I need a laptop
 

So, i need a laptop. UMD has deals with apple and Dell. They have dell latitude laptops and all apple products that we can get deals on (which i hardly call a deal). I can get another company but if I stick with the suggested ones there will be lots of students with the same computer and the school offers support so if i need help i can find it. I like the apples and now that I can get windows on it I am liking it more. The macbook pro looks good because we can download windows to it.

If I get a macbook pro what will I need to do to have windows running on it and also do i need to get microsoft office for both the mac and the PC part of the laptop? How much will all that software cost? What is the main differences b/w a mac and PC? I know nothing about computers and I know some people here do. Are there any other laptops you suggest? I am thinking price might be an issue but the apple is expensive. I think some other family members will be giving it to me as a gift so i could go higher if it is better.

What do i need to do specifically to get my super computer with windows and mac running together with all the good word and powerpoint stuff going?? Are there anyother intel based macs comming out soon? Should I wait? I like the size of the macbook pro but what do you all suggest in terms of size. When should I buy my computer? I don't really need it until the August but I guess I should start looking and if I get one over the summer it might be helpful because I am taking some classes and I might get used to it.

Thanks

I'll probably bump this monday morning when all the working types take time off during the time they should be working to check out the warpath.

Re: I need a laptop
 

apple laptops are GOOD. by it as late as possible, price never go up.

to run windows on it, you just need the bootcamp software (free from apple) and a copy of windows (legit or otherwise).

you only need 1 copy of office, but it'll only work on whichever OS (apple/windows) you buy it for. Since you can boot either at any time, that shouldn't be a problem.

as for prices on software, windows in like 80-100$, office is $99-400 depending on the version (student is the $99 version)...

your school has a deal with microsoft though, so you should ask about it. at my school, we got 26CDs of MS software a year (office/visual studio, msdn, visio, windows, etc etc). You get that cause every student pays like $35 per semester to MS whether they use the stuff or not, and they pay it whether MS releases updates or not (sometimes you pay it and get nothing in return). Its a bad deal, but since you'll probably be forced to pay it anyways (in the tech fee/lab fee or whatever), might as well see what you can get.

that whole deal might only be for tech majors, i'm not sure...

Re: I need a laptop
 

one thing you can do (if you have a computer guy willing to help you) is order the cheapest upgradeable parts (like ram) for the apple and get those things yourself on sale (if you're good at doing the rebates)...

I wouldn't recommend it if you really don't know that much about computers though.

Re: I need a laptop
 

I bought my additional Apple RAM from a company that specializes in it. Costs about 1/2 what it would have from Apple. I haven't had any problems with it for the 18 months its been in.

Re: I need a laptop
 

apple ram is just normal ram. you can get it super cheap when best buy/compusa/staples etc has it on sale with rebates, or just get some from newegg.com

Re: I need a laptop
 

Thanks a lot,
I don't know what RAM is but I'll definately look into buying it seperately. I intern at an IT company so they have so computer savvy people there that probably know how to make computers.

I understand the boot camp download but the problem is the darn windows I don't want to buy it. I mean i know a million people do it illegally but I don't know where to get what i need. I actually bought MS office, the student edition, so I'll I can put that on my other computer when I get it. It says I can use it 3 times woo-hoo.

I guess the office will be on the windows side of it then. Why would someone use the MAC OS over windows? What is better about Mac and whats better about windows?

As for the software, the site on the computer stuff at UMD.edu is pretty piss poor. I don't understand half of it. It seems like it is talking to the teachers and not the students. The teachers get everything free but I don't know what they mean for the students. I'll figure it out, i'll e-mail them or something

Are there any good Intel macs comming out soon or before august? Also are there any other computers that I should look at or rule out? Any companies that really suck or are really good?

Thanks

Re: I need a laptop
 

The BSB, Some universities are partners with microsoft. I got a copy of WinXP Pro, Win 2k and a bunch of other goodies. Check with UMCP.
DeF: RAM is Random Access Memory. It is the part of the computer that processes information. When a program is started it is loaded into RAM to be run.
Basicly, when you open a program, It gets sent to the RAM. The more ram you have, the more programs you can have open without windows slowing down. Ram is very important. without enough ram, you system will be sluggish no matter how fast your processor is.


Laptops: Apple looks great. Nice OS and lots of coolness but Windows PC's are probably your best bet.

