Laptop for college
- Thread starter levicooks
- Start date
I say you can't go wrong with a Macbook. I used to be a PC guy, but I switched my junior year, and I've never looked back.
If you're going the PC way, I like Acers though. Solid quality computer for a pretty good price. I had one before I got my Mac and it was great.
If you're going the PC way, I like Acers though. Solid quality computer for a pretty good price. I had one before I got my Mac and it was great.
This thread sheds some light on things...
http://www.cyclonefanatic.com/forum/off-topic/116435-new-laptop-help.html
http://www.cyclonefanatic.com/forum/off-topic/116435-new-laptop-help.html
You have a couple of choices. Spend $600 or $700 on a laptop (obviously windows-based) that will last for a shorter length of time. Or spend $2000 and get the best possible one you can. This will probably be a Mac or a really nice PC. I've learned I am rough on my laptop, so I am glad I went the cheap route and won't feel as bad when I have to replace it after 3-5 years.
One thing I'd look for is speakers. My speakers are crap and I almost have to use headphones in order to hear anything.
I'd also look at what you plan to study and see if there is a preference there.
My parents got my sisters their laptops through Iowa State. They paid more, but I think it comes with some peace of mind for my non-tech parents.
One thing I'd look for is speakers. My speakers are crap and I almost have to use headphones in order to hear anything.
I'd also look at what you plan to study and see if there is a preference there.
My parents got my sisters their laptops through Iowa State. They paid more, but I think it comes with some peace of mind for my non-tech parents.
My girlfriends computer died earlier this week (cat knocked it off table while it was on, I'm thinking electrical shock or something came loose enough to screw it up) it was a hp, it wasn't a bad computer but she bought a 13 inch macbook pro today from the bookstore. It was $1,200 I think with the education discount and then $70 for microsoft office.
I have a hp that has lasted me 3 years now so it's getting towards the end of it's life (most laptops even macbooks probably won't last more than 4-5 years especially if you carry it around and move it around a lot) I may buy a macbook but I the thought of fanboys and steve jobs annoy the hell out of me.
FYI the ISU computer tech service people are only licensed to work on Apple and Dell products.
I have a hp that has lasted me 3 years now so it's getting towards the end of it's life (most laptops even macbooks probably won't last more than 4-5 years especially if you carry it around and move it around a lot) I may buy a macbook but I the thought of fanboys and steve jobs annoy the hell out of me.
FYI the ISU computer tech service people are only licensed to work on Apple and Dell products.
I had a Dell in college and it lasted me about 5 years. I had to reinstall windows numerous times, but it got the job done and wasn't too expensive. I was really hard on that thing too, carried it around quite a bit and downloaded a massive ton of music.
I now have an HP through work and so far haven't had any problems with it (knock on wood). It does seem to run fairly hot sometimes, not sure if the fan is a POS. It's about 2 years old.
I now have an HP through work and so far haven't had any problems with it (knock on wood). It does seem to run fairly hot sometimes, not sure if the fan is a POS. It's about 2 years old.
Lenovo Think Pad T series (not Idea Pad) is a good computer for non gamers. Build quality and ruggedness are some of it's features that I like. You can buy a well equipped one for less than $1,000.
Lenovo bought IBM's PC brand several years ago. This is their version.
Lenovo bought IBM's PC brand several years ago. This is their version.
400 on a netbook
600 on a desktop
Whatever else for profit.
Honestly though, use your netbook for classes. Small, portable, cheap, GREAT BATTERY!!! Downside no heavy lifting. Barely runs skype.
Desktop does your heavy lifting. Video games, skype, streaming video.
Spend the rest on beer money, **** i mean if you are gonna drop 2k on a Mac save your extra 1k for backups. If you are really worried backup EVERYTHING on a separate hard drive.
600 on a desktop
Whatever else for profit.
Honestly though, use your netbook for classes. Small, portable, cheap, GREAT BATTERY!!! Downside no heavy lifting. Barely runs skype.
Desktop does your heavy lifting. Video games, skype, streaming video.
Spend the rest on beer money, **** i mean if you are gonna drop 2k on a Mac save your extra 1k for backups. If you are really worried backup EVERYTHING on a separate hard drive.
What the heck mac are you getting for $2k?
I have a 13" macbook. I used to have a 15" but I gave that to someone else and got a 13" just because it is easier to travel with. We have also had really good luck with Lenovo T410s.