<p>When should I buy the computer? I heard someone say that they go for really cheap in the fall. Is this true?</p>
<p>
[quote]
pc can do a graphics connection with linux while mac can only do a binary connection to caen. That's the first thing professor daida told us in our first engin101 class.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>This is actually the opposite of what Daida told you. Though it is possible he misled you - I hadhim for engin 101, and he didn't seem to be completely clear on everything. His insistence on calling functions subroutines was weird for sure.</p>
<p>Linux distros run the X windows gui. Most *nix OSes do this well. OS X, which is a flavor of UNIX, can run X apps no problem. You'll see for example people running Matlab remotely over ssh on their macbooks.</p>
<p>Asus</a> M50SV-A1 , Penryn, T9300, 3gb ddr2, 250gb 5400rpm, nVidia 9500GS 512m, DVD/RW, 15.4</p>
<p>easy does it! Best in its class and best warranty and best reliability.</p>
<p>also, minitab for mac is 3 editions behind that of window and I am pretty sure all IOE classes use the newest edition</p>
<p>Minitab is on the terminal server, so you can remotely connect to it with your Mac. Also, any U of M student on Windows or Mac can use VirtualSites and RDC to log into a computer with an advanced statistics package, which includes the most current version of minitab. If you're struggling this much to come up with just one example of where you couldn't do something with a Mac, it probably won't be much of an issue.</p>
<p>More importantly, are the Computer Showcase deals worth it? </p>
<p>They've got Apple, Dell and Lenovo, but specific packages on each which don't allow for ugrades of the screen resolution of 1280x800 or more memory or fast HD. Nor can you get different color chasis etc. But they do come with MS Office and the 3 year Warranties are excellent (I assume any work is done right there).</p>
<p>I tend to think it makes less difference with Apple since they are not as customizable as Dells.</p>
<p>If you're looking at Apple, the Computer shop in the Union has pretty good deals. Granted, that's assuming you're keeping the thing for over 3 years, and you're going to pick up the Apple warranty.</p>
<p>How much are those packages? Lookin for apple and lenovo.</p>
<p>Furthermore, is there a computer shop somewhere in umich where I can get my computer fixed (if the brand is NOT Apple)?</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>They've got Apple, Dell and Lenovo and the packages and prices are at: </p>
<p>U-M</a> Computer Showcase</p>
<p>Don't know if they'll repair other brands but all of their packages say they come with 3 yr Apple, Dell or Lenovo repair coverage programs. The Dell and Lenovo packages also include accident coverage.</p>
<p>'that Dell site is the bomb, look for more "coupons" on Google also</p>
<p>thanks mch48. i don't really like apples, dell or lenovo and plan on getting a sony vaio one. But I am now worried if I can get laptop fixed in the US if I purchase it here.. (out of U.S.)</p>
<p>still deciding</p>
<p>Apparently Sony has various repair options including express ship and onsite:</p>
<p>The question is, what would it cost you to get one of those plans when you purchase the laptop and how good is the service. There's a Sony store not too far away in Troy, so maybe it's worth the gamble.</p>
<p>On the otherhand, if your laptop breaks and you need work done while at school, I'd sure as heck prefer the convenience and certainty of taking it over to the campus store and having the work done under the warranty that comes with having bought it right there. Or having one of the computer biggies known for their service take care of it by dispatching a local repair person. Sony's reputation for that has never been great.</p>
<p>Have you considered e-mailing the people at computer showcase and asking them if they do repairs on Sony? I called the other day and they were very helpful.</p>
<p>We have the Sony Vaio..and it hasn't been a great experience.</p>
<p>i got a dell xps m1730. its amazing</p>
<p>Of all of the computer sites, Dell seemed to have the most to offer for a budget of less than $2k. I just ordered an XPS m1530 with 4GB memory, 320GB hard drive, 2.5GHz Dual Core processor (T9300), 256MB video card, and 1080p HD glossy screen for $1,634 (including tax). It all comes with a 3 year in-home service, parts labor warranty. The U of M discount saved me about $200.</p>
<p>How did u get the U of M discount?</p>
<p>Go to this link when you make your computer:</p>
<p>Lenovo Thinkpads are some of the best laptops out there. They are built like no other and constantly get the top ratings/reviews on sites such as cnet.com. Lenovo is also currently offering 35% off T series laptops on their website which is an awesome deal.</p>
<p>i think the Dell XPS M1530 is the best...that's what im getting anyway ... :)</p>
<p>Custom</a> Laptops by PowerNotebooks.com™ - Discount Custom Notebooks & Cheap Laptop Computers</p>
<p>Best deals that I've found, by far.</p>