<p>I’m going to be starting college in September and I need a new laptop. Right now, I’m strongly debating between a MBP or Envy 14 (Envy 14’s aren’t coming out until this summer). </p>
<p>Right now, I’m leaning towards the Macbook Pro simply because I’m getting a little fed up with some problems I have on my current Windows computers. I really don’t plan on gaming while I’m at school and I don’t plan on doing anything other than word processing, web browsing, listening to music, and watching movies. However, I am going to be an engineering major (bioengineering at UCLA). My friend is warning me that I shouldn’t get a Macbook because the Core 2 Duo would make things really difficult for me as an engineer. (On the other hand, the Envy 14’s base model comes with an i5 processor).</p>
<p>So one of my main questions is whether or not I’m going to have to do a lot of intense computing as a bioengineer, and if so will I be able to do so on a Mac? Also, will I have to use programs as an engineer that would not be available on Mac’s OS X?</p>
<p>Also, I’ve heard some things about Apple back to school sales during the summer. What exactly are these sales? Will I be able to get a significant amount of money off of the $1199 price tag of a Macbook Pro. Also, can I combine these sales with Apple’s Education Store discount?</p>
<p>I think that you should get the Envy 14, for the following reasons:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>It’s slightly cheaper. The education discount will knock the price of a Macbook Pro down to $1099, and the back-to-school sale will only get you a free iPod. I’m pretty sure you can apply an education discount to the base price of the Envy 14 ($999).</p></li>
<li><p>It has a slightly larger screen. This will be a huge benefit for when you’re just sitting in your dorm room or in the library.</p></li>
<li><p>I understand your concerns with your current Windows computers. However, I would implore you to try another PC; I’ve never had any major issues with Windows, and I don’t see why other people’s problems can’t be alleviated somehow.</p></li>
<li><p>Microsoft Office for Mac is nowhere near as good as Office for Windows. Trust me, it’ll be much less of a headache just sticking with Windows.</p></li>
<li><p>Plus, the Envy looks very similar to a Macbook Pro! If you’re into aesthetics, you can’t go wrong with the Envy!</p></li>
</ul>
<p>I know that the Envy 14 doesn’t come out until June 29 (I think)… so if possible, you should wait for some reviews before you ultimately decide to purchase one. However, I still think you should prefer the Envy to the Macbook Pro.</p>
<p>Actually… what’s wrong with the new HP dm4/dv5? They’re both finished in brushed aluminum, and are much cheaper than the Envy. You should definitely check those out as well.</p>
<p>Your friend is over exaggerating about the core2duos. Ridiculous! They are plenty fast. It’s just that the i5 technology will last longer and the c2d will fade out in about 1-2 years.</p>
<p>But, go with the envy 14 because of the engineering apps you will need. You need the compatibility. Except for the first 2 years you mainly take core classes (math, eng, lang, science) so you won’t see a difference between c2d and i5.</p>
<p>The envy 14 with i5 is future proof. So, wait for the back-to-school deals and get those huge HP discounts. Apple’s edu sales are -$100 dollars and 1 free ipod touch 8gb.</p>
<p>After reading around some other forums, it seems that the consensus is that engineering students (I’m going to be a bioengineering major) should definitely not get Macs. It seems to be a hassle to try to get some engineering programs to run on Macs and engineering schools generally prefer their students to have PC’s.</p>
<p>So now I would just like some general advice on laptops (PC, not Mac). I want something with at least an i5 processor, 4 GB’s of RAM, a graphics card capable of playing current games (I know that I said that I didn’t plan on gaming too much but I want to keep that possibility open). I’m still thinking the Envy 14 is going to be the best laptop for me but if anyone knows any laptops out there that have similar specs for a better price, I’d look into it.</p>
<p>BTW, some other considerations: I want something that doesn’t have a problem of overheating. My current HP overheats a lot and it’s a really big hassle. If I run my Zune software and web browse at the same time, it will overheat and automatically shut down within 30 minutes. Otherwise, I have to lay it upside down every hour or so to cool it down. Also, it’s not that big a deal but I want a laptop that is good aesthetically, preferably with a chiclet backlit keyboard.</p>
