Community Newsletter: Q&A: MacBook or PC laptop for college?
- 8/22/08 4:21 PM
e-mail will not delete
by beingfrank - 8/9/08 5:53 AM In reply to: MacBook or PC laptop for college? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
What happens when a particular e mail will not delete ?
pianoman@hvc.rr.com 845-532-1492 thanks !
College notebook
by dlindsay59 - 8/9/08 6:01 AM In reply to: MacBook or PC laptop for college? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
My background: I ran a PC business in CA selling many millions of dollars worth of computers a year. I had preferred PCs as they used Intel processors, all use them now.
Answer: Wait til you get to school if you can, talk to other kids and see what they are using and how they feel (once you are there, they will brag about what they have and you can one-upmanship them at that time). $1500 should get you just about anything, just DO NOT GET A CELERON. You will regret it. This will not be the last notebook you ever use, you can use it a year, sell it and use the money towards a newer one next year.
Get one that has a lot of hard drive space, a fast CPU, 4 GB of memory and an awesome graphics card. Get it on sale, go for the Centrino core 2 duo as this is faster, uses less power, lasts longer on batteries.
Look at the windows system information and get one that has a combined score over 5, 5.9 being the best. The video card will be the weakest link, don't skimp. You will probably live with it 16 hours a day, you do not want to be swearing at it.
As far as brands, stick with Gateway, Compaq, HP, Toshiba, DELL and known brands. Whitebooks sound good to save money, but name brands may have a better resale value when you decide to upgrade, which you will.
Good luck, enjoy school, do well.
PC user buys a MacBook
by misha219 - 8/9/08 6:18 AM In reply to: MacBook or PC laptop for college? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Wendee,
I am currently pursuing a BS in Graphic Design, I write, and I also do digital scrapbooking. I have been a PC user for years and last summer I purchased my first Mac...a 13" Black MacBook. I LOVE my MacBook, and the ability to use files on both my HP laptop and my MacBook is terrific. I am running Vista Home Premium on the HP and Leopard on the MacBook.
In my studies and my work I use both Adobe CS3 (on the Mac and PC) as well as MS Office (2007 on PC, 2004 on MAC)here is my take...
If you are pursuing a degree in anything to do with visual arts, then Mac seems to be faster processing and the software feels like it runs smoother. If you are pursuing financial or medical the PC seems to have the edge with my fellow students...but Mac is quickly gaining ground. I have no facts to back this up, just how it seems to me.
Good luck! Both are asthetically pleasing, both are under $1500. I find both platforms are stable.
MacBook or PC laptop for college?
by timztoyz - 8/9/08 6:36 AM In reply to: MacBook or PC laptop for college? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Wendee,
As a Mac user since 1988, I can't believe that I'm advising you to go with a PC laptop. With your student incentives, you can probably get a fairly decent 13-inch MacBook, but you can get a really loaded PC laptop. Also, consider the additional costs of a carrying case, printer, and software you will need with your MacBook and you've quickly overshot your father's budget. Apple doesn't make their prices for college students public, but they are offering a free iPod with the purchase of a MacBook. Other reasons why you may want to go with the PC laptop: compatibility with your PC at home, familiarity with software and keyboard commands for XP/Vista, and advantage of Express card or SD card slots. You can become familiar with the Mac OS in a couple days -- some of the keyboard commands are different and the desktop is set up differently, but nothing too difficult for a college student to master! However, once you graduate, you'll probably enter a work environment where PCs rule, unless you're going into design or creative arts. I've got to admit that I don't know if more students use MacBooks or PC laptops, since it's been 36 years since I graduated. Good luck in college!
MacBook, Laptop or maybe some other alternative......
by Bkhaja - 8/9/08 7:09 AM In reply to: MacBook or PC laptop for college? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Wendee,
Having 2 kids in college we've been through this a couple of times. You might want to find out more about your college, are labs of computers available and where? What is the recommended brand? Is there a deal on PC laptops also available? (I'd bet that there is.) What type of computer is used in the work you are planning on pursuing? And now the shocking part... if getting all your stuff to college isn't an issue you might want to take that desktop and hold off on your laptop need decision until you scope out the school.
