Getting a new Laptop for College? Mac or PC?

[DarkHalo003]

Basically, the title says it all. However, I want to make it clear that this thread:

IS NOT ABOUT IF MAC OR PC IS BETTER.

The point of the thread is for to determine which to get for college. The college I'm hopefully going to has support (both technical and server) and I don't know how the laptops of today are in comparison to the past (mine never crashes, but I here these ones on the market crash). I've tried looking up the difference, but I'm still at a crossroads (my brother has one and he rarely has issues with it). My personal choice would be PC, but would a Mac be smarter to have for college? I want to play HCE and other games still, so Mac is out on that side, but Mac has a TON of free music developer software with it (which is something I might want to pursue in college).

Go. :woop:

[ThePlague]

Depends on what you're going to college for. Get a mac if you're going to be a hardcore artist. Get a PC for pretty much anything else.

[DarkHalo003]

Depends on what you're going to college for. Get a mac if you're going to be a hardcore artist. Get a PC for pretty much anything else.
Well it's going to be for general use at first and I haven't decided on any majors. I've picked out a plethora of minors though, ranging from computer science to music, which makes it kind of difficult for me to decide which to choose.

[ThePlague]

There are good editors, and creators, for music out on PC too. Check out FL Studio. My friend uses it, and it's pretty simple to create your own music with. You can also import sounds you make.

[Donut]

if youre going to be doing CPU intensive stuff, id say just go for a PC. youll get far more compatibility from a PC and youll probably want to keep it plugged in if youre going to be doing art and computer science stuff.

id say PC, but then again most users here are PC users, so youre definitely getting a huge bias toward PC here. i think i remember Amit saying he uses a mac. you might ask him what he thinks. dont quote me on that though.

[DarkHalo003]

What about consistent performance? Macs don't have an Antivirus to clog up its system and my brother says its OS automatically updates itself (He said Snow Leopard is like Vista, but I'm not sure if I'm buying it). However, PCs are more custom to an extent than Macs, but at the same time I'm kind of wondering if that difference is enough to make a difference.

Here, in an attempt to make this easier, I'm just using my computer for two things:

-Schoolwork (basics and mandatory classes)
-Development Gaming (where PC has an edge)

Schoolwork is the priority though and it can outweigh which one I get. So, basically, some pros and cons of each would be good to know.

[BobtheGreatII]

PC, end of discussion.

[Inferno]

PC, end of discussion.

This + Get a netbook for college. Those things are win for mobility.

[Amit]

Depending on the type of laptop vs macbook you get, gaming is not completely out of the question. The thing is though, that you can get a great gaming laptop for cheaper than the MacBook Pro. The MBP can still install windows on it and you can play your games like that, but generally Apple laptops don't have the greatest CPUs and GPUs. For stability reasons, I say get a MacBook for everything except gaming. The specs on the updated MackBooks and MacBook Pros are a lot better than what was previously there so you can still play halo and many other games just fine on it. I doubt games like Crysis would play great but I would think that pretty much any other game would run decently.

[PenGuin1362]

Don't get a mac. They are a HUGE waste of money. For half the price you can get a really good notebook that will perform better for cheaper. Only thing mac offers is flashy gimmicks. Check out thinkpad, asus, acer. Strongly suggest thinkpad, (forgot what company makes them now) but I've used several over the years and never been unsatisfied. Plus will out perform the mac for cheaper. But if you don't mind spending the money, macs are good for browsing the internet. I'd still choose a PC for Adobe work over a mac. However, Pc's are limited in the audio department. I've had less issues with my alienware (even in terms of networking and such on campus) then my roommates macbook has had

[iizahsum]

plus if you ever wanted to upgrade anything in your system, You'd pretty much have to buy a new mac. There not upgrade friendly.

[Cojafoji]

pc. cheaper, and uni's usually hand out tons of free software for them.

[Amit]

The sheer amount of software that comes with apple computers makes up for the pricing.

[Futzy]

Not to mention its not guaranteed that you'll even be able to use a mac on campus. Some unis have wireless software that isn't mac compatible. Just get a mid sized pc (~14-15"). I have this monstrous 18" pc that is more powerful than most desktops, but its a bitch to carry around. But if I go to Ringling they give out free macs to students, which I would probably install windows on just because i want the smaller size. Otherwise I'd be buying a netbook.

