<p>Here’s the deal: I work in IT. If you buy a Mac and something goes wrong, we will be able to offer almost no support whatsoever. Just this past week, a girl brought in her Mac because she can’t print to any of the campus printers. She tried everything she could, and had all of her Mac-savvy friends try to help her out with no success. We had to send her away with her problem unresolved. This kind of thing happens all the time, and we are seldom able to offer any kind of support. In addition, if something physically breaks, we are unable to service the parts since we are not an authorized service center for Apple. So if you buy a Mac, be prepared to completely support it yourself. Finally, compared to PCs, Macs are overpriced and underpowered for the hardware inside.</p>
<p>That said, I have also had a chance to demo this year’s myNotebook. In my opinion, it is a decent (but not “great”) machine. It differs a bit from previous models. Whereas the T42 and T60 were strictly business-class machines, the Z61t is more of a consumer-oriented model. It includes features like an integrated webcam and a widescreen LCD, but the laptop case is now made from a flimsier material and seems much more fragile than past models. I mention this because I’m picky, but it probably isn’t an issue because of the included warranty. The warranty is the biggest reason why you should get a myNotebook. The ThinkPad Protection plan covers your notebook from hardware failures and accidental damage for four years. Considering that a single spilled soda can fry $800-900 worth of components, the warranty is certainly worthwhile. Even some of the most careful students have dropped their laptop once. Aside from accidental damage, hardware failures happen all the time. But since the TSC is an authorized service provider for IBM/Lenovo, we have extremely fast turnaround times on repairs, usually same-day if brought in first thing in the morning. Whether you break it or it breaks itself, you almost never have to wait more than 24 hours for repairs if you have one of the myNotebooks.</p>
<p>If you don’t mind a compromise, you can get a Dell. We’re also a Dell-authorized service provider. This allows you great freedom in configuring your machine while ensuring we can still provide hardware support. Repairs take a little bit longer (3-4 days) but we can still cover you.</p>
<p>Bottom line: feel free to buy a Mac, but you’re digging your own grave. (Unless you’re going to apply to the Business School - then definitely get a PC.)</p>
<p>As far as monitors/speakers/printers go, it’s largely your preference. If you want to bring them, you can find the room. I have two desktop computers, a laptop computer, speakers, and a 19" LCD all sitting comfortably on my desk with plenty of room to spare. I didn’t bother with a printer because there are a sufficient number of public printers all over the place. I’ve only needed a scanner once, and there are likewise plenty of those that will scan documents and automatically email them to you. The public printers/scanners are all black and white, though… if you need color then you can consider bringing your own printer.</p>
<p>Lastly, if you want a space saving solution… my computer also doubles as a TV/TiVo because I have a TV tuner installed - check this out: <a href=“Hauppauge | Page Not Found”>Hauppauge | Page Not Found;