With rare exceptions, even the lightest laptop does not get taken to class for notetaking. Lecture notes, presendations or podcasts are often available to download back at home. A flat screen monitor and keyboard don't take up that much room (no more than a laptop) and the desktop can go below the desk so space in a dorm room may not be the issue some lead you to believe. If you are working in a number intensive environment you need the keyboard or a 10key to the side anyway. Some schools are hardwired only so that might also be a consideration.
My daughter (now in 3rd year of med school) bought a new desktop at the start of undergrad and it worked great. She is still using the desktop and connects to school via cable internet. (She doesn't play games nor does she download stuff. A tech savy friend takes it every couple of years and checks it out). Her friends found that their laptops died by the end of 4 years of college and they had to buy new machines while she is still on her 1st machine. These girls pretty much used their machines the same way she did. She'll be getting a laptop or tablet but not until she knows what the hospital she'll be working at is using.
My son is about to start his 2nd year at a different college from his sister. The university is nearby so he is living at home (if coming home at 2 am counts as living here) and the laptop initially seemed to make more sense. Then we checked out the facilities. The computer labs are very accessible and are even in the dorms when he is visiting friends, so I suggested that he wait to see what would be best for a computer. We are only buying him one computer (with a dollar limit also), any after this purchase will be from his own funds. He understood that the longer he waits the more goodies he'll have in the machine so he reluctantly agreed to starting school without a laptop after confirming he could decide the need was there at any point in time.
He wasn't happy at first but within a month he realized that people didn't take computers to class; that public ones were in the library, the lecture buildings, the student center; and that if he did take one to the library it would be a pain to watch for theft. I checked with him several times over the year and he didn't want to buy a computer yet. As recently as last week, he didn't want to buy a computer...ALTHOUGH he did recheck that we would buy one for him even if he waited until graduation from college.
If you get a laptop remember to be careful. I know that some of those laptops that died for my daughter's friends saw beverage and sticky food spills on them. If they have been using a desktop and the spill was on a keyboard it would have been a pretty easy and cheap replacement versus frying the laptop. Sometimes it wasn't even the owners but others sitting around the room who had the spills. Often the machine survives the first spill(s) but later on develops problems with sticky residue.
You also want to check on printing access in the college. Neither of my kids wants a printer. My daughter has plenty of print credits in school to meet her needs as did my son.
If you do decide to get a laptop think about security of the unit. Even if you don't take it to class and just leave it in your dorm room you need to secure it. College students often are too trusting. They hold the outside doors open to let people into the dorms, they leave rooms unlocked or even wide open while they are just down the hall, roommates aren't as careful as you are, and basically students don't believe anything will happen to their stuff. Thieves know this and wander around the campuses (dorms and libraries) to take advantage of the situation. Bottom line, have a lock system to your desk or table if you have a laptop. That might not be so easy depending on the way the furniture is made.
While this information might just confuse you more I think you need to get more data about school and your needs before deciding what to do. If you live a long distance from college and getting stuff there is an issue that would be very important in your decision-making. When you are all done you might find that desktop will work fine while you make up your mind about the next computer.
Barb
Make a list of what you want in this machine
by Mary Berger - 8/9/08 7:13 AM In reply to: MacBook or PC laptop for college? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Then look at which will perform best for you at the best price. That is how I got a great price on my HP laptop(PC). If you have software that you think is absolutely great, you will have to purchase new software for a Mac. To the best of my knowlege, the software is not compatible, nor as varied for a Mac as the PC. I don't think the learning curve is nothing to worry about. Once you have your preferences on your list, you can go shopping and know what you are looking for. You will find all kinds of sales ads right now, compare what you want with the sale items. HP(Or Compaq)is my favorite, I have been using them since 1996 and I have 3. They have good online deals but you can also find cooperation at your local stores, like Best Buy or Office Depot. Good luck in school. M. Lee
Not Anymore
by mrtazmania2 - 8/9/08 7:31 AM In reply to: MacBook or PC laptop for college? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Used to be (5years or more) switching from a PC to a MAC was a headache....now with all the new Mac's running Intel processors, it's alot easier. Mostly because you can run both on a MAC now....you can run windows for all the stuff you know and need windows for, and run your Mac system for all the stability and user friendliness of a Mac.....SO the best solution is get a Macbook, look for the biggest hard drive and most memory for your dollar (memory more for the PC side) and then you can find out from numerous sources, including Cnet TV, how to have a dual boot system and the best of both worlds.
