I need to get a MacBook pro on a some sort of scheme where I can pay it off over time. I can't find any solutions can anyone inform me on any such scheme?
MacBook Pro Purchase or Rental for Immediate Use on Centrelink
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Only the latest MacBook Pro's can access the sheer performance requirements of Centrelinks website?
Listen drew22 I am a damn fine dj just down on my luck atm. Smartass.
@Qwertyasdfg:
Sorry I'm not a DJ, so wouldn't have a clue about buying expensive laptops while on the dole.@Drew22: Respectfully, @Drew22, like many of the commenters here, you’re being way too judgmental of the questioner without any facts. While the initial purchase of the MacBook is expensive, over time it may make its money back. I have an iMac that is about ten years old. None of my PC previously lasted that long, not even half that long. Besides, this person sounds like they want to maintain a professional appearance with their work, so a plastic imitation laptop ain’t going to cut it. The sooner the questioner is back on their feet, the sooner they'll be off support. You can’t relegate people to the bargain bin for everything. Sure, the questioner could probably pick up a cheap $300 PC somewhere, but it’s not going to be suitable. Making swipes at the questioner's circumstances is poor form, and many of the people here making criticisms can do much better than that. There's enough cash in this economy to support each person while they get back onto their feet. The questioner simply asked a question that focuses on what the most efficient way is to purchase a MacBook.
@Qwertyasdfg: Since we're being respectful
you’re being way too judgmental of the questioner without any facts………..
None were provided just other than the need for a MacBook Pro, for a good 6 hours.
@Toons: I don't know about that. The facts are, the questioner needs: “MacBook Pro” for “Purchase” or “Rental” for “Immediate Use” (short time period) on Centrelink (could be finding cash difficult to come by) on some sort of “scheme” (payment plans, discounts, etc), and “can't find any solutions” (so needs some help from the forum).
I saw this question as genuine. And if it wasn't, then informative answers will help anyone else stumbling across this page. What won't help anyone is ridicule like many were engaged in.
Only apple products has higher prestige
This is my first post here and you give me grief.
Wonderful comment.
@Kangal Not funny, not constructive. Lacking.
Yes
This may not help you much but public libraries usually have pc that you can use and some like the ones in Melbourne also have dedicated music rooms you can book and produce your music in. Since you mentioned you were a DJ.
@RandomDeviation:I must have my own computer. I have all my own equipment.Therefore I do have access to record and produce on my own. Great advice though!
@Yttrium: Apparently it died, and this seems to be the rationale for why he needs a Macbook Pro so it'll "last a long time" (but didn't your last mac just die? - sort of flies in the face of that rationale).
@Djbrooklyn: Sell some equipment on e-bay, not gumtree. Don't let the buyer run away with it, don't let the buyer raise a complaint with PayPal, don't mark the parcel as Safe-Drop, send it insured tracked and sign on delivery. Take a video of how you put the item in the parcel and send it. Note down and include serial numbers of the items in the ebay ad.
Good Luck.P.S. Try some "real" work to get some money for your laptop.
@Djbrooklyn: A smart arse? .. Hmm, I'm simply calling it as I see it.
You asked a question and people have replied, you responded with claims that don't quite match reality - then you get upset if you're called out on it.. Ok..
So far you reasons for needed are Macbook Pro are:
- Need it to run your music production software (eeer, doesn't match reality)
- OSX/Macs are so much better than the other choices since "Windows laptops often have issues running a lot of these programs. The usb drives are way better. Macs are better for music production also.I wont go into fully on here" (eeer, doesn't match reality)
- "Yep I have an older MacBook already just would really like something that will last for a very long time!" (eeer, doesn't match reality)
So I'm sorta stumped how you reached the conclusion that you need a machine you currently can't afford.
You would not be copping the flack you are if you were just honest with yourself and us. Instead you're listing a bunch of reasons that IMO is somewhat insulting to expect us to just gloss over.
IMO your real reason for wanting the new Macbook Pro is more along the lines of (and I'm fine with this rationale, each to their own): I'm used to Macbooks/OSX, it's what my peers think is cool and it gives me satisfaction owning this brand despite the additional costs etc, and I'm willing to cop the additional cost on the chin.
