<p>Yeah, I was never very heavy into computers, but now it seems I need a laptop for my first year in college. The last 5 or 6 years I have been using a standard Dell desktop for the basic web surfing, videos, making power points/word documents and playing music.</p>
<p>I plan on doing a Biology major/pre-med so I don't think i'll need to use the computer much for special programs, other than writing long papers or making presentations.</p>
<p>Right now i've looked at the Macbook/MacBookPro, the Dell Studio and the Inspiron.</p>
<p>I'm mainly looking for something light and easy to use with all the basic features to cover my needs. Beyond that I'm really not sure which models would give me the best bang for my buck. Money really isn't a big issue, since I plan on using the computer for at least 4 years but a good value is always nice. </p>
<p>Is Mac pretty easy to adjust to if you're a PC user? That's my biggest concern with the Macbook as i'm used to the windows features. However the laptop itself seemed much smaller and lighter compared to the Dell Studio.</p>
<p>I like MACs, and I’ve used a PC my entire life. AND a plus for MACs is that you don’t have to buy virus protection software because it already comes with it.</p>
<p>MacBooks are nice, but you’ll be paying a little bit more for the Apple brand. A lot of people say it’s worth it though. A MacBook Pro I think would be overkill for you.</p>
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<p>You don’t have to buy antivirus software for Windows either. AVG is free.</p>
<p>Getting used to a Mac isn’t hard at all, just go into an Apple store and play around with one for a while to see if you like it. Some fall in love with it just for the interface.</p>
<p>Functionality wise, there isn’t much of a difference (unless you have software that specifically needs Windows; you can dual boot, but it may be a pain). Macs may be prettier and come with a bunch of handy applications in iLife, but this comes at a significant cost.</p>
<p>Spec-by-spec, it would be most cost efficient to purchase a mid-range PC. If you’re smart with your browsing choices and properly maintain your machine, viruses shouldn’t be a problem (13 years computing, never anything major).</p>
<p>Narrow down the specs you want and check out Newegg and similar sites for deals over the summer, there will be tons of back to school sales in the next few months. I’ve found more success in being adamant about the features you want rather than brand loyalty/reputation.</p>
<p>I’m with the others; Macs are nice, but you’re paying for the look, not necessarily for a better laptop (I know I’m going to get flak on that comment!). I tend to use the adjectives “daylight robbery” for them.</p>
<p>A PC is more cost-effective and just as easy to use. The idea that macs don’t get viruses was only because no one used to use them, so no one used to make special viruses to target them. If you’re a safe user, you won’t have any problem with a PC and it’s cheaper. And, like someone said: AVG Free is, well, free, and it works fantastic!</p>
<p>That being said, programs like graphics editors work better on Macs, so people going into creative professions will typically get a Mac. Ultimately, it’s up to you, so if you love a Mac and you’re willing to pay the price then go ahead! They are good computers. I have a Dell Studio 15 and I love love love it. Just go to stores, play around on their computers, and narrow down what you’re looking for and what you like and don’t like about everything. Check out Cnet reviews. Good luck!</p>
<p>If you will only be using the computer for word processing/internet browsing, i suggest the dell mini 12, or if you want better performance, try getting the HP DV2 (though its a few hundred dollars more expensive).</p>
<p>If you end up going with the latter, it may be a good idea to ask a friend to install windows XP or the like on it. (just get rid of vista ._.)</p>
<p>Wow very helpful posts guys, looks like the MacBook is good but you guys mentioned that the MacBook might be a little overpriced?</p>
<p>Though cost isn’t a big issue I would like the most cost effective computer, so long as the quality is there and it can handle my basic needs.</p>
<p>-Something with a good amount of space to store my music
-Good screen size, 15" would be nice but i’m okay with 13"
-Really good video/screen quality
-Light and portable
-Good support/warranty from the company if anything should go wrong
-Simple and easy to use</p>
<p>I’ve been asking around alot and am back to where I started it seems I have choices between various HPs, MSI and Toshiba as well as the new Dell computers and a MacBook.</p>
<p>Should I just pick the cheapest one? I mean if it covers the needs I listed then that should be enough right? My dad is almost forcing me into getting a MacBook though (he wants the iTouch and I get one or two hundred dollars cut off from the price as well.)</p>
<p>I don’t know what are the good reliable mid-range PCs? As far as artsy and graphics things go, I’ll only use the laptop for music purposes since i play and record guitar for fun.</p>
<p>For me MacBook will cost around $1,100 and my dad will get the iTouch.