P.S.
I have both Macs and PCs in my home and use them both equally so I'm not touting one or the other because of the silly rivalry between which is better. For School stuff, user friendliness, stability and usefullness, MAC is the way to go.
Get the MAC
by cswanndaniels - 8/9/08 7:40 AM In reply to: MacBook or PC laptop for college? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
If you get a MacBook, it will run both as a Windows machine and as a Mac. The switch between the two platforms is pretty easy (both when running both on your Mac and from the perspective of the learning curve).
I just converted my husband, a 20+ years PC devotee to a Mac and he had little difficulty adjusting. He loves it.
By choosing a MacBook, you can have the best of both worlds. You will find that you are using the Windows side less and less. By this time next year, you will probably not be using the Windows side at all. But, you will have the security of knowing that the Windows platform is available to you at any time you feel the need.
Take the time to compare your college's price to online vendors. Factor in the vendors location (for the sales tax savings if the vendor does not have a presence in your state), rebates and incentives (free printers, RAM upgrades, etc.)
Good luck. Cswanndaniels
My I suggest a PC NB under $1000 or even under $400? Really!
by robtwmi - 8/9/08 7:50 AM In reply to: MacBook or PC laptop for college? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Any PC and MACs will be out dated in 1-2 years. Why spend over $1000 for any notebook that will be used primarily for school use. MACs are propriatary, any repair or add ons will cost you big. If you are a student money will be tight untill you start back into work where you'll find the majority of Offices are PC based. My wife worked on a MAC highest priced portable for 2 years and had problems connecting to the data system on the server. They just gave her a PC Notebook and all problems vanished. The MAC is still not working well with other systems not MAC, which is its biggest problem.
If you are really tight for cash there is new $399 8" mini notebooks that come with linux or Vista, 8gig ram. With an optional external hard drive. These NB kick!#!! for school use......
Many Considerations
by cjl2009 - 8/9/08 7:53 AM In reply to: MacBook or PC laptop for college? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hi Wendee,
There are many questions that you should ask yourself when deciding which type of laptop to go with.
First off, what type of programs will you be running? If you are going for a degree in graphic design, video editing, etc. A MacBook may be the choice for you as many people in this field use Mac's. However keep in mind that a PC will also be capable of running the programs that can accomplish this. If you will just be using it for word processing, browsing the internet and other light applications, really either one would work and in most cases the same software could be run on either one. If you are the type of person that enjoys playing games on your laptop then you should probably go with a PC as most of the games on the market today are made for PC.
Another idea to keep in mind is price. Typically for what you get a Mac will be little bit more expensive. Also there are several different PC vendors (such as Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc.) while there is only one distributor of the Mac operating system. The best thing to do for you would be to explore all of the big companies out there and compare what you can get for your 1,500 dollar price point. (One piece of advice I have for this is to search for coupons using Google. You can simply type in Dell coupons (or any brand) and sometimes find valid coupons that can save you hundreds of dollars.)Additionally, keep in mind that the lowest system in the Mac lineup starts at just over $1,000. The lowest prices at Dell and HP are $499 and $429 respective. (Though the low end at Dell and HP will not be very powerful)
Finally take into consideration the change from PC to Mac. If you are a technically savvy person you should be able to make the change in no time at all. If not, you would still get use to it, just maybe not as fast. Additionally if you are still planning on using your desktop PC keep in mind that migrating data from one to the other may be more difficult, or impossible. Office documents should be compatible with either one but keep in mind that you would have to buy both versions of office.