I've come to that conclusion since I don't see any other valid rationale from what you've said here.
For that, I'm guilty as charged.
@Djbrooklyn: So your "very old mac" was working fine for your DJ work before it died?
If that's the case, why do you need an expensive replacement? Surely just about anything will perform better than a "very old mac".
I too love new shiny toys (for work too), and I justify this because I makes me feel good. But I won't start claiming it's because of some real world need, it's for my own enjoyment and that's perfectly valid.
@Yttrium: @iDroid: The questioner has their own music equipment but needs their own computer to interface with it all. They are after something that could be used for a long time. I have an iMac that is still going well that was purchased brand new over 9 years ago. It has paid it self off quite well over that time in terms of output. At the same time, not to be evangelistic about it all, it has been one of the most pleasing computers to have used.
@Qwertyasdfg:Finally someone who knows exactly why I need the MBP. I also need this interface for all of the plugs required to produce music. I will use it for photography programs also.
My reasons are truly valid and I am not going to get the same results from a windows machine.
Also I am hospital right now and am post surgery. Therefore my posts have not been close together and not particularly well written. (Pain medication)@Djbrooklyn: You obviously don't make enough money to buy a laptop.
And yes, I am a smartarse, tightarse, and arse in general, but I have money to buy a laptop, a stupid windows one,
because I am not stupid enough to waste my money on Apple products.@Djbrooklyn: We are getting a better picture here:
"produce music", "on Centrelink", "photography programs"
I hope you do get well and out of hospital soon. What was it ?
Simpler to use, more intuitive and idiot proof. And have you tried to use a cheap Windows 10 laptop? They are a nightmare, they turn a night of research using your computer into a night of frustration.
Look into something like this
http://goodshepherdmicrofinance.org.au/services/stepup-loan/
It's basically an interest free loan up to 3k and you can pay it back over 3 years, the only interest applied is to keep up with inflation. You'll never get better loan terms and it's a good way to get used to the idea of getting credit to buy quality things. Poor man's boots vs the rich man's boots kind of deal.
Huh? How the heck does the price of a laptop change anything? A cheap or the most expensive Windows 10 laptop will work exactly the same (performance aside).. Sounds like utter nonsense.
I use Windows, OSX and Linux daily, and any assessment along the lines of "Simpler to use, more intuitive and idiot proof" stinks of a cult follower - OSX is ANYTHING but "Simpler to use, more intuitive and idiot proof".
You might be happy to use a slow laptop, but for some of us young folk waiting a minute for it to boot up and 10 seconds for a new window to open is like living through brain damage.
@AustriaBargain: I'd accept that:
1) If that was really true - you can stick in an SSD (cheap) and said 10 seconds waits are gone; and
2) if OP had disposable income to throw awayIn reality, OP has limited funds - a (fictitious) 10 second wait should be the least of their concerns.
@AustriaBargain:
Can't tell if being ironic or not.As a current MacBook Pro user, I've not really noticed a major performance benefit on top of my 6 year old Asus laptop when it comes to typical day to day usage (office/internet use). I got through uni on a Win7 netbook and have only changed to a MacBook as a luxury now that I'm salaried. The Mac is a great laptop and I'm happy with it but PCs aren't bad at all for the same functionality.
Use of the sleep function is what most people use when on the laptop so I'm not sure why your experience with startup has been poor… perhaps taking too long to find the on/off button each time eh?
asking someone to swap a hard drive themselves is frustrating work for the average punter. Most people see computers as a machine, just a means to an end that doesn’t need overthinking, rather than something to immerse yourself in like a puzzle box before you can start using it properly.
asking someone to swap a hard drive themselves is frustrating work for the average punter.
Who asked them to change it themselves? Who even said it was a necessity?
Some people love looking for or manufacturing barriers to doing something sensible.
If you really can't live with some apparent additional 10 second wait for an app to open, then you can if you want, change the HDD for an SSD. If you can't do it yourself you can either ask someone else to do it, or even pay a professional to do it (computer shop dude). Both will still be orders of magnitude cheaper than the only other possible option of buying a new Macbook Pro.