Most of the midrange PCs seem to be around $800 or $900 so I don’t know if the cost difference is even that much.</p>
<p>You should definitely take a look at Lenovo’s ThinkPads. They’ll provide you with a very high build quality without burning a hole in your wallet like the Toughbooks and Macs.</p>
<p>I suggest a Sony Vaio. I have one and I’ve never had any problems with it, it has amazing speakers, it’s just the right size and weight to carry around, amazing warranty plan, user-friendly, good screen quality, and specialized keyboard that makes typing faster and easier. Not to mention stylish- they come in tons of colors. Mine’s pink. :)</p>
<p>Thanks srunni Lenovo has made it’s way high up on my interest list, is it pretty comparable to the MacBook and Dell Studio or an HP Pavillion?</p>
<p>jellxtoxthexo I’ll check out the Sony laptops when I go to the store. =]</p>
<p>Oh and update on the MacBook, turns out i’m getting a $100 rebate, a free printer, iTouch and Microsoft Office with the computer. I don’t know if that makes it any better of a value compared to the Lenovo and HP.</p>
<p>If cost isn’t too much of a factor, I would get a MacBook. I’ve been a longtime PC, and now I couldn’t be happier with my MBP. Once you go Mac, you never go bacckkk. ;)</p>
<p>^ Or to put it another way, if you’re a PC user and want to stay a PC user, don’t go into the Apple store to try a Mac; you’ll end up spending about $100 more than you intended to spend on a PC.</p>
<p>Sony Sr Series Notebooks seem to be pretty nice (and a nice build) You can custom build those on Sonystyle. One thing you might want to watch is heating issues some notebooks pack power into not very much area and thus have problems with heat and battery life (getting rid of some portability advantages.) If you can I would suggest the PSeries Intel processors if you end up going for more 1100-1200 price range (I think thats what my sony came out to.) Dells aren’t bad either but I stayed away from the studio XPS (What I would have gotten) because of complaints of heat issues.</p>
<p>As for Macs, they look nice and have some nice functionality, but ultimately it may still be easier with a PC (and cheaper). (If you can wait I think Windows 7 vouchers will be coming with new computers and Windows 7 RC Kicks some serious butt :).)</p>
<p>If this is a desktop replacement, do yourself a favor and get a 15-16 inch notebook ;).</p>
<p>Awesome advice so far, I looked further into the Lenovo computers and my PC options. </p>
<p>Right now i’ve pretty much got it narrowed down to the Lenovo Ideapad Y550HD, MacBook Pro 13" and the HP Pavillion.</p>
<p>There seems to be a lot of support for the Sony laptops it seems, I really need to look further into those. From the laptops I do have narrowed down it’s</p>
<p>Lenovo IdeaPad Y550: $600</p>
<p>-15.6 " HD Wide LED (1366x768)
-Intel® Core 2 Duo processor T6400 ( 2GHz 800MHz 2MB )
-Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium
-Hard Drive 250GB 5400
-6 Cell Lithium-Ion Battery </p>
<p>MacBookPro: $1,100 + $100 rebate on printer + iTouch + free microsoft office</p>
<p>-13.3-inch LED-backlit glossy widescreen display (1280x800 pixels)
-2.53GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
-OS X
-160GB 5400-rpm hard drive
-NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor
-Backlit keyboard</p>
<p>HP Pavillion: $630</p>
<p>-15.4" edge-to-edge (diagonal) display
-Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T5800
-Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium
-160GB hard drive
-Intel Graphics Media</p>
<p>None of those computers really compare to the macbook. Except for the 4 GB in the one computer, they all have shoddier parts. This is more comparable to the Macbook Pro 13inch, in terms of GPU, Processor, RAM, DVD drive, has bluetooth, etc. This is a more mobile Lenovo, but it is still heavier and bigger than the Macbook, has a worse battery life, and I think it has the same screen resolution. I added Vista ultimate and Microsoft office student version, and came out to be $1408, on sale from $1863. This also doesn’t come with the free Ipod or $100 printer rebate, but the price includes Office. </p>
<p>Guys, don’t choose a vastly inferior product and call it “cheaper and better than the macbook”. Compare similar components. Below is a great computer, but Lenovo computers are usually as expensive, if not more, than Macbooks. Catch them when they’re on sale, and they can be good buys. </p>
<p>$1863, on sale for $1408. A $1400 macbook pro 13 inch, btw, has a bigger harddrive, 4gb ram, 2.53 ghz processor, etc. </p>
<p>System components
Intel Core 2 Duo processor T9400 (2.53GHz 1066MHz 6MBL2)
Genuine Windows Vista Ultimate
14.1 WXGA TFT, w/ CCFL Backlight, Camera
ATI Mobility Radeon 3470 with 256MB
2 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)
UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad)
DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim (Serial ATA)
Express Card Slot & PC Card Slot
Integrated Bluetooth PAN
Intel WiFi Link 5300 (AGN) with My WiFi Technology
Integrated Mobile Broadband upgradable
6 cell Li-Ion Battery
Country Pack North America with Line cord & 90W AC adapter
Microsoft Office Home & Student 2007 - English US & CN</p>
<p>Well if you want to just compare components, what about a Dell studio?</p>
<p>Components
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition SP1, 64-Bit
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T9550 (2.66GHz/1066Mhz FSB/6MB cache)
Microsoft® Works 9
2Yr Ltd Hardware Warranty, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis
14.0” High Definition (720p) LED Display with TrueLife™ and Camera/Facial Recognition SW
3GB Shared Dual Channel DDR3 at 1066MHz
Speed: 320GB SATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) with Free Fall Sensor
NVIDIA® GeForce® 9400M G
Dell Wireless 1515 Wireless-N Mini-card
56 Whr Lithium Ion Battery (6 cell)
Soundblaster X-Fi Hi Def Audio - Software Enabled</p>
<p>Granted, it has 1 GB less ram, but I believe the slight edge in processor speed should compensate. Also, the 7200 rpm HDD would prove to be faster than the 5400 (for the most part). </p>
and I get one or two hundred dollars cut off from the price as well.)</p>