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Best Laptop for College?

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BrownBomber
Posts: 675 - Karma: 446
So im going to be a college freshman next year, and my Grandparents want to buy me a laptop as a graduation present. They want to know which one i want, taking into account that my grandma gets a fair discount on all HP's.

I was taking a look at the HP Envy, and i saw a commercial for the new Dr. Dre edition of it, which looks bad ass, but its pretty pricey.

So newschoolers, which laptop should i ask for? Like i said, ill be using it mainly for college work, but i want to be able to do media stuff like photoshop and making edits.
Apr 11 2011 4:33PM
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factory81
Posts: 3967 - Karma: 63
This is not an 11 or 13" ultraportable notebook.

I am sorry. This is just another 4lb 14" notebook. There is nothing to compare here sense they are not even in the same class.

This is like comparing the towing capacity of a f150 vs. a ford taures or something.



Apr 18 2011 6:28PM
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Balto
Posts: 25985 - Karma: 4,398
notice i called the guy quoting you an idiot?
Apr 18 2011 6:31PM
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Furrer92
Posts: 784 - Karma: 341
My point there was does that tiny bit of weight difference really justify spending more money for a slightly lighter computer?
Apr 18 2011 7:00PM
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Balto
Posts: 25985 - Karma: 4,398
ever haul around a bag full of heavy ass camera gear, only to have to put a 15" notebook in there also? its kind of a pain in the ass.

i'm looking at picking up an 11" MBA just for the ultra portability it offers
Apr 18 2011 7:12PM
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jibjunkie
Posts: 3807 - Karma: 191
somehow i feel like the core i processor, 3 usb with an esata combo port, hdmi BUILT IN and cheaper price tag makes the extra half pound worth it:

http://www.dell.com/us/business/p/vostro-v130/pd
Apr 18 2011 9:42PM
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Poikenz
Posts: 1406 - Karma: 3,131
pretty sure most laptop bags are made for 15" screens so there really wouldn't be much of a difference. If weight is your problem stop being a little bitch and hit the gym.

And you are losing a lot of power and specs for a lightweight computer. Lightweight is nice but not $800 overpriced nice, especially if it doesn't have some form of dvd/ blu ray player or a card reader, because if you need those things you will have to carry them around which will add to the weight and be even more bulky than a laptop.
Apr 18 2011 9:59PM
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Furrer92
Posts: 784 - Karma: 341
Again, were talking like a pound and a half here...
Apr 19 2011 9:23AM
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factory81
Posts: 3967 - Karma: 63
oh my gawd i am such an idiot

i used sense in the wrong motherfucking context. now i fucking look like an idiot......for sure
Apr 22 2011 5:52PM
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factory81
Posts: 3967 - Karma: 63
It is weight and size. It is what makes a notebook so awesome really.

If you do not purchase your notebook with portability in mind then you are just punishing yourself really. Some people need SUV's...some people can get around in anything, and some people like the more refined vehicles (or computers)
Apr 22 2011 5:54PM
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factory81
Posts: 3967 - Karma: 63
1. notebook i3/i5 cpu vs T6600 = meh. Moot point. Both processors are kinda equal. NEITHER OF THEM are going to be annihilating the other in benchmarks

2. 3 usb ports, boy what the fuck you carry around with you? If you carry so much shit you need 3 usb ports than I don't see why a USB hub isn't sucha problem....

3. esata, jesus christ tell me the last fucking time you used an esata port. Do you know what? I work in IT and in like all my life I have used an esata port exactly like well fuck I think maybe twice.

4. hdmi vs mini-display port = buy a GAT DAMN ADAPTER JESUS BOY. YOU ALREADY LIKE TO CARRY SO MUCH SHIT YOU JUSTIFY 3 USB PLUGS. WHY NOT AN ADAPTER

5. I get it, you are willing to accept the fact you can't afford a lighter notebook that is equally as powerful as the heavy notebook. I accept your apology.
Apr 22 2011 6:17PM
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Poikenz
Posts: 1406 - Karma: 3,131
You know it isn't always about the weight. Like I said $800 over priced doesn't make up for a couple pounds lighter with a lot of missing add-ons that are nice to have. 3 usb ports can be taken up with an actual mouse a memory stick and some sort of portable device that you are charging. I am currently using up 6 usb ports on my computer, now it's no laptop but I can see how they are nice to have. You are right e-sata ports aren't used a lot but they are nice to have if you actually need to use one.

And again, if weight is the only selling point you have (and trust me it is) it would be a lot cheaper to just hit the gym.
Apr 23 2011 1:08AM
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Furrer92
Posts: 784 - Karma: 341
.......i didn't purchase my laptop so I could carry something light around all the time, I bought a laptop to have a portable computer. Therefore if a better computer costs 300$ less and weighs a pound more, then I'll definitely take the extra pound of weight.
Apr 23 2011 9:46AM
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factory81
Posts: 3967 - Karma: 63
GAT DAMN MANG. ITS A FOOKIN LAPTOP. A PORTABLE DEVICE. If weight and size isn't a factor than what zee fuck is mang? GOOD GOD.