<p>Look at your school’s computing page and engineering page to find out what computers are recommended. In general, a Macbook is a pretty good choice for college. It’s sexy and powerful (though expensive), and it can boot Windows.</p>
<p>Also, how would a Core 2 Duo make things difficult? It’s still plenty powerful, more than enough for anything including gaming. The Core i3, i5, i7 stuff and quad-core processors are way overrated and they kill laptop battery life. People are too easily sold into Intel’s new technology.</p>
<p>All I’m going to say is to get a macbook pro. The low end 15inch macbook pro is probably one of the best computers you could buy for college. I’m working 2 jobs right now to save up my money for one. Look at my previous posts to find out why it’s the best computer. If you read review site like laptopmagazine.com and cnet they all gave it their editors choice best laptop awards. </p>
<p>The above post says that the core i5 and i7 processors are over rated and he is completely wrong. The quad core i5 and i7 processors are much better than core 2 duos just look at the benchmark comparisons that are on the internet. The core i series processors bring back intel’s old technology called hyper-threading. The two physical cores can each handle two threads or processes at the same time. Essentially, this gives you 4 cores! Your computer pc or mac will see them at a quad core processor. It’s pretty cool. It also has other tech called hyper threading. The core i series processors kick ass! And they don’t get too hot. Once again read some professional reviews and visit your local best buy to see that they don’t produce much heat at all.</p>
<p>Macs are great to use and most mac users never complain about their computers. Get a Mac. Work extra hours to afford it if you have to (like what I am doing).</p>
<p>Like I said earlier, if you’re into aesthetics, the Envy 14 will be just fine. If you’re okay with forgoing some of the aesthetics, the new Pavilion dm4/dv5/dv6 will have similar specs with a much lower price, but will retain a lot of the good looks.</p>
<p>Another thing I’m worried about is reliability. While the Envy’s i5/i7 might give me the best technology for a while, I’m not sure how long the laptop itself will last. I’ve read that HP is the least reliable laptop brand. I’ve seen this form personal experience as my current HP laptop has had numerous problems and customer support has been absolutely horrendous.</p>
<p>My son will be purchasing a Macbook for college also. You see, he was smart enough to have a party when we were out of town. Some kid went into his room and stole his Macbook. Luckily, we had insurance through Safeware…best money we ever spent…he was reimbursed $1000. </p>
<p>First off, his college offers a discount for students, about $100 off…if you are a freshman check to see if your school has discounts with Mac or for a PC. So the debate is… </p>
<p>13-inch: 2.66GHz or 15-inch: 2.4GHz? There is a $300 difference between the two models but we really do not want to spend an additional for the 15-inch 2.66 because it is close to $1000 more.</p>
<p>As for core 2 duo vs i3/i5/i7, it shouldn’t matter for an undergrad college student! Geez. People are surviving with core 2 duos. The stock market isn’t crashing. The Pentagon is still functioning. It’s just that the Core i’s are futureproof and fun =)</p>
<p>You’ll only see a difference if you’re running HARDCORE programs, which you won’t.</p>
<p>I’d say go with the $600-800 PC and buy a $200 xbox 360/ps3. That way you have both at less than 1000 dollars. That’s what I have.</p>
<p>Many people who complain about PC’s are normal consumers. Most PC’s will run perfectly if you uninstall the junk and run your system updates. My 1.6ghz windows xp dell laptop has run fine for the past 3-4 yrs. I have an xbox for gaming.</p>
<p>The core 2 duos are fine for now, but how about 3 or 4 years in the future? I keep computers for about 6 years before I even consider purchasing a new one. A core i5 or i7 will last you 6 years. When applications become more complex and use more threads, you will be happy that you bought a core i5 or i7. Future proofing your computer can save you time, frustration, and money in the long run. Also remember that you will be using your computer EVERYDAY of your life. So why not spend a little extra money and purchase a good one? </p>
<p>Hp was rated least reliable because a good portion of their computers are very low end. The HP envy is their high end consumer pc and should be very reliable. Almost every computer manufacturer’s high end pc is very reliable because they are designed better. Hp envy has a magnesium enclosure while MOST other hp laptops are cheap plastic.</p>