shoebox10

It's not technically an Apple, it just runs Apple's software. I'm talking about a full-fledged tablet sold by and through Apple. We got the Air instead
And, this article reminded me, Dell makes tablets. I'd stay away, they're too new and Dell isn't extremely reliable in the laptop dept...

collegehopeful78

Well I think Apple will probably release one this year. Air sucks for the most part. Very weak system.

Dell is never relable.

For reliablilty stick to apple, ibm/lenvo and if you are rich alienware.


I think anything that is made by Lenvo should be good. Thinkpads rule especially the t61p.

shoebox10

On Apple's Tablet: it will most likely happen either this summer or next winter. Tablets are becoming popular in certain fields, such as medicine (my doc writes prescriptions electronically and sends them to my pharmacy, signature and all), engineering, and especially art/design. Since Apple caters a lot to the arts, it'd be a wise choice for them. I think a lot holding them back is that a lot of tablet softwares use Windows, so maybe Apple's trying to be smart about this and form the software and get it working prior to release. No one wants a cool computer with nothing to run on it.

vistany

A tablet sounds good, but I'm afraid my handwriting is too sloppy for it to be translated. While I was on DOTL I went into the bookstore and spoke to a girl about CavComputers. she explained the whole Dell vs Apple thing, but what she told me about warranty support, down time etc was really different than the pitch on the CavComp website. For Dell laptops, she said 5 days til service and the website pitch said next day. She said you could buy direct from Dell and still get service from Cav Comp but the website video seemed to suggest something else.

My plan was to drink the Cav Computer Kool Aide and pay extra for the service but it's not clear that I'd be better off than going to Dell Direct and getting a custom configuration.

What do most ppl do?

shoebox10

My friend's Apple just broke and it's taken them 4 days, AND he's paying premiums on it even though CavComp doesn't do anything other than ship it off to Apple (has to under warranty, otherwise warranty is voided). So, if you go Apple, just buy from Apple/another store and get the best warranty possible, or as long as you'd want the computer.
For Dell, I've heard good and bad stories about them and their service with CavComp. Honestly, I see no reason to buy it from CavComp but that's because I'm good with computers (or at least enough to fix major problems). The best part about their warranty is if you're stupid, you can essentially get a new computer (but it's a refurbished one, i've heard, which sucks).
Honestly, if you CAN buy from somewhere else and CAN get CavComp's service for a fee, I'd do that. Buy a computer you like and that's most likely much cheaper than what you would've paid through UVA. If you can only get a Dell to do CavComp service, I'd skip it. Honestly, if something goes that awry with your computer (other than stupidity of dropping it or something) then you should be covered under the manufacturer's warranty. Their turn-around is about the same as Cavs, maybe even quicker if you overnight it.
I see no point in begin forced into buying a Dell. I see no point in the extra warranty from UVA unless you and laptops don't mix. But, mostly it all comes down to preferences and cost. If you like CavComp's computers and can afford it, buy it. If you don't/can't, go elsewhere and just tack on a warranty.

PS- i have horrible handwriting. And it's gotten worse. But, somehow, the tablet makes it read-able. It either forces me to write better, or it's fool-proof....I'd like to think the former, but I doubt it.

jags861

cavcomp blows.

tablets are overrated--why spend $1000+ premium so you can write on that instead of a notebook.

although people hate them, dells usually are the best option. get a latitude and get the best warranty, Dell has next day service, cavcomp claims they do. i did get my computer from cavcomp and have completely abandoned calling them for help--I call dell directly now when I have a problem and its much more speedy. they either overnight you simple parts to replace (hard drives, etc) or send a repair guy the next day to your apartment.

vistany

I have an IBM thinkpad (about 3 years old) and it had plenty of problems but the on site warranty was really good. Once IBM switched it over to Lenova the warranty service was not as good.

I was thinking I should stick to Dell because the CAV Comp could service it even if I bought it direct Dell. I wanted a custom configuration as opposed the the 2-3 choices CavComp will release in May.

Any reason you recommend this over the XPS?

jags861

case isn't plastic (its some magnessium compound that holds up better) and it has better long term support as they are the business models. After 4 years, I'm still able to get the same parts when something goes wrong from dell. I doubt they keep XPS parts in stock for 4 years.

If you want to play video games, then the latitude isn't what you want, however.

HartinGA

Give Cav Computers another look. When you compare prices, be sure you factor in EVERYTHING that comes with theirs, including software, memory, etc. You can get the specs from Cav Comp and literally price it out with Dell line by line. I priced my S's on dell.com and UVA was cheaper. And I think the service has been good. Certainly it has given me peace of mind.

jags861

^ don't worry about the price of software AT ALL. all software that comes with a cav comp is available free on UVa's network to every student.

If your laptop breaks, it can take sometimes over a week for CavComp to repair a laptop. and trying to hurry them along usually involves a trip or two out to milton drive where their repair facility is. its really a poorly designed system.

Protean

dell is the best bang for the buck. latitude's are a solid business line but cost more.

since this thread is officially "non-recommendation" I'd say avoid cavcomputers, sure they give you warranty and all but in my opinion it is just not worth the cost, especially if you know a thing or two about computers.

vistany

video games a are a must, but so is a box that can be dropped occassionally. I got an email from Dell today and the latitude has some nice security stuff, but the XPS can be configured for gaming.

I noticed they were offering accidental damage protection. That sounds like something I could use. Anybody know anything about it?


How do you get the UVa software package if you don't go through Cav Comp?

shoebox10

The accidental plan covers the computer if you drop it or something. Frankly, I wouldn't get it and just be careful. Unless you're prone to accidents, it's not worth the money.

As for software, I know you can get pretty much everything except Windows through UVa. I know any engineering program on laptops is available either for free or less than $20 (Mathcad is $12, everyone has to buy it regardless). Since you get Windows on the computer either way you go, there's no real software issue. Windows Office might be the only thing you'd have to get on your own if you don't buy through CavComp, but I think it's extra anyways, and computer manufacturers always give you the option of adding it on.