Notebook computer for college

<p>OK now that we spent months searching for the perfect fit for a college we are on to searching for the perfect notebook computer for the MT student.
Since my S is tall he isn't fussy about size, doesn't care about gaming just would like something good for musical composition and MT. He also is big into photo and sound editing so that would help. He has posted questions on a Notebook Forum but everyone there is going into engineering or computer science and is really into gaming. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks - Jenifer</p>

<p>First think about whether he wants an Apple or IBM type of system. </p>

<p>We went with a Dell and have been very happy.</p>

<p>If your son is into photo/sound/video editing, a Mac is definitely the way to go. I've been using Apple computers my whole life and bought myself a new iBook for my freshman year last year...I couldn't be happier with it! It has never frozen and the software available is great. My dad owns a recording studio, so he does a LOT of sound editing, and he swears by his Macs. Both the iBook and PowerBook are great options...you can check them out at <a href="http://www.apple.com%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.apple.com&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p>

<p>We are definitely getting a Mac Powerbook for our S. In addition to MT, he loves composing, arranging and filmmaking and uses our iMac at home 24/7. I can't imagine him not having access to all the great Apple music and movie products. Plus they look so much cooler! :)</p>

<p>I got an e-mail from Michigan stating that they offer Macs with music software for incoming students. Can anyone help me to understand what is a good price for the types of laptops most recommended? And is the Apple Store the place to go?</p>

<p>Most of the colleges have accounts with Apple which offer the higher education discounts. That's the best you'll probably get as Apple rarely discounts and doesn't really work with retailers. They do have refurbished Macs but I think with notebooks it's better to go new as they really get abused!</p>

<p>My overall advice is get the best computer you can afford, with the idea you want it to last you 4 years. </p>

<p>Having said that, make sure you get a lock for it so you can attach it to something fixed to deter thefts. Consider whether it is worth it to insure. Or check to see what insurance the college may provide for thefts from dorm rooms. (Maybe nothing, but it doesn't hurt to ask.) It also could be covered on your parents' homeowners insurance, even when you have it away at school.</p>

<p>My two cents worth - we got both of our Ss desktop computers. We thought that the non-portability and - at least in those days - the price difference - was worth it. They were not majoring in the arts - so pc environment was the obvious choice. However, one S, majoring in Psychology, also records music, and we have found good pc program and peripherals.</p>

<p>Susan</p>

<p>I'm considering getting an iBook for college and if I recall correctly, I believe that if you bring in a college acceptence letter to a US college, they give you some kind of discount.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.apple.com/education/hed/students/discounts.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.apple.com/education/hed/students/discounts.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Here's the site with more info.</p>

<p>We are definitely getting a Mac Powerbook for our S. In addition to MT, he loves composing, arranging and filmmaking and uses our iMac at home 24/7. I can't imagine him not having access to all the great Apple music and movie products. Plus they look so much cooler!</p>

<p>So what one are you getting? MAC's are new to us and it is so confusing. I would appreciate any input. His grandparents will pay the first $2K, knowing that what would you get?</p>

<p>I just got my Powerbook today and it is awesome!!! So fast...</p>

<p>Clueless - we are getting him a Powerbook G4 with a 1.67Ghz processor. What we haven't decided yet is the 15" or 17" screen. The 15" is smaller and a bit easier to carry around but the 17" is so great for movie editing. We'll probably end up with the 17". They are all alot thinner than most notebooks. With the education discount that model goes for $2,399 so the grandparents $$ would go a long way.</p>

<p>Clueless,</p>

<p>Our daughter, who has just finished her freshman year at NYU bought a Powerbook G4 through the NYU bookstore. The deal was even better than the Apple Educational Discount. In addition, they let us pay 700.00 up front and the rest over four semesters, no interest or charges whatsoever. Couldn't pass up that deal. I believe she has a 17 in. screen and she has loved the computer. No hassles with virus issues, etc.</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

<p>theatredivasmom (Kristin)</p>