Laptop discussion thread

<p>Its early summer and most of us are debating over which laptop we should buy. Im an incomming freshman into gallatin and Im debating over different kinds of laptops. </p>

<p>I've been using a pc all of my life but I'm considering Macs since they can run windows now. The Mac's seem a little expensive to me since i need atleast a 15 inch screen, Im using a 17' LCD right now and dont want to go smaller. I also need a very light computer as I will also be bringing my desktop (to run my 5.1 surround sound in my dorm). Can I buy an external soundcard for a Mac to run 5.1 surround sound? </p>

<p>Does anybody have anything to add about the PC vs Mac debate?
does anybody have experiences with either of these laptops?</p>

<p>i just got a macbook</p>

<p>its awesome</p>

<p>get a macbook</p>

<p>If you do a search, you'll probably turn up eleventy billion threads about "Which should I buy?"</p>

<p>My answer is: whichever you like best.</p>

<p>Now, if the question is, "How can I tell which I like best?" I'll have to suggest that you go out and try a few. :D</p>

<p>Im actually looking at the 15' 2ghz intel duo macbook pro... its only 1.7 grand. But at the same time im def bringing my PC to my dorm. The 512 RAM turns me off though..</p>

<p>pc pc pc pc pc</p>

<p>Im just attracted to the mac...</p>

<p>i just got a macbook pro, and ive had it for about three weeks. i've been using it and getting adjusted (since i've been using a pc my entire life) and id have to say, Macs are so much better with graphics and everything. You seriously feel like you're doing BETTER stuff on it, just my opinion. However, I do webdesign and I've still got a few things I need to learn/check out before it's COMPLETELY functional, but thats just learning on my part. Other than that, Macs are much more simpler, easier, and dont crash/freeze and all that jazz. Also if you're ordering Dell or any PC computer, if it crashes or anything it's not like you can take it into the store. However Apple stores are everywhere in NY also the Apple Protection Plan (which you should get) is great.</p>

<p>anyone think a cheaper laptop (compaq, hp, toshiba, etc. brand) is better than a mac.</p>

<p>honestly- i do a lot of stuff w/ media (pics & music), so I know a mac would be better to have than any other laptop when it comes to that. but the price is just scaring me a little.</p>

<p>Another question: In our dorm rooms, what kind of connection is there? I know that specific buildings have wireless on certain floors, but I don't know if the actual rooms have wireless or dial up or any other network for the internet, etc.</p>

<p>Do you guys think the difference between a Macbook and a Macbook Pro is worth the extra $676?</p>

<p>i think one might be compatible with windows, and the other not. ...........but don't take my word for it</p>

<p>i use a dell inspiron 700m, it's not that large but you get used to it. I've had it since the beginning of junior year and it's never frozen or randomly shut down. But ive used macs a lot for photography and graphic design and they have just randomly shut down while i was working on something... causing me to teach everyone around me all the curses i know, and some new ones. BUt i think it depends on who you are, if you're a mac person get a mac, if you're not... don't. also, i think nyu's IT department will help you out if your comp goes crazy so you don't really have to worry about there being apple stores everywhere and nothing else. also, macs arent the only computers with protection plans/warranties.</p>

<p>i like dell.</p>

<p>
[quote]
Macs are much more simpler, easier, and dont crash/freeze and all that jazz

[/quote]
</p>

<p>iBooks killed me when I tried to run Maya.....</p>

<p>Besides, they do crash and freeze, and when they start freezing and crashing, you can't stop it.</p>

<p>i like dells too...mine is just beyond outdated (inspiron 1120...or something like that i think). But dells are a little more expensive than some others, too. I've been looking at compaq's, sony's and hp's.</p>

<p>Anyone know much about sony's or hp's? I've heard some bad things about both of em.</p>

<p>My work laptop is a compaq, and I like it for the most part.</p>

<p>I love my Toshiba.</p>

<p>I've heard good things about HPs. But from my past experiences with Sony computers, I can say that they aren't on par with Macs or Dells. My Vaio's broken down a couple of times in a few years, and customer service wasn't exactly the best.</p>

<p>Question: can I upgrade the RAM on a Macbook pro 15.4? It comes with 512, but i'd like a gig</p>

<p>yeah you can. when you buy from the apple store, when you select which computer you want, it lets you choose any customizations before you check out</p>

<p>Could I do this at the NYU apple store? How much would an upgrade to 1 gig cost me?</p>

<p>Depends if the notebook comes with one 512 or two 256 cards</p>

<p>One 512 card.</p>