computer for Computer Science

Colleges & Universities A-Z University of California - Berkeley
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Mac is overpriced crap. For CS save $1000 off a macbook pro and buy a dell xps 1530 (and install linux). You might want to wait for centrino 2 . I expect it will be available in mid august.s

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<p>That is exactly what I was about to say :P Happily running Hardy Heron.</p>

<p>My only suggestion is to chip in for T9300 or higher though. If you write a program that horribly inefficient and hangs, you'll want to reach the end quickly...A faster processor will handle the calculations with necessary haste. </p>

<p>4GB RAM wouldn't be a waste if you plan on running Vista...This POS OS eats 1.x GB RAM so easily. The extra gigs of physical RAM helps when you have a bunch of resource-heavy apps open.</p>

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<p>Sorry but I disagree with you entirely, inconnu. The OP already said that she (I believe, judging from the user name) doesn't game. Why the heck would she need a T9300 or higher and 4GB of ram for LEARNING comp sci? No one will be compiling some fat program when just starting to learn or even at an intermediate/advanced level. I've compiled 4-5 large Java & C++ programs at the same time on my old P3 w/ 256mb ram and it ran smoothly. T9300 w/ 4GB is overkill for programming... T8100 w/ 2GB will be plenty. Fyi, even if you did get 4GB, Vista 32bit would only be able to use 3.XGB of it. And I don't see why anyone who isn't a SUPER heavy resource user/multitasker/gamer would want to go the 64bit way as there are so many compatibility issues with it at the moment. Even if she DID game, I'm on a T8300 w/ 2GB ram and Assassins Creed runs FLAWLESSLY at max settings WITH rar files compiling.
Next time just do your research before you give someone an uninformed post, please and thank you.</p>

<p>P.S. Macs ARE overpriced but they're not crap... if they were, explain to me why more and more avid Windows users are converting to it. Honestly, I think that the "Mac is overpriced crap" statement is only said by those who have not used Mac for more than a week or those who have only been tortured by the low-end Mac desktops available at high schools these days. And fyi, I'm not a diehard Mac fan.</p>

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<p>When I bought one for college just for the idea of trying something new, I have been astounded by its simple and organized nature.</p>

<p>Seriously though, a college student just needs a computer that works, without all the hoopla of updates and viruses.</p>

<p>Yes they are expensive but its an investment that will last longer than a windows machine. Plus the free ipod touch and printer are good incentives.</p>

<p>As far as gaming is concerned, super smash bros on the wii fulfills those needs.</p>

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<p>2GB is more than enough for most purposes. Don't do the upgrade unless you truly need it. And, if you do, you can easily find another 2GB for approximately $30 and install it yourself (though, for max stability, you should get a 4GB kit for ~$50, take out the original stick, and put in both new ones).</p>

<p>I do lots of compiling, multitasking, and heavy-task things on my desktop, and 1GB has been more than enough for me. Usually, I never go over 800MB. Though, I run FreeBSD. However, with Vista sucking up all the RAM, it makes sense to get 2GB. </p>

<p>Extra RAM does nothing but suck your battery power if you do not need it. Also, note that you need a 64-bit OS to be able to use up all the 4GB. The technical limitations of 32bit will pose a problem in being able to fully use the last GB.</p>

<p>You can always install new RAM. Wait until you find that you need it before you immediately upgrade.</p>

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<p>For computer science, is a laptop with a CD/DVD drive recommended/necessary? I'm thinking about getting the ThinkPad X200 which has no such drive.</p>

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<p>Apart from some entertainment focussed apps, and its anti-corporate marketing, which ironically you are paying the apple corp $1000 for, macs have little to recommend them for serious work. So little such software is written for mac, example solidworks, that they had to introduce boot camp which is just more promise- more-than-you deliver marketing. Various mac models run hot and / or develop cracks. Again the styling, as is typical for apple, is very good, but at what price? Besides, the others have now caught on to this and are paying more attention to style. See the dell xps mentioned previously. In terms of supposed inroads by mac in overall market share, you have to stop believing their ads. It just aint happening. Granted, Apple is strong with college markets for many reasons including the obvious, it is the focus of their anti-corporate marketing, but overall, naaah.</p>

<p>Login</a> to DIGITIMES archive & research</p>

<p>Buy 2 dell/hp/lenovo for the price of a macbook pro and tell apple to keep its too slick marketing.</p>

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<p>mia305, I honestly don't know how your post can be so biased and/or uninformed. </p>

<p>1) Buy me 2 Dell/HP/Lenovo for the price of a MBP of EQUAL quality and EQUAL specs. Please.</p>

<p>2) Boot camp is one of the few reasons why more and more people are converting to Macs, because it allows for the best of both worlds. </p>

<p>3) Did you read the thread topic? The OP has no need for solidworks, bootcamp, or any of those extras. She wants a basic notebook that's good for COMPUTER SCIENCE and the last time I checked, solidworks was for MechE.</p>

<p>This brings me to my other point. Why would the OP need to get a MBP when the MB is plenty for less. She has no need for the dedicated graphics card or upgraded processor. If she wants 15", a Thinkpad or something else would work just as well, but it seems to me that you're just Mac bashing.</p>

<p>4) Various Macs run hot? You obviously have never owned/seen/been around a Macbook for more than 5 minutes. One of the Macbook's best features is that it runs cool, similar to the Thinkpads.</p>

<p>5) Styling IS good. And styling is good on other Windows laptops as well - take for example, the Dell XPS, the Sony SZ series, the Lenovo Thinkpads and their classic black looks. But to say that the styling rigs up the price so much, is just plain uninformed. Macbooks have amazing battery life, have amazing build quality (again, similar to the Thinkpad), are light, are thin, and have incredibly crisp screens. Lastly, many people buy Macs because they are simple to use. </p>

<p>Please don't post plain biased posts again. Or at least have valid FACTS to back up your comments/suggestions. Thank you and I apologize if I'm being too direct.</p>

<p>And again, I am not a hardcore Mac fan.</p>

<p>P.S. OP, I'm not recommending a Mac but just trying to straighten out facts. Windows is great too, and probably better imo, for a CS major.</p>

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<p>Note to self: Any post about a Mac will start a Mac vs. PC war.
Summary of thread: if you got a Mac 2gb will be fine for now. Upgrade later but ask a techie friend to do it for free plus cost of ram.
If didnt get a Mac yet and is fairly knowledgeable with computer to avoid viruses, get a PC because its way more bangs for the bucks. U can get a C2D T5550 4gb of Ram for around 700-800 if you shop around.</p>

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<p>As far as experience goes, I've rarely needed to use the optical drive on my laptop, but it does come in handy every once in a while. It's your way to quick, reliable, and cheap backup.</p>

<p>I personally would not settle for anything less than a DVD+-RW burner. However, if you really like the X200's portability, you can always get an external DVD burner should you ever need it. They cost approximately $40, and you can simply carry it with your laptop when you have the hunch that you might need it.</p>