pandem

I posted this awhile ago on a different forum, and figured I'd add it here. It doesn't address everything, but it's pretty thorough.


1) The basics

2) Your needs & budget
a. Word processing, Internet, etc.
b. Major
c. Gaming
d. How much are you willing to spend?
e. Laptop or desktop?
......i. Laptops are preferable
......ii. Planning ahead (buy a new computer in junior / senior year)
......iii. Netbooks
......iv. Building a desktop vs. prebuilt
3) MAC VS PC: The eternal debate
4) Windows: what brands?
a. Dell, Acer, Sony, Lenovo
5) Finding a good deal
a. Apple: student discount and free iPod
b. Other sites to follow


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RAM is how fast your computer runs. More RAM = faster computer.
I’d recommend at least 2 GB of RAM, unless you’re getting a very low-end laptop. Vista is a memory hog though, so don’t go below 2 GB if you don’t like hourglasses.

Hard drive size depends on how much junk you’ve got. More music & pictures = more space. I’d recommend a minimum 100GB drive. Also, external hard drives are pretty cheap, so if you have A LOT of files, going external with a 500+ GB drive might be more economical.

As for processors, they won’t matter as much for most people. If you’re interested in gaming, then get a better one. But don’t expect to play Crysis or such on a $1000 laptop.

[On a personal note, Team Fortress 2 and Mirror’s Edge run great on my 15.4’’ Macbook Pro 2.66. ]

That said, don’t get too hung up on the details. Find a computer that fits your needs (see below) and budget and you’ll be fine.

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A) WORD PROCESSING / INTERNET / ETC.

First off, you should figure what you need or want to do on a computer. Most people only do the following:

* Word processing / Microsoft Office
* Web browsing & Email
* Basic photo editing
* Other simple tasks

Sound like you? If so, a 13” or 15” laptop for under $500 will be more than sufficient.

B) MAJOR
Some majors require more powerful computers. But don’t count out the school’s computer lap for more intensive programs.

Business or Engineering
Windows is necessary, but don’t forget that Macs run Windows just fine.

Video/Film
Need more power to edit a lot of footage. Macs are generally used as Final Cut Pro is pretty much the best.

If you want Windows, Sony Vegas is pretty good, and so is Avid. Windows Movie Maker is horrible.

C) GAMING
If you intend to play serious computer games, a more powerful computer is required. Higher end Macs (booting Windows) can handle gaming. For simpler, older stuff, any machine will work.

D) HOW MUCH ARE YOU WILLING TO SPEND?
$500 is more than enough to get a basic laptop. Serious gaming laptops will run you 1000+.

In general, don’t spend over $500 if your primary use is word processing and web browsing.

E) LAPTOP OR DESKTOP
I. LAPTOPS ARE PREFERABLE
For the average college student, a laptop makes much more sense than a desktop. That said; if you absolutely need a powerful computer, and are on a budget, get a desktop. Dollar for dollar, you will get more power with a desktop.

II. PLANNING AHEAD
Factoring in student discounts, it makes sense to purchase a new computer / software just before you graduate.

Most laptops will work 3 to 4 years fine, IF you take care of them.

If you:
Are constantly downloading questionable files
Have random files cluttering your harddrive
Don’t run ScanDisk / clean up programs occasionally

Your laptop will limp its way along. The machine itself will probably take a beating over the years as well.

III. NETBOOKS AREN’T WORTH IT (for most people)
Netbooks on the other hand become outdated almost the month you buy them. Don’t expect a netbook to last 3 to 4 years; the technology will be entirely obsolete by then.

I honestly don’t recommend buying a netbook unless

1. Your computer needs are EXTREMELY limited. Luddites, this is for you. Even then, you can probably get by with the school’s computer labs alright.
2. You already own a desktop / are planning to build one. A netbook can be a nice portable complement to a full-fledged desktop computer. Don’t expect a netbook to replace a decent laptop.

Also, if you get a netbook (and don’t have another computer), an external CD drive will probably be necessary. You’ll get CDs in some classes, and the vast majority of netbooks don’t come with CD/DVD drives.


IV. BUILDING A DESKTOP VS. BUYING A PREBUILT
Unless you’re somewhat familiar with computer hardware [or know someone who is (not including me! ☺)], I don’t recommend building a computer. It’s not too complicated, but you’ll be lost without a very base knowledge of parts. And while the savings are probably worth the hassle, a laptop is probably better for a college student anyway.

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I had to address it somewhere. ☺

Anyway, either operating system will work. I’ll keep it brief:

MAC OSX:
+ Virtually virus immune
+ Software is generally easier to use
+ The laptop itself is better made, lighter, looks sleeker
+ Can run Windows relatively easily (with Bootcamp)
- Most commercial programs are designed for PCs
- Generally more expensive

WINDOWS
+ Less expensive hardware
+ Most programs will work
- Virus prone (which can be avoided somewhat easily with antivirus software)
- Generally less stable (hardware isn’t made by Microsoft)
- Vista is a terrible OS. Windows XP and 7 are alright though

It’s a personal choice. I bought a MacBook Pro 15” recently, mostly for the hardware. I use Photoshop, Illustrator, and programs that need a powerful computer.
So I chose a 15” laptop that is thinner and lighter than comparable Windows laptops. Boot Camp allows me to launch a full version of Windows anytime I need it.

If you’ve got the money and want something that stands out, look into MacBook Airs.

Another note: if you’re buying a Windows laptop, consider waiting until October, as Windows 7 will be released then. However I believe that Microsoft will give you a discount on Win7 if you buy a laptop now.

