EfremDan1

So Penn's offering us 7 different laptops to choose from.
For Macs, we have the Macbook, the Macbook Pro (2.0 GHz), or the Macbook Pro (2.16 GHz).
For PCs, we have the Dell Latitude D620, the Dell Latitude D820, the IBM Thinkpad T60 Mainstream System, and the IBM Thinkpad T60 Professional System.

Basically, it's the Macbook vs the Dell Latitude vs the IBM Thinkpad.

This is really more of a question for people already at Penn, but which computer do you guys think would work best? My older sister, who goes to a different college, uses a PC and says that everyone at her school with a Mac is in love with it, and the PC owners envy them (herself included).

People say Macs are more sturdy (they don't break if you drop them) and they don't have viruses.

However, I'm used to a PC, as I'm sure most people are. PCs are much more mainstream, and most programs are written for them.

Any opinions on which of the 3 computers to buy, or even just a Mac vs. PC opinion, would be greatly appreciated.

benji06

i'm really annoyed at the specs for the Dell D620 because i want that laptop but it is just too "low-end" for what i want. i will be customizing my own through the Dell website with Penn's discount (12%!!!)

FuFighter

did penn send out info about the discount?

kshpenn

Can anyone post the configurations and prices available for penn students? I still did not receive my penn setud code to create my pennkey...

EfremDan1

Here are the computers (If I don't say it's a desktop, it's a laptop)

PCs:
Dell OptiPlex GX620 Desktop System $1099 (desktop)
Dell Latitude D620 Mainstream System $1099
IBM ThinkPad T60 All-Purpose System $1429
IBM ThinkPad T60 Professional System $1799
Dell Latitude D820 Performance System $1899

Macs:
iMac 17" Intel Core Duo $1360 (desktop)
iMac 20" Intel Core Duo $1775 (desktop)
MacBook (White or Black) $1482
MacBook Pro (2.0GHz) $2039
MacBook Pro (2.16GHz) $2388

nodnard

I wanna get a tablet PC.

MichaelJ

I don't think it really matters all too much. You guys should keep an eye out on the bargain websites like slickdeals.net, bensbargains.net, or fatwallet.net (a lot of the time they post the same deals). Sometimes they post great deals on computers, and it might be just what you're looking for

metsfan112

Dell currently has a 35% discount on their website if you get a select Insperion Notebook. I just got this discount and got a great computer.

Re en Kam

Same here. $625 off the normal price.

metsfan112

Mine was like $1000 off

Re en Kam

my mom would only let me spend a certain amount...the one i picked first was like 1100 off and she was like, "no no that's too much" even though it turned out to only be like 350 more than the one i got, in the end. parents don't make any sense sometimes

Heathcliff

I have the Thinkpad, and I'm fine with it, but I hear Macs never crash/freeze/etc. so if thats one of ur worries, u should probably get a Mac.

Re en Kam

Mac's definitely crash/freeze. I used a really, really good one to do my school's yearbook and it still had it's moments. There's even something like the Windows Ctrl+Alt+Del. I think that if you're proficient with a computer than you can prevent most freezes and crashes and if you aren't too great with them than the Mac probably wouldn't help much.

Collgbound

Does anyone know if the printers and other devices at penn are bluetooth capable? I'm thinking about adding it on to my laptop and want to know if it is necessary.

brittanicajack

you all know that you dont have to stick solely to what penn offers through computer connection. as long as you have wireless internet compatibility a newer processor and windows xp you will be fine. most people come to school with a variety of brands. you just want a laptop your comfortable with and that meets your needs; more or less hi-tech as that may be.