<p>Hey I'm going to Harvard this fall and I'm an Econ major. After more than a month of thinking about it, I still haven't decided on which laptop I should buy. Do you guys think that the IBM T43 (which has a deal with harvard) is better or the 15" Powerbook? I like the shape/design/comfort of the Mac, and I like the lightweight IBM as well. I called the Computer helpline at Harvard, they said that around 50% use PC laptops while the same amount use Mac. Plus what would an Econ major require besides the use of the word processing softwares and the internet? Which machine is more powerful?
I have to buy one in a couple of days, so do let me know what you guy think. Thanks</p>
<p>I go to a residential highschool where they are having the same deal with the IBM. I would say go with the IBM because this specific computer was built to last-against accidents I mean. And for econ I think you'll find out that you'll need a lot more than a word processor. And although alot of pc programs are now available for macs what will you do when you get bored and yahoo games aren't compatible with your new mac? Just food for thought. </p>
<p>Either computer is good. But mac has a history of trying to out-do itself by creating a new computer with better technology every 6-12 months. I would go with the IBM. The technology is guaranteed (supposed to be) to last 3-4 years. </p>
<p>Hope this helps.</p>
<p>I don't know what deal Harvard has with Apple or IBM but my son (who goes to a different school) has the 17 inch powerbook and we are very very happy with it. It is:
1) More secure than Windows XP. In fact when there are computer security problems on campus, the only computers allowed are Apples.
2) More reliable.
3) Easy (extremely easy) to use.
4) Works seamlessly with wireless bluetooth technology.
5) Wonderful graphics.</p>
<p>It is a beauty to look at too. </p>
<p>If you can afford the powerbook, I'd recommend it whole heartedly. And it has all the Office software that you'd need. There is no comparision.</p>
<p>I don't want to start a MAC versus Windows war, this is just a humble opinion.
My son who is a rising sophomore is also a potential econ major (hasn't decided) and does not know too much about computers, or is not interested in it.</p>
<p>You can't beat that 32% deduction on the IBM. I've outfitted the whole family.</p>
<p>Do you have to have already graduated from Harvard in order to take advantage of the IBM discount?</p>
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<p>The technology is guaranteed (supposed to be) to last 3-4 years. </p>
<br>
<p>BWAHAHAHAHA!</p>
<p><em>wipes eyes</em> Seriously, a computer company is claiming that there's no planned obsolescence in their laptops? Next they will claim that the laptop can fly...</p>
<p>I'm an Apple person, and have had terrific results with my Mac laptops, but Harvard has good support for both systems, so go with whichever one you like better.</p>
<p>Lol. I knew I would offend the Apple People out there. Just for the record I like apple computers. I know that the IBM guarantee sounds totally ludacris, but I was just repeating what they said. Both make great computers. It depends what you want from your comp that should be the determining factor.</p>
<p>It's probably worth pointing out that IBM sold their PC manufacturing division a few months back to Chinese company Lenovo - what impact (if any at all) this will have on their laptop quality, I don't know. But it is worth knowing that all new IBMs won't have much to do with the company IBM in the future (not sure whether they're rebranding or not)</p>
<p>I agree Nick...I was aware of that and I'm sorta worried about the quality of future IBM computers. Only time will tell.</p>
<p>I thought that Lenovo always manufactured Thinkpads, even before the sale...</p>
<p>Whoever told you that half of Harvard students use Mac laptops, that's not true and not even close to true. The correct figure is about 15%. See <a href="http://www.fas.harvard.edu/computing/about/statistics/survey03.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.fas.harvard.edu/computing/about/statistics/survey03.html</a>.</p>
<p>I have had problems recently with Mac laptops falling apart. The hinges on the powerbooks snapping wires to the screen, the power supply breaking (show me one person who's owned the Mac for more than 6 months and whose power supply isn't frayed), the power system no longer working, even the paint is notorious for flaking. The design is just plain shoddy. And the student discount isn't very good either. I'd go for the Thinkpad.</p>
<p>I doubt those problems with the Powerbook are very common. I know a person who has had there 17" inch Powerbook for years (and although she's dropped more than a few times), the computer is working beautifully. Regardless of that, I think you should go with the Thinkpad. Apple will switch to Intel processors in 2006 creating a computer with a different software architecture. Supposedly a program named Rosetta is to come out and allow programs created for the new Intel computers to work for the PowerPC comps out currently (how flawless will this work I don't know, the obvious thing to me is that extra memory will be needed to run this Rosetta program as well as whatever software being used.) I think this seriously cuts the longevity of Apple comps right now, and although I want one - I decided to wait til after the change and be content with my Dell.</p>
<p>Lots of articles there about this topic.....</p>
<p>Course it's also worth mentioning, Nick and Luckygirl, that starting in 2006 Apple computers will be running on Intel chips not Motorola and the Apple operating system and programs will have to be re-written.</p>
<p>Many people are of course predicting wonderful things from this, including the combined Intel/Apple overthrow of the Dark Empire of Microsoft. But the Emperor is pretty crafty: a lot of Ewoks got squashed before the Empire was overthrown.</p>
<p>It will be a very interesting and confusing period of adjustment. </p>
<p>Maybe it'll all be fine, but the differences and imponderables in Apple changing to Intel vs. IBM changing its manufacturer will look like Brad dumping Jennifer vs. Madonna changing her toothpaste.</p>
<p>hey! i'm in the exact same situation... class of 09 economics major deciding between a powerbook or thinkpad.. i wasn't even considering mac before i read on the admitted students' page that most ppl who responded to the thread about laptops are getting MAC powerbook g4's this year... </p>
<p>I understand that Macs are easier to use and more stable... but for someone who's never even used a mac before, do you recommend me switching over at this point in time?</p>
<p>Well i personally can never get used to the one button mouse thing Mac has going on... but that's just me.</p>
<p>haha, i'd get IBM...but that's just me! congratz on harvard acceptance, i hope next yr i can be in ur shoes! =D</p>
<p>u can always just buy a two button mouse, and put it in your usb port</p>