Adobe - Creative Cloud Photography Plan Student & Teacher Edition 20GB (1-Year Subscription) - Mac, Windows, iOS Digital Model: ADO951800V524 Publisher: Adobe. Apple Training from New Horizons Apple in the Workplace. The use of Apple hardware, software, and services is a growing choice for individuals and organizations. Microsoft Office for Mac Home and Student 2011, Licence Card, 1 User Microsoft (315) Computer Classroom at Home: Key Stage 2 Study Pack (For Ages 9-11) (PC/Mac) Avanquest Software. You need toothpaste, golf clubs, and batteries—and you need them now. Known for its colossal shopping catalog, Amazon packs virtually all of the features and functions found on its website into this ample app, whether you're buying gifts, tracking orders, or scanning items in a brick-and-mortar store for an online price comparison.
[Updated July 19, 2019.]
To publish a book on Amazon, start by creating a Kindle Direct Publishing account and formatting your book according to Amazon's standards. Then, decide whether you want to publish a digital book or a paperback book, or both. Next, log into your Kindle Direct Publishing account, and upload your book and some cover art.
As a parent of children aged 17 and 14 who writes and talks about technology all day, all of a sudden I find myself being asked all the time by fellow parents for advice about buying laptops for their kids. Some of them have kids going off to college this fall, and others are buying a laptop for a new high-school student. (This year, I'm the one with a student going off to college!)
Parents are often apologetic about asking me, which is sweet. Hanns g hh251 driver for mac os. 'This is what I do for a living,' I say. I'm happy to help friends out.1 So here's what I tell them:
As with every single technology buying decision you'll make, there is no one right answer. It's all about the person is who is going to use the computer, and what they need. That said, today there is a clear default choice for most Mac laptop buyers, and it's the 13-inch MacBook Air.
The MacBook Air provides a great balance of size and functionality. This is still a small, light laptop, but it's got two Thunderbolt 3/USB-C ports—which is especially important since you've got to use one of them when you need to charge your laptop.
If you used the old 13-inch Air, you'll be surprised at how much smaller this model is. Apple's shaved off all the space that was taken up by bezels around the old, non-Retina screen. This laptop is almost an inch narrower and half an inch less deep. It's not as tiny as the MacBook, but it's tiny.
The MacBook Air is a modern Mac through and through, with a Touch ID sensor and T2 processor for security—good news if you're toting a laptop around a college campus. The display is bright and high-resolution. The speakers sound good, with proper stereo separation.
And the keyboard? Well, it's the same keyboard that Apple's shipping on all its other laptops right now. My own teenagers don't seem to mind it, but you might want to ship them off to school with a can of compressed air just in case a key gets stuck. (The current MacBook Air ships with a slightly modified keyboard design that Apple says is more reliable, and Apple's covering all keyboard repairs on this model for four years after sale.)
This MacBook Air lists for $1099, which is $100 more than the old 13-inch Air. Fortunately, if you watch Amazon for sales you will find that it's frequently available for $999, which is the perfect price. All education buyers should get the $999 price.
The 13-inch MacBook Pro with two Thunderbolt 3 ports has had a lot of its thunder stolen by the MacBook Air, but it only costs $200 more and is a more powerful and customizable laptop for students who need those features. While I think most students don't need a Touch Bar laptop, if you want to splurge on a more powerful laptop for your student, the low-end 13-inch MacBook Pro model is a good choice.
A word about upgrades: If you're going to invest in an upgrade in storage or memory from the base model, I'd consider what your student plans on doing with the laptop. The base model, with 128GB of SSD storage and 8GB of memory, is a little lightweight—I'd recommend upgrading to at least 256GB of storage. Don't go overboard, though—you can always buy an external USB-C SSD drive for them if you're worried about them running out of storage.
For friends who are excited about buying their kids a MacBook but who are put off by the price tags, I will often point them to the Apple Refurbished Mac page, which features deals on refurbished Mac models. You can save $200 or more with a refurbished machine, and they all come with a one-year warranty.
(An aside about dongles: Your kids might need them, though it's not a sure thing. We grown-ups are more likely to be obsessed with connecting all of our old peripherals via an assortment of adapters, but your kids may not care. I know you might feel better sending your kid off to school with a bag full of white Apple USB-C adapters, but they might be better off buying them as they need them.)
