how exactly does the special financing work. i want a mac and cant afford one. im going into grade 12 and need something that i can trust.

http://www.apple.com/financing/

It's probably best to just give Apple a call and speak with someone. They would be able to answer any specific questions you may have.

I'd agree with MittWaffen... financing should be used for something that you really need, but maybe can't afford. Of course it's sometimes hard to pass up getting something you want when you don't have the cash for it. I'd imagine a huge chunk of credit card debit is for things that people just want. That's fine so long as you're sure that you know you'll be able to make the payments (meaning absolutely sure). It's very easy to ruin your credit... especially when you're just starting out as you are. I'm guessing you don't have much credit experience (if any) at this point, but once you get behind, it can be very difficult to catch up. Ruining your credit now can make the difference between enjoying your younger years and avoiding answering phone calls and collections letters. Note that the grace period for an interest free loan is void if you make a single late payment. This means you will be charged the full interest rate (which will make your final purchase somewhat more expensive... an annual percentage rate of 23% as of now... per Apple's financing page).

IMHO, continue using your HP until you have it paid for or until it does not meet your needs for school. Learn to use it safely so that it does not crash. Thousands of people and companies use HP computers without incident. I suspect that every HP produced in the past 2 or 3 years will meet the requirements of any high school or early college course.

Save you money while continuing to use your HP. When the time comes that your HP no longer meets the needs of the school, then buy the Macbook Pro with cash.

Once again IMHO, you are too young to go into debt for a computer. Hopefully you are not offended by my response. Others will/have posted how to go about contacting Apple to inquire about financing plans.

If you need to finance a laptop, you should think twice about why you are buying said product.

Is it for the cool factor?

Apple factor?
OR
The hardware?

Why not a NEW HP that has everything a macbook has for half the price?

I payed 3000 dollars for my 15" MBP, when I could of gotten a PC for 1300 with the same specs.

If its for cool, or apple factor; you should think twice before going into debt.
If its for the hardware, alot of PC laptops (IE ASUS) give you way more for your money.
You'll basically get a PC system with the same, or more specs but for half the price.

Mac = PC but x2 the price for alot less then x2 the hardware.

You pay a HIGH premium for apple, meaning your paying more for less technically.

Keep in mind the cost of applecare, or repairs (EXPENSIVE!).

If its for OSX / mac software, then get an Apple.

If your using windows over half of the time, get a PC; Apple is gimmped in the windows world (No switchable graphics, stuck with dedicate = worse battery in windows)

Do you like to tweak and edit hardware (IE bios, overclocking?) Get a PC, Apple you have next to no control at bios level.

If I couldnt pay for my laptop in cash, I'd of gotten a PC.
They will both do the same job and the end of the day.

If your tight on money, get a 700-1200 dollar HP imo.

Cheers, and i wish you the best of luck with your choice.

-I'm just telling him how it is.