Search for a new lap top computer for college

Posted by: gsm01320

Search for a new lap top computer for college - 09/07/2003 20:31

I am in dire need of a lap top computer for college... I was wondering if anyone could give me advice on a good brand, speed... whatever... i'M definately mew at buying a good computer so any and all advice would be extrememly wonderful... It will need enough memery for storing images as I am to be majoring in art and photography.. plus hopefully be able to download sound waves or whatever from the internet...
and perhaps someone know the ups and downs of various systems/companies/brands... (??)
Thank you all
Posted by: Dignan

Re: Search for a new lap top computer for college - 09/07/2003 20:49

Just to make sure, is it because you anticipate carrying the new laptop with you to all sorts of places on campus? Otherwise I'd definitely say get a desktop of a nice Shuttle PC which is only slightly less portable (still easy to take from home<->school).

I only ask because my girlfriend had a laptop for the first 3 years of college, and we've just ordered her a Shuttle for her final year. I had no problem with four years of a desktop. If I'm outside, I don't want to be on the computer
Posted by: gsm01320

Re: Search for a new lap top computer for college - 09/07/2003 20:53


Just to make sure, is it because you anticipate carrying the new laptop with you to all sorts of places on campus?

I guess that is part of the problem... I'm not quite sure... my sister uses her lap top as a stereo when she goes on long trips (all her music is downloaded onto her comp.) and since my college is about 6.5 HOURS drive... It'd be a good source of music
don't kick me.. but what exactly is a PC Shuttle?
Posted by: msaeger

Re: Search for a new lap top computer for college - 09/07/2003 20:56

Shuttle
Posted by: cushman

Re: Search for a new lap top computer for college - 09/07/2003 20:56

Isn't that what your Empeg is for?
Posted by: gsm01320

Re: Search for a new lap top computer for college - 09/07/2003 21:02


Isn't that what your Empeg is for?

::sigh....::
not if its in the boyfriends car.
Posted by: Dignan

Re: Search for a new lap top computer for college - 09/07/2003 21:03

don't kick me.. but what exactly is a PC Shuttle?
No problem! It's this. Basically a computer about the size of a shoebox (or breadbox? ).




I suppose the travelling thing is an issue. Most of the people here don't have to worry about it, I suppose But that's cool, too. Of course, you're going to have to find some way to power the laptop in the car. I don't know, can laptops last for 6.5 hours?
Posted by: matthew_k

Re: Search for a new lap top computer for college - 09/07/2003 21:11

Your first choice is the Mac/PC debate. Being an art/photography major, a mac may actually be in the majority with the people you interact with on a daily basis. Try and find out what the "standard" is at whatever school you're heading off to. Beware that often enough the schools will only sell macs, because they're profitable to sell, unlike PCs. This doesn't have anything to do with who-uses-what.

If you go down the PC route, you've got two choices. If you've got the money, go for the corporate line of on of the major manufacturers. (IBM, Hewlet Paquard) If you're being "fiscally conservative", go for the best deal in the consumer line of any major company.

Have a geek friend work with you on picking out what features you want/need and are willing to pay for. (wireless networking, memory, processor, hard drive, and screen)

Matthew
Posted by: gsm01320

Re: Search for a new lap top computer for college - 09/07/2003 21:19

find some way to power the laptop in the car. I don't know, can laptops last for 6.5 hours?

that's easy.. there actually is a plug in for her computer to the cigarrete (sp?) lighter outlet thing

and another question... where is the screen to that thing?????
Posted by: genixia

Re: Search for a new lap top computer for college - 09/07/2003 21:22

Isn't that what your Empeg is for?
::sigh....::
not if its in the boyfriends car.
That can be solved. Ditch the PC idea and buy an empeg instead.
Posted by: Dignan

Re: Search for a new lap top computer for college - 09/07/2003 21:23

and another question... where is the screen to that thing?????
Well, that's what makes it almost as portable. That's just basically a small computer. You still need a keyboard, mouse, power source, and of course, a monitor.
Posted by: gsm01320

Re: Search for a new lap top computer for college - 09/07/2003 21:23

thank you.. I will definately check all that out... I believe the school doesn't actually sell computers but they primarily us Mac s so I'll have to do a little more research on that..
arrrrrhggg why can't buying a laptop computer be as easy as most are to use???!?!?!
Posted by: gsm01320

Re: Search for a new lap top computer for college - 09/07/2003 21:25

That can be solved. Ditch the PC idea and buy an empeg instead.

wouldn't that be great? lol.. what..... then how could I send e-mails???
Posted by: Daria

Re: Search for a new lap top computer for college - 09/07/2003 21:26

If you watch gotapex.com you can find Dell laptop deals. Your mileage may vary, I find the Dells reasonable. Really, though, were it not for resolution sohortcomings, and maybe in spite of it, I'd want a Powerbook G4.
Posted by: Dignan

Re: Search for a new lap top computer for college - 09/07/2003 21:26

Do you know if your school has a campus-wide wireless network set up? I know more and more of them are starting to do that. There was talk at my school, but nothing ever happened...
Posted by: gsm01320

Re: Search for a new lap top computer for college - 09/07/2003 21:28


Well, that's what makes it almost as portable. That's just basically a small computer. You still need a keyboard, mouse,
power source, and of course, a monitor.