Finally, does any kid need a new laptop for school? Certainly not. I tend to roll my technology down through the family, which extends the life of our laptops and iPads for several years. If you've got a family laptop, that might do the trick. Used laptops can also be had for bargains and can serve students quite well—I installed new RAM and an SSD in my mother's old MacBook Pro and sold it for a few hundred dollars to a local community college student, who should be able to use it for several years.
And as always, it depends on a student's needs. If typing in Google Docs is all that's necessary, the system requirements are awfully low. (And yes, you could buy them a Chromebook in that case—though my daughter is finally showing signs of frustration that she can't run real apps on her Chromebook. I'm so proud.) There are plenty of options out there depending on a student's needs and your budget.
But if you do want to buy a student in your family a new MacBook, the choice is almost certainly the MacBook Air.
- And, apparently, to use their questions as fodder for Six Colors posts. ↩
If you appreciate articles like this one, support us by becoming a Six Colors subscriber. Subscribers get access to an exclusive podcast, members-only stories, and a special community.
So you picked out your new Mac and took advantage of all of Apple's Back to School Promotions. Now what? There are plenty of accessories for your new Mac that will make your user experience even more grand.
With the MacBook being Apple's most popular Mac ever, we saw it fitting to give some ideas of the accessories you could get for the MacBook that would make college living a little bit easier. And, if you buy these with your Mac purchase, through Apple's website, you get free shipping.
External hard drive
With all of the crazy shenanigans that happen at college, you need to protect your data, and that means backing up to an external hard drive. In the past, this was a pain, and still can be for PC owners. With the release of Mac OS X Leopard, Apple added a nifty little feature called Time Machine. All you do is plug-in your external hard drive and tell Time Machine that you want to back up everything to this drive. Time Machine will make a complete copy of all of your files, allowing you to restore single files that were accidentally deleted, as well as your entire computer, if for some reason something terrible happens to your computer and you lose everything. Here are my recommendations on external hard drives:
Apple Time Capsule – $279
This 1TB external hard drive also acts as a 802.11n wireless router. This was released around the time that Time Machine was, and offers wireless back-ups from your computer. This is the ideal solution for backing up a MacBook, because it does it automatically without wires. You may even forget that you have a back-up. Apple's Time Capsule is also available in a 2TB capacity version for $479.
LaCie 500GB Starck Mobile Hard Drive – $119.95
This would be a great hard drive with portability in mind. Sporting a stylish look, the LaCie Starck Mobile Hard Drive is small enough to go where you go. Just throw it in your bag and take your back-up with you.
Go here to see all of the hard drives that Apple sells.
Case/Sleeve/Notebook Bag
There are plenty of different cases and bags that are compatible with the MacBook. If you plan on taking your computer to class or when you head home for the weekend, you are definitely going to want something to protect that shiny white MacBook.
BBP Hamptons Hybrid Messenger/Backpack Notebook Bag – $99.95
If you have a lot of gear that you take with your MacBook wherever you go, this is the perfect bag for you. This unique bag allows you to carry it five different ways. It also has lumbar 'bum' pads that cushions the bag against your back.
Samson sound deck profile. Incase 13″ Neoprene Sleeve Plus – $39.95
If you are looking for protection from scratches during your daily commute, and don't really have anything else to carry, the Incase Neoprene Sleeve Plus is a possibility. With its faux fur interior, your MacBook will be safe and sound wherever you take it.
Speck 13″ SeeThru Case – $49.95
The Speck SeeThru Case lets you add a little bit of personality to the plain white MacBook; providing protection from scratches and dents. This hard case also has rubber feet to keep your MacBook securely on your desk or the table of your favorite coffeeshop.
Go here to see all of the notebook bags and cases that Apple sells.
Peripherals/Desktop Replacement
If you are like me, a laptop is good for on the go or in your lap. However, when it's sitting on my desk, I like to have a mouse and a keyboard I can set on my lap. I even went a step further and made my laptop into a pseudo desktop when it was at my desk.
Apple Magic Mouse – $69
Apple's latest Bluetooth mouse is the first multitouch mouse on the market. Use gestures such as swipe and scroll to navigate webpages and documents. The unique multitouch surface allows for 360 degree scrolling as well as one or two button functionality. All of this combined with the versatile laser tracking engine make the Magic Mouse an ideal peripheral for any surface.
