Laptop size and portability

<p>I don't know whether to get a 14.1 inch regular laptop or to get a 15.4 inch widescreen. I like the widescreen's power, but it's a little bulkier and larger to carry around. How important is laptop portability at Princeton? Do most students lug their laptop all around campus, everyday?</p>

<p>I've heard that most people leave their computers in their rooms. I wouldn't get anything over 6 pounds though. </p>

<p>Personally, I would be fine with a 12, 13 or 14-inch and just attach an external monitor when I'm in my room, but I ended up getting a 15.4-inch powerbook (is that what you're referring to?) I think it should be fine though because it's still only 5ish pounds, and the design isn't bulky.</p>

<p>i'd go with the widescreen. i doubt it would add that much bulk, and with it you can play DVDs the way they're meant to be played. also, if you're really concerned about bulk, just get a 12.1 inch widescreen.</p>

<p>Actually I was referring to a Dell (not offered through princeton) that is a 15.4 inch widescreen. It's kinda big though. I don't know how many DVD's I'll be watching. Probably just typing papers, occassional game, and internet, itunes.</p>

<p>Sorry, my mistake. I think the powerbook is actually 15.2". Whatever, close enough :p</p>

<p>Do you want to bring your laptop to classes and take notes? If so, that might be kinda big...</p>

<p>I notice on these forums that people phrase questions as: "What do Princeton students customarily do?" I keep wanting to answer them, "What's it to you?" in as many words -- not to be a smart-ass, but because these decisions depend at least as much on your currently existing personal habits as on what current Princeton students customarily do. Having never met you, however, I can't possibly know your currently existing personal habits. If you hate carrying stuff, you probably either want a tiny lightweight laptop OR you don't care because you won't <em>ever</em> carry it. If you typically travel with the largest backpack of anyone you know, figure out how much weight you're willing to carry, and don't get a laptop any bigger than that. It's whatever <em>you</em> would feel most comfortable with.</p>

<p>Personally, I take mine everywhere and it's a 7lb 15.4" widescreen. I wanted the power and the goodies that came with the "desktop replacement" class of laptops, and I haven't really noticed the bulk being a problem. I carry it in the laptop sleeve of my backpack, which is probably why I don't notice the weight; if i had an over-the-shoulder bag, it'd be unpleasantly large. I also bike everywhere, so it makes lugging things easier in general.</p>

<p>Ashley</p>

<p>i had a desktop as well as a large (older) laptop last year. When that laptop died, i bought a new, tiny laptop. However, i knew that I would also have the desktop. I would find it really hard to look at a tiny screen all the time, especially while writing papers because its easier to edit on a larger screen... but it is personal preference. I had no problems carrying my older laptop around, although I rarely did. I would carry it to the library sometimes, or once or twice to a problem session where i need to use MATLAB, but i wouldnt say that i carried it around with me ever. Then again, my ridiculously short battery life might have had something to do with it-- it wouldnt have been much use in a class. Hardly anyone uses laptops in class, although there are always some, so you probably wouldnt be alone if you did so. </p>

<p>so as ashley said, its basically up to you. It also depends on what classes youre taking - it wouldnt be very helpful to take a computer to a math class, while a cs class or a class where you have to take notes could be more helpful. Also it depends on your study skills. For the most part i was happy studying in my room, and only went to the libraries every so often. If you plan to go to the libraries in all of your free time you might want a lighter computer.</p>

<p>hope that helps</p>

<p>Thanks. I think I'm gonna go with the moderate sized laptop (not the widescreen).</p>

<p>current students also often list computers for sale/auction on the tigertrade section of point.princeton.edu</p>

<p>
[quote]
I notice on these forums that people phrase questions as: "What do Princeton students customarily do?" I keep wanting to answer them, "What's it to you?" in as many words -- not to be a smart-ass, but because these decisions depend at least as much on your currently existing personal habits as on what current Princeton students customarily do.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>I assume because they're not accustomed to trekking about a college campus, taking college courses, or the college lifestyle in general. They want to know, "Having experienced college life, what recommendations do you have that I won't have taken into account?" It's difficult to figure out computer specs in general if you have no idea what sort of software you'll be asked to install or how much your computer will be integrated into your everyday in the first place.</p>

<p>Just to answer your question.</p>

<p>To answer the threadstarter:</p>

<p>If you're someone who is permanently attached to a computer and you feel it's going to be a helpful lecture tool and a constant companion, I recommend going for something sleeker. If your computer is not attached to your hip now you're probably not going to morph into a computer addict when you get to campus. I'm incoming, but I"d wager that the people who carry computers around customarily at school are people that were big computer users beforehand.</p>

<p>i agree with the last paragraph. unfortunately, my thinkpad's not gonna be very sleek.</p>

<p>But thinkpads are so sturdy, reliable and efficient. They're pretty light and portable. A thinkpad is what I would get if I got a PC.</p>

<p>yeah, its the tradeoff. if only they had more curves and shiny silver...</p>

<p>I know! I love thinkpad for their functionality, but I'm such a sucker for a pretty exterior...which is why I got a Vaio at first, but a pretty exterior is nothing if the hardware sucks, so now I'm waiting for a powerbook.</p>

<p>Thinkpad = owns</p>

<p>Yay! I just got my laptop that I ordered through SCI. I ordered the smaller Dell. It is really light and really awesome. I hate the annoying laptop mouse though. I guess I'll just have to get used to it or buy another mouse.</p>

<p>Get an USB mouse and attach it.
Or a bluetooth one if your laptop has that feature.</p>

<p>what is a bluetooth mouse?</p>

<p>If you have bluetooth capability on your computer, you can get a bluetooth mouse, which means that it connects to your computer wirelessly.</p>

<p>ohhh... I've used a wireless mouse before. They are pretty cool. I think I am getting used to the laptop mouse, at least a little bit now. But I keep reaching down to click, and it is lower than on laptops I've used in the past.</p>