I think I'm gonna have to cancel that idea... I'm already having trouble finding one peice.... imagine buying everything seperate.... I'll pass...lol... Knowing me I'd forget to bring one of the peice.... the moniter.... back with me when I'm transporting the whole thing.
thanx though lol
Posted by: gsm01320

Re: Search for a new lap top computer for college - 09/07/2003 21:33

Do you know if your school has a campus-wide wireless network set up? I know more and more of them are starting to do
that. There was talk at my school, but nothing ever happened...

I'm still crossing my fingers on that one... with the campus community growing I think that if not this fall.. then by next fall... otherwise I gotta go in through the phone jack... and thats wayyyyyy to much.. although I do have a cell phone... but I really don't want to have to dial in everytime I want to log-on.. I hope they have it set up for us
Posted by: gsm01320

Re: Search for a new lap top computer for college - 09/07/2003 21:36

ou watch gotapex.com you can find Dell laptop deals.

Are you talking about used computers? B/c I'm looking for a new one..



hmmm... Dells... I forgot about those.... I'll have to check those out
thanx
Posted by: gsm01320

Re: Search for a new lap top computer for college - 09/07/2003 21:37

Oh yes... and where does Toshiba stand ?
Posted by: Daria

Re: Search for a new lap top computer for college - 09/07/2003 21:39

No, I wouldn't buy a used laptop again ever. The new ones are too cheap.
Posted by: mcomb

Re: Search for a new lap top computer for college - 09/07/2003 21:40

the school doesn't actually sell computers but they primarily us Mac s
As an art major I would definitely get a mac, there is a very good chance most of your classmates will have macs and they are (in my biased opinion) much better for just about anything creative. I would get an iBook or the 12 inch powerbook depending on your budget. Wait until after MacWorld Create on the 16th though incase they introduce new and improved models.

-Mike
Posted by: drakino

Re: Search for a new lap top computer for college - 09/07/2003 21:43

Well, Mac wise, go for a Powerbook G4. Should be an excellent system for any art/photography major. Out of the box, you get a great photo managment program. Beyond that, all the typical Adobe apps and such exist, and run fine.

Make sure you check your school for any student discount. Use this link to see your discount. Note the price on what system you want. Then use this link and add $100 to what you see as the price there. Basicially the second link is to the Apple Developer store, and as a student, you can register as a developer for $99, and use the discount once.

Powerbook wise, it's going to depend on portability vs screen size. The 17 inch should be fine on its own, but the others, you may want to grab an external monitor to work on things while in the dorm.

*edit* One reason I say go for a Powerbook over an iBook is the ability to hook up an external monitor and use it at a high resolution, something the iBooks can't do. While an iBook does feature an external monitor port, it forces you to use the resolution of the laptop on it, and the iBooks limit is 1024x768, probably not a good resolution for serious Photoshop work.
Posted by: gsm01320

Re: Search for a new lap top computer for college - 09/07/2003 21:44

No, I wouldn't buy a used laptop again ever.

AGAIN??
The new ones are too cheap.


cheap? I guess so if you compare it to the price it takes to fix a accidentially purchased used one that keeps goofing then sure... actually with everyone competing for mor buyers.. the sellers arent raising their prices too much

Posted by: Dignan

Re: Search for a new lap top computer for college - 09/07/2003 21:48

Youre campus doesn't have a wired network either? How big a school are we talking about? Is it in VA?
Posted by: gsm01320

Re: Search for a new lap top computer for college - 09/07/2003 21:49

As an art major I would definitely get a mac, there is a very good chance most of your classmates will have macs and they
are (in my biased opinion) much better for just about anything creative.
I guess I deep down knew mac would wind up being best..
I would get an iBook or the 12 inch powerbook
depending on your budget. Wait until after MacWorld Create on the 16th though incase they introduce new and improved
models.

these are totally amazing.. I will definately wait till the 16th to see if they do improve it or not.. thanx... these go top so far
Posted by: gsm01320

Re: Search for a new lap top computer for college - 09/07/2003 21:56


Well, Mac wise, go for a Powerbook G4. Should be an excellent system for any art/photography major. Out of the box, you
get a great photo managment program.
WOW
Beyond that, all the typical Adobe apps and such exist, and run fine.

good to know
Make sure you check your school for any student discount. Use this link to see your discount. Note the price on what
system you want. Then use this link and add $100 to what you see as the price there. Basicially the second link is to the
Apple Developer store, and as a student, you can register as a developer for $99, and use the discount once.

totally excellent idea... thanx... I will definately check to see...

