<p>I've been thinking about buying a Macbook Pro 15", but the problem with the computer is that it uses a glass-covered screen. While it looks cool, it seriously isn't good for my eyes, and neither does the glossy screens offered by other computers, like HP and Dell. </p>
<p>There has been rumors that Apple will be adding an antiglare option for their computers and Intel will be releasing the next-gen processors in 3-6 months, which I would absolutely LOVE, because it would really be the perfect computer for me (and my eyes). So I've discussed this with my parents and we've agreed that it's best for me to wait until Christmas or the end of my first year to upgrade my computer. </p>
<p>But before I do that ... I'm not sure if the computer I have can suit my needs as a first year engineering undergrad ... aka does it have enough power to execute engineering tasks? It doesn't crash very often (partially due to the fact that it's on XP), so it's pretty reliable. </p>
<p>Here are its specs: </p>
<p>HP Pavilion dv6000t
[ul]
[<em>]Intel Core Solo T1350 processor (1.86 GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 533 MHz FSB, 31W TDP)
[</em>]1.5 GB DDR2 memory clocked at 533 MHz (will be upgraded to 3GB with $25 2GB memory module from Newegg)
[<em>]160GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
[</em>]Intel GMA 950 (very slow and bad at 3D stuff)
[<em>]CD-RW/DVD Combo
[</em>]Windows XP Media Center (32-bit)
[/ul]</p>
<p>What I will do is:
[ul]
[<em>]Replace the battery with a fresh new one ordered from HP (my current battery can only last 20 minutes) ... it costs $130.
[</em>]Upgrade the memory for $25, for a total of $155 on upgrades.
[li]Or, if I don't replace the battery, I may order a new netbook from HP, which will cost $330. And when I get my new computer in 6-12 months, my mom said that she will be more than happy to have it.[/li][/ul]</p>
<p>What do you guys think? Will my 3 year old computer have enough power for my first-year engineering (and math) studies?</p>
<p>I don’t know for sure, but I’m fairly certain you’d achieve more from your memory with two sticks of equal size.</p>
<p>Planning your purchase on speculation isn’t a great idea, though. The rumors haven’t even been “leaked” from any sources at all. It’s all word-of-mouth. (IE Don’t be too disappointed if neither of them happen anytime soon)</p>
<p>Also, what does the new processor have to do with the screen/your eyes?</p>
<p>Oh … the processor thing was exclusive from my eyes stuff…</p>
<p>The rumor … I mean, if it is true, then great. But if it isn’t true, then oh well. But internet chatter seems to favor the antiglare screen, and I don’t think Apple is stupid enough to ignore potential business. Plus, it helps them differentiate from other companies, imo.</p>
<p>As for memory, it doesn’t matter, b/c I have a 32-bit based OS and a 3 year old motherboard that can only support up to 3GB. By having 1x1GB and 1x2GB, I’m already maxing out on memory.</p>
<p>EDIT: Also … would it be better if I replace the battery on this 15.4" notebook or if I carry around a netbook?</p>
<p>While some on the internet complain about the screen, working right next to an Apple store, I can assure you that the computers are selling just fine. You’ve gotta remember, people don’t come online to share how much they love things, people come online to complain about every little problem life hands them.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t say they’re ignoring potential business. Apple is known to march to the beat of their own drum, and more often than not, they take steps in the right direction. They seem to gain momentum with each release, in recent years.</p>
<p>(I personally love the glossy display. My iMac’s matte display is pitiful when side-by-side with my MacBook pro.)</p>
<p>As for the netbook, that’s up to you. If you want a portable keyboard and screen, go with the netbook. If you want a portable computer, buy a new battery. (I’d go with the batter, as you’ve stated it’ll only be used for a year or less, yeah?)</p>
<p>I am currently typing this on a 15" unibody macbook pro (the one with the glass screen that you’re talking about) and I’m sitting outside in broad daylight, the worst case scenario by far. Yes, I can see a good amount of reflections, I’m not going to lie, but you don’t get that haze glare like on matte screens, which is much worse IMO. I’ve been using my macbook pro outside for weeks, and it’s just fine. People who complain about the glossy screen usually have only used it for a short period of time. I’ve been using it for weeks in all kinds of conditions, and once you get over the assumption that it stinks, you realize that it’s actually better in most conditions, even ones where people think matte would be better. In the best conditions, it’s absolutely incredible.</p>
<p>Anyway, my main point is if you buy the uMBP, you’ll probably grow to like the glossy screen. If you don’t, you can buy an antiglare film for less than the $50 premium that Apple charges for the option. Either way, you win.</p>
<p>^About the netbooks: My parents aren’t so willing to buy it for me because they think the screen size is too small and it would potentially destroy my eyes, even though I would only use it when I carry around to do small things. </p>
<p>Do netbooks really damage your eyes because of their screen size or is this psychological?</p>
<p>first of all, looking at things that are small doesn’t damage your eyes. it strains them, which at worst can make you tired/get a headache. secondly, screen size has next to nothing to do with the size of the things you see. its the resolution that determines those things, and different screen sizes have different maximum resolutions for a reason: so that things appear roughly the same size regardless of screen size. another consideration is how far you are from the screen. the smaller the screen, the closer you usually have to be to it to see things. thats not to say you have to be 5" away from a netbook’s screen in order to see it, but dont expect to watch movies from across the room.</p>
<p>Hahaha that’s pretty funny. No, using a small screen does not destroy your eyes. It’s not like you’re gonna be staring at it for long periods of time.</p>
<p>Do your parents think that reading a book that is small hurts your eyes too? The through process there is hilarious to me.</p>
<p>That computer may or may not work; the processor won’t run some more modern engineering software. You’d have to email your professors and ask what programs you’ll be using in class, then look up their requirements. The longer you can wait for a new computer the better though, since even if there isn’t a new anti-glare intel whatever you can always get more computer for cheaper half a year later.</p>
<p>^Yea it is pretty funny. When I was still shopping for a computer, I was in between the MBP and the Sony Z. I passed by a Sony store at a mall one day with my mom, and … well … went in because I was interested in one of their computers. I told my mom … hey this is the Sony Z I really like. She said … yea looks cool, but you’re gonna go blind using it b/c it’s only 13" (not to mention … it was antiglare/matte, which is good for me). </p>
<p>Oh well … I think what confused her most was that Sony puts a really high res screen on the Sony Z (I think 1600 x 900, when most use 1280 x 800 or something like that), which made everything especially small. But it’s not like that’s not adjustable. </p>
<p>But I plan on sticking with my computer until Christmas or next year … though I just saw UM Engineering’s computing requirements and they said that a Core 2 Duo processor is recommended along with a 256MB discrete graphics card (but not required :)).</p>
<p>I’d still ask what software is going to be required. You don’t want them to drop an AutoCAD requirement in your lap (required for freshman at VT) and not be able to run it. You’ll be out the money you spent to upgrade your old one and have to scramble to buy one that works.</p>
<p>ENGR 100/150 uses C/C++ compilers and MATLAB. I’m using Visual Studio Express 2008 on my computer and it works perfectly well. I’ve read the system requirements for MATLAB, and it seems that my computer meets the reqs. (I think it was 1GB of RAM but I don’t remember the processing req)</p>
<p>New problem: It turns out that my build version of the dv6000t is an earlier one, which means that the system board does not support up to 4GB of memory (this only applied to the later builds), so my build can only support up to 2GB of memory. Is 2GB on XP enough for freshman year engineering?</p>
<p>yeah its fine. most 4gb systems rarely peak above 2 gb unless they’re playing a game or something. that wont be the case for long, however. you should be fine for freshman year.</p>