Apple machines are only used by about 5% of computer users and despite the idiotic commercials you see on TV marketing to the youth market a Windows machine is much cheaper to buy and will do everything your student will need. I would suggest you stay with Windows XP which is still available on Dell laptops until June 30 because Microsoft still after a year can't seem to get Vista right, hence the Apple commercials. I stopped using my Mac because I don't do music and video editing or graphics design which is Apple's forte.Check with your grand daughter and see if she is interested in those fields. Apple has the hip factor but check any business,hospital,office and you will see nobody is running on Apple. Just my humble opinion.