[DarkHalo003]

Not to mention its not guaranteed that you'll even be able to use a mac on campus. Some unis have wireless software that isn't mac compatible. Just get a mid sized pc (~14-15"). I have this monstrous 18" pc that is more powerful than most desktops, but its a bitch to carry around. But if I go to Ringling they give out free macs to students, which I would probably install windows on just because i want the smaller size. Otherwise I'd be buying a netbook.
The college I plan to go to HAS COMPLETE SUPPORT FOR MAC. My brother goes there and half of the staff use Macs too. How would that effect my using a PC on campus? The Netbook is automatically out (I want to game and stuff) and Amit brings the valid point of preloaded software (which if I got a PC Laptop would virtually cost the same afterwards). If I get a Laptop, which kind should I look for though? Which one is the most dependable? I was thinking an Alienware Laptop (the one that isn't 900+$) or a Satellite Toshiba Laptop, but I'm not sure if they're dependable for college (if one gets tanked, we have technical support at college, but I don't want it to get tanked).

[Syuusuke]

Asus or Alienware for gaming... If you take care of your things in college, you don't even have to bother with your school's tech support.

You should go into an Apple store and experience the Mac first hand, granted they will try to sell it to you (with student savings and stuff, you get $100 off, a free ipod touch).

You're using a PC now, do you think you'll be doing the things now in college? Also you only need a "gaming" laptop for college if you're going to game, use AutoCAD, 3DsMax, Maya (or any field of digital arts, I think). Honestly though, when you're in college you probably won't want to do a lot of gaming unless you convince yourself you want to stay in your room playing games all the time.

[DarkHalo003]

Asus or Alienware for gaming... If you take care of your things in college, you don't even have to bother with your school's tech support.

You should go into an Apple store and experience the Mac first hand, granted they will try to sell it to you (with student savings and stuff, you get $100 off, a free ipod touch).

You're using a PC now, do you think you'll be doing the things now in college? Also you only need a "gaming" laptop for college if you're going to game, use AutoCAD, 3DsMax, Maya (or any field of digital arts, I think). Honestly though, when you're in college you probably won't want to do a lot of gaming unless you convince yourself you want to stay in your room playing games all the time.
Well, I'm not going to be in any Fraternities and frankly Freshman year isn't going to be that thrilling every hour of every day. I'm not a party person at night, so I usually just play games then (to avoid trouble). I'm not an iPod person, so the free iTouch doesn't buy me in and I could still save $400 easy by not buying a Mac. I'd love to continue using Gmax and 3ds Max, plus having a ".edu" account will definitely help me secure a legal form of the software.

Here's another way I think I can narrow it down. Since I have a PC Laptop and know it's internal complications, what technical issues usually follow with a Mac?

[Futzy]

If you're getting a mac, don't buy it for gaming. It's so comparatively expensive you might as well get an alienware. If you really want mac, buy a hackintosh compatible laptop and buy the mac OS, which I believe is really cheap.
I'd say get an Asus or HP for higher powered machines. I haven't researched asus, but you can get an HP with an i7 and 1gb gfx card for <$1000

[PlasbianX]

I'd personally go with a PC just for the fact that on my campus, every computer on campus, (including the ones in the digital arts labs) is a PC. I can't think of a single mac on campus with the exception of the ones the students occasionally have. On top of that, my campus has MSNDAA (i think i spelled that right) where I get a shit ton of free microsoft software. Snagged windows 7, the newest edition of visual basic, microsoft office, etc all for free. This year I get a get a copy of photoshop for free too since I'm in digital art classes now for my major :D

I would check with whatever campus you're going to be at for what the majority of the computers there are. My campus actually tells us at orientation that its a "PC Campus" and that everything is setup based around the fact that you would have a PC and not a Mac.

[DarkHalo003]

Well this Campus is equally geared towards both Mac and PC, with a near 50/50 split. I'd really like for someone to list the disadvantages to having a Mac Laptop and any tech issues with it. I'm asking for that because I already know the pains that come with a PC Laptop and I really need to know the difference.

[Syuusuke]

Unless your a Mac-techie, some problems can result in you taking your macbook to the Genius Bar at an Apple store and them replacing your laptop with all your stuff gonzo.

It won't turn on? Here's a new one (or the same one with whatever replaced faulty component + data gone)

That's all I've seen: hardware-wise

I mean generally, I don't think Macs have that many problems unless you screw with it a lot, but that goes for the same with a PC sometimes.

[Kyle]

Depends on what you're going to college for. Get a mac if you're going to be a hardcore artist.

I really dislike this statement and the fact colleges and universities are pushing this idea. Yes, a mac is great if you're going into graphic design or music because it comes with photoshop and music software, but beyond that, why would you need it for art? As an art student, I already have to spend a lot of money on supplies (hundreds of dollars a semester) for both classes and what I do in my free time, I don't need to spend extra money on a mac when I can get a simple, cheaper PC.

