<p>I have heard that a laptop is the best way to go for a college student, but I have absolutely no idea what kind of laptop to get. I have between 600 to 800 dollars (maybe a bit more), and I was wondering what laptops I can get with that kind of money. I don't intend on playing games, but I would like a laptop that runs fast, has all of the essentials, and is relatively light and easy to carry. I don't care about graphics and all that, I just want a laptop that will make studying easier for me. Do you guys have any tips/suggestions?</p>
<p>A laptop isn’t the best way to go. The libraries have plenty of computers if you want to work there, or otherwise you can just work in your room on a desktop. I’ve had a desktop last year and bought a laptop this year, and now I’m regretting it (I had to buy a new computer regardless, but I wish I’d gotten another desktop). Lugging it around is a pain and I just end up using it in my room. Using a desktop in the library is better anyway because you’ll be less inclined to procrastinate on library computers.
Also: Desktops are significantly cheaper than laptops of equal quality.</p>
<p>It seems to depend on the person; I keep my laptop in my room, and am thinking that I should’ve spent the money on a more powerful desktop. My friends carry their laptops around all of the time, though. </p>
<p>A laptop that’s $700 would probably run fast enough. I don’t think a lot of the lower-end laptops come with essentials like Microsoft Office, etc. Er, at least mine didn’t. If you want something that’s powerful and super-light/portable, you’d probably have to spend at least $1000.</p>
<p>Ask this question in the MIT and CalTech threads…maybe they’ll know a lot about computers and laptops…</p>
<p>depends on what youre looking for- if you want something where you can just work in your room and do everything there- get a desktop, im sure at 600-800 you can get a much more powerful desktop than laptop.</p>
<p>thing is lots of people bring their laptops to take notes and some people have tablet pc’s. i have a laptop even though i do a lot of my work in my room-- its mainly b/c my life is in it and even if i go home for a weekend or travel i need it- can’t do that with a desktop</p>
<p>get a macbook when it’s just updated again, get a undergrad friend to buy it for you so you will have the 100 dollar student discount. Then you will have a fantastic laptop for only 900 bucks. Or lower end PC laptops are always a good option.</p>
<p>when is the macbook going to be updated again and with what?</p>
<p>no one knows.. rumor points to an ultraportable 12-13 inch which will be priced “aggressively”. And all rumor points to before holiday season release. And other than the slim macbook, macbook line is guaranteed to be updated by jan 08 at latest. There is no way Apple is leaving the line untouched for 7 months. And prob it will have better memory, HD, and Video Card!!</p>
<p>oh alrihgt bc i was deciding between mac book, macbook pro, and then normal windows laptop that i am used to…but i liek te styling and simplicity of mac book and want to give ita try, am thinking black macbook, wish it was lighter with better battery life, i dont run crazy games…you think I should wait until jan? thanks for the help, i am a bit clueless with all this</p>
<p>and where do you go for rumors and such</p>
<p>I currently have a MacBook Pro, and to be honest, I think a MacBook is much more than enough. Though I do see quite a number of MacBook Pros, the MacBook (white) is better suited for the typical “college student”; I feel its more durable and built “tougher”, as well as its smaller footprint. I did get the MacBook Pro only because I like the larger screen size, the matte screen option (instead of glossy), and admittedly I’m smitted by the MacBook Pro’s unparalled industrial design. </p>
<p>For Apple rumors, macrumors.com is the best, and its “forums” are by far the most comprehensive online. From iPhone to Mac OS X to individual Mac models, etc. They are generally extremely accurate. </p>
<p>I strongly recommend Apple, largely because of the quality of construction and of course, Mac OS X (Leopard is coming out later tonight!). However, if you really want a PC, I’d recommend an IBM/Lenovo ThinkPad. I swear those things are the only ones built better than Macs; great keyboard, rock-solid construction with an internal magnesium-alloy roll cage to prevent long-term motherboard warping such as having half of it on the end of a lecture desk. Stuff like that. Also, love the classic, timeless business/pro look of ThinkPads too.</p>
<p>Good luck computer shopping!</p>
<p>yeah totally agree with diehldun, Mac is the way to go and don’t get macbook pro. Paying 700 bucks for a slightly bigger screen and some power you don’t need isn’t a good deal. Get a 19inch secondary monitor, the duo monitor set up I have is fantastic. Beats the 15inch macbook pro monitor to death lol. And I suggest you look at this page, it has all you need to know about when to buy macs. <a href=“MacRumors Buyer's Guide: Know When to Buy iPhone, Mac, iPad”>MacRumors Buyer's Guide: Know When to Buy iPhone, Mac, iPad; haha have fun with your future mac. oh and since Soo many people here has macs and mac laptops look Identical, you can buy a macbook cover to give macbook a stunning new look.</p>
<p>+1 for macrumors!</p>