Some things to think about:
What are you using it for?[LIST][*]Is it a Desktop replacement?[*]Do you want a mobile PC with great battery life?[*]You want to use it as a bigass ipod...[/LIST]
If you're going to need a Desktop Replacement: Its a Laptop that is big, 17Inch screen with Athlon 64 or P4HT processors. Dont forget the RAM, you will want atleast 1 gig but 2 gigs is great! THis laptop is made to sit at a desk most of the time with very daily travel.

If you're looking for a Mobile PC: you want a thin laptop with either a Turion or Pentium M Processor Or Pentium DUo MObile.. Those processors extend the battery life by only using enough power to run the current programs. Plus those are great processors! Also, you will want a more manageable screen size. the 15.4' screen looks great but isnt that big as a 17'. But if you can afford it, they have those little laptops with 12' screens, they look great but i dont know how usefull it is. would be awesome if you were a business traveler.

if you want a media machine to play your mp3's while sitting next to a tree while chatting with a hippie... pick something that is shiny.

Also: Look at the screens. Watch demo videos on various laptops in side by side comparisons. Not all laptop screens are created equal. In my opinion(and most peoples), Fujitsu crystal view laptops are the best visually. They are stunning. Best buy usually doesnt carry them around here but find one and watch a demo vid on it, you will be amazed compared to standard laptops. Some toshibas have great screens too. If you are going to watch movies on your laptop or just want a kick ass screen. Go to the store and compare laptop screens in person.

Since you arent to Techno savvy, I recommend you get a Windows laptop with all the components you want allready installed. Granted memory is easy to install, you really dont want to deal with that stuff.

another consideration: Where to buy. Some other people might be able to help you with that. I know best buy offers insurance and stuff like that, decide if you want it or not. also check out return policies for computers.

Most Importantly, Enjoy your purchase :)

Re: I need a laptop
 

Here is a link to great reviews: [url]http://www.notebookreview.com/[/url]

Re: I need a laptop
 

wow, thanks. There are so many computers it is so stinking confusing. i don't know what to do. I guess all i'll use it for is downloading some stuff, writing in word and surfing the net. There are just so many. I'll have to figure it out some. it'll need to travel a lot.

If i do get the macbook and put windows on it will it run JUST like windows. I mean it is then esentially a windows computer then, right?

Next what is windows vista? is that like a new word or a new XP ME kind of thing? If I was to download that boot camp thing and put XP on it would i want the vista thing later?

I'll ask what the school offers in terms of software.

Re: I need a laptop
 

Vista is the Operationg system. Like XP, ME, 2000 and Mac OS X. Its a while new windows .

Re: I need a laptop
 

[quote=BigSKINBauer]
If i do get the macbook and put windows on it will it run JUST like windows. I mean it is then esentially a windows computer then, right?
[/quote]

yeah, it is. but if you buy from apple they charge a lot :(

if you want the best deal, using something like fatwallet.com and waiting for a good deal on a dell laptop is pretty cheap, or getting an amd64 laptop on rebate from best buy/staples/office depot/circuit city...

about once a month you can get either a $500 intel (celeron - crap processor that'll seem slow) or amd (sempron, a bit better), or about 750$ amd 64 laptop... all of which require rebates to get the full savings (200-300$ that you get back 4-8 weeks later :/ ).

Re: I need a laptop
 

dont forget though if you do buy a mac and put windows on it apple will not help you at all.

Re: I need a laptop
 

circuit city has a amd64 15.4" 1gb ram laptop for 780$ this week (no rebates i believe).

Re: I need a laptop
 

I built a HP on their web site like last weekend with 2 gigahertz duo core processing and 2 gigs of RAM. It was only like 1600$ it was a badass notebook. If I get one, I'm getting an HP.

Re: I need a laptop
 

BSB, [url]www.cyberpowersystem.com[/url]

Daseal showed me this site a while back and you can get a dumbed down AWESOME bare bones PC and put your own components in it. You only really need Apple if you're planning on doing any type of graphic design or video editing. The new machines are great, they gave us some spec machines to test here and they fly, however everyone knows the problems that Apple has. I'm not biased because I have to use both everyday, so my advice is to NEVER listen to someone who says you should never buy a Windows machine because some people are up Apple's ASS.