If you can get the same performance for a lesser price, why would you go with the more expensive option? The money you save by purchasing a PC instead of a mac could also be spent on other things you may need/want for college or could just be saved for the future. Or you can get a better performing PC.

[Amit]

If you can get the same performance for a lesser price, why would you go with the more expensive option? The money you save by purchasing a PC instead of a mac could also be spent on other things you may need/want for college or could just be saved for the future. Or you can get a better performing PC.

This is the main reason why I would never buy a Macbook. Also, my university is the only laptop-integrated school in Ontario. What this means is that the university will charge me $1500 CAD for 4 years to use an underpowered Lenovo T60 laptop. The laptop is refreshed after every school year and they will cycle us into a new laptop at the start of the 3rd year. I understand the software that is used on the laptops are extremely expensive to license, but why give every single piece of software to people in programs that won't use it. I'll be shafted out of hundreds of dollars because of the greedy bastards. I've got no other place to go since going to UOIT is still cheaper for me to go to than any other credible university in Ontario.

[sdavis117]

Well this Campus is equally geared towards both Mac and PC, with a near 50/50 split. I'd really like for someone to list the disadvantages to having a Mac Laptop and any tech issues with it. I'm asking for that because I already know the pains that come with a PC Laptop and I really need to know the difference.
For $1000 you can get a Mac with these specs:


2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
2GB DDR3 memory
250GB hard drive1
8x double-layer SuperDrive
NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics
Built-in 10-hour battery2
Polycarbonate unibody enclosure

Or for that same amount of money you could get this Asus laptop:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220612

That is about twice as powerful.

[Phopojijo]

I really dislike this statement and the fact colleges and universities are pushing this idea. Yes, a mac is great if you're going into graphic design or music because it comes with photoshop and music software, but beyond that, why would you need it for art? As an art student, I already have to spend a lot of money on supplies (hundreds of dollars a semester) for both classes and what I do in my free time, I don't need to spend extra money on a mac when I can get a simple, cheaper PC.

If you can get the same performance for a lesser price, why would you go with the more expensive option? The money you save by purchasing a PC instead of a mac could also be spent on other things you may need/want for college or could just be saved for the future. Or you can get a better performing PC.Uh... Macs don't come with Photoshop...

[Cojafoji]

I know I already chimed in on the thread, but I just want to make it clear, that these days, there are TONS of free open source alternatives to most major software. Way more than there were even five years ago. Need PS and don't want the burden of being a thief? GIMP. The list goes on. Video editing, office suites etc. Their usability is so improved it's not even funny.

Don't be pressured into buying something solely for the reason that certain software only comes on that machine.

[Kyle]

Uh... Macs don't come with Photoshop...

Well shit, I always thought they did. I assumed it was part of the package of programs that came with Macs, though I guess that's what I get for assuming. Then, why are graphic design/art majors pretty much commanded/pressured into purchasing Macs?

[Futzy]

I don't think there's a real reason. Adobe products don't even have the same level of support on macs as they do on pc.

[Phopojijo]

Well shit, I always thought they did. I assumed it was part of the package of programs that came with Macs, though I guess that's what I get for assuming. Then, why are graphic design/art majors pretty much commanded/pressured into purchasing Macs?They often use Final Cut (/Pro), Soundtrack/Logic Pro, etc.

Also MacOSX has system wide colour profile (ICC) support (something that was depressingly lacking from Windows until fucking Windows 7, seriously Microsoft, shame where it's due... and it's so overdue there might just be repomen at your door)... which makes a huge deal to know that their monitor/programs aren't lying to them when they actually go to print their photos or display it on a different computer.

So yeah... that's the main reason -- system-wide colour profiling (Windows 7 exempt... Vista supported it only for "colour-managed" software) and a few Apple-produced packages for video and sound editing.

--------------

Also, the comment earlier about antiviruses killing your performance -- you really shouldn't NEED an antivirus... I ran without one for 8 years (2001-2009 -- I now run Microsoft Security Essentials which is about as light-weight as you can get) during the worst time (2001-2004) for viruses. Also, people with antivirus software get infected (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/4338625/Conficker-Windows-virus-infects-15-million-PCs.html) anyway. Did I get a couple of viruses? Of course. Backup your data and reinstall Windows. Would an Antivirus have helped me? Likely not. You put a guard on the door but you left gaping holes in the wall. Would an antivirus clean up the infection? Possibly... but did it get it all? How would you KNOW it got it all (protip: You don't and can't if the virus author is intelligent)? Did it open up a security hole for later reinfection? Did its presence (or even removal) make it much more likely to be unstable or crash? Just backup your data and reinstall Windows.