Apple Wireless Keyboard – $69
This Bluetooth keyboard features a solid aluminum housing and crisp, responsive keys that gain you one touch access to features such as volume control and screen brightness.
Griffin Elevator Notebook Stand – $39.95
This unique stand elevated your MacBook's screen to a height that reduces neck and eye strain. It also gives you back some of that precious real estate on your desk. I used this stand with my MacBook Pro for my freshman and sophomore years. It gave the feeling that I was working on a desktop rather than a laptop.
Twelve South BookArc Desktop Stand – $49.95
Amazon Video App For Mac
This is my current set-up, which I enjoy very much. When paired with an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse, the BookArc allows you to truly get a desktop feel when you are at your desk. Just slide your MacBook into the stand, connect your monitor, and your are good to go. The design allows for better heat dissipation as well as well as safety from items on your desk that may scratch your MacBook. Also, with your MacBook closed, the video RAM goes directly to power your external monitor, providing a considerably faster experience.
Security
Kensington ComboSaver Notebook Lock – $29.95
This lock offers peace of mind when you leave your dorm. Securing your MacBook to a desk or other immovable object via a steel cable, this combination lock is perfect solution to keeping away pesky intruders or your freshman roommate.
Computrace LoJack for Laptops Premium Mac (3 years of service) – $99.95
If you think the Kensington Lock is a little too passive, this software would really give you peace of mind. LoJack is a recovery service that tracks your MacBook's location and partners with local law enforcement to retrieve it. It also comes with a $1000 service guarantee, although over 90% of stolen computers are located and recovered.
Audio
Bose Companion 5 Multimedia Speaker System – $399.95
I can personally vouch for these speakers. I have been using them for 3 years now and they are absolutely stunning. The sound is so rich and they have just the right amount of bass. This speaker system simulates 5.1 surround sound from just a 2.1 setup. I didn't believe it, but once I heard these speakers it really did seem like there was surround sound in my room. To use this system, just plug-in the system to a power outlet and then plug-in to your MacBook via USB port. The convenient control pod allows you to mute your system, plug-in your headphones, or plug-in an auxiliary device. Imagine the sweet rave party possibilities with this system.
Beats by Dr. Dre Headphones from Monster – $299.95
The MacBook Air is a modern Mac through and through, with a Touch ID sensor and T2 processor for security—good news if you're toting a laptop around a college campus. The display is bright and high-resolution. The speakers sound good, with proper stereo separation.
And the keyboard? Well, it's the same keyboard that Apple's shipping on all its other laptops right now. My own teenagers don't seem to mind it, but you might want to ship them off to school with a can of compressed air just in case a key gets stuck. (The current MacBook Air ships with a slightly modified keyboard design that Apple says is more reliable, and Apple's covering all keyboard repairs on this model for four years after sale.)
This MacBook Air lists for $1099, which is $100 more than the old 13-inch Air. Fortunately, if you watch Amazon for sales you will find that it's frequently available for $999, which is the perfect price. All education buyers should get the $999 price.
The 13-inch MacBook Pro with two Thunderbolt 3 ports has had a lot of its thunder stolen by the MacBook Air, but it only costs $200 more and is a more powerful and customizable laptop for students who need those features. While I think most students don't need a Touch Bar laptop, if you want to splurge on a more powerful laptop for your student, the low-end 13-inch MacBook Pro model is a good choice.
A word about upgrades: If you're going to invest in an upgrade in storage or memory from the base model, I'd consider what your student plans on doing with the laptop. The base model, with 128GB of SSD storage and 8GB of memory, is a little lightweight—I'd recommend upgrading to at least 256GB of storage. Don't go overboard, though—you can always buy an external USB-C SSD drive for them if you're worried about them running out of storage.
For friends who are excited about buying their kids a MacBook but who are put off by the price tags, I will often point them to the Apple Refurbished Mac page, which features deals on refurbished Mac models. You can save $200 or more with a refurbished machine, and they all come with a one-year warranty.
