<p>This is the question that's been debated 15000 times already, but: APPLE or SOMETHING ELSE (as in Mac or some windows-based computer)?!?!?!?!</p>
<p>Let's take cost out of the equation because I have an acer right now and I bought it for $2k and it's a piece of crap. Anyways, I'm looking for a computer that I probably need to buy in the next year and a half to replace my dying old laptop.</p>
<p>Anyways, I like to listen to music and watch movies and stuff and I'm planning on majoring econ/business in college so I won't need like graphic capability or whatever. But I'm also sick and tired of the stupid Windows XP that freezes like every minute and a half for no reason whatsoever.....and I am EXTREMELY annoyed by fan noise, and the fact that windows-based computers are generally of lower quality.</p>
<p>Weight/size are a big issue for me since I'll most likely be flying at least 2000 miles for college (since I'm applying exclusively to schools east of Chicago and north of UVA) and also screen size-I want at least 15 inches. 17 is overkill. So between 14-15 inches. And I hate this rattling noise that my current laptop makes....I'm going to kill my computer after I post this thread. </p>
<p>Anyways thanx :D</p>
<p>By the way, are you sure your comp doesn't have a virus/malicious software on it or something? I have several computers, the oldest of which runs Windows 98 on an AMD K6 processor (old old processor... existed around the time Pentium Is and IIs were out). It works like a charm because I take very good care of it. Another one I have is an old Dell that runs on XP on a 1.2 gHz Celeron, and it works like a charm because I've taken good care of it.</p>
<p>So don't give up on Windows XP! :)</p>
<p>Well, being an ASUS fan, I'd suggest either:</p>
<p>ASUS Z62F or Z63A (both run windows btw).</p>
<p>Both are 14" widescreens</p>
<p>The Z62F comes with the new Intel Core Duo processor, graphics card: Intel GMA 950, which is basically a standard card. HD and RAM are upgradeable to 5400 rpm/120 GB or 7200 rpm/100 GB and 2 GB.</p>
<p>If you max out the HD and buy your own RAM, you could get that system for only about 1400-1500 dollars!</p>
<p>The Z63A is almost the same as the Z62F, but instead of a Core Duo, it uses the older (but still very powerful!) Pentium-M. Again. max out the HD and buy your own RAM and you could get this computer for about 1300-1400.</p>
<p>Z62F weighs 5.5 pounds, Z63A weighs 4.8 lbs</p>
<p>You could get the MacBook Pro. It fits your description- 15.4 inch screen, $2000 or $2500, balance between performance and size. Plus Apple recently released a program called Boot Camp that lets you install and run Windows on an Intel-based Mac, so that's a major advantage. Mac OS X is a way better operating system so you probably won't be using Windows that much anyways, but it's a nice feature.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Anyways, I like to listen to music and watch movies and stuff and I'm planning on majoring econ/business in college so I won't need like graphic capability or whatever.
[/quote]
then you don't need a Mac. it'll just be a matter of preference.
[quote]
But I'm also sick and tired of the stupid Windows XP that freezes like every minute and a half for no reason whatsoever....
[/quote]
must be something wrong with your system. XP is very stable. you might have malware in it.
[quote]
and I am EXTREMELY annoyed by fan noise,
[/quote]
i'm assuming you're using a desktop since you didn't specify. there're lots of queit fans in the market. if you have the funds, you might want to go for the more expensive cooling systems like liquid or something.
[quote]
and the fact that windows-based computers are generally of lower quality.
[/quote]
absolutely no evidence for that. it may be an isolated case for you.
[quote]
Weight/size are a big issue for me since I'll most likely be flying at least 2000 miles for college (since I'm applying exclusively to schools east of Chicago and north of UVA) and also screen size-I want at least 15 inches.
[/quote]
15" are rather bulky and can reach up to 3 kg or more. might want to try a 14" one. do you need widescreen? i'm a proponent of qidescreen.
[quote]
And I hate this rattling noise that my current laptop makes....
[/quote]
also, assuming that earlier you were reffering to a laptop, you should have it checked by a technician. fans in laptop aren't supposed to be so noisy.</p>
<p>
[quote]
must be something wrong with your system. XP is very stable. you might have malware in it.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Kind of. Like all things XP needs tuning. At first (unless it's bloated with Dell/HP crap), it will be smooth. As soon as you open up your ports, go on the internet, install and uninstall it will become slow. You need to start fine-tuning it.</p>
<p>
[quote]
and I am EXTREMELY annoyed by fan noise
[/quote]
</p>
<p>That's your fan's problem. Many cheap PCs like Dell, HP or Gateway (any pre-made one) will have cheap fans in it. If you really want peace buy a new one</p>
<p>
[quote]
Weight/size are a big issue for me since I'll most likely be flying at least 2000 miles for college (since I'm applying exclusively to schools east of Chicago and north of UVA) and also screen size-I want at least 15 inches.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Ever heard of an ultraportable?</p>
<p>
[quote]
And I hate this rattling noise that my current laptop makes....
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Uh oh</p>
<p>And finally</p>
<p>
[quote]
and the fact that windows-based computers are generally of lower quality.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>********. I hate M$ft as much as you (I have two PCs - XP and SuSE Linux), but you seriously have to be daft to think this. Windows is very popular therefore most virus and malware makers will target Windows. That's why it seems as if Windows is leaky. Sure these problems should've never been there, but I assure you if Apple had 90%+ of the market, you would find some flaws there too.</p>
<p>Now for the computer quality. Unless you build your own (can't do for a laptop) or you buy a high quality one from a respected maker (will cost a lot), you are taking sacrifices. A $900 Dell laptop is not going to be a high quality one. They need to cut prices somewhere, and they will do it on parts that most uneducated customers have never heard of, but is very important.</p>
<p>i hate anyone who hates MS, they are a perfectly good company with some questionable business practices..</p>
<p>XP is 100% fine, I run it on my dual core AMD system,</p>
<p>that said unnless you enjoy games, I WOULD save up to $2,300 and buy a top of the line Mac Book Pro, it will last you through college easily im sure</p>
<p>(pretty sure)</p>