Coming from a seasoned computer guru I will advise you to NOT fuckin run a ton of usb devices from your computer. I maybe see 1 computer every 2 months that has had its usb ports fried and or doesn't power on due to devices drawing too many amps from the usb ports.


Apr 23 2011 9:54AM
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Furrer92
Posts: 784 - Karma: 341
portability and weight is a factor one considers when buying a laptop, however, it is not the deciding factor for many. Personal opinions are a bitch eh?
Apr 23 2011 10:06AM
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Poikenz
Posts: 1406 - Karma: 3,131
I have a desktop gaming beast that I built myself, now I do use usb ports all of the time. I have never heard of them getting fried, ever.

No offence but saying that I shouldn't use usb ports because they will fry how the fuck am I suppose to use my keyboard and mouse which are both usb wired? Get some sort of converter for my ps/2 ports? No I don't think so.

Sorry but your band loyalty isn't going to make someone who is well read on computers listen to anything you say.
Apr 23 2011 1:35PM
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Aaaron.
Posts: 11817 - Karma: 903
dude your keyboard and mouse don't matter. talking about peripherals that are usb powered and draw too much power.

for instance, i don't plug my 88 key midi controller directly into my macbook, i use a selfpowered hub.

Apr 23 2011 3:35PM
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blah..
Posts: 534 - Karma: 13
Question, why anything but math or engineering?
Apr 23 2011 4:03PM
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Benjo
Posts: 709 - Karma: 23
>IT
>Apple
made me giggle
Apr 23 2011 4:11PM
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Poikenz
Posts: 1406 - Karma: 3,131
His argument is to get a macbook air because it is light. Sure won't be when you have to carry around an 88 key midi controller. So you can't really bash usb ports on laptops. Sure there might be added features that are pointless but nothing is as pointless as a mac book air.
Apr 23 2011 6:06PM
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E.FARR
Posts: 1297 - Karma: 25
Apr 23 2011 6:19PM
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john.stossel
Posts: 943 - Karma: 5
ibm...lenovo i guess now... last forever
Apr 23 2011 6:20PM
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dreadyboy
Posts: 2306 - Karma: 34
How would a 15" 2.2 ghz macbook pro be for engineering?
Apr 24 2011 1:58PM
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jibjunkie
Posts: 3807 - Karma: 191
i would say have fun running autocad proE and matlab but in all honesty youll get frustrated at not being able to do excel long before u get to those programs. plus side macs have this cool glowing logo on the lid
Apr 24 2011 11:23PM
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factory81
Posts: 3967 - Karma: 63
my argument would be that every computing device is/should be built with purpose and an intention. Direction and focus if you will....

Apple tends to do this. They have a pretty direct target for their devices. An ipad,air, or Mac Pro isn't for everyone, but they exist...for a good reason. They are purpose built machines if you will..

I feel PC's have generally lacked direction. Everyone just wants more power in a machine not built with a purpose. I guess what I mean by that is the design/intentions are not that well thought out on PC's it seems.

Macbook Air = great ultra-portable. If you compare it to anything else you are not making a fair comparison. Take the cost out of the equation. It is built for a purpose and it serves its purpose well.

PC's...you can get some good ones and bad ones. Lots of them lack thoughtful design (size/weight issues). Plus consumers don't get a fair shake when they go to Best Buy and are exposed to just those notebooks. Failure to see all of a companies line-up just sucks. Like sure HP has a few good gems, but Best Buy isn't going to carry an HP ProBook......
Apr 25 2011 11:40AM
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Msully
Posts: 575 - Karma: 21
select stores carry probooks, its part of bestbuy for business though.
Best buy goes from a 379.99 celeron to a 549.99 i3 and random have a pentium dual core in stock between. Then it goes from 800 up to 1299.99 at the stores in my area so i def see the point with what they carry.

dell are still pieces of shit. construction/size/weight issues are abundant in almost all of their models

Apr 25 2011 11:45AM
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Dustin.
Posts: 13839 - Karma: 7,704
Mac runs those programs....
Apr 25 2011 11:53AM
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Poikenz
Posts: 1406 - Karma: 3,131
Well then I guess it's your loss for ignoring the facts by being a fanboy.
Apr 25 2011 3:04PM
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KingTaco
Posts: 2510 - Karma: 2,824
there really is a reason everyone likes mac books. my dad bought some pretty pricey pcs a few years back and they all got really shitty after a few years. macs just work really well for everyday use
Apr 25 2011 3:36PM
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Daph
Posts: 5978 - Karma: 5,005
Click for larger image

That is all
Apr 25 2011 4:27PM
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.JPolster
Posts: 782 - Karma: 17
I have a mac book pro and its great. But if you are going to go with a windows laptop i recommend and Sony Vios
Apr 25 2011 4:29PM
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factory81
Posts: 3967 - Karma: 63
Not really being a fan boy.

Apple has just done a lot of things right.


For instance I believe if Microsoft contracted with Foxconn like Apple and produced their own line-up of machines (similar to Apple) where MICROSOFT controls the design and quality.

Think of this. Microsoft has been fucked over by vendors of all sorts releasing shitty products with poorly written drivers in the past. Microsoft could selectively pick and bundle the hardware/software that is given with their machines (sound familiar?).