(An aside about dongles: Your kids might need them, though it's not a sure thing. We grown-ups are more likely to be obsessed with connecting all of our old peripherals via an assortment of adapters, but your kids may not care. I know you might feel better sending your kid off to school with a bag full of white Apple USB-C adapters, but they might be better off buying them as they need them.)
Finally, does any kid need a new laptop for school? Certainly not. I tend to roll my technology down through the family, which extends the life of our laptops and iPads for several years. If you've got a family laptop, that might do the trick. Used laptops can also be had for bargains and can serve students quite well—I installed new RAM and an SSD in my mother's old MacBook Pro and sold it for a few hundred dollars to a local community college student, who should be able to use it for several years.
And as always, it depends on a student's needs. If typing in Google Docs is all that's necessary, the system requirements are awfully low. (And yes, you could buy them a Chromebook in that case—though my daughter is finally showing signs of frustration that she can't run real apps on her Chromebook. I'm so proud.) There are plenty of options out there depending on a student's needs and your budget.
But if you do want to buy a student in your family a new MacBook, the choice is almost certainly the MacBook Air.
- And, apparently, to use their questions as fodder for Six Colors posts. ↩
If you appreciate articles like this one, support us by becoming a Six Colors subscriber. Subscribers get access to an exclusive podcast, members-only stories, and a special community.
So you picked out your new Mac and took advantage of all of Apple's Back to School Promotions. Now what? There are plenty of accessories for your new Mac that will make your user experience even more grand.
With the MacBook being Apple's most popular Mac ever, we saw it fitting to give some ideas of the accessories you could get for the MacBook that would make college living a little bit easier. And, if you buy these with your Mac purchase, through Apple's website, you get free shipping.
External hard drive
With all of the crazy shenanigans that happen at college, you need to protect your data, and that means backing up to an external hard drive. In the past, this was a pain, and still can be for PC owners. With the release of Mac OS X Leopard, Apple added a nifty little feature called Time Machine. All you do is plug-in your external hard drive and tell Time Machine that you want to back up everything to this drive. Time Machine will make a complete copy of all of your files, allowing you to restore single files that were accidentally deleted, as well as your entire computer, if for some reason something terrible happens to your computer and you lose everything. Here are my recommendations on external hard drives:
Apple Time Capsule – $279
This 1TB external hard drive also acts as a 802.11n wireless router. This was released around the time that Time Machine was, and offers wireless back-ups from your computer. This is the ideal solution for backing up a MacBook, because it does it automatically without wires. You may even forget that you have a back-up. Apple's Time Capsule is also available in a 2TB capacity version for $479.
LaCie 500GB Starck Mobile Hard Drive – $119.95
This would be a great hard drive with portability in mind. Sporting a stylish look, the LaCie Starck Mobile Hard Drive is small enough to go where you go. Just throw it in your bag and take your back-up with you.
Go here to see all of the hard drives that Apple sells.
Case/Sleeve/Notebook Bag
There are plenty of different cases and bags that are compatible with the MacBook. If you plan on taking your computer to class or when you head home for the weekend, you are definitely going to want something to protect that shiny white MacBook.
BBP Hamptons Hybrid Messenger/Backpack Notebook Bag – $99.95
If you have a lot of gear that you take with your MacBook wherever you go, this is the perfect bag for you. This unique bag allows you to carry it five different ways. It also has lumbar 'bum' pads that cushions the bag against your back.
Samson sound deck profile. Incase 13″ Neoprene Sleeve Plus – $39.95
If you are looking for protection from scratches during your daily commute, and don't really have anything else to carry, the Incase Neoprene Sleeve Plus is a possibility. With its faux fur interior, your MacBook will be safe and sound wherever you take it.
Speck 13″ SeeThru Case – $49.95
The Speck SeeThru Case lets you add a little bit of personality to the plain white MacBook; providing protection from scratches and dents. This hard case also has rubber feet to keep your MacBook securely on your desk or the table of your favorite coffeeshop.
Go here to see all of the notebook bags and cases that Apple sells.
Peripherals/Desktop Replacement
If you are like me, a laptop is good for on the go or in your lap. However, when it's sitting on my desk, I like to have a mouse and a keyboard I can set on my lap. I even went a step further and made my laptop into a pseudo desktop when it was at my desk.
