Frequently Asked Questions by Parents

Why should my son or daughter buy a Mac for college?

*Everything is easier on a Mac. The operating system is bullet proof. The software is more intuitive. The hardware is more reliable. In addition to integrating seamlessly with PCs, the Mac lets you run integrated productivity applications like Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.* With higher productivity, and a more enjoyable computing experience, your son or daughter will have a competitive edge in college with a Mac. And did you know that your student is eligible for special student discounts on all Apple products? Not only is a Mac affordable, but it comes loaded with award-winning digital media software that would cost hundreds of dollars on a PC.

* Microsoft Office is sold separately.

Can a Mac run Microsoft Office?

Yes, a Mac can run Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Microsoft Entourage. In fact, in addition to everything you’d expect, Microsoft has put additional features into the Mac versions that don’t exist in their Windows counterparts. For more information on Microsoft’s products for the Macintosh, and on Microsoft’s continued commitment to the Macintosh platform, check out Microsoft’s Mac-only website, Mactopia.

Will my son or daughter fit in on campus with a Mac?

Absolutely. Networking, productivity software, and Internet software all work as well or better on a Mac. This school sanctions and supports the Mac.

If you learn on a Mac, won’t you have trouble in the “real” world?

The Macintosh operating system, called Mac OS X, is a lot like Windows, with a few key distinctions. First, Mac OS X is based on industry standards. That means your son or daughter will learn skills that can be used on any operating system — not just the Mac. Second, the Mac provides the freedom to innovate. Instead of worrying about whether your son or daughter will “fit in,” choose the platform that will allow for the greatest professional and personal expression, flexibility, and growth. Choose the platform that will encourage your student to “stand out” and excel in their college life.

How does Apple’s warranty stack up?

Any Mac you choose comes with 90 days of toll-free phone support, and a one-year limited warranty. In 2004, Apple’s warranty was rated number one for the fifth year running. How’s that for peace of mind?

If my son or daughter gets a Mac, I won’t be able to help when there’s a computer problem. How can he or she find help?

Apple is the only company that can provide hardware, software, and operating system support in one phone call. If a problem does occur, every Mac comes with 90 days of toll-free phone support and a one-year limited warranty service. You can even extend the toll-free phone support for up to three years with the AppleCare Protection Plan. With the Mac, there are many avenues for support, and fewer reasons to call on them.

Apple's processors seem slower than other PC processors for the same price. Why should I pay the same amount for a slower computer?

Apple’s processors are not slower than PC processors. In fact, the 64-bit G5 processor is lightning fast. Computer processors are very complicated devices, and as you might imagine, their performance cannot be boiled down to a single number. Comparing the “GHz” rating of a Pentium processor to that of a G4 processor is similar to comparing kilometers per hour to miles per hour. In general, a G4 gets much more done per “GHz” than a Pentium. The fastest Macs are faster than the fastest PCs in many operations.

Is my son or daughter eligible for a discount from Apple?

Yes. The university has negotiated even better pricing for the featured solutions for specific majors. You can access the school's unique online Apple Store from our academic technology recommendation page.

Can Apple help me finance the purchase?

Apple is committed to making purchasing options as flexible as possible. The Apple Credit Account also lets you spread payments out. Visit http://www.apple.com/financing/ to learn more.

I’ve heard Macs are more expensive than PCs. Why is that?

Don’t be mislead by sticker price. Apple includes everything you’ll need in the system. When comparing prices, make sure the PC you’re pricing has the same features.

You should take a look at the list of software and hardware included on a Mac before drawing any conclusions. iLife, Apple’s award-winning suite of digital media applications, is preloaded on every Mac. For similar applications on a PC, you’d have to spend hundreds of dollars.

How much memory (RAM) is enough to last through college?

Although Mac OS X requires only 256 MB of RAM, you might consider getting between 512 MB and 1 GB of RAM for your computer. In general, RAM is the cheapest way to increase the performance of a computer. If you don’t load up now, don’t worry — you can always easily add more later.

How much hard drive space is enough to last through college?

This depends on what you expect your student to do with his or her Mac. The average MP3 music file, usually one song per file, takes up about 4 MB of hard drive space, whereas one minute of video footage can take up about 210 MB. In general, 20 gigabytes (or 20,000 megabytes) is as small as you’d want to go. Forty gigabytes is roomier, and 60 to 80 gigabytes will provide plenty of room for years to come. You should consult with the school's technology recommendation page to understand what would best work for your student.

What’s better for college — desktop or laptop?

Mobility, particularly in this age of wireless Internet connectivity, is central to campus computing lifestyles. And while a desktop system will certainly do the trick, most students find that the freedom and flexibility of a laptop serves them better through their years at college.

I’d like to try a Mac out. Where can I go for a test drive?

Why not visit an Apple Retail Store? See the store locator at http://www.apple.com/retail/.

I still have some questions about getting a new Mac. Who can I ask for advice?

Send an email to student@apple.com and Apple can help clear up any doubts that might linger. We're sure you’ll agree that the Macintosh will give your son or daughter the competitive edge he or she needs to get ahead in college.

* The statements on this pages are directly from Apple and do not necessarily represent La Sierra University's views on computer purchases. For more information, contact the Apple Technology Rewards Program (ATRP) and ask for the Marketing Kit Usage Guidelines.