Laptop For University ?

[exp3000]

Dear TRS Fans,

Starting on the 5th of September i will be heading for my first year in university (York University in Toronto in case you're wondering). Now, along with the confusion, excitement and fear, i am faced with a dilemma. In case you didn't pick it up from the title i am wondering whether or not to purchase a laptop to help with my studies, among other things. On one hand it seems very helpful, on the other very distracting. You can type labs, notes and film lectures, on the other hand it can be very distracting and the whole theft issue. Did any of you guys have any experience or suggestions? I do have a beast of a computer at home and i was thinking of spending more time at school to get away from all the distractions. If i do decide to buy it, should i go with something simple like 2.0 dual core 2gb ram and crappy video card or should i shell the extra buck for something better like 2.4 core 2 duo, 2gb ram and a drx10 card?

Thank you.

[filch]

Get a laptop. It's just so much more versatile. Just take care of it and keep an eye on it. IF you have the $$ to spend, get a powerhouse, but if you could use the money better elsewhere, I say just go for a decent machine. Besides, if you have a really good gaming rig, your grades may suffer :)

[eddielee]

York University? Ouch, I hope you're going there for business.

[tokenuser]

You will need a laptop. Many universities now specify that it is a requirement.

For one day only, woot.com have a great NEW Lenovo (IBM) Thinkpad for USD$700. Worth checking out, but jump on it fast - this is a great deal that wont last.

[ramshaw]

MacBook. :)

[masherscf]

Unless you have a compelling reason to buy a Windows laptop, I would got for the Macbook. It's small and fairly rugged if you get it in black. Plus, you can't avoid the sex factor. Chicks dig guys with MACs.

[tokenuser]

Chicks dig guys with MACs.Problem is that the Macbook (not so much the MacBookPro) has a keyboard, that compared to WinTel laptops seems to be smaller. Now that might just be an optical illusion ... but I can see the MacBook appealing more to guys with small hands, and if the biometrics are true, women like men with big hands ;)

[masherscf]

Problem is that the Macbook (not so much the MacBookPro) has a keyboard, that compared to WinTel laptops seems to be smaller. Now that might just be an optical illusion ... but I can see the MacBook appealing more to guys with small hands, and if the biometrics are true, women like men with big hands ;)

Funny, I have pretty big hands and didn't mind the size of the keyboard of the Macbook. However, my laptop is a Dell Latitude c400 ultra portable (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,11262,00.asp). So I'm used to a smaller machine.

[tokenuser]

Hmmm. Alternate corollary ... perhaps the smaller keyboard MAKES a guys hands look bigger ... and that is what attracts the chicks :)

[masherscf]

Hmmm. Alternate corollary ... perhaps the smaller keyboard MAKES a guys hands look bigger ... and that is what attracts the chicks :)

I do think the Macbook keyboard had a strange feel to it. I also hate the lack of a right-click. However, I feel like I could get over it if I had a spare $1,000 for a stock macbook.

[saqibnk]

i have a MacBook and i've taken it with me to class only once...my university has computer labs all over campus so i dont really need it, plus its just more weight to carry while walking around and it is a big distraction while in class. i would suggest getting a laptop anyway though for its portability and size

[masherscf]

i have a MacBook and i've taken it with me to class only once...my university has computer labs all over campus so i dont really need it, plus its just more weight to carry while walking around and it is a big distraction while in class. i would suggest getting a laptop anyway though for its portability and size

Forgive me for saying so. Carrying your laptop to class is a pretty retarded idea. There's nothing better than a notebook for class. You can transcribe the notes later if you need them on a computer. However, being able to escape your roommate and hold up in the library to write your papers is a pretty good option. A full-size PC at college is the pits. However, laptops are like thief magnets. Make sure you exercise the proper security. That means locking your laptop in a truck or locker when you're not using it.

[aerodash84]

My university gave us laptops Macbooks for art students and IBM Thinkpads for everyone else. I had so many issues with my Thinkpad, and I'd say I'm a pretty experienced user. I'm personally looking to get a Macbook pro for video editing and web/photoshop work. If you're just looking for a work computer I'd recommend something that runs Windows just for compatibility of software in case you have to get something for a class, which I had to do a lot since I did work in video/audio editing and graphics work.

[tnvwboy]

I always liked Thinkpads. Especially the T series systems. They are tough but pretty vanilla. I can't comment on the Macs. I have a Del Latitude D620 from work and it's a decent system. It's no gamer system but it runs fast and decent. I'd have loved it for school.

[sparks]

I'd recommend the new Macbook Pros, I have one for school myself it is a nice system. Runs Windows really smooth too

[iccanui]

I do think the Macbook keyboard had a strange feel to it. I also hate the lack of a right-click. However, I feel like I could get over it if I had a spare $1,000 for a stock macbook.

On the macbook the kb is indeed smaller then other models, but thats cause its a small form factor pc. Its supposed to be smaller. If you want bigger get a MacBook Pro. The 15 inch model will still be small and fit ya better too. I have a balck MacBook and I have to admit the smallness is wearing on me. I really am feeling cramped, maybe I got big hands I dont know.

Either way, get a mac if you ask me, just make sure it fits right I guess.

[brettville]

I would not have been able to make it through college without my laptop and now the one thing I never leave the "house" without is my MacBook Pro, Charley. (Yeah, I named him...so what?)

One important lesson I have learned. NO GAMES ON THE LAPTOP!!!

The laptop is what you take with you to get away from the distractions...it doesn't help if you are taking your distractions with you.

[tokenuser]

If you're just looking for a work computer I'd recommend something that runs Windows just for compatibility of software in case you have to get something for a class, which I had to do a lot since I did work in video/audio editing and graphics work.I was going to say something similar.

You NEED a computer, and a laptop is definately the way to go. Most schools have a recommended computer platform due to the software that might be required during a course. Check your orientation literature - there may well be a recommendation in there.

Of course you CAN run Parallels or Bootcamp on MacOSX, but then you are jumping between environments, and not all academic software is written to a standard that will work in that environment. Many schools also have "Laptop Bundles" that you can purchase that is standard hardware preloaded with the software you will need.