Apple Magic Mouse – $69
Apple's latest Bluetooth mouse is the first multitouch mouse on the market. Use gestures such as swipe and scroll to navigate webpages and documents. The unique multitouch surface allows for 360 degree scrolling as well as one or two button functionality. All of this combined with the versatile laser tracking engine make the Magic Mouse an ideal peripheral for any surface.
Apple Wireless Keyboard – $69
This Bluetooth keyboard features a solid aluminum housing and crisp, responsive keys that gain you one touch access to features such as volume control and screen brightness.
Griffin Elevator Notebook Stand – $39.95
This unique stand elevated your MacBook's screen to a height that reduces neck and eye strain. It also gives you back some of that precious real estate on your desk. I used this stand with my MacBook Pro for my freshman and sophomore years. It gave the feeling that I was working on a desktop rather than a laptop.
Twelve South BookArc Desktop Stand – $49.95
Amazon Video App For Mac
This is my current set-up, which I enjoy very much. When paired with an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse, the BookArc allows you to truly get a desktop feel when you are at your desk. Just slide your MacBook into the stand, connect your monitor, and your are good to go. The design allows for better heat dissipation as well as well as safety from items on your desk that may scratch your MacBook. Also, with your MacBook closed, the video RAM goes directly to power your external monitor, providing a considerably faster experience.
Security
Kensington ComboSaver Notebook Lock – $29.95
This lock offers peace of mind when you leave your dorm. Securing your MacBook to a desk or other immovable object via a steel cable, this combination lock is perfect solution to keeping away pesky intruders or your freshman roommate.
Computrace LoJack for Laptops Premium Mac (3 years of service) – $99.95
If you think the Kensington Lock is a little too passive, this software would really give you peace of mind. LoJack is a recovery service that tracks your MacBook's location and partners with local law enforcement to retrieve it. It also comes with a $1000 service guarantee, although over 90% of stolen computers are located and recovered.
Audio
Bose Companion 5 Multimedia Speaker System – $399.95
I can personally vouch for these speakers. I have been using them for 3 years now and they are absolutely stunning. The sound is so rich and they have just the right amount of bass. This speaker system simulates 5.1 surround sound from just a 2.1 setup. I didn't believe it, but once I heard these speakers it really did seem like there was surround sound in my room. To use this system, just plug-in the system to a power outlet and then plug-in to your MacBook via USB port. The convenient control pod allows you to mute your system, plug-in your headphones, or plug-in an auxiliary device. Imagine the sweet rave party possibilities with this system.
Beats by Dr. Dre Headphones from Monster – $299.95
Normally, I think that Monster's products are overpriced for what they are. $130 HDMI cable? I mean, come on. Either way, these noise-cancelling headphones are definitely worth the Monster price tag. I tried these out at the Apple Store on Fifth Avenue in NYC and honestly could barely hear anyone around me. If you want to get any studying done, or just want to tune out the annoying roommate, who you have nothing in common with, these headphones are a must have. I will most likely be purchasing them myself in the next few months.
Go here to see all of the audio devices and speakers that Apple sells.
Extras
Class - Amazon For Mac Osx
Apple 60W MagSafe Power Adapter – $79
If you plan on taking your MacBook with you, frequently, you may want to consider getting an additional power adapter. Your MacBook will come with one, but a second one would save you the trouble of constantly unplugging it and packing it away in your back. Plus, if you happen to forget your power adapter at school and you go home for the weekend, that doesn't leave much time for computer usage. Also, in the unfortunate event that your cable gets cut somehow, you may want a back-up.
Pulse 2GB Smartpen from Livescribe – $149.95
This is an extremely useful tool for a college student. I've been using one for a year and it has gotten me out of a pickle numerous times. As you write down your notes, the powerful microphones on the pen record the professor's voice and matches it with your written notes. When you want to listen to what the professor said when you were writing a specific word in your notes, just tap that word with your pen and the audio will play. It also digitizes your notes, allowing you to view and interact with them on your MacBook. Below is a demonstration of the Pulse Smartpen.
There are tons more items on the Apple Store, as well as from other electronics retailers, that can enhance your experience with your new Mac. Hopefully, this gave you some ideas on things you may want to get with your MacBook. If you have other favorite accessories, please add them below to give these back to school students more ideas on what they should look for.
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