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I’d recommend (in this order)

Lenovo
Sony
Acer
Dell

I’ve only had bad experiences with H.P. and Toshiba, so I don’t recommend them.

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It’s easy to find a significant discount on computers by poking around online.

A) APPLE DISCOUNT
Apple offers a discount on their computers to students. Plus, you get a free iPod Touch and a free printer (with rebates).

Apple

B) OTHER SITES TO WATCH
Keep tabs on these sites; you’ll find some great deals.

Dealzmodo - Gizmodo
LogicBUY - Lowest prices and Coupons for laptops, cell phones, GPS, MP3 Players, HDTV, videogames
CheapCollegeGamers
Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, Digital Cameras and more!


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Hopefully this guide was of help. Feel free to ask any other questions, but try not to nitpick at the specification details. As stated, unless you’re a gamer, an engineer, or a graphic designer, any <$500 laptop will do.

hebrewhammer

A lot of this is personal opinion, and the statement "RAM is how fast your computer runs" is inaccurate. I'm guessing your just trying to simplify things, but that's still a false statement and past a certain point more RAM doesn't necessarily give you a faster computer, just allows you to run more ****. RAM really only effects the speed of your computer if you have too little, which slows it down.
I think it's pretty tough to find a laptop for less than $500 at all, especially one that's well built, has a decent processor, decent amount of RAM, decent hard drive space, and other useful things like a webcam. I would say the majority of students who aren't gaming or doing photo/video editing don't need a computer that costs more than $600-700, but finding one for $500 would take some patience and a lot of searching.

However, if you are a gamer or doing other intensive stuff, then getting a desktop + cheap laptop or netbook can be a pretty good deal. As far as building goes, you definitely get more customization, but nowadays you don't really save much money, especially if you know where to look for deals for built computers. If you do build, though, Newegg is the place to go.

modestmelody

I disagree with so much of this guide it almost makes me want to write a real one.

eucalyptus2

My D wants a notebook with an external CD drive. It is not a good choice? Even brand new with the web cam?

modestmelody

If you're referring to the Dell Studio 14z at Best Buy, eucalyptus2, I think it's a great idea.

what.cd

Agreed. And, I disagree with many of them as well.

pandem

Geez. I try to post a helpful guide and all I get is negative response.

If you're got a problem or disagree, please do tell instead of just complaining.


And it's easy to find a laptop under $500. What internet are you using?
35% off Gateway MD7820u 15.6" 2GHz Core 2 Duo Laptop - LogicBUY
$150 off + 12% Stackable Coupon: Lenovo IdeaPad Y530 15.4" Laptop [2.16GHz Dual-core, 2GB DDR3] - LogicBUY
$200 off Toshiba Satellite L305-S5962 15.4" 2GHz Dual-core Laptop - LogicBUY

brandnewstate

Hello. I'm trying to determine how big of an external hard drive I should I get. I'm not a gamer (at all), but I do have a large music collection and a good many photos. I want to figure out how mang GB or whatever I already have on my PC so I can better determine what size hard drive to get. Could someone please tell me how to do this? And I do realize just how basic a question this is; I'm sure you can tell just how much I know about computers haha

pandem

Sure. I assume you're on a Windows machine?

First you need to find out where you're keeping the music and pictures. Generally it'll be in My Documents, under My Pictures and My Music. If it is, right click on each of those folders, and click 'properties'. The size of the folder in GB should be there.

If it's not under My Music, just find whatever folder you're keeping them in, and right click ->properties.

aforautumn

tl;dr


also, even thought this tries to simplify things, it really doesn't. the fact that acer is recommended over HP is lolz.

but i definitely second the notion that finding a notebook under $500 is beyond easy.
i'm pretty sure most stores have pro-built ones in that range, and i see online ads on a daily basis. many with core2duo and 4gb of ram.

brandnewstate

Okay, I have approx 44 GB of music and approx 1.7 GB of pictures...

I found a 160 hard drive on clearance online for $50 some dollars. From what I've seen, I believe this is a good deal... right? I also saw a 320 GB hard drive for $69 on sale at Staples. I'd be getting more GB/dollar with the 320 GB, but I dont know if it makes sense to buy it since I dont see myself needing that many GB in the near future. Thoughts?

hebrewhammer

Of the three you listed, the only one I personally would consider was the gateway, which is sold out. Neither of the other two have a webcam, which is fairly standard, and both have 2 GB's of RAM, which is barely enough for Vista alone to run well. I also prefer the C2D over the Pentium dual-core, but that doesn't matter as much. Maybe I have higher standards, but I feel like for the stuff even your average college student is doing a webcam is almost a necessity and 3+ gb's of RAM is good.
So yes, it is not hard to find a laptop under $500, but from what I've seen the few laptops in that price range that I feel meet these standards are rare deals that sell out quickly. I guess this impression could be false as it's been a while since I've been in the market.

EDIT: for the external HD guy, how big is the hard drive on your computer? Also, I feel like $50 for the 160gb drive is a pretty average deal, not bad but not great.

brandnewstate

How do I figure out the size of my hard driveeee?

pandem

My Computer -> Right click on Drive C. Click Properties.

modestmelody

Pandem, I appreciate what you tried to do, but there's a lot of false information.

That's on top of the fact that those sub-500 notebooks are not going to last for 4 years, they also are far heavier, hotter, and more underpowered than laptops that cost just a bit more. Right now the sweet spot appears to be more like 650-1000, depending on needs.