<p>In your opinion, what is the overall best laptop for a college student (specifically a college student at UCSD)?</p>
<p>In my opinion, the best option is spending for a high end laptop now so that itll last you until the end of college. Had I not bought myself a PC laptop a year ago, I would have seriously considered the MacBook Pro. Now with Intel Macs able to run both Windows and Mac OSs (thanks to bootcamp), the size and power offered now in the MacBook’s size and style seems perfect. The only real worry would be the high chance it might be stolen due their high sale price. Because of the Dual-Boot OS, there’s no reason to choose any other PC. </p>
<p>If I could buy a laptop at the start of next year, it would be the MacBook Pro released then with the newest Mac OS and with Windows Vista ready to install. </p>
<p>If you have money to worry about and would rather spend for cheaper laptops with the risk they will more likely break down on you, then dont take this option. =P</p>
<p>you can nice deals on laptops from Acer and Dell. It really depends on what your major is. If you’ll be doin lots of art, i hear Macs are good for that. If you know you’ll be doing lots of multi-tasking, try going for a Intel Dual-Core.</p>
<p>you can check these sites for more information:</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.notebookforums.com%5B/url%5D”>www.notebookforums.com</a>
<a href=“http://www.notebookreview.com%5B/url%5D”>www.notebookreview.com</a></p>
<p>For $500-600 you can get a Toshiba, Acer, HP with a very capable Celeron or AMD processor, 15-inch screen, 40 Gig hard disk, 256 RAM and wireless internet. It will do most everything you need to do (in fact, there is probably nothing in your coursework that will demand more) and since you didn’t spend thousands–like you could–you won’t worry about it. At this price, it will come with WindowsXP and a few minor utilities only, so you’ll need some application software…</p>
<p>If you go to an computer superstore, you can get a STUDENT EDITION of Microsoft Office with a great Word Processor, Excel Spreadsheet and Powerpoint for presentations for only $150. It comes with a license for 3 machines, so get two of your friends to kick in and you just got the best suite of applications for about $50./each. Sweet!</p>
<p>I bought a laptop like this for myself, and a friend did the same. The machines have been PERFECT over the last 3 years. I didn’t buy a warranty. If something goes wrong–hasn’t happened yet and don’t expect it to–I’ll buy a new machine rather than get it repaired. </p>
<p>In my experience, you don’t have to spend a lot to get everything you need. Happy to hear other points of view.</p>
<p>Edit: This level of machine is probably underpowered for a student deeply involved in image creation or retouching or film/animation.</p>
<p>I’m about to go try to look this up for myself, but are you saying that Apple has notebooks that run windows now? I know most mac users LOVE IT but my experiences with mac have been horrible and I really just prefer the windows system.</p>
<p>I’m really dumb when it comes to computers - I don’t understand what most of the stuff means, but my dad has given me the opportunity to choose practically any notebook I want as my graduation gift so I’m just trying to make the best choice.
So what exactly does the dual-core an dual-boot mean?</p>
<p>What memory size is ideal? I know nowadays any computer could hold my all of my school work, but in reality that’s only partly what I’ll be using it for. When it comes down to it - my computer is my music database, it has everything I own & I’d like to carry that over to my laptop. </p>
<p>I also want a pretty fast laptop since my home computer is really fast.
