<p>
[quote]
I would not recommend a netbook as a primary computer personally.
[/quote]
Why? Because of the form factor?</p>
<p>Because of 2 main reasons:</p>
<p>1) Many netbooks have very low end components to keep costs down and because netbooks are designed for basic usage on the go (word processing, email, net surfing)</p>
<p>2) Netbooks aren't designed for extended usage because of their small form factor and the need for portability</p>
<p>I can understand number 2 as a matter of personal opinion, but if by number 1 you mean that netbooks have low performance capabilities such as less RAM, Hard Drive, etc... then it really depends on the netbook. The netbook I linked to for purchase in Amazon, for example, is actually (save for a slightly slower processor) more powerful than my main, full-sized, kinda old laptop (also running Windows XP), which I use all the time to surf the web, open pdf's, type papers in OpenOffice, listen to music, watch videos, play old games, etc... so unless the OP plans to do something REALLY computer intensive (s/he mentioned s/he is not a gamer, so that would leave something like engineering modeling software or professional video editing), a netbook with 1 GB of RAM, N270 Atom processor, 160 GB of Hard Disk and Windows XP should be perfectly fine.</p>
<p>The Atom N270 has only 512KiB of L2 Cache, considering that Intel hasn't had a processor with such a low cache (that's not an ultra low budget celeron) since 2003-2004, I'd say this processor is pretty bad. Coupled with the slow 533Mt/s frontside bus, this machine will be about as slow as my old compaq at home if the OP wants to do anything meaningful.</p>
<p>Also, while the OP has indicated that performance is not an issue, I'm sure s/he will not want a laptop that's 4-5 years old in terms of crucial non-upgradeable technology right out the door.</p>
<p>Well I guess netbooks are out so is acer.
So what are the better brand without breaking my walltet... HP is realy expensive.
I have an HP desktop and that thing cost me around $2000</p>
<p>There are plenty of HP deals out there. You should be able to find one to suit your need for $700-900.</p>
<p>Lok for coupons on Dell's and HP's. </p>
<p>with the coupons you can get really good prices on them. and HP's aren't that expensive. A pretty good laptop from them would be about $700.</p>
<p>Are they durable (HP)?
I always thought they were kinda fragile.</p>
<p>I'd just look for your average computer. But heres the trick: get an external harddrive. You can get very large ones now for under 100 dollars, and dedicate it to music, pictures, movies. This way, you won't slow down the harddrive in your computer. If you can afford it, get two, and keep double copies in case of a failure.</p>
<p>Do most students bring printers to colleges?</p>
<p>It depends on what system your college has in place to facilitate student printing. My college has a free printer network in place across campus linked to student accounts so most students don't need printers. Obviously, if your college doesn't have something like that, you should look into getting a printer.</p>
<p>I did. You really should; you don't know when the school's printing system might mess up or something. Which is bad when you are typing a paper at the last minute. If you don't have a printer, you can get a cheap one. As far as printers go, I recommend HP.</p>
<p>I wouldn't say really should, however it does come in handy. Most likely though, at least some people that you know will have one and getting access to one in an emergency will not be impossible. </p>
<p>On the other hand, having been part of the maintenance team for my school's printer network, I'd say if the school has a any kind of a half decent IT department, then they should be able to set up a printer network that has enough built in redundancies to minimize disruptions. </p>
<p>Oh, and on the subject of laptops (incidentally the topic of this thread), be on the look out for good black friday deals. I've seen very well spec'ed laptops go for under $500 in the ads leaked so far. Walmart, for example, has an HP with Intel Core 2 processor, 3 GB of RAM, 160GB of HDD for $499 which is about the same price for a half decent netbook and tons better.</p>
<p>I guess I'll be on the prowl for laptops soon.
One more question... actualy two:
Most colleges have wireless networks, so do all laptops come with a wireless transmitter?
Also isn't it easier for someone to hack into your files since most laptops don't encript them when they are being sent wirelessly?</p>
<p>Virtually all laptops come with the ability to connect to wireless networks. To be sure, just make sure the word wireless is somewhere in the specs. Usually it will say "802.11b/g."</p>
<p>I dunno about question #2, though.</p>
<p>You have to enable file and printer sharing in your network settings first, before your computer will start transmitting files over the network. And you need to designate which folders to share or not share on the network. I don't know if the first is turned on by default but the second is turned OFF by default for most folders except "my shared folder" or something. If you do both on your computer on a crowded school network with your personal files then you deserve to have your comp hacked. </p>
<p>Also note, intercepting a file being transmitted is a lot more difficult than simply hacking into your computer and accessing the files on there. The former would probably involve some deep packet sniffing, while the latter just requires a retard who shares his whole harddrive for the world to see. I probably wouldn't worry about unencrypted transmissions.</p>