@iDroid: This is absolutely the end of the thread. Put an SSD in it and get on with your life. If you can't do that (watch some youtube videos ffs) then get someone else to do it and ask around (like any ozbargainer would do) for cheap quotes.
I just think once you add up the genuinely good value features of a MacBook, you end up pretty close to the price of a MacBook. You’ll take my glass trackpad away from me with my cold dead hand. Microsoft’s surface range is just as expensive. Rich man’s boots are expensive.
@iDroid I've been exposed to Windows, MacOS and Ubuntu. And no, PC Windows laptops, do not and will not work exactly the same. Many of the PC Windows laptops still use some of the most out of date screen technologies even as the price range gets higher. No cult follower here. Walk the aisles of the PC retailers as I do sometimes and then walk the aisles of the Mac retailers. Sure, the marketing of Macs is full of superlatives, but there's no comparison. Plus hardware aside, Mac software is more cohesive across devices from mobile, to tablet, to desktop.
@Qwertyasdfg: Sure, that but that was not what was being discussed. "out of date screen technologies" does not make the OS run any different (the actions and features remain the same) performance my differ, but functionally they are the same unless you're needing a specific GPU feature (which is not the case in this instance).
Remember the context we're discussing here. Low budget, needs ASAP, is for DJ work for which the "very very old Macbook" worked fine. Any modern laptop will work, we all know that. Sure are there differences? Yep, do these differences equate to needing a new Macbook Pro? No. An old Macbook, or Macbook Pro will suffice, as will just about any generic windows box.
I'm not against Macs, OSX, Apple. I'm against ridiculous claims regarding any hardware as an excuse to appease vanity. I too buy toys/computers/etc that are over spec'ed and were purchased just for the ego/thrill/5 seconds of pleasure when first opened.. But I'm not going to pretend it's for any real world problem that I need these things - because that's false justification and a little insulting (we're all human, we know how this stuff works, the emotion, the joy of toys, let's not pretend it's anything else).
@iDroid: Troll, this is not about vanity. Reread the questioner's comment and listen to what it is they want. MacOS is certainly the most cohesive system out there currently across all devices, mobile, tablet and desktop. Old crappy displays make a huge difference to the use of the device. Some of the PC crap on shelf still have problems with being viewed at different angles and have poor colour reproduction. The questioner clearly wants a device with a quality display based on their needs.
Credit card?
Oh please its just something that will make everything worse.
Isn't paying things off over time one of the major uses of credit cards?
$3,000 on a CC will cost $75 per month over 5 years. At 17.95% APR and no fees the total cost would be $4,500.
The other option is to not buy a new laptop.
Personal loans often have a tonne of setup and account fees and such, in many cases CC's if you can pay it off in a reasonable time end up being cheaper.
buy second hand
Yep I have an older MacBook already just would really like something that will last for a very long time!
wait until you can afford it
Yep I will. Thanks for everyone's input.
@Djbrooklyn: if it's any consolation, there will probably an even better/even more tempting MacBook Pro by the time you can afford it.
@The Land of Smeg: Exactly, and a firmware update for the current one with "features" that are just too good for your current one making it slower so you want the next one..
How old is your MacBook? You might be able to upgrade it yourself.
I still use my 2011 MacBook Pro every day but I upgraded the RAM from 4GB to 8GB, put in a 1TB SSHD and put in a new battery. It runs perfectly well, with the latest OSX and everything. Obviously it can't play any high spec games but I have a PC and an Xbox One for that.
What sorta SSD? Thinking about doing that myself with my MacBook Pro.
@The Araldited Wallet: Seagate Laptop 1TB 2.5 inch 9.5mm Solid State Hybrid DriveFor: Apple MacBook Pro (MacBookPro8,3) Early 2011 17-inch i7; - for $158 from RamCity.
So it's not an SSD but a hybrid drive (SSHD), which has large storage at a fraction of the price of an SSD, but has less performance (I don't run any high stress games/software and use sleep mode so it doesn't bother me).
