<p>Now please understand that I'm not incredibly rich or anything, it's just that my dad works for a software engineering company so he's big with computers and stuff and he really wants to get me some sort of computer for when I go off to college.</p>
<p>He even offered to buy me a new laptop AND an iPad... lol I was like "uhhh no thanks"</p>
<p>But I know I'll need a computer of some sort when I go to college, especially since i'll be working hard to keep my grades up for Premed.</p>
<p>But I wanted to keep everything on a budget, so I thought of this idea to combine the problem of having to lug a fragile laptop everywhere and not sacrifice power/performance (since I program and edit movies, the occasional games, etc.):</p>
<p>If I could get a netbook AND a PC for under $800 combined, would that be better than just getting a laptop for $800? Then I could use the netbook for taking notes or reviewing powerpoints in class, working on group projects in the caf or library, etc. And then transfer any major projects I have or hardware-intensive tasks to my PC whenever needed (easy peasy). </p>
<p>Also I am a hardcore paper-and-pencil kinda guy, I take my notes on paper ALWAYS so having a laptop would be more of a hindrance - but just in case... that's where the netbook would come in. Also more portable, longer lasting battery (I've heard upwards of 10 hours), etc.</p>
<p>Would that be a more viable option than getting a laptop that doesn't perform as well but still costs a lot more than a netbook + PC together?</p>
<p>Thanks everyone... experiences at college are GREATLY appreciated! :)</p>
<p>PS: Space isn't much of a problem. Trust me... if you've seen my room, I can make things fit anywhere. LOL</p>
<p>I’d start with a good laptop, and then see if you have a real need for something else after the first couple months of college. </p>
<p>If you are taking some classes that involve reading books that are mostly text, you may find a kindle is a good supplement to a laptop. Classic books can be downloaded for free.</p>
<p>There is a major problem with using a netbook or laptop for taking notes in class - it is too easy to get distracted. I’ve heard of people looking at lecture classes from the back of the room, and seeing that half the people with laptops or netbooks or tablets are surfing the web or playing games instead of taking notes. One of the advantages of a kindle for reading books is that it offers fewer distractions.</p>
<p>Thanks for replying… that actually sounds a lot like what I was thinking. </p>
<p>Like I said I’m a die-hard notebook-and-pen person (stone age anyone? yup) and I’d much rather prefer to write down my notes than type them on a laptop or netbook (also I’ve heard that physically writing something down - the act of it - aids in memorization).</p>
<p>The only thing that stops me from disregarding netbooks entirely is the thought of working on a group project with everyone at the library or cafeteria or lawn or something and being the only person to not have a laptop… thus not being as “productive” as I could be… I don’t know… could be just paranoia? lol</p>
<p>Then again, it’s not every day that I’m working on a group project out in the field with a dozen other people who all have laptops…</p>
<p>Just get a nice laptop and use your pen and paper too. I take all my notes the old fashioned way and I use my laptop for when it’s needed. You may not work outside your room often, but those pesky group projects and the like are enough of a reason to definitely get a laptop.</p>
<p>The only problem with just getting a “nice” laptop is that even nowadays laptops are a bit on the sluggish side and they tend to compromise on many things for a boost in portability. (For the budget I’m in, I mean).</p>
<p>For example right now I have a fairly decent laptop (dual core, 500 GB HDD, 6 GB RAM, 12 cell battery) that seems good enough, but it’s actually getting more and more sluggish by the month. The battery also is huge but can’t hold more than 5-6 hours charge total, and the fan is embarrassingly loud at times. It also tends to overheat during the late spring or summer seasons which is NOT what I want it to do… then again, I’m out of school summer.</p>
<p>Also laptops don’t really have the juice I’d like. I’ve handled too many laptops/desktops to know that there is not only a massive price difference but also performance difference. And yes I do need a desktop (or at least something more powerful than a netbook/laptop). Should I still go the laptop route anyways?</p>