Keep your operating system up to date (Mac, Windows, Linux, whatever), don't get socially-engineered, keep a hardware firewall (standard router works), and backup your damn data -- even if you don't get a virus (which you can backup your data from -- even if it's from a linux live CD)... harddrives die, computers catch fire if there's enough fire near them, etc. Keep copies of your damn data... preferably 2 onsite, one offsite, and not all the same media (Poor bastard who did all his backups on ZIP drives).


Unless your a Mac-techie, some problems can result in you taking your macbook to the Genius Bar at an Apple store and them replacing your laptop with all your stuff gonzo.

It won't turn on? Here's a new one (or the same one with whatever replaced faulty component + data gone)

That's all I've seen: hardware-wise

I mean generally, I don't think Macs have that many problems unless you screw with it a lot, but that goes for the same with a PC sometimes.Backup your damn data.

[vistea]

I would say its all just user preference. Sure, Mac comes with more software and such, But they are way more expensive than comparable pc's. Plus Macs can't game worth shit, unless you install bootcamp, but even then thats just more money. Just go to the Mac store, and play around with one for a while. Macs are better for artsy things in my opinion.

E. Also, as far as laptops go, you cant really upgrade things besides the RAM and hard drive for both mac and pc's anyway.

[Amit]

I would say its all just user preference. Sure, Mac comes with more software and such, But they are way more expensive than comparable pc's. Plus Macs can't game worth shit, unless you install bootcamp, but even then thats just more money. Just go to the Mac store, and play around with one for a while. Macs are better for artsy things in my opinion.

E. Also, as far as laptops go, you cant really upgrade things besides the RAM and hard drive for both mac and pc's anyway.

It only costs money for the Windows 7 Key when dual booting with Bootcamp. Bootcamp comes with OSX.

[Phopojijo]

When he said "Macs can't game worth shit" and made the Bootcamp claim... he implied that Windows would be installed on Bootcamp.

Mac is unfortunately more popular in gaming than basically any other x86 non-Windows platform.

Now if you're being difficult... then he could buy XP or Vista... so there. :p

[vistea]

It only costs money for the Windows 7 Key when dual booting with Bootcamp. Bootcamp comes with OSX.

That's what I meant, you would have to buy Windows extra.
My actual setup is a 3 year old Macbook pro with Mac 10.6 and Windows 7. It works perfectly for what I do, it was just a bit expensive. I have money, so no big deal for me, but others are not so fond of the cost.
When I said "Mac's cant game worth shit" I meant the OS itself, not the actual computer. My setup has run everything I have thrown at it so far.

BTW, I'm one of those people who doesn't care about all of this "fanboi" bullshit. I use both OS's, and I like them both. Both have pro's and con's.

[DarkHalo003]

Alright, update time. I have decided currently to not get a Mac. It's just out of my Budget and there are better computers out there for $300 less. I'm at an impasse though. Here is the laptop I'm looking at currently:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+Laptop+/+Intel%26%23174%3B+Core%26%23153%3B+i3+Processor+/+14%22+Display+/+4GB+Memory+/+500GB+Hard+Drive+-+Black/9964891.p?id=1218206200334&skuId=9964891&st=9964891&cp=1&lp=1#BVRRWidgetID

Because people here are Tech Savvy and know their details, can anyone tell me why not to get this laptop? Will it play Halo PC/CE with all settings maxed? Is the 1.2 GHz processor something to be concerned about?

[Futzy]

Don't shop at bestbuy. Buy it from newegg or customize it from the manufacturer. That is much too expensive for the specs it has

[DarkHalo003]

Don't shop at bestbuy. Buy it from newegg or customize it from the manufacturer. That is much too expensive for the specs it has
Sorry dude, it's the only place I can buy at. My family isn't Savvy for buying online things like computers. Trust me, if I could customize a laptop at the store, I'd do it in a heart beat.

[Syuusuke]

IF you're going to buy asus, buy it somewhere that's not from bestbuy.

Asus has a free one-year accidental warranty that does NOT extend to bestbuy models.

[Cortexian]

Best Buy and all other big outlet box stores that sell computers are going to rip you off, generally by hundreds of dollars. Tell your family to stop being completely retarded, internet purchases only go wrong when the buyer is retarded and ends up paying through a non-trusted source because the seller "couldn't deal with them because <enter retarded reason>".

