<p>13" I think hits the sweet spot. Don't get me wrong, I love the large screen of my 15" MBP, but I think 13" has ultimate size and portability. Wait until MBs are refreshed (aesthetically), though. Should be around June/July.</p>
<p>Do you use the 13" laptop for everything - or do you have another screen and/or harddrive to use in the dorm room. That sounds like a small screen to use continuously. Do the majority of students bring their laptops to class in all schools?</p>
<p>I have an additional monitor because I do so much research/paper writing so I keep the paper in one window and all my searching/drafts in the other. But many people get along just fine without one.</p>
<p>I'd say a decent number of kids brings their laptops to class...they're not too helpful in classes where you draw a lot of diagrams/equations in your notes (ex. chem, orgo, microbio) but it works well for almost everything else.</p>
<p>Make sure you have a Windows based PC because many of the programs you will use in he class are difficult to work on Macs. Though MacBooks are good computers. I have no problem with them. I am currently usin one right now in school.</p>
<p>"Gomestar, I'm so disappointed: what are you using using an HP for?"</p>
<p>Well, as mentioned, my Powerbook G4 took a tumble and broke (the inner workings were really destroyed). The HP was my dad's old work laptop that I'm simply using for free until I pick up one of the new Macbooks. </p>
<p>"Make sure you have a Windows based PC because many of the programs you will use in he class are difficult to work on Macs"</p>
<p>Parallels eliminate any and all compatibility issues.</p>
<p>That might be true, but on the Hotel school website, it says in bold
[quote]
** We strongly recommend selecting a Windows- based machine to avoid any compatibility issues, particularly related to class assignments.**</p>
<p>Though new Apple computers are currently capable of running Windows, a dedicated Windows computer is still strongly recommended.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>yeah, because Vista doesn't have any compatibility issues with the software Cornell uses</p>
<p>^^ lol</p>
<p>I dunno...I was eating lunch in Mac's today and I saw many hotelies with macbooks.</p>
<p>macbooks are just amazing. the Dell XPS line is good too...I had one for a short while. </p>
<p>but yea, you cannot go wrong with Apple.</p>
<p>Also, can't you run vista or xp on a macbook?</p>
<p>yeah, two clicks on the keyboard and you'll have Windows running at your fingertips.</p>
<p>i have parallels, which allows me to have windows xp AND a mac running at the same time! gives me 2 computers in one...with a more powerful windows operating system. they actually say that with parallels, windows applications work better on the mac than on a pc!</p>
<p>yeah, a Macbook Pro actually runs vista faster than any Dell, HP, Sony, etc, etc</p>
<p>diehldun Excellent Analogy!
Personall i am not a fan of Macs mainly because of their pricetag. I got an HP instead. I got 15.4 inch HP with intel Core-2-duo 2.5 GHz Processor, 3 gigs of RAM, 250 GB hard drive and a 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS. This originally costs around 1500 or more but i got it for 1170 + tax. If you go to Google and type in HP Coupon Codes you should find some amazing coupon codes that could knock off a couple hundred bucks.</p>
<p>Macs have a higher initial price, but a lower cost of ownership price as they break less, include more software with leopard, never get infected, and last longer, etc.</p>
<p>Cons of having a 17" laptop? Other than the weight, noise, and inferior battery life, are there any other inconveniences to having a large desktop replacement? Are the little desks in lectures halls too small to support a 17" laptop, would you say?</p>
<p>Some lectures halls have long tables...so size isn't a problem. But, most lecture halls and classrooms have the swing top desk tops (I think that's an accurate description) and those provide just enough room for my 15" laptop...so you might have some issues with a 17" laptop.</p>
<p>Dell's XPS line is really picking up now. The new XPS M1530 is really good and it is a 15 inch as opposed to the original 17 inch xps laptop. There was a nice deal earlier for about $1100 with 2.4 Ghz Core 2 Duo, 4 GB Ram, 250 GB HD. These deals come around often, so check fatwallet.com, deals2buy.com, etc. The XPS 1530 comes with a nice video card(8600gt) so games wont be a problem. And remember you can always get XP. </p>
<p>I am going to apply to Cornell next year.</p>
<p>Depends on your budget, really, and what size you are looking for.</p>
<p>Currently, the best 15.4" laptop out there is the Alienware m15x (configure it with the extreme processor and the nVidia 8800m GTX graphics). Although the 8800 will make your battery life drop to around 30 minutes, the hybrid graphics system on it will let you switch to the onboard graphics, so that you can take advantage of the standard 2.5-3 hour battery life during normal use. Later on, if you feel like some gaming, plug it in and enjoy desktop performance :)</p>
<p>Although it will set you back a good 3.5k (2.5 without the extreme processor)>.></p>
<p>For a good 17", the Sager NP5793, again configured with the 8800, will be a good buy. That will be a good 2.5k tho.</p>
<p>HOWEVER, the best deal out there right now (I'm a computer freak, as you can see, and this deal still blows my mind because it is THAT good) is the Gateway P-6831FX configured with the 8800m GTS, which will give you great performance, at less than $1500. It is a 17" though, and I don't know if that is too big for you (it is for me).</p>
<p>In my opinion, if you have a couple grand bucks, don't go for anything Dell or mainstream (although Alienware is, technically, owned by Dell).</p>
<p>Any Thinkpad users?</p>