The reason I got it was last year my Mac slid off the top of a basket of laundry I was carrying, onto floorboards, breaking the original 5 year old drive but fortunately nothing else. Luckily I had my time machine backup :)
I have a mid 2012 MacBook Pro not Retina. What I did is keep the HDD because it was a 750 GB one and replaced the DVD drive with a caddy + 120 GB SSD. I moved the OS to the SSD and that was the end of it. It runs really fast now, I am happy with the result. Before it used to be a pain to use.
I'd buy refurbished over second hand. Apple guarantees refurbished Macs the same as new Macs. There is sometimes some good deals on recent Macs. Watch out for the date each one was released, a 2017 MacBook and 2016 MacBook are not the exact same spec or quality. For example only the mid 2017 MacBook and onwards have the second gen keyboard, the 2016 MacBook and earlier have worse keyboard travel. But very acceptable to most people if it saved them $500.
https://www.apple.com/au/shop/browse/home/specialdeals?afid=…
Got ya priorities all messed up if you already have a working laptop and are looking for a way to get a new one on credit while on Centrelink benefits…
The Dole is like 12-14k a year , no?My other Laptop has died.
So you already have copies of the software? Otherwise that's going to some hundreds dollars more (at least) for decent music production software.
@wukachuka your response is all messed up. This question isn't about the dole. It's about finding a way to pay for a MacBook. Either offer an answer that is constructive and that can help or don't hit reply.
Fine…
For about $200 you can pick up something like a HP i5 ProBook 6550b. (only picked this as i used to run a rig with one, could find hundreds of cheap alternatives if you had to)
This will run Traktor just fine with an s2 or s4.Maybe grab something better down the line when in a more comfortable position to do so.
The original question was so minimal there was a 50/50 chance it was just trolling.Up vote for a suggestion that may help.
This thread is perfect. Looking at getting a new Aston Martin on finance, does anyone know of any dole friendly payment schemes? I'm a good spy, just going through some tough times.
This message will self destruct in 5 minutes.
Username checks out.
@holdenmg thanks! That was an amazing answer to my question. I really appreciate your help. I won't mention what I feel about the other awful comments.
@holdenmg:The NILS scheme is actually exactly what I was looking for.Handy information for people who don't have a stable job however need white goods or a computer to assist themselves in achieving their goals!
@Burnertoasty Not funny, not constructive. Lacking in any sense.
Am missing the point here, why can't you use a windows laptop for DJing?
USB drives are better? An usb drive is an usb drive is an usb drive. If you need a specific type of USB drive, buy a laptop which has one…and a lot of decent laptops even have powered USB ports.
Toons covered the points about software compatibility as well. You might save some $ specifically since you are on a tighter budget. Get a windows laptop with fast CPU, SSD as main drive and good amount of RAM and you will be fine running multiple instances or multiple applications parallel as well. The only thing you will miss is the white apple light at the back.
Tight budget new Macs nothing but USB C more money down the tube everything else won't be compliant yet and you need to avoid shitty cables or adaptors you can fry your hardware
The only thing you will miss is the white apple light at the back.
they got rid of that too
It may be more correct to say that the software you use for music production runs better on MacOS. If thats the case there are cheaper alterntives. Have you considered a Hackintosh ? (https://hackintosh.com/)..
I do apprecaite that laptop support isnt the greatest atm but if you budget is contrained it may be a viable option.
Such bad advice in so many ways… Might as well suggest they pirate windows too.
Sadly would cost you more to buy a windows-OS laptop that is capable of running a Hackintosh properly than it would to just buy a Mac.
Made a PC once. I'd love to build a Hackintosh someday too.
One could just use virtual box or parallels and run both.
DJ for over 15 years here. I recently made the switch to Windows from Mac for DVS and Ableton and the performance is excellent and stability is MUCH better than than the MacBook Pro and Mac Pro I was previously using.
Windows 10 has brought a lot of improvements to audio workstation capability.
I had heard good things i'm glad the improvements i had read about did come to Windows 10,
I'd been wondering whether to run it up on my next new PC and see how it fares over my Mac,
How do you find Ableton? I've always wanted to try it but i've been comfortable with Traktor and logic pro
@Toons: I haven't used Ableton for DJing but for production it is the best fit for my workflow over the other DAWs I have tried.
These days it seems it is pretty much the standard for dance music production.