[Syuusuke]

If you have a doorbell and a credit card (and hopefully neighbors that won't take shit (has happened only twice to me)), then try to convince your family about online purchases, it saves some money and a whole lot of time. I know you may want to look/feel the laptop, you can do that at bestbuy or any local retail store, just try not to buy it there.

[jcap]

Just order it online. Ordering it in store will be a nightmare. Heck, the reason people "hate" PCs is because they buy them in stores. They come preloaded with shit and more shit, so much shit that you usually require a high-end PC for it to perform like an average one.

Your neighbors can't steal anything. Whenever ordering a computer from online, they require signature confirmation.

In all honesty, I would build a desktop computer for $700 that can actually play games, and then get a $300 netbook. Actually, that's what I did. I have normal laptops, but I don't use them (my mom and sisters do). The netbook is just for when I go to class and travel. I do everything else on my desktop.

[SnaFuBAR]

In all honesty, I would build a desktop computer for $700 that can actually play games, and then get a $300 netbook. Actually, that's what I did. The netbook is just for when I go to class and travel. I do everything else on my desktop.

this.

[Syuusuke]

Your neighbors can't steal anything. Whenever ordering a computer from online, they require signature confirmation.

Right forgot about that.

Also jcap's solution is good, even if you're dorming.

[DarkHalo003]

Alright, I'm going to look for computers later today at Frye's. I'll try to convince my parents that ordering a computer online is alright if I can't find the right one while going about today. However, I won't get a Desktop because it's a pain in the ass to move around.

[Amit]

To answer your question about the laptop you posted form best buy, well that's a ripoff. The i3 is okay for a laptop, but the 1.2Ghz is abysmal. The graphics are pretty bad too. You can play halo, but I doubt it'd run much else. Also, for $749 US, I'm not sure they could possibly sell that thing. It's overpriced by hundreds.

[DarkHalo003]

To answer your question about the laptop you posted form best buy, well that's a ripoff. The i3 is okay for a laptop, but the 1.2Ghz is abysmal. The graphics are pretty bad too. You can play halo, but I doubt it'd run much else. Also, for $749 US, I'm not sure they could possibly sell that thing. It's overpriced by hundreds.
Hmm, okay, I'll see what Frye's has and look for another. Thanks for helping with that.

For a good Laptop (not like GOOOOOD, but like alright), what are some specs that I need to look for?

Here's another link to a Satellite Toshiba, but it doesn't have dedicated memory with it:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Toshiba+-+Satellite+Laptop+/+Intel%26%23174%3B+Core%26%23153%3B+i3+Processor+/+16%22+Display+/+4GB+Memory+/+500GB+Hard+Drive+-+Slate/9988697.p?id=1218205766312&skuId=9988697&st=Satellite%20Toshiba&contract_desc=null

If anyone knows any good laptops with an ATI Radeon graphics card and dedicated memory at a retailer, please post ASAP.

[iizahsum]

My mom has a satellite toshiba, and while it is heavy and indestructable, It got slow within 4 months of use, and overheats like mad.

Edit: look at HP or Compaq ( Compaq is owned by HP) They are very nice laptops, they have good customer support too. Not expensive either.