However, if your school recommends Dells (meaning they will work on them for you when they break) I would go with the D620 Latitude. I buy those for all of the users I support here and they all love them. I have bought them for the President of the University and all of the Deans. Make sure you get one with the dual core because it'll use less battery and be crazy fast. Also, you might want to ask your school if they can put a base image on it after you get it because Dell loads all sorts of stupid shit you don't need. You could spend hours cleaning off crap that Dell loads in addition to doing the enhancements that your school SHOULD have done in their image.

Re: I need a laptop
 

Go with a PC for price. You'll never need the Apple and it abilities. If you do go PC go ahead and get one of the Dells the school offers. They'll probably be the best deals and you'll actually get support on campus for them. I'd be dubious of the on campus Apple support. There aren't tons of people who know enough to be a quality support tech on Apples.

In the long run the Dell will be cheaper as long as you take some care of it and keep crap off of it that will shorten it's life.

Re: I need a laptop
 

Right, also whoever mentioned to get the bare machine and install 3rd party parts is right. Just get the bare minimum amount of memory and then buy some for WAY cheaper than what Dell offers. I think it's 512 MB minimum right now. Also, I would get it with 1 DIMM of 512, you pay 10 bucks more but it allows for greater expandibility later. No one really needs over 1 GB of RAM. The price versus performance drops considerably.

Re: I need a laptop
 

BSB - you should be able to buy discounted microsoft software (O/S, Office, Visual Studio, etc) at the bookstore. Don't quote me, but I think it's around $5-10/disk...so WinXPPro would be $10-20. When I was at Salisbury, they just stared the MSEA (Microsoft Enterprise Agreement), and I was paying around $5/disk. Then at some point while my sister was there, they were giving the students free copies.

As far as laptops go, the Apples are really nice, but if you are doing mostly PC based stuff, I'd go with a Dell. If you were going to do any graphics work, then I'd consider an Apple.

Re: I need a laptop
 

Right, make sure you get the media with your computer so you can reformat that bitch and load ONLY the good stuff.

Re: I need a laptop
 

Thanks a lot. SOmeone else told me today to look at the D820. What is the difference between the D620 and 820. I think it is just down to these and the apple. The apple is just so sexy. i mean, some people might use the headphone jack for other things. Look at it but really I don't even know what apples do much less do I need one. I can get a dell cheaper and do all that stuff and make a super computer too. I don't know anything about computers mind you so when I do end up buying this thing in august I will need help. You guys will have to tell me what type of stuff I'll have to put into it later. I like the sexy apples though.

Re: I need a laptop
 

[quote=BDBohnzie]BSB - you should be able to buy discounted microsoft software (O/S, Office, Visual Studio, etc) at the bookstore. Don't quote me, but I think it's around $5-10/disk...so WinXPPro would be $10-20. When I was at Salisbury, they just stared the MSEA (Microsoft Enterprise Agreement), and I was paying around $5/disk. Then at some point while my sister was there, they were giving the students free copies.

As far as laptops go, the Apples are really nice, but if you are doing mostly PC based stuff, I'd go with a Dell. If you were going to do any graphics work, then I'd consider an Apple.[/quote]

Thanks, on the internet it says you can buy software from the bookstore but doesn't tell me for how much. It is kind of annoying because I think it should tell the prices right there. Maryland Day is on Saturday and I guess I'll go and look in the bookstore. Only problem is that is DRAFT DAY too. Hmmmm. hmmmm.

Re: I need a laptop
 

BSB, the 820 is a freakin' HORSE is the problem. I think you pay a little more and all you really get is a bigger monitor. That thing weighs a lot and is honestly not very practical.

Re: I need a laptop
 

if you want cheap but good, amd64 with 1gb ram is the way to go (under $800 and it'll do what you need, including games, though mobile gfx cards are a bit dinky). dell only sells intel though :/

if you do video/photoshop/3d rendering etc, than a super laptop with a dual core chip and whatnot would be better (though $1600+).

one of the most important decisions is the quality and size of the screen. higher resolution = more expensive. bigger = heavier and less battery life. Dell let you choose screen quality on most models, which is nice.

oh yeah, get a shitty looking bookbag. keeping a laptop in what appears to be a modern day cloth trash can is the best way to keep it from being pilfered. Be careful with room mates too, laptops are just too easy to steal :(

