I need a notebook for basic college work and internet use. I will also store pics and music (but not an insane amount). In the summer, I may be traveling abroad w/ it on my back, but not for sure(so weight is a consideration but not a priority). My budget is about $1500.
I like a lot of things about Mac and it would be simple to just go the apple store and get it over with. But, I much more familiar w/ using a PC and may find a better deal, since apple never really offers sales the way other brands do. What do you reckon?
Any reccomendations for me? Thanks!

My son uses a hand-me-down Toshiba Satellite Laptop and the CD Drive is structurally / mechanically broken.
How hard would it be to install a new one myself?
Any websites for instructions. . .
I’ve installed new laptop hard drives and memory before but never a CD drive. Is it simple enough for me to do or should I take it to a repair shop?