Buying an Apple Pro Mac

[HappydaysArehere]

had made my mind up to buy a pro Mac - so a real investment -but reading some reviews I have found that their latest system is having web connection issues. I saw some complaints about failing connections and others who couldn't connect at all. Has anyone had trouble connecting with the latest Yosemite system? The thought of raiding my savings and not having the web and emails horrifies me. I wanted to purchase from Apple shop as it is the only way to get the one to one lessons for £70.and believe me I will need those! Otherwise I would buy from John Lewis who would probably let me take it back if it fails. I would welcome any advice on my deliberation. If you can offer any help I would be grateful.

I have found that their latest system is having web connection issues.

We have seven Macs in the family running various versions of Yosemite and later (El Capitan beta). I have no idea what you are talking ahout.

Why do you need special lessons? Have look on youtube and you'll fine lots and lots of instructions and tutorials.

Thank you Pneumometer and antimatter for answering. (I am sorry events have prevented me seeing your replies). The connection problem was all over the sites I visited. Apparently they have been trying to improve things. Something to do with one part of the system blocking another. However, you have reassured me.
Antimatter, I am 74 years old and becoming slow on the uptake. I have only experience of a Windows 7 computer and an I Pad. The Apple shops go through the set up with you, so one problem sorted! They transfer photos and you can book as many lessons as you need for a year. I am, however, rethinking having read your advice. I believe you can get an introductory lesson at Apple so that might help. I have also bought a basic manual but this doesn't cover Pages for some reason. I could, however, put that seventy pounds towards a new printer!
Thank you both for answering.

It's not the only way to get the one to one lessons for £70 is it?

I will say, are you sure you need a pro? I have an Air (my second), and I'm a computer programmer who needs a bit of oomph, but the Air is awesome - no problems at all, plus it fits in my bag, is light and has really good battery life.

If you're just doing some word processing, and a bit of (non-professional) photo/film editing then my Air is fine for that too - you could get a cheaper model and put the saved money into something else (like a second monitor - it's surprisingly handy to have a second screen when doing something on a laptop.

I may have the wrong end of the stick entirely, and you're looking at a desktop machine - in which case, ignore me :)

Rjnoaaaagh I was told I could only get them through Apple if I purchased from their shop or online. John Lewis said the same. Do you mean I might purchase the lessons on a lesson by lesson basis? As you can tell, I am one nervous old woman trying to keep up with things.[big grin]

No Chunky, you are correct. The lad in the Apple shop pointed out that the 15 inch 500gb pro was, for some reason than another, selling at £50 cheaper than the Air. It also had a faster processor (which will be the only fast thing around here). He also said I would have more attachment facilities. On paper it looked good. However, I see where you are coming from. I will recheck. The reason I want so much storage is that I will be transferring around five thousand photographs before i begin and I would prefer not to be forced into storing externally but have this as an option. As you can tell I am wanting an easy life in my old age but so appreciate your advice. Thank you.

5000 thousands photographs won't take much space

Antimatter you are saving me money by the minute. I suppose I always had a Windows computer with 500 on them. So always knew that any slow down wasn't down to lack of space. Yes, I know, I am daft. Thank you again.

If you are buying anything pay for at least 8 GB RAM.
8GB memory will time proof your computer (mac or windows).
Storage space can be bought for very little money. You can back up your photos to the cloud as well.

I have had so many laptops it's unbelievable, they were all rubbish except my Pro.
I love it and no problems at all. My dh had a few problems with his, but the support is second to none and Windows can go and F**k itself afaic.

Thank you again. The one I was stretching myself to buy has 8 Gb Ram but perhaps the 250 storage might be enough. I am always taking photos and down loading the pictures I make when I use various art apps. There seems no end to the photos as I use them for my painting hobby.
NewLife4Me, so pleased you like your pro. I am hoping this laptop will last me a good while so am trying to make the right decision. Thank you so much both of you.

8 GB RAM is the way forward!

DD has a pro about 18 months old and no problems at all.

Thank you again. Looked at the specs again and it is 16 GB Ram! So feeling reassured. Thank you Alonglongway, that is good to hear. Just one more question to ask. I have run out of free i cloud space and not keen on using credit card on I pad. During the set up of the pro will I be required to put credit card on if I already have an Apple ID? I have just downloaded iOS 9 and can no longer see the option to remove it! Also it has moved to a different part of settings which allows you into credit card installation without putting your ID in. Or am I setting up problems which do not exist? By now you will probably be well fed up with me so I am not expecting an answer.

Tried again to get account info and this time it wanted ID!

Please, please, back up your precious photos!! Don't rely just on your machine and i-cloud.

5000 pics really wont take up that much storage!

There is a free cloud/online service- Dropbox. Many people use this as an alternative back up! I use it for photo backup - you can take photos on your phone - and you can configure that it is automatically backed up as you go.. ie when I was on holiday my photos during the day automatically backed up when I was on wifi... So I would still have the photos even if my lost my phone- I think this is fab!

Thank you Devils Advocat. I have seen Dropbox mentioned before but never understood it. I didn't realise it was free. Thank you.