Re: I need a laptop
 

Right. You might want to invest in one of those locks that you can chain your laptop to the desk with. I got robbed in two straight years of college and ALL my electronic equipment was taken. Also, if you plan on running it on an LCD monitor (some people do) make sure you decide about SXGA, UXGA or WUXGA. With that you can actually get a cheaper projection and have a wide-screen TV in your room. ;)

Re: I need a laptop
 

when you say amd64 i think of a nintendo 64. Is that like the chip? But money wise, only because some of my relatives are buying this for me I don't think i need to worry about price. As much as I don't want to waste their money I still can get what I want from them if I ask. But with that said when I got this computer I am using now I trusted you guys and it has been great for me. I watch my TV and record what I want. It stays in my room and I don't need a tv or dvd player. REally all my media is inside this media center. It is 4 months before I have to really buy my laptop but i am trying to get a good idea. I trusted you guys before and i wasn't disappointed.

SXGA, UXGA or WUXGA-- TERNFSXGA to you too malcolm. I'll figure out what all that means and get back to you. I will have to get something to protect my laptop. How bad would it suck if something that cost 1,500 got stolen.

Re: I need a laptop
 

Well, if you with WUXGA you'll be able to run widescreen projections directly from your laptop to a projection.

Which means that for CHRISTMAS you can ask for a projector and basically project stuff from your laptop over skyscrapers with awesome resolution.

Re: I need a laptop
 

[quote=BigSKINBauer]when you say amd64 i think of a nintendo 64. Is that like the chip? But money wise, only because some of my relatives are buying this for me I don't think i need to worry about price. As much as I don't want to waste their money I still can get what I want from them if I ask. But with that said when I got this computer I am using now I trusted you guys and it has been great for me. I watch my TV and record what I want. It stays in my room and I don't need a tv or dvd player. REally all my media is inside this media center. It is 4 months before I have to really buy my laptop but i am trying to get a good idea. I trusted you guys before and i wasn't disappointed.

SXGA, UXGA or WUXGA-- TERNFSXGA to you too malcolm. I'll figure out what all that means and get back to you. I will have to get something to protect my laptop. How bad would it suck if something that cost 1,500 got stolen.[/quote]

XGA, SXGA, UXGA, WUXGA have to do with screen quality. its just acronyms for how many pixels fit on the screen.

amd64 is a chip, like an intel chip. amd64 is generally faster per dollar than intel, but dell doen't sell them (cause intel gives them a discount to only use intel).

wait till its time to buy, bring it up again (give 2-3 weeks notice) and we can lok at specific models and prices then.

those kensington locks are better than nothing, but i can show you how to pick them in 5 minutes with a bic pen cap or you can use a wire cutter on them. keeping it out of site when not in use (crappy backpack/duffel bag etc) tend to work the best.

Re: I need a laptop
 

[quote=TheMalcolmConnection]Well, if you with WUXGA you'll be able to run widescreen projections directly from your laptop to a projection.

Which means that for CHRISTMAS you can ask for a projector and basically project stuff from your laptop over skyscrapers with awesome resolution.[/quote]yes, now the only question is what to project?

[quote=That Guy]XGA, SXGA, UXGA, WUXGA have to do with screen quality. its just acronyms for how many pixels fit on the screen.

amd64 is a chip, like an intel chip. amd64 is generally faster per dollar than intel, but dell doen't sell them (cause intel gives them a discount to only use intel).

wait till its time to buy, bring it up again (give 2-3 weeks notice) and we can lok at specific models and prices then.

those kensington locks are better than nothing, but i can show you how to pick them in 5 minutes with a bic pen cap or you can use a wire cutter on them. keeping it out of site when not in use (crappy backpack/duffel bag etc) tend to work the best.[/quote] comeone would have to be pretty badass just to walk into a room of their neighbor and steal his laptop. it would have to be someone that lives on the 4 floors of the dorm so I'll just go jack bauer on everyone till i get what I want.

[quote=Jack Bauer]I'm done talking with you, you understand me? You read my file. first thing i'm gonna do, i'm gonna take out your right eye then i'm gonna move over and take out your left. Then i'm gonna cut you, I'm gonna keep cutting you till i get the information that i need[/quote]

24 on tonight even the show sucks compared to season 1 and 2. Now it actually is a little popular but it sucks now. i don't get it. That show used to be the best.

Re: I need a laptop
 

BSB, you project porn onto the President of the College's house. Duh. You have a lot to learn my son.