Your dv6zse series

Operating systemGenuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (http://javascript<b></b>:_tabBar.moveToTab('tab0','m_c_0','0');) edit (http://javascript<b></b>:_tabBar.moveToTab('tab0','m_c_0','0');)
ProcessorAMD Phenom(TM) II Quad-Core Mobile Processor N930 (2.0GHz, 2MB L2 Cache) (http://javascript<b></b>:_tabBar.moveToTab('tab0','m_c_1','1');) edit (http://javascript<b></b>:_tabBar.moveToTab('tab0','m_c_1','1');)
Memory4GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm) (http://javascript<b></b>:_tabBar.moveToTab('tab0','m_c_2','2');)edit (http://javascript<b></b>:_tabBar.moveToTab('tab0','m_c_2','2');)
Hard drive500GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection (http://javascript<b></b>:_tabBar.moveToTab('tab0','m_c_3','3');) edit (http://javascript<b></b>:_tabBar.moveToTab('tab0','m_c_3','3');)
Graphics card1GB ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 5650 switchable graphics [HDMI, VGA] (http://javascript<b></b>:_tabBar.moveToTab('tab0','m_c_4','4');) edit (http://javascript<b></b>:_tabBar.moveToTab('tab0','m_c_4','4');)
Display15.6" diagonal High Definition LED HP Brightview Display (1366x768) (http://javascript<b></b>:_tabBar.moveToTab('tab0','m_c_5','5');) edit (http://javascript<b></b>:_tabBar.moveToTab('tab0','m_c_5','5');)
TouchscreenNo TouchScreen (includes HP TrueVision Webcam) (http://javascript<b></b>:_tabBar.moveToTab('tab0','m_c_6','6');) edit (http://javascript<b></b>:_tabBar.moveToTab('tab0','m_c_6','6');)
Primary optical driveFREE Upgrade to Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW Double Layer (http://javascript<b></b>:_tabBar.moveToTab('tab0','m_c_7','7');) edit (http://javascript<b></b>:_tabBar.moveToTab('tab0','m_c_7','7');)
NetworkingWireless 802.11b/g/n Card (http://javascript<b></b>:_tabBar.moveToTab('tab0','m_c_8','8');) edit (http://javascript<b></b>:_tabBar.moveToTab('tab0','m_c_8','8');)
KeyboardStandard Keyboard and Fingerprint Reader (http://javascript<b></b>:_tabBar.moveToTab('tab0','m_c_9','9');) edit (http://javascript<b></b>:_tabBar.moveToTab('tab0','m_c_9','9');)
Primary battery6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery (standard) (http://javascript<b></b>:_tabBar.moveToTab('tab0','m_c_10','10');) edit (http://javascript<b></b>:_tabBar.moveToTab('tab0','m_c_10','10');)
Office softwareMicrosoft(R) Office Starter 2010 (http://javascript<b></b>:_tabBar.moveToTab('tab0','m_c_13','13');) edit (http://javascript<b></b>:_tabBar.moveToTab('tab0','m_c_13','13');)
Security softwareNo additional security software (http://javascript<b></b>:_tabBar.moveToTab('tab0','m_c_14','14');) edit (http://javascript<b></b>:_tabBar.moveToTab('tab0','m_c_14','14');)


Price $994.99* Instant rebate-$150.00
Mail-in rebate-$0.00
Total:$844.99
You saved15.1%
Just an example

[Phopojijo]

They load up the bloatware though.

[iizahsum]

They load up the bloatware though.


not really, I had to unistall maybe 3 things on mine and it was norton, Hp security crap, and HP homecare.

[DarkHalo003]

They load up the bloatware though.
I'm assuming this is the crap that clogs up your system?

@iiz: I currently have an HP Laptop that I've used for 6 years. It's lasted this long barely by an update in RAM (to 1GB).

[Syuusuke]

Kind of, it's all the extra crap (programs, software) you don't need AT ALL.

[Amit]

not really, I had to unistall maybe 3 things on mine and it was norton, Hp security crap, and HP homecare.

Toshibas are great laptops if you take care of them. They only overheat if you use them in hot conditions or put cover the fan exhaust. I have 3 of them. What I did right from the start was reformat the Toshiba to erase any trace of the crapware and install the OS again. Provided you need the OS disc as well. I already had the Windows 7 disc so no need to buy it from Futureshop for an additional $100.

[iizahsum]

I wasn't bashing Toshiba, I've had two and the first one ran great but that was years ago, my mom got one about two years ago and it just started getting slower and slower over time. I always take good care of any computer in my house, and place them where the fan won't be blocked when it's running. My past experience with toshiba was great and thats why we bought another, but after whats been happenign to the new one we moved on to HP and Compaq and have had no problems 1 Hp and 2 compaqs later.

[Angelus]

I've been using Macs for about a year now, I hate using anything else, so this is my short opinion on what you should get.

I'll try being as unbiased as I can, but I would get a Macbook Pro for college for several reasons. The biggest one would be for reliability, they are insanely stable and reliable, no worries about viruses or malware or spyware, no bloatware, and they rarely need to be maintained to run smoothly. The Macbook line also has the best reliability scores, and Apple has some of the best customer service. Part of this is because they make the software and the hardware, you don't get juggled between MS and the hardware manufacture. The result? go to the Genius bar, get everything fixed at one place and not have to worry about being told it's not their problem.

The second thing would be battery life, while I doubt you'll get the times advertised, with my display dimmed and my backlight keyboard off, I can get 5-6 hours of battery life out of mine, and it never gets to hot nor uncomfortable to use.

Another good thing is you can get iWork for it for just 50$ when you buy it, and it's hell of a lot cheaper and nicer than office for Mac, it's more for consumers and less for business. It does what it needs to do, and soon you can cary all your documents on your free iPod Touch and store them on iWork.com so you never need a USB stick to access your documents. It's a great piece of software, and I prefer it over Office. theres a 30 day trial if you want to test it too.

People here are right, there are downsides to getting a Mac, mostly for games. You can dual boot into windows, but I think mac games are going to rise, they recently came out for Steam for Mac as well. Although, I'm guessing for college you wont be spending time at home playing games. I'm sure you can get a better speced machine for less money, but truth of the matter is, I don't think it matters much when using OSX, since it is far more efficient in my experience.

