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So you’ve decided you’re either going to buy a Mac for the first time, or you want to upgrade to a newer one. Good show! But believe it or not, there’s actually an art to it. Following just three steps will help you find the Mac that’s right for you without any buyer’s remorse later.

1. Set a purpose

It’s one thing to want a Mac. It’s another to want it for a specific reason. You’ll most likely spend more money than if you bought a PC, so you want to make sure you’re meeting a specific need. What will you want to do with it?

If you’re looking at doing heavy duty tasks such as graphic design, movie editing, or audio mixing, then the MacBook Pro or Mac Pro can definitely handle your needs. The iLife suite alone is a great answer to why you’d want to buy a Mac. If you’re looking for a computer for more casual use, then there’s a range of options from the MacBook to the iMac. Road warrior? MacBook Air.

And what good is the hardware without the software to complement it? Make sure to check out which software you need, especially if you’re going to an Apple Store. I don’t think I’ve been to one yet that wasn’t always crowded. Your first concern should be an office suite. The two main options are iWork (Pages, Numbers, Keynote) or Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). There’s something to be said for going with all Apple software, considering how well they work together. Also, they can open Microsoft files and save as them. However, if you mainly work in a PC environment, Microsoft Office would be the way to go.

2. Do your homework

Please promise me you won’t be one of those people who buys a computer, only to learn that there’s a newer model the following week. Here’s a tip: OS X 10.7 Lion is just around the corner. You can catch a sneak peek at it in our previous article. Basically, wait until the summer.

Checking the different Mac sites should help you get an idea of what to expect. Sites like Cult of Mac, Apple Insider, Mac Rumors, and us of course can give you a fair idea of what might be up and coming. The best approach is to get a broad view of the news, considering that sometimes Apple will intentionally release false information, or sometimes someone will post something just to be stupid.

You can also try to look at the trends of previous Apple product releases. New iPhones come out in June, new iPods in September, but the notebooks and desktops aren’t so easy to predict. A general rule is that Apple will release revisions to a model each every eight to twelve months. In August, Apple tends to do their iPod promotion for students and teachers. Show that you’re with an educational institution when you buy your Mac, and get a free iPod Touch.

3. Don’t buy AppleCare

Never buying a warranty is a good rule of life. AppleCare is no exception. Here’s the deal: dropping a computer and water are the two main causes of damage. AppleCare covers neither. It gives you 90 days of phone support and a one year limited warranty for hardware.

Phone support is okay, but the Genius on the other end of the line is just looking at a slightly more advanced Apple KBase. There are also plenty of discussion boards out there for free. As for the hardware, definitely keep an eye on your computer for the first year. Follow up immediately if you see any signs for concern. If you can make it past the first year, chances are you’re good. AppleCare just extends the phone and hardware support to three years. It does not add three years. You have to buy it when you buy your Mac.

Take time when evaluating whether or not to buy a Mac, and what options would it open for you. It is a great investment that will last you for the long haul. You’ll be getting a great piece of equipment with software designed to be comfortable for the user. Following these three steps will put you on the right path to the right Mac.

Buyer’s remorse be gone!

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Targus 15.4″ Velos Messenger (Wheat)

 

Targus has recently introduced the Velos Messenger line.  In this line, they focused on a stylish look with maximum portability.  I believe they met these expectations.  Before I go any further, here are the specs:

This bag is stylish, there’s no doubt about it.  The Velos Messenger bag comes in several themes: Chocolate and Wheat.  Each one of these come with two different colored straps.  One of Targus’ main features on this bag is incorporating interchangeable colored straps.  Now some may say this is not a big deal.  However, having a colored strap that goes around the bag, and with a single switch, you can change the entire look of this messenger bag.  That seems like a big deal.  The Velos messenger bag definitely receives some style points.

Targus also focused on keeping this bag slim, and allowing more portability.  First, they keep the pockets down to a minimum.  In my opinion, they were able to achieve this without sacrificing too much usability and compartments, but do not expect as much carrying space as a backpack.

Another step they took to keep the bulk down was a retractable handle on top.  This handle lies flat against the case when not used, and is able to be used just like a regular laptop handle when extended.

The Velos messenger bag has an inner compartment, and an outer compartment.  The inner compartment holds the laptop secure between two ventilated pads, and neoprene.  The laptop compartment is able to hold up to a 15.4” Laptop (measured diagonally).  This inner compartment also has space for several books or folders.  A small lid covers this compartment, and is attached by Velcro.

The outer part of the bag has a zippered pocket, which is useful for a charger, your business card, possibly even a keyboard. Also, on the back of the bag there is a slim pocket for a folder or a couple of sheets of paper.

The outside of the bag has three pouches that aren’t held together by Velcro or zippers.  For me, these pockets are mainly used to hold my portable mouse, and my iPod Touch. Not having any Velcro or zippers is not a problem if the bag is kept upright, but if not, it becomes a slight problem for holding valuables.  The colored strap goes through these two plastic attachers that remind me of those used on airplane seatbelts.  The strap goes all the way through the bottom of the bag, and out the other side.

If The Design of this bag seems difficult to understand through text, please refer to our photostream on the right.

Quality:  I found the quality of this bag to be above average.  Targus puts the quality where it needs to be, so the consumer is gets the best value.  For instance the strap attachments are made of plastic, but the most important part, the laptop compartment, is fully supported with air ventilated pads, and held tight by a flexible neoprene sheet.

I give the Targus Velos Messenger bag a 4.5 out of 5.

The Velos Messenger bag is great for those who want a slim, and protective case, but also want style.  Overall, I would recommend this carrying bag for stylish students, and those wanting to travel light.

 

 

 

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