@SwampCrack: Fair enough,
I use Traktor for Djing helps me keep some of my rare valuables safe from damage, when i'm mucking around.
Since i was on Mac Logic seemed easier to transition to for production, but i'm starting to sway more towards PC again.
Which was why my interest to try Ableton on a new build. Especially with release 10 coming out and that new push controller looks sweet. a swag of new plug ins, the Analog derived wavetable.
They seem to have been able to reduce the amount of processing power required doesn't worry me but it think it's a good step to get more people into the fold
Most things i have should allow me to demo it at least, i get my new PC next month so before i get too serious with it and load up other crap i will be using on it onto it i wanted to play with a few things so i can determine which way i wanted to go. Rather than upset my current setup.
@Toons: I've always liked Traktor for controllers but I rarely use controllers these days. I tried it out using my CDJ 2000 nexus as controllers and its pretty good but didn't really offer any improvement over RekordBox.
For DVS I settled on Serato with timecode vinyl and did I audition Traktor Scratch but found that Serato was more precise and responsive when doing fast scratching. That was a few years ago now and from speaking with peers I understand there is very little difference in terms of performance these days. Also early versions of Serato ran excellent on cheap Netbooks.
Never used Logic but I've used Cubase, Reason (Which was my primary DAW before moving to Ableton Live), Presonus Studio One, FL Studio, Reaper and Protools (Which i still use for mastering).
Ableton is pretty efficient and I still have it on a first gen Intel MacBook Pro (2008 maybe?) and it very usable so I wouldn't bother updating your rig for the purpose of using Ableton Live. You will likely find that it will run just fine on whatever your current rig is.
I have the Ableton Push 2 controller and highly recommend it. It will take your creativity to the next level.
@SwampCrack:no not updating my rig i'm happy with current set up which is 2 years old and even my older one runs it fine which is 2011,
I'm just due another PC that is for actual work so before i put it to use i thought i'd try out a few things before i start installing other crap just to have a bit of a look while it's clean, let me have a bit of time to take a look at alternatives in the future. definitely not updating my toys at this point in time, no need
If you want something for music production you'd avoid both Windows and OSX - you want a real-time operating system: http://www.bandshed.net/avlinux/ and that'll run on about any hardware.
If that's really the reason you need a Mac, then there are better and cheaper options.
But all this "usb drives are way better. Macs are better for music production also" is a load of tripe that you're using to convince your self you need the shiny I'm cool Mac, when really just about anything will do the job (technically).
It sounds like you have no clue about the real differences between Macs and PCs other than what Apple marketing has brainwashed you to believe.
Nope, brand status over requirement, Traktor runs perfectly fine on either system unless your running huge multiple input / output aggregation.
Windows x was supposed to be picking up in this with a better midi and better audio, but realistically to get the full benefit of the midi aggregation you're into major production and would have plenty of coin for all the toys that a set up like that would need.
If you're using it to DJ adding samples, loops etc. and a few inputs even like the old two turntables and a microphone, either one will do. sure the newer it is the quicker it will compile but seriously, Save your cash, buy a windows system that suits and you have more money for other goodies.
The only valid reason i could come up with for me is that I use logic pro.
Better than talking to a bunch of people on here why not actually get the facts from NI they will tell you what you need and debunk the myths, they have nothing to gain from sending you broke, they can work on either system and they want repeat business, so they have nothing to gain from leading you astray.
@Toons: I should not mentioned Traktor.I was meant to be referring to Loic pro an heaps of plug ins. Sorry.Traktor does fail on windows machines quite a lot. The updates from NI can be slack. I have heaps of hardware also.
To the folks that thought I was dim etc.
I am in hospital atm and that is why my replies have been very slow. I am on pain medication. It was very refreshing to finally have some awesome feedback in my feed other than the terrible flack I received. I still cannot believe it occurred!You must not judge so quickly! Being on centerlink does not mean you don't have any assets.I agree, had nothing but issues with Traktor and windows for a long time, however Serato has worked flawlessly over the past year of my gigs.
Westpac has been upping their DJ requirements. Must have a MacBook if he wants the corporate DJ gigs mate.
Will it be used to generate income? If not, why a macbook?