newer OS X Yosemite without any chug. I don't have much to say on the topic of the Intel HD Graphics 3000 because I'm not gaming or doing anything too graphically intensive on this. All in all, there is just something charming about this Unix-based OS. In fact, the complete aesthetics of this laptop are far superior to any other device I've owned.
After becoming a fan of the MacBook Pro, would I say that this computer is worth the $1,200-$2,500 new? Absolutely not. But there is just something special about this laptop that I almost can't explain. It is what it claims to be -- simple and elegant. And after dealing with computer complications for years, this is a nice change. Especially for $600.
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