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ImperialZeppelin · 05-07-2006, 06:34 PM

D didn't want one for school this year because she'll be carting clarinets on her back and couldn't handle a laptop in the book bag too. She realized the most of her computer work would be in her dorm room so a laptop wouldn't make much sense. If you're going to take a laptop around and work on it, then fine, but if 90% of the use will be in your room, I'd dump the laptop idea. Laptops afford you 1/2 the computer at twice the price. If you buy a desktop, you can have all the trimmings including larger, second HDDs (at least 250 GB, but more is better), more RAM (at least 512 MB, but 1 GB better), a flat panel display, a DVD burner, etc., and still have trouble breaking the $1000 mark.

Dell, schmell. In case you haven't noticed it, Dell isn't boasting about their "award winning" service anymore in their ads. They have been getting raked over the coals on service as of late. Look into Sony, HP, and Compaq as possible alternative.

If size is an issue, look for small form factor boxes; these are smaller than a shoe box. I think Shuttle makes a complete small form factor computer; they are a leading manufacturer for these small cases for those of us that like to build their own.

05-07-2006, 06:34 PM	#6
ImperialZeppelin Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 325	Really A Laptop? D didn't want one for school this year because she'll be carting clarinets on her back and couldn't handle a laptop in the book bag too. She realized the most of her computer work would be in her dorm room so a laptop wouldn't make much sense. If you're going to take a laptop around and work on it, then fine, but if 90% of the use will be in your room, I'd dump the laptop idea. Laptops afford you 1/2 the computer at twice the price. If you buy a desktop, you can have all the trimmings including larger, second HDDs (at least 250 GB, but more is better), more RAM (at least 512 MB, but 1 GB better), a flat panel display, a DVD burner, etc., and still have trouble breaking the $1000 mark. Dell, schmell. In case you haven't noticed it, Dell isn't boasting about their "award winning" service anymore in their ads. They have been getting raked over the coals on service as of late. Look into Sony, HP, and Compaq as possible alternative. If size is an issue, look for small form factor boxes; these are smaller than a shoe box. I think Shuttle makes a complete small form factor computer; they are a leading manufacturer for these small cases for those of us that like to build their own.