<p>Alright, so my ancient laptop just doesn't have the power/speed I need anymore, so I'm looking for a new computer, and I was trying to figure out a new system. I've got some pros and cons for both, and I'd like a little input about which factors will be the most important at Cornell.
A little about me: I'm looking to be a physics major, or at least do something pretty technical and science-y. I'm not sure how much of that will affect my personal computing, whether I'll need to be able to run any higher math programs on my own machines, but I'm throwing it out there. I'm little, and a wimp, so something 17'' and 12 pounds is barely portable for me, and I don't really like carrying my 14.1 in beast around. I don't game, I'm probably an average user otherwise, the biggest personal application would be photo-editing I imagine. The cost difference between the two systems would probably only be a few hundred, and it's not the biggest of my concerns. I mostly want convenience.</p>
<p>Laptop only: Pros: Cheapest overall, don't have to worry about data transfer between machines or not having a file I need, the whole system is portable, more comfortable than netbook for longer periods of time
Cons: Less portability and overall power, probably would have to replace it sooner than a desktop, probably less battery life, not easily upgraded like desktop</p>
<p>Desktop and Netbook: Much more combined power and portability, if netbook starts to fail after a few years it's much cheaper to replace than a laptop, good battery life, desktop is upgradeable
Cons: More expensive overall, data transfer is annoying</p>
<p>Thank you for any input you might have!</p>
<p>netbook 9.5hrs (ok about 7hrs) battery life is awesome ^^</p>
<p>I’d get the 13" MacBook Pro with the 2.53 GHz, or something equivalent in PC form. The 13" screen is portble, but definitely not too small to watch movies on, and a 2.53 GHz dual core processor is about all you’d need. Not saying only a mac, but it’s definitely a powerful laptop that’s just a wee bit on the expensive side. Plus, I think they get an estimated 7 hr lifespan, probably about 5 hrs in real life, which is pretty good. </p>
<p>I’m just not a fan of the desktop/netbook combo. I’d rather just buys laptop or the top of the line netbook and call it a day.</p>
<p>go with the laptop. the netbook will aggravate you after a while.</p>
<p>netbook is only for email, maybe notes typing (non math), and torrenting ^^</p>
<p>lol a 1.3Ghz single core processor? Is this the mid-90’s?</p>
<p>Hah, I have one and the 1.3 ghz chip is actually pretty quick for its low freq. Its one of the new (few months old) Consumer Ultra Low Voltage chips from intel. it uses about 30% less power than original core 2 duo procs but uses faster memory. I would say that its faster than a 1.6 pentium M (3-4 yrs ago) but eats WAY less battery, my laptop does 5 hrs on battery consistently and 8 if i don’t push it.</p>
<p>I think this one is a much better deal. It is a little smaller but much more power for a few bucks more.</p>
<p>[Sam’s</a> Club - HP Pavilion dv3-2157cl 2.10GHz, 320G, 13.3" LED](<a href=“http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=439291]Sam’s”>http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=439291)</p>
<p>Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor T6500
2.10GHz processor speed
2MB L2 Cache
800MHz FSB
4096MB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) Max supported =8192MB</p>
<p>yeah i’d go with what usafa posted, you dont want to be stuck with a computer without a core2duo right now…</p>
<p>what usafa posted is a bit expensive for those specs</p>
<p>if your near a best buy you can try buying this, it went on sale today but probably is already out of stock haha </p>
<p>HP Laptop Intel Dual Core T4200 G60-458DX
Intel Pentium Dual Core Processor T4200</p>
<p>4GB Memory
250GB Hard Disk
Windows Vista Home Premium
Lightscribe disc labeling technology
up to 3 hours battery life
webcam
microphone
15.6" LCD 16:9 widescreen</p>
<p>Model: HP G60-158DX
SKU: 9415046</p>
<p>Free Upgrade to Windows 7</p>
<p>$399</p>
<p>That’s a pretty damn good deal for 400 bucks…</p>
<p>not sure i’d be willing to sellout and buy BEST BUY :PPP</p>
<p>the one at bestbuy is cheaper because of the size. 15.6" is always going to be cheaper than a 13.3"</p>
<p>I like the 13.3" because it is only a little bigger than a netbook, but crams a lot more power into the small space.</p>
<p>Add a wireless keyboard/mouse and a large monitor and you have a great combo. and since the OP was about choosing between a laptop or a desktop and netbook. I thought the computer I listed and chose was a good alternate solution to going with a desktop and a netbook, which is what we were originally going to do.</p>
<p>But to each his/her own. If you don’t mind carrying around a 15.6" than that is definately the way to go because it is the most widely produces size and will be the least expensive</p>
<p>if i remember correctly you said you’d buy your D a wide monitor to hook her lappy into…it’s what i did this year…very convenient :)</p>
<p>it’s impossible to type papers in a 13’’ esp when they’re supposed to be 10pages+</p>
<p>I would suggest getting either a thin and light 14 inch notebook (the lenovo t400s sounds like it’d be perfect for you despite being expensive (~$1500). You can pm me if you want a discount code for them). </p>
<p>or a 12-13 inch notebook (and think about getting one with tablet functionality). </p>
<p>And then couple this purchase with a monitor that stands on a desk. </p>
<p>This will end up costing probably as much as the desktop/netbook combo, but you will never have the problem of file syncing, and the machine you buy will likely be of much higher quality. </p>
<p>The only downside to this, and why I am personally shying away from this option is that it does not give you much in terms of gaming graphics performance.</p>
<p>as long as it can play wow 
</p>
<p>kidding :P</p>
<p>its not true that 13 inch is always more expensive. well with the same specs maybe, but the 15 inch usually comes with better stuff cause its bigger. and as far as i see it, the only adv of a 13 inch is that its easier to carry/lighter. and its only like 2 lb difference =D</p>