OR you project this site onto the side of your dorm and take a picture. It would look bad ass as hell. Rather than the Kensington lock, you could just sit next to it with a gun and when you're not there, put up a picture of you sitting there with a gun.

Re: I need a laptop
 

Or even better, just attach a gun with the Kensington lock with a note that says, "Steal this and kill yourself."

Re: I need a laptop
 

[quote=TheMalcolmConnection]BSB, you project porn onto the President of the College's house. Duh. You have a lot to learn my son.

OR you project this site onto the side of your dorm and take a picture. It would look bad ass as hell. Rather than the Kensington lock, you could just sit next to it with a gun and when you're not there, put up a picture of you sitting there with a gun.[/quote]
WUXGA it is then. What to do for a senior prank is a better question. The problem is my school hasn't really ever been known for any pranks. It is getting late to even think of one but I am sure atleast someone in my class will come up with something.

Re: I need a laptop
 

Then you'll be the one known for pranks. Tell them you need a projector too with your laptop. It's "for school".

Re: I need a laptop
 

Hey, I won this at a post prom event at my school. [url]http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1140392153933&type=product[/url]

What do you think? I like it and have been using it. I can get MS office on it because i have the CD and it works good enough online. Its the right size but just a tad heavier than others but its no problem. Pretty good hard drive at 80 GB though its processor isn't great. I don't think I would ever buy it but its free so thats great. Is there anything I should do to soup this baby up?

Re: I need a laptop
 

dude you won a laptop? thats sweet. Just take the free one, and please do not buy office...biggest waste of money, find other ways to get it for free. I finished my first year at UVa, and our school has similar computer deals which werent much deals, and the service that they give wasnt that great. I have a couple of buds at UMD and they bought school laptops, didnt like the service at all. If you dont want your free laptop lol, word of advice, do NOT get a widescreen or otherwise large laptop, they are really heavy, and hard to move around. Get the smallest possible one, it is much easier to move around, and believe me, it is better. If you want a Dell, never pay full price, there are a ton of coupon sites online which cut the price down for high end laptops significantly.

Re: I need a laptop
 

[quote=BigSKINBauer]Hey, I won this at a post prom event at my school. [URL="http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1140392153933&type=product"]http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1140392153933&type=product[/URL]

What do you think? I like it and have been using it. I can get MS office on it because i have the CD and it works good enough online. Its the right size but just a tad heavier than others but it no problem. Pretty good hard drive at 80 GB though its processor isn't great. I don't think I would ever buy it but its free so thats great. Is there anything I should do to soup this baby up?[/quote]

the integrated gfx card sucks, but outside of that its a good laptop that shouldn't give you any troubles. good job.

Re: I need a laptop
 

[quote=hooskins]If you want a Dell, never pay full price, there are a ton of coupon sites online which cut the price down for high end laptops significantly.[/quote]

techbargains.com

fatwallet.com

Re: I need a laptop
 

the BSB - for what you're gonna do (write papers, look at porn, emailing adult film stars), that Sony VAIO will be fine. The memory is a bit on the weak side, and may be worth getting another stick of 512 to boost it up to 1GB, but not completely necessary. What you should do is spend some money on hardware security. A laptop lock and be sure you can secure it to your desk while you're not around...laptops are quite easily stolen.

the one other thing i'd consider is the port replicator...hook up a standard mouse, keyboard and monitor and you have a decent workstation. or at least a mouse to the setup. i hate those damn thumbpads.

Go to OpenOffice.org if you want a great (and free) alternative to MS Office (if you can't get it cheap at the UMD bookstore).

Re: I need a laptop
 

Or you can email me and I can help you out BSB getting MS office.

Re: I need a laptop
 

[quote=BDBohnzie]What you should do is spend some money on hardware security. A laptop lock and be sure you can secure it to your desk while you're not around...laptops are quite easily stolen.
[/quote]

I can show you how to unlock those things with the cap from a 10 cent ball point pen. the best idea is to never leave your laptop out of sight, and to store it in a beatup book bag.

Re: I need a laptop
 

[QUOTE=That Guy]I can show you how to unlock those things with the cap from a 10 cent ball point pen. the best idea is to never leave your laptop out of sight, and to store it in a beatup book bag.[/QUOTE]
Yes unlocking those things is relatively easy but no where near as easy as simply walking away with one. Get the lock and at least it makes someone take 30 seconds of standing there trying to steal it rather than just grab and run.