Powerbook wise, it's going to depend on portability vs screen size. The 17 inch should be fine on its own, but the others, you
may want to grab an external monitor to work on things while in the dorm.

yea

*edit* One reason I say go for a Powerbook over an iBook is the ability to hook up an external monitor and use it at a high
resolution, something the iBooks can't do. While an iBook does feature an external monitor port, it forces you to use the
resolution of the laptop on it, and the iBooks limit is 1024x768, probably not a good resolution for serious Photoshop work.

smart thinking.. I probably will go with that... check book willing that is..lol... I'll do more research there.. so I'll just replace the ibook for the powerbook G4
sounds good... THANX
Posted by: gsm01320

Re: Search for a new lap top computer for college - 09/07/2003 22:00

Youre campus doesn't have a wired network either?

honestly can't remember
How big a school are we talking about?

1014 last fall (first time they broke 1000)
Is it in VA?

yes.. but its a private college down in Bristol VA called Virginia Intermont College... check it out http://www.vic.edu its really a NICE campus

Posted by: gsm01320

Re: Search for a new lap top computer for college - 09/07/2003 22:02

thanx
Posted by: mcomb

Re: Search for a new lap top computer for college - 09/07/2003 22:13

One reason I say go for a Powerbook over an iBook is the ability to hook up an external monitor and use it at a high resolution, something the iBooks can't do. While an iBook does feature an external monitor port, it forces you to use the resolution of the laptop on it, and the iBooks limit is 1024x768, probably not a good resolution for serious Photoshop work.
Excellent point and you may want to rule out the 12 inch powerbook for a similar reason. Their max res is 1600 x 1200, but with a VGA not DVI connector so you can't use one of their sweet displays if you want a really big workspace. But the 12 is a lot more portable so if you want to be able to take it to class with you it may be a better choice. It comes down to how much cash you want to spend and how your are going to use the laptop.

-Mike
Posted by: gsm01320

Re: Search for a new lap top computer for college - 09/07/2003 22:21

Excellent point and you may want to rule out the 12 inch powerbook for a similar reason. Their max res is 1600 x 1200, but with a VGA not DVI connector so you can't use one of their sweet displays if you want a really big workspace. But the 12 is a lot more portable so if you want to be able to take it to class with you it may be a better choice.
More things to think about...lol... but great points to be thought about..thank you
It comes down to how much cash you want to spend and how your are going to use the laptop.

honestly I'm just happy that its gotten to this part
Posted by: wfaulk

Re: Search for a new lap top computer for college - 09/07/2003 23:30

I'll just replace the ibook for the powerbook G4
If you're already using a Mac and are happy with it, I cannot come up with a compelling reason to get a PC laptop at all. You've already come to this conclusion, but I thought I'd reinforce it.

Specifically, you strike me as not being inclined to enjoy arguing with a computer, and Macs do a lot better at ``just working'' than PCs do, especially, in my experience, with laptops.

Also, it narrows your choices down quite a bit. There's only five to choose from. Of course, there are options for each, but that would be the case no matter what you chose.
Posted by: Daria

Re: Search for a new lap top computer for college - 10/07/2003 06:30

cheap? I guess so if you compare it to the price it takes to fix a accidentially purchased used one that keeps goofing then sure... actually with everyone competing for mor buyers.. the sellers arent raising their prices too much

You can get a Dell for as cheap as $600 if you look long enough new. Admittedly the configuration is sort of crappy, but once you get down to $600, used just isn't very attractive.
Posted by: jmwking

Re: Search for a new lap top computer for college - 10/07/2003 07:10

yes.. but its a private college down in Bristol VA called Virginia Intermont College... check it out http://www.vic.edu its really a NICE campus

My brother went to VI in the early '80s (creative writing). He nearly got himself kicked out halfway through the second semester of his senior year. The school'd had a leadership change that year, deciding to emphasize their religious roots. My brother thought they were stifling all creativity, and so was a leading figure in the insurgency. It took a couple lawyers to keep him in the rest of the year and graduate.

It is a beautiful part of the state, but you do have to put up with those pesky NASCAR people descending now and again.

-jk
Posted by: davec

Re: Search for a new lap top computer for college - 10/07/2003 08:59

Isn't that what your Empeg is for?

::sigh....::
not if its in the boyfriends car.

Simple fix, buy a black sled from robricc and make the BF get with the times...
Posted by: gsm01320

Re: Search for a new lap top computer for college - 12/07/2003 23:17

Actually the art and photo professors told me to go with a mac on Friday at my pre-registration day metting... so no pc's
Posted by: gsm01320

Re: Search for a new lap top computer for college - 12/07/2003 23:20

Admittedly the configuration is sort of crappy

so why would I want it?
I'm goin with a MAC
Posted by: gsm01320

Re: Search for a new lap top computer for college - 12/07/2003 23:26

My brother went to VI in the early '80s (creative writing). He nearly got himself kicked out halfway through the second semester of his senior year.
wow thats pretty intense
It is really beautiful... I will be one of those pesky nascar people hopefully
Posted by: gsm01320

Re: Search for a new lap top computer for college - 12/07/2003 23:29

Simple fix, buy a black sled from robricc and make the BF get with the times...

I wish I could.. but he'd just remind me that I wouldn't even know what empeg was without him... and I'd be rio what? rio grande??? he'd make sooo much fun of me.... I might as well face it... he'll always get the empeg