<p>So, my parents and I have been talking about my college needs for next year and we agree that having two computers(be it a laptop and desktop or two laptops) isn't a bad idea so that if something happens to one you're not shi*t out of luck when that big paper is due... well not really, but it would be an inconvience. </p>
<p>So, I've been thinking that getting a small laptop(for out of dorm use... possibly in class note taking and work outdoors or in the library) and then a large laptop(with a bigger, better quality screen and a faster processor) for my "desktop". I don't really want a desktop because when I bring all my stuff home lugging a laptop is ALOT easier then a desktop.... but don't want to use a little laptop for every day use. BUT a big laptop is too heavy and cumbersome to carry around each day.... soooooooooo, I think that having two(for the purpose of backup as well) would be ideal. Make sense? Anyone else do this? I already have a small laptop which is a hand-me-down from my fathers company so it's not like I'd be buying two brand new computers.</p>
<p>Exactly how old of a big laptop do you plan to buy? I have Dell's heaviest one that they make and it is only 5 lbs or so. This really makes actually no sense whatsoever, unless you want to kick it old school and get one from like 10 years ago that weighs 15 lbs.</p>
<p>No.... you must have misunderstood something. I have a smallish laptop already that is used but only a year old. My fathers company replaces their equipment like crazy and I got one of their "old" field laptops which are fairly small. I'm not sure the specs right now but it is okay and it doesn't need to be that great just able to do simple word processing and possibly internet access. </p>
<p>I'd like to buy (new) one of the larger more desktop replacement type laptops with a 17 inch screen and the models that I've been looking at are like 12 or so pounds AND they're big because of the screen. The lightest that I've looked at in this category is like 8... which is still heavy when you consider that it is also fairly large(dimension wise). It's definitely not old school from ten years ago :)</p>
<p>I still don't get the point of having two. If your laptop breaks down or something, every college in the country has plenty of public computers you can use.</p>
<p>BUT I guess I have this preconceived idea that college kids carry around their laptop to the library or outside when its nice. The one I want(big one) is too big for that(it'd be like carrying a suitcase!)... but then I have to think to myself, do I really want a tiny one to work on every day? </p>
<p>I don't know... maybe I'll look at some in the middle range. Know of any small laptops with big screens(relative, maybe 15-16inches)</p>
<p>I don't see the problem with working on a small laptop daily. It's not like you're working on a PDA or something. I don't think you'll find much of a difference between a small laptop and a big laptop.</p>
<p>the keyboard isn't incredibly different. the main difference is that it just doesn't have a number pad. After a week of using the keyboard, you'll get used to it. Don't bother with getting a regular sized keyboard because the laptop keyboards are sufficient.</p>
<p>you should look at the laptop/dvd players...they are making fully functional laptops that also have the function of portable dvd players therefore they have large screens, if thats what you're looking for, also there are a lot of really thin laptops with full sized keyboards(minus the 10 key) and large screens which cuts down on the weight and size. I really don't understand your reasons for wanting two at all, you'll spend a lot of time transfering stuff even if you set up a network between the two and I don't know about you but I'd always be forgetting which one I wrote my homework on. Laptops are advanced enough now that you don't need to sacrifice anything to get portability</p>
<p>also if you are already considering one that is 15 pounds maybe you should opt for a full desktop, i mean whats the point of a laptop that isn't portable?</p>
<p>"also if you are already considering one that is 15 pounds maybe you should opt for a full desktop, i mean whats the point of a laptop that isn't portable?"</p>
<p>Trust me... it's ALOT easier to travel with a 15 pound laptop then a full desktop. For traveling home on breaks and such. It's not impossible to carry around each day(and they're more like 8-12lbs) but they're not the type of laptop that you can stick in your bag(or large purse) and forget about it.</p>
<p>ah yes I forgot we got breaks...well carrying my ten pound one around makes me cry so i understand that...what is so special about this 15pounder?</p>
<p>Well, it's more around 8-12 pounds and what makes it so heavy is the 17 inch screen, larger than normal keyboard, and all the internal stuff(which doesn't weigh anymore than any other laptops). Plus, I'll be flying home most of the time so anything but a laptop would be a major pain.</p>
<p>Really, very few people in any of my classes at UVa take notes on a laptop, probably fewer than 5% and only rarely do you see students actually using laptops outside on nice days.</p>