I don’t understand the different processors at all. I’ve tried going to notebookreivew.com but since I know so little about them it’s hard for me to understand.</p>
<p>Thank you SO much for all your help, lol and sorry for being so dumb on this subject. :)</p>
<p>Hey Haleyhales, </p>
<p>First off, I think that you should get around 80-100GB of 5400 RPM storage. And then purchase an External Hard Drive just in case that gets filled up.</p>
<p>Do you mind posting some of your computer’s specs? </p>
<p>Dual core processors are the newest Intel Processors and they’re actually going to undergo a price cut mid-May, meaning you can probably get a great deal on them by the time your graduation rolls around. Basically, think of a solo core processor as one person juggling however many tasks you want them to juggle. Now picture a dual core processor as two people juggling the same number of tasks. That’s pretty much the simplist explanation I can think of, and it doesn’t really do the processor justice, but that’s what it essentially is. </p>
<p>As for Dual-boot, that refers to some new technology that Apple has rolled out that enables users to install both a Mac operating system and a Windows Operating system onto their computer/laptop. While this may seem like a great reason to purchase an Apple, I would advise against it as the Windows does not work seamlessly on Apple as of yet–it’s probably going to take a while until the level of integration is on par with Windows-intended laptops. </p>
<p>As for processors, This is a link for processors that’s from notebookreview.com’s forums that really clears up a lot of things. </p>
<p><a href=“TechnologyGuide - TechTarget”>TechnologyGuide - TechTarget;
<p>The only explanation that guide to processors is missing is an explanation to Dual Core Processors, but I think I’ve explained the gist of it well enough. Oh yea, AMD is also coming out with a mobile version of their dual core processor as well, so be on the lookout for that.</p>
<p>I know I’ve said a lot, but I wanted to tell you this as well:<br>
I doubt that a College Student needs to possess the latest-generation hardware. When those newfangled processors come out, I think it’s wisest to opt for the second-generation processor, such as Pentium M, because those types of processors are most likely to be much cheaper while in the shadow of their stronger brethren. </p>
<p>For example, I recently purchased a Dell XPS M140 with a Pentium M 740 [1.73 Ghz], 1 gb of RAM, 120 gb Hard Drive and a 9 cell battery[which gives me about 6+ hours of battery life]. I’m pretty confident that this will last me throughout my college years, and even if it doesn’t, I can always replace the parts myself [or if you don’t want to, you can get a tech-savvy friend to do it.]</p>
<p>I also want to clarify any confusion you might have over Centrino Technology. Centrino is not a processor, but it denotes a combination of Intel Technology. If I remember correctly, it denotes the combination of Intel Wireless, Intel Processor, and Intel Chipset Motherboard. Centrino Duo just means that the Processor is a Dual Core Processor. </p>
<p>I really hope this clarified some things for you.</p>
<p>But if you wanted me to shoot out a product suggestion, here it is:</p>
<p>$1000 Budget: Dell XPS M140</p>
<p>$1500 Budget: Dell E1405 [This model actually isn’t out yet, but it’s going to be out by the time you graduate]</p>
<p>$2000 Budget: Dell E1405 with better specifications</p>
<p>$2500 Budget: Thinkpad T60</p>
<p>If you do choose Dell, remember to use the Online Coupons that they provide for you. Notebookreview.com has a bunch of them.</p>
<p>I really do hope this helps.</p>
<p>All initial reports I have heard so far regarding dual-booting have been positive - no serious hiccups, nothing damaging; however, it certainly isn’t the time yet to buy a Mac computer for the sole reason to run Windows only. It is best suited for an individual who wants to make the switch or have the capabilities of both.</p>
<p>If you want to hold on, there’ll have Mac with its next OS have a full working final version of their dual booting procedures, and will be fully compatible with Windows Vista as well. Their next OS as well as Windows Vista are slated to release early next year. </p>
<p>I’m definitely going to have to do some thinking for myself until then.</p>
<p>hmm…i wonder how porno goes in college. do they stalk your connection? what if i have some werid fetish!</p>
<p>well, you’re technically 18. I’d check their rules, but I’d imagine as long as you arent performing some illegal action (ie: viewing child porn) or aren’t trying to access whatever they decide ot block on their own network, their shouldn’t be a problem.</p>
