<p>My S has been using a Thinkpad and takes it to class every day. He likes it a lot. By the way, Lenovo is the same as IBM.</p>
<p>I'm a software developer. My past 3 laptops have been ThinkPads. IBM recently sold the division to Lenovo -- but Lenovo has been the manufacturer for years. From my perspective, they offer the best LCD screens & tactile keyboards. I also like the pointing stick. I'm currently using a ThinkPad T42p. The T series is a laptop that blurs the line between laptop/desktop performance.</p>
<p>However, that said, Lenovo doesn't currently offer a 17" laptop screen. Dell does. Dell also has some other nice features. But then the Lenovo offers built-in biometric (in this case fingerprint) security. </p>
<p>As for Macs vs. PCs, I suggest you do what I just had my daughter do for Brown. Brown's website doesn't advocate one vs. the other. However, according to the students she spoke to during ADOCH when she stayed overnight in April, the overwhelming majority use Windows based machines. To my mind, that's an important determinant in the Windows vs. Apple debate. Find out what the students actually use.</p>
<p>I can also heartily endorse the Lenovo/Thinkpads. They are workhorse machines, but also well designed and some models are quite sleek. My S#2, currently a rising HS senior, is very hard on his computers, and his Thinkpad has managed to last 3 years so far. My S#1 took his Thinkpad to MIT with him this year and it served him well. (He bought an external harddrive and dumped all his art and music files from his desktop machine onto the drive and brought just that and his Thinkpad with him for the summer.)</p>
<p>(Disclaimer: more than one of my family members has worked for IBM, but none have had anything to do with Thinkpads, either before or after the sale of the division to Lenovo.)</p>
<p>I second what newmassdad stated. Price seems to be an afterthought in the discussion here but PCs are generally less expensive and more flexible (i.e. more software applications available). Some people argue this point and point to some available commercial/free apps but, considering that PCs outnumber Macs at least 9:1 and are the choice for the business world, you can guess why there are many more applications available for the PC than the Mac.</p>
<p>I've used Dell laptops and desktops extensively and have had few issues with them. I leave my desktop on 24/7 and have my laptop on extensively as well and have had no issues with cooling/reliability. I think most major brands put extensive engineering into cooling and newer chips are designed for laptops. I'd stay away from the top brand names as this is usually where they fall down. I do have an issue with the small form-factor desktop systems with variable fans however; when the fans kick in it can sound like the PC's about to launch from the desk. I'd avoid these.</p>
<p>Laptops are by far more flexible than desktops. Even if one doesn't carry them to class (most students don't), it allows them to use them in the lounge, at the library, on the lawn, in the dining hall, and while sitting on their bed. It also is easily transportable when going home for breaks or vists and can even be used in transit. Most campuses nowadays have extensive wireless available making portability even more desirable.</p>
<p>Security is important - the student should be sure to purchase and use a laptop cable lock to lock the laptop to the desk or bedframe. They can be defeated but it'll be easier for the thief to just steal someone else's laptop.</p>
<p>Very few people in a school environment use docking stations or external monitors/keyboards. An external mouse is sometimes handy but personally, I'm quite used to using the built-in pointing device (and it works better when I'm in my Lazy-boy). </p>
<p>The best way to choose a system is by application and value. Macs are great systems and have pluses/minuses as do PCs. Either will generally work for most students unless one is using specalized software (such as Microsoft Office, Visual Studio, etc.).</p>
<p>Always check with the college for discounts - especially on software.</p>
<p>how do i keep my beautiful new white macbook that i just got from my nana for graduation from being stolen? should i put identifying stickers or paint or stuff on it so no one will want it? or. . . . i also want a tiny but great printer. any suggestions?it has got be be small i'm going to a school with old school tiny dorm rooms</p>
<p>I'm personally getting a 17" incher...just because I love livin' large.</p>
<p>Artista:</p>
<p>Read my post just before yours regarding security. So many students are naive or negligent when it come to security that as long as you take reasonable care (locking it to a large object, not leaving it unattended in the library, dining hall, etc.), that the thieves will probably go for the easier pickings. </p>
<p>Regarding the printer - most students end up with a desk so I'd expect it to have enough room for most average sized printers. There are also some very small footprint printers out there. Stick with the name brands (HP, Epson, Canon, etc.).</p>
<p>Artista:</p>
<p>As far as security goes... you can begin by visiting this link <a href="http://www.computersecurity.com/laptop/%5B/url%5D">http://www.computersecurity.com/laptop/</a></p>
<p>thank you for the advice and link to security website. i can't figure out how much i will be schlepping the laptop with me and how much i'll just be doing stuff in the dorm. these security locks and stuff do make me fear that i will be looked upon as a paranoid, mistrusting freak (lol) for using them but i have all summer to get over that. i would really like the laptop to develop a voice and a personality and muscles and fast little feet and just refuse to go with anyone who isn't me (again, lol)</p>
<p>A new article from Business Week on computers for college.
<a href="http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/jun2006/tc20060614_650605.htm%5B/url%5D">http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/jun2006/tc20060614_650605.htm</a></p>
<p>That article seems to express one person's opinion and bias and although it states his preference for a Mac, the article doesn't do much to support the author's position. It seems to be an opinion more than an article.</p>
<p>btw - in my earlier post regarding cooling/fans in laptops, I meant to say to stick with the major brands and avoid off-brands since major manufacturers put extensive engineering into this area since it's key to reliability.</p>
<p>From the latest Consumer Reports that I have seen:</p>
<p>Overall, Apple scored 76/100 in tech support with Dell and Gateway tied for second with 57/100 -- HP and Compaq pulled up the rear with scores of 52/100 and 47/100 respectively.</p>
<p>For repairs and serious problems reported by consumers, Apple again had the best score with just over 10 percent of respondents reporting serious issues. Gateway had the worst record with slightly over 20 percent. Sony, Dell, IBM, HP and Compaq fell in between.</p>
<p>If you purchase a brand supported by the college, you will never need to deal with the company tech support, so the scores above are irrelevant.</p>