Need a laptop for college

apple imac

iMac isn't a laptop.

The Macbook is. It's a solid machine. Get an educational discount by going to a local Apple store. The cheapest model will run great and last you for a long time. Good luck and enjoy school.

Toshiba is fine

Dell is fine - easy to buy and configure online

*Buy an extended warranty through Dell or Toshiba ~3 years. Everything, aside from memory and hard drive is integrated onto the motherboard, meaning that a "repair" basically means replacing the motherboard - which requires that it be sent back to an authorized repair shop. If the display panel goes out - it will cost you double or triple the cost of the 3 year service plan. The extended warranty/service will bump up the priority of your repair and they will often offer free shipping if the notebook needs to be shipped back.

I'd avoid Vista. XP has a lot of life left in it.

not a computer geek wrote:

Brands to be weary of?

community college? wrote:

Why would you be tired of a brand?

Just in case you're too dense to understand, Wejo (the gentleman who owns LetsRun) is referring to jerks like you...

Oh, I understand, and probably quite a bit more than you do. However, the real point of your message is unclear.

You could probably use something like a Dell E1505. It's not too bulky like their 17-inch screen versions.

Typically, you can find some good bargains on their web page. Additionally, you can find a comprehensive collection of reviews (both professional and user-generated) on this web page, as well as several Dell discount codes...

http://www.notebookreview.com/

Last but not least, do not be scared off by paranoia regarding Windows Vista. If you make the leap now, in the long term you will be glad that you did. Approximately two years from now, the vast majority of Microsoft's support for WinXP will disappear, so your operating system would need to be upgraded in the middle of your college career.

Macbook, I love my Apple

I have had iBookG4 for the past 2 years. Works great. Never a problem, just like all the Apple computers I've had over the years.

While I'm mainly a PC user due to work commitments, I would go with an Apple if you can afford it. The last thing you want to be doing in college is having to spend time taking care of your computer, and Apples will run with less problems.

Amazed wrote:

While I'm mainly a PC user due to work commitments, I would go with an Apple if you can afford it. The last thing you want to be doing in college is having to spend time taking care of your computer, and Apples will run with less problems.

I have youngsters is school myself, and my perspective is just the opposite.

While a Macbook is definitely a nice machine, the last thing that you want to be doing in college is learning an entirely different operating system than what you are accustomed to using. Typically, a Mac is quite reliable, but they do have issues of their own and finding tech support can be much more difficult.

Last but not least, there is a high degree of probability that your collegiate network is Windows-based, along with the expertise of their IT support staff.

All thinks considered, your best bet would probably be a mainstream (Dell, etc.) laptop with Windows Vista Home Premium.

What about wireless access for a laptop. Worth it to buy a cellular card and service or stick with the standard card. Not sure what access to hot spots will be like. Is it a bad idea to not buy the card Dell tries to sell you and get it from the cellular company?

Thanks

Dude get a Dell

In your shoes, I wouldn't consider a third-party (cellular) wireless card right off the bat. Chances are that the one that's built-in will be more than adequate. You can always utilize the option to customize your Dell machine and get an Intel card instead of the somewhat generic one that they include by default. Either way, as long as it supports 802.11g, you should be in good shape.

As far as wireless hot spots are concerned, wait and see how it goes. These days, even the most rural campus localities usually have a handful to choose from within close proximity.

Don't buy software...wait until you get to the book store. Large university systems usually offer software at drastically discounted prices.

I'm typing on an E1505 right now (XP, don't see a reason to upgrade to Vista yet). I've been very happy with it, and the built-in wireless card works fine for me. And yeah, you can get good deals on software once you get to campus.

I just bought a Mac and there is NO problem getting tech support. They have a 800 number and the techs are actually in America as opposed to India. You get tech support free for 90 days and I bought a years worth for next to nothing. Buy a Mac !

Heres the news ! wrote:

I just bought a Mac and there is NO problem getting tech support.

Understood. But as I seem to recall, I specifically said "finding tech support can be much more difficult." That is a true statement. Yes, of course you can get tech support from Apple themselves. However, you will normally find a lot of Windows expertise readily available from real live people in the average job environment, college IT department, or even amongst your friends. On the other hand, Mac expertise is much more scarce.

I also noticed that you only addressed one of my counter-points. What about the additional expense? Or how about the learning curve that comes along with tackling an entirely new OS while you are already trying to adjust to college, too?

Don't get me wrong...I like Macbooks quite a bit myself, but a good teacher always keeps his "target audience" in mind. This kid would probably be much better off with a Windows-based laptop.

I disagree with both your other points as well.

I do not think it would be difficult for a college aged kid to switch systems. They are perhaps the easiest group to teach new things to. The ability you have to be creative with a Mac is perfect for a college aged kid.

The amount of additional expense was minimal, I think $100.00 or so for the year long IT support. You can ask any question you want. I think Microsoft wants $35.00 a problem so if you have 2 questions , its $70.00 to talk to someone in India who doesnt have a clear understanding of what your even saying.

So in closing my view is Apple is the best way to go .