Overall, make the choice that is best for you. Either one will do many of the things you want it to. The best thing to do would probably go to a store such as Best Buy and test out each type of system. (Try to ignore the sales people or tell them you don't need help because they might try to push you into a purchase that is not right for you.) Compare features, specifications, and other factors that are important to you. Ask your friends what type the are getting and why. Ultimately, the more information you have, the better decision you will make.
Hope this helps!
cjl2009
Clean
by poppop133 - 8/9/08 8:21 AM In reply to: MacBook or PC laptop for college? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
General cleanup is a must, at least once a week. If you do it every week it won't take to long , as is with first time.
There area Also Temporary folders built up from day 1= click-start, click-run, type in: %temp% , when page opens up, cl;ick edit (on top)- click-select all, and then delete all temporary folders. Will ask hidden folders-Yes, Are you sureyou want send these folders to the recycle bin-Yes. Some times it might stop-can't delete folder in use. Depending on how many there are, you will have to delete manually (put mouse arrow in blank spot at end-right click & hold down) go across either up or down & then delete.
MacBook v PC portable
by Kathleen Lawrence - 8/9/08 8:53 AM In reply to: MacBook or PC laptop for college? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Go with the Mac, period. Viruses for Mac = 0 for PC = 180,000 & counting.
Here are some views about Switching:
Recent Business Week Cover Article:
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/toc/08_19/B4083magazine.htm
42 Reasons Normal People Can Switch to Macs:
http://valleywag.com/tech/apple/42-reasons-normal-people-can-switch-to-macs-242430.php
and: Switch to Mac, You'll Never Go Back:
http://www.applematters.com/article/switch-to-a-mac-and-youll-never-go-back/
In PC Magazine, too:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2704,2072352,00.asp
50 reasons to Switch:
http://chris.pirillo.com/2008/02/14/50-reasons-to-switch-from-microsoft-windows-to-apples-mac-os-x/
Ditch your PC:
http://www.fireandknowledge.org/archives/2005/01/18/why-you-should-ditch-your-pc-and-switch-to-mac/
Here are some links to get you started in gathering information about getting a Mac & making the Switch:
**Apple offers Free Personal Shopper to help, they are not on commission, will answer all questions and especially helpful for "Switchers". You can make an appointment with the Personal Shopper for, as many visits, as you need.
Discuss the applications you will need, peripherals you will be using, etc.
http://www.apple.com/retail/personalshopping/
(see bottom right corner of page for the equivalent business shopper,too)
**How to Save $ on your purchase, you can get great set-up for quite a bit under $1500!
1) Do you qualify for Apple Education Discount? Right now you can buy a Mac for school & get a Free iPod!: http://www.apple.com/backtoschool/?cid=WWW-NAUS-BTS20080530-OSA9M
Or, consider a refurbed Mac:
-Check out, the Apple Refurbs Specials which post after midnight:
http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?mco=A35F9A4&nclm=CertifiedMac
-Search refurbs via dealmac.com, or, smalldog.com, powermax.com,
expercom.com,macsales.com,
I always buy refurbed units and have never had a problem. Albeit, I do invest in Applecare :]
2)**You can p/u extra Ram & Applecare for less by doing a dealmac.com
search or from good online retailers: smalldog.com, powermax.com, LAComputer.com, Macsales.com,
( ** my favorite for Ram) or, off eBay
or, from MUGS:
http://www.apple.com/usergroups & http://MacOSG.com
*Applecare offers much more than just an extended warranty for hardware, as it also gives you support for all the Apple Software & telephone support available 8A-8P daily, this is for both what you get now, and what you may add in the future, such as: Apple Software: iWork, iLife, Aperture, or additional hardware, like: Airport Express, Time Capsule, etc.