<p>Another way of putting it; 50% of the student population, if not more, is bound to be in your seat. With that many people trying, you’re not going to get noticed easily unless it is highly illegal.</p>
<p>o snaps no child porn. i was referring to dem fat chicks but good thing no one will know :)</p>
<p>That cleared A LOT up and thanks so much for that. When I’ve been talking to him about it I’ve just been shooting in the dark, but now I have some direction - so thanks :)</p>
<p>What do you think of the Sony Viao? Again, I don’t know much about it. It’s the laptop my brother adored begged for around Christmas (and got). Is it something I should consider? He might have just wanted it because he thought it was “pretty” (or whatever the boy version of pretty is) - so I’m not sure what to think of it.</p>
<p>Sony Viao’s are great laptops, but I don’t like them simply because they tend to be a tad bit over-priced. If you are willing to fork up the money for a Viao, I suggest that you go for an IBM instead, as IBM notebooks are durable and built to last since they’re designed with business people in mind. If the person you’re speaking of really does want a Viao though and a budget is not a limiter, then go for it. </p>
<p>And Viao laptops are extremely pretty. I’d say they’re on par with Apple in terms of design.</p>
<p>Yeah my only think against the IBM, which my mom has, is that it is kind of ugly.</p>
<p>Looks aside, when it comes to the Viao v. the IBM is there a big performance difference? Or are they both equally great laptops with one just being better looking, and the other being more durable?</p>
<p>Would you rank the Viao very low on durability compared to the IBM or just not up to par with it?</p>
<p>The built quality between Viao and IBM is similar, but IBM has this specific option that enables you to have your laptop build with a titanium cover, thereby adding to its durability. Performance-wise, there not a huge difference. If you’re a stickler for performance, it really depends on what processor you use, but the difference definitely is not going to be noticeable. </p>
<p>You put it in best terms when you said, “both [are] equally great laptops with one just being better looking and the other being more durable.” That’s pretty much the difference between the two in my opinion. </p>
<p>Viao definitely is not low on durability though, I don’t want to make it seem like I’m bashing on Sony laptops. Some of their laptops are made with magnesium and other composite materials, making for a sturdy and durable laptop. </p>
<p>Hope this helps.</p>
<p>What you should really be shooting for is a computer with either a Pentium-M/Intel Core Duo or AMD Turion processor. You will probably have an option between a lighter 14.1" screen or a 15.4" screen which is slightly heavier; this is mostly up to personal preference. Most importantly, you should absolutely insist on at least 512MB of RAM. A 5400rpm hard drive is also a major advantage.</p>
<p>Basically, you really shouldn’t worry about the manufacturer too much. The real irony of it is that most notebooks are made by about 2-3 different Taiwanese companies and then rebadged to be Dells HPs etc. i.e. spending alot of extra money on a premium laptop (VAIO) or (IBM) is just not worth it.</p>
<p>Moreover, if you expect to do any serious gaming, get a desktop computer …
size/convenience and budget restraints not withstanding, it’s really most economical to have a powerful desktop and a laptop that’s basically capable of word processing and internet whose primary bonus is portability.</p>
<p>Hope that helps</p>
<p>Is having a laptop that important? I play computer games…so it’s better for me to get a desktop?</p>
<p>Good: IBM, Fujitsu, Apple, Dell Latitude, Toshiba, Sony’s mid/high end</p>
<p>Questionable: Dell Inspiron, Compaq, HP, Sony’s low end</p>
<h2>Terrible: Avaratec</h2>
<p>Most gamers have desktops. You may want a laptop after 2 years when you start to commute from off campus, but aside from that… :)</p>
<p>Can a $1200~1500 laptop be able to play games like GW or CS?</p>
<p>OmgItsCollege,</p>
<p>Definitely. That kind of budget will get you a pretty decent gaming laptop. Maybe configuring a Dell Latitude D820 or E1505 would get you a nice gaming rig. </p>
<p>Guild Wars and Counterstrike definitely aren’t graphics intensive games, unless you’re talking about CS: Source. Then you would need a bit more money than $1500 to play CS: Source at decent settings. </p>
<p>Karthikkito is right though, most gamers do have desktops, which is why i’m bringing my desktop to the dorm as well as my laptop.</p>
<p>I’ve decided to get a Dell, but I dont know which one. I’m not really a gamer and want a laptop that does its purpose quickly and efficiently. Im thinking of either an E1405 or E1505…or would you recommend a Latitude?</p>