[DarkHalo003]

It's missing many major components though, Masters, which is why I'm not buying a Mac. I need a computer that can use 3ds Max, Adobe Photoshop, Halo Custom Edition, and much more to its maximum. A Macbook Pro is just out of my budget too and I'm already pushing it with the ones I'm about to post. I thank you for your input though. If there's anything my brother keeps telling me, it's that Macs are reliable and sturdy as hell. Still, I like PC more because it hosts my hobbies.

Here are two new ones I found at Frys today:

http://www.frys.com/product/6275010?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

http://www.frys.com/product/6236820?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Explain to me why I shouldn't get either one of them. Thanks for any help.

[Futzy]

That HP is too big. You don't want to be carrying around something that big all the time, not to mention it hard to find a good case for it. I don't see any problems withe the other one, and its probably as cheap as its going to get with those specs

[DarkHalo003]

That HP is too big. You don't want to be carrying around something that big all the time, not to mention it hard to find a good case for it. I don't see any problems withe the other one, and its probably as cheap as its going to get with those specs
My main issue is the maker of the second one. I've never heard of Lenovo before and I don't know how reliable their computers are.

[Syuusuke]

Lenovo is pretty decent actually, I have two friends with them.

BUUT yes i've only seen them once in the past year.

[iizahsum]

The Lenovo would be the way to go, and then if you want the extra RAM you can upgrade it cheaper than what the HP is offering. You really shouldnt need 1TB of memory, and you can always get a cheap external hardrive and still be cheaper than what the HP is offering. Very nice lenovo 1gb video memory, the HP is offering 3gb vmemory but you will NEVER need that much.

[DarkHalo003]

The Lenovo would be the way to go, and then if you want the extra RAM you can upgrade it cheaper than what the HP is offering. You really shouldnt need 1TB of memory, and you can always get a cheap external hardrive and still be cheaper than what the HP is offering. Very nice lenovo 1gb video memory, the HP is offering 3gb vmemory but you will NEVER need that much.
Even when I want to use 3ds Max? I want standard stuff to render in, at the most, half a day. What if Halo Reach comes to PC (just saying, this is what I'll be stuck with for the next 5 years at least)? I might be asking for much here, but I need to make sure these computers have what I require and are mobile enough.

@MrBig: I'm using an HP about that size now (I think) and it's only heavy because it's 6 years old from a time when laptops were heavy. I could be wrong though. I've heard the lighter the computer, the worse it is for high performance stuff.

[Amit]

Even when I want to use 3ds Max? I want standard stuff to render in, at the most, half a day. What if Halo Reach comes to PC (just saying, this is what I'll be stuck with for the next 5 years at least)? I might be asking for much here, but I need to make sure these computers have what I require and are mobile enough.

@MrBig: I'm using an HP about that size now (I think) and it's only heavy because it's 6 years old from a time when laptops were heavy. I could be wrong though. I've heard the lighter the computer, the worse it is for high performance stuff.

Lenovo IBM laptops are no good for gaming. I've used 4 different types of Lenovo laptops and they are great for doing business/school work, but not much of anything else. Also, Reach isn't coming to PC so you don't have to worry about that.

[iizahsum]

Which is why I said Lenovo, you should focus on your school before any gaming. If your going to be using it 5 Years later I wouldn't even suggest a laptop but the HP would be the way to go.

e:Assuming your out of college in 5 years and have time for games every now and then.

[Futzy]

Ya if you have the money and are alright with the size, get the HP.
My moms HP lasted 8 years and I've had my HP HDX 18 for two and they both run great without any problems.

[Phopojijo]

Which is why I said Lenovo, you should focus on your school before any gaming. If your going to be using it 5 Years later I wouldn't even suggest a laptop but the HP would be the way to go.

e:Assuming your out of college in 5 years and have time for games every now and then.Of course you should focus on your school work before any gaming, but that doesn't mean prevent yourself from having any means of gaming. Besides, that will just make him more likely to go to frat parties in his free time.

People aren't machines, they can't simply study old material every waking moment until they are given more homework. It's about balance (BALANCE DOES NOT MEAN "SKIM BY"! IT MEANS KEEP YOURSELF AT YOUR PRIME).

[ICEE]

Get an ASUS. Macs are not typically better for ANYTHING. it may be "common knowledge" that they are better for artists, but it seems to me that their ui is just a bit easier for people who have never used a computer, appealing to the non-computer artist. For someone such as myself who knows how to use a PC, they are a shitstorm of confusion.