*Apple has so much info just for New Users & Switchers:
*New Apple online intro to Macs for Switchers:
http://www.apple.com/findouthow/macosx/#basics-anatomy
from that page, you can find tutorials for just about everything!
see, too: http://www.apple.com/support/switch101
and, PC v Mac Navigation: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=304723
After Purchase help:
1) Apple has One to One, which is a, step by step, private learning
program:
http://www.apple.com/retail/onetoone and
ProCare: http://www.apple.com/retail/procare
2) You can also, make appointment with Mac Genius at local Apple store
and have them show you, step by step, for free!
3) Or, for a fee, have Apple consultant come to
you:http://consultants.apple.com/
and Pro Services: http://www.apple.com/services/consulting/
4) A Must Have:
Great resource for those switching from PC to Mac!
David Pogue's: Switching to the Mac Leopard Edition: Missing Manual
Available from Amazon, and most booksellers & discounted here:
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/9780596514129/?CMP=EMC-all_tshow_mw8ty
5) Basics of Using a Mac:
http://www.apple.com/support/mac101
http://www.apple.com/support/quickassist/
There are online tutorials and seminars available: http://www.seminars.apple.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/ASPRegistration.woa/wa/home?locs=us_en
- To learn about your particular Mac: http://www.apple.com/support/ **then select your model from the Products list at left
6) More about Leopard the Mac OS:
http://www.apple.com/support/leopard/
7) For new Switchers from PC to Mac:
http://www.xvsxp.com
http://www.switchingtomac.com
http://lifehacker.com/software/mac/hack-attack-a-guide-for-switching-to
Enjoy that new Mac
Choose Mac vs PC laptop for college based on College
by depage - 8/9/08 8:53 AM In reply to: MacBook or PC laptop for college? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I've lived through 2 children with this question, and as usual the answer is, "it depends".
Does your college have a preferred system? Life will be much easier if you comply, since better network connection support will be there, and your friends will be able to help you more readily if everything is compatible. Go to your school's web site and find out if there is an official policy, and ask current students if there is an unofficial one.
Next, what's available for home support? My children benefit from considerable "Dad's tech support" experience, but that left them tied to Windows machines. Not an issue if you don't have that kind of support available, but best not to throw it away without reason if it's there.
As you point out, both Mac and PC's can do the job. Its more an issue of "can everyone else read the result when you are done". At my daughter's law school, exams were handed in on CD (brand new replacement for floppy!), generally in Word format documents. Handouts might be posted on the school's intranet only 20 minutes prior to class, so in class WiFi was a requirement. Note that a Mac Air, for all its nice features, would require a USB CD drive for exams.
simple answer
by deaths_little_helper - 8/9/08 9:02 AM In reply to: MacBook or PC laptop for college? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Wendee, a simple answer is this: When it gets stolen, how much money do you want to be ripped off for? Laptops get stollen in dorms and appartments almost every day. In college, we couldn't go a week without having one on our floor dissapier, either during a party, or because someone walked off to the bathroom and came back to find it gone...very disturbing, and the cameras usually saw who did it but couldn't make out a positive ID...So, the real question becomes, how are you going to replace it when it's gone? You can find some IBM-format (PC) laptops at half the price of a single Mac laptop, so you could afford to replace it if it was stolen...just something for you to think about, and good luck in school!!
Choice forCollege
by lbjack - 8/9/08 9:18 AM In reply to: MacBook or PC laptop for college? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hello Wendee
I would check with the college you plan on attending and the department for your Major to see what they recommend. I have a son in college and we went through this a year ago. My son went with a PC as he needed to be able to use some specific programs for the courses he was taking. There were some issues of compatibility with using the Mac. There were also some isssues regarding the OS of the computer. I would highly recommend that you check with the university of your choice to find out if you need to use or interact with the network use any special programs and find out if there are any issues you should be aware of before you make your decision. If you only need to do papers, e-mail, communicate with others and what ever, either one will work. Check your needs then look for the features YOU want and make your selection according to what you want, Not what everyone tells you you should have.
Mike
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