Its my pipe dream idea, but lets face it. Microsoft allows you to buy a piece of shit. You can't buy a piece of shit Apple computer. Apple controls everything so even the worst is still properly designed. Do you see what I am saying?

You guys don't remember when Dell would let consumers buy PC's with 128mb of ram when the industry was pushing in to the 512mb-1gb range. Everyone sucks though.

PC's suck. Macbooks suck. Computers suck.
Apr 25 2011 6:10PM
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Poikenz
Posts: 1406 - Karma: 3,131
You know that Microsoft decided it was a better idea to sell software over hardware, thats kind of why they are now the industry leader.

You can install a mac os on any pc you want, the reason they don't come installed on dells or anything else is because microsoft was smart enough to make connections and deals with other companies.

So you can't really do a Mac vs. PC thing since a mac is a pc, you can only do specs vs. specs and to me windows 7 is better than OSX or whatever they are on now.

Now a mac laptop might look/ feel nicer, but it doesn't even come close spec wise in comparison to what you can get for the money.
Apr 25 2011 6:43PM
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BrewskiJr
Posts: 5738 - Karma: 1,478
Click for larger image
Apr 25 2011 6:47PM
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rach
Posts: 917 - Karma: 507
15' mac book pro. refurbished ones are a little cheaper sometimes and work/look like new. had mine for a year now, never had a problem with it. i love it.
Apr 25 2011 6:50PM
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Benjo
Posts: 709 - Karma: 23
I'll give you 7/10.

Apr 26 2011 5:05PM
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Kratotalaga
Posts: 347 - Karma: 22
go to the library, free computers, if you want to beat it then get a girl to beat it for you or a used laptop
Apr 26 2011 5:26PM
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dreadyboy
Posts: 2306 - Karma: 34
Now thinking about getting an asus g73sw for computer needs and a tablet for taking to class for notes and junk
Apr 27 2011 8:30PM
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KarmaInitiative
Posts: 2028 - Karma: 174
They also control the price. No competition for hardware means they can jack the price up and thats why macs are so much more expensive.

However, if you like using macs that much more, than that price is probably justified
Apr 27 2011 8:49PM
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BIGben*
Posts: 1942 - Karma: 8
I don't go to college yet, however, i'd go for macbook pro
Apr 27 2011 8:51PM
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Aaaron.
Posts: 11817 - Karma: 903
bam. you pay a premium for apple products. imho the OS saves enough time and head ache that the premium is worth paying
Apr 27 2011 11:29PM
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SackTap.
Posts: 621 - Karma: 39
13 or 15 inch Apple MacBook Pro
Apr 28 2011 1:00AM
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alexg1687
Posts: 1505 - Karma: 1,581
I've never been a mac person but I bought one at the start of 2010 when I started my 15,000 word masters thesis. I wanted something simple, fast and most of all, a computer that would protect my hard drive if it got dropped. The mac has an aluminium case. I wont go into the technical stuff but it'll protect your data much better than a standard grey plastic casing.

Apart from that its just a usability thing. Its quick to start up and shut down and easy to navigate between things. Spaces works really well when you have a ton of documents open for research purposes.

People may hate on this comment but I think its legitimate - I like the look of the mac. Yeah its shiny and silver but more importantly it looks different to all the black and grey plastic PC laptops out there. I appreciate good design and I like the way it works for me. I also don't use this computer for all my music or tv shows or movies. Its a work laptop. And for that, I love it.
Apr 28 2011 2:31AM
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tBatt
Posts: 9632 - Karma: 580
This. I was all about the Mac. Found a year old MBP on craigslist for under $1000, tons of extra shit, almost bought it. He sold it before I got there.

After lots of searching, I decided to spend the extra coin on a built PC rather than a mediocre Mac.

I got the dv6 with an i7, 6 gb ddr3 RAM, 500gb 7200 RPM hard drive, ATI Radeon graphics with 1gb dedicated memory, and I run the autodesk software (autoCAD, revit, inventor, AutoCAD Civil 3D) fine, and the Adobe suite products even better.

My only complaint is that it gets really warm (probably due to the i7 and 7200 RPM hd) and my keyboard shorted out on me. They fixed that under warranty though.

And I don't have to pay $40 to get an adapter from a mini display port to HDMI and VGA.
Apr 28 2011 2:46AM
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Msully
Posts: 575 - Karma: 21
If you drop a macbook vs a laptop its the exact same hard drive and technology that goes into each drive/chipset that allows the drives to stop spinning. THey both have the exact same distance between the disks and reading arm inside the hard drive. Therefore what you just said is invalid
Apr 28 2011 2:12PM
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jibjunkie
Posts: 3807 - Karma: 191
plus most pc's have drop protection or whatever that senses when the computer is in freefall
Apr 28 2011 2:36PM
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Msully
Posts: 575 - Karma: 21
yup any decent laptop now has an accelerometer in it so that it will protect your data, just like a macbook does.

Dont be a retard and a pc is all the computer youll ever need. I own both and prefer my pc's to macs
Apr 28 2011 3:50PM
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