[Phopojijo]

Get an ASUS. Macs are not typically better for ANYTHING. it may be "common knowledge" that they are better for artists, but it seems to me that their ui is just a bit easier for people who have never used a computer, appealing to the non-computer artist. For someone such as myself who knows how to use a PC, they are a shitstorm of confusion.And, as stated, system wide ICC colour profiles (so that you're better sure that your monitor or program isn't lying to you about your colours)... which Windows 7 now has.

[DarkHalo003]

Get an ASUS. Macs are not typically better for ANYTHING. it may be "common knowledge" that they are better for artists, but it seems to me that their ui is just a bit easier for people who have never used a computer, appealing to the non-computer artist. For someone such as myself who knows how to use a PC, they are a shitstorm of confusion.
We looked at the ones at Frys, but there weren't any with as good of specs.

With the two I posted, I really just need to know which is better for the following (the following are listed from high to low priority, but 1&2 are equal in priority):

1.) School (Microsoft Office, Web Browsing, mobility, etc.)
2.) Demanding Software (Antivirus, 3ds Max, Studio programs)
3.) Router capabilities (Networking)
4.) Gaming (Halo CE and other SDK PC games)

I'm looking for which one holds the most potential over the other.

If anyone can help me with this, it'd be appreciated very much.

[iizahsum]

HP.

also I never said he couldnt game every now and then, I ment he shouldnt focus on just gaming when he won't get to use it as often for gaming. Also "more likely to go to partys" I never knew being social was a bad thing, sorry for being so naive.

[Syuusuke]

We looked at the ones at Frys, but there weren't any with as good of specs.

With the two I posted, I really just need to know which is better for the following (the following are listed from high to low priority, but 1&2 are equal in priority):

1.) School (Microsoft Office, Web Browsing, mobility, etc.) Any laptop, seriously, well almost any
2.) Demanding Software (Antivirus, 3ds Max, Studio programs) Ok, not any laptop, but some medium ends, like Asus, but I'll help you look around at Fry's...if not you can check overstock.com.

Quenstion: are you looking at fry's because there is one near you?
3.) Router capabilities (Networking) Almost every laptop has a wireless card (as long as it has 802.11 b/g (n is optional but if you see a/b/g/n, as long as it has b and/or g in it, you're good to go), and are capable of creating ad-hoc networks.
4.) Gaming (Halo CE and other SDK PC games) Same as #2, but higher. I don't know which SDK PC games you play, but Halo isn't as demanding as it used tobe.

I'm looking for which one holds the most potential over the other.

If anyone can help me with this, it'd be appreciated very much.

Why are you looking at just fry's anyway?

[Sanctus]

HP all the way for me.

[DarkHalo003]

Why are you looking at just fry's anyway?
It's near my house and it has a great choice of PCs. I was talking about the two I had selected in the links a page or so back. I've heard Asus is good, but it's just that I haven't found any good ones of it yet. But please focus on the two I have listed. The Asus selection at Frys is either lacking, too expensive (more than the HP), or doesn't have dedicated memory for the graphics card.

[Syuusuke]

The last two are pretty much subcategories of the first two anyway, modern laptops almost always have a wireless card capable of connecting to a network. If you need something with you "studio" programs without problems, that would pretty much take care of Halo and other games with an SDK

The Asus G73JH is an amazing laptop for your #2 needs, but its out of stock, ha! (and its 1700$, did you mention any budget?)

Here's the problem with 1 and 2.

You're looking for mobility and it's difficult to find a laptop small enough to house a decent GPU because it needs the room for airflow.

But I understand you're not looking to play games like Crysis...however you are also playing some source games? You won't be able to play high on some of these rigs anyway. When you're rendering models and stuff, you don't necessarily need a powerhouse, you can definitely leave them overnight and during classes...

But you want to bring it with you...

[DarkHalo003]

I know Asus is good, but right now I'm leaning more towards the HP.

My budget is around $1,000 at the moment. It'll increase by a few hundred soon, but anymore is out of the question. That's why I posted the last two: they're the best ones at Frys within my budget without going overboard.

[Syuusuke]

Are you talking about this HP? (http://www.frys.com/product/6281880) Because that one is pretty good.

Do you have like an instant messaging client (not xfire) like AIM/MSN/ or something just so I can know some info quicker without waiting on posts?

[DarkHalo003]

Nope, Xfire and Steam are it. I don't use AIM/MSN.

The laptop is $1,250 at the store too, so no people going and saying I should order it online.

Tell me what you need to know and I'll PM it to you.