<p>definitely get a macbook… you dont need a mbpro unless you are in aap, and dont get an air… while pc’s generally have the most “bang for the buck”, macs are packed with the newest technology and are definitely the most durable. also if you are word processing, you probably dont even need higher specs than any mac offers. many many people i know have replaced their pcs within 4 years at cornell beacuse the casing/build is not as sturdy, windows stinks, many problems with their harddrives etc, viruses. </p>
<p>Mac generally has a better warranty and service policy from what i have seen, doesnt get viruses, has a durable casing and internal structure, can run windows via bootcamp (i have windows 7 installed on my mac), and is just nicer to use. </p>
<p>if you get a pc, wait until when windows 7 is officially released or get the beta, you definitely do not want to purchase a pc with vista… windows 7 has gotten good reviews so far in beta form, and vista is one of the main reasons mac has been so popular recently. </p>
<p>if you buy a mac, wait until june, because every june mac comes out with new products/ does a spec bump on their current line. since they just came out with new macbooks recently, expect better specs, and perhaps a price drop in june.</p>
<p>As a macbook air user… Why not a macbook air?</p>
<p>You pay a lot more money just to get a really thing computer. I don’t think it’s worth it, but it could be for some people.</p>
<p>urrite bootes…the thiness is insignificant…</p>
<p>i’d rather have a powerful desktop or laptop and then carry around a netbook…</p>
<p>If you’re honestly just doing word processing, I’d go with a net book because their cheap and they do what they’re meant to do well.</p>
<p>Macs are definitely sexy, but you’re paying a TON of money for that OS. Viruses aren’t a problem if you’re not ■■■■■■■■ about computer saftey. If you’re worried about durability, get a business style notebook. Those things are incredibly durable. I’m typing this on a 1.25" (about) thin windows laptop that I’ve dropped plenty of times but is incredibly durable.</p>
<p>As for touchscreens, you can get some stuff that plugs into your USB and does the exact same thing for a lot cheaper. There’s some that fit over your screen and some that come like little mousepads, with the former being more expensive.</p>
<p>If you’re into gaming, PC should be the obvious choice.</p>
<p>If money isn’t an issue and you’re just looking for something sleek, sexy, and comfortable, go with a mac. If taking simple notes in class if your thing, a netbook. If you’re planning to run hardcore software (don’t know why you would need to do this on your laptop but…) go with a PC.</p>
<p>Personally, I’m looking at either [HP</a> EliteBook 8530w Review](<a href=“TechnologyGuide - TechTarget”>TechnologyGuide - TechTarget) or [HP</a> Official Store — Buy and Customize your HDX16 and HDX16t series PC direct from HP](<a href=“http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/load_configuration.do?destination=review&email_id=792385&jumpid=in_r329_emailconfig]HP”>http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/load_configuration.do?destination=review&email_id=792385&jumpid=in_r329_emailconfig) mainly because my dad works for HP so he gets the corporate discount.</p>
<p>lenovo t400.
totally amazing and never (physically) breaks. Trust me (I know) Macs don’t hold well against physical damage. although the thinkpad may be a little expensive initially, considering the costs for possible repair/damage as well as the quality of computer you will be getting I would say get a Lenovo for sure</p>
<p>I’ve got a netbook (eeePC 1000H), so instead of getting a new laptop, I’m upgrading my current desktop to ridiculous specs for the same price. </p>
<p>Netbooks are waaaay more convenient for carrying around day to day - mine weighs just 2 pounds and it’s smaller than the average textbook. Plus, the battery can run up to 7 hours on minimum brightness, 5 on average use. Not to mention, they’re cheap ($400 at the moment) and will fulfill all tasks you need to do on the go, such as browsing and typing.</p>
<p>yeah a netbook is definitely better than those who rely on their blackberries and iphones…</p>
<p>what major are you? you may or may not use anything more than word…</p>
<p>a macbook is a safebet though…but i would wait until the end of the summer when more deals come out…</p>
<p>the new macbooks hold up way better than the old ones to damage (i know).</p>
<p>^But they are still not worth the money. I run a hacked copy of leopard on my custom desktop and love it, but the price apple charges for their equipment is outrageous. If you research you can find a laptop pc that will run leopard flawlessly for significantly cheaper (although it is not legal to do if you care about that nonsense). Mac left themselves open to hacking when they switched from powerpc processors to intel, which is the only reason it can run on a pc (google search ‘hackintosh’).</p>
<p>XPS m1730 either that or Alienware Quad-Core</p>
<p>(I carry an m1530 normally plus if less than 7 pounds is too heavy then go to the gym)</p>
<p>^^ I have an M1730 and I would not recommend it unless you really need it. It’s extremely heavy, bulky, gets crap battery life, and has the biggest power brick ever.</p>
<p>when people complain about weight for laptops it’s not about merely LIFTING the laptop, but rather the additional strain it puts on your back/shoulders/wherever you carry it. it’s not good for you in the long run and can lead to problems. plus the bigger the laptop, usually the worse the battery life, so you’ll always need to find a spot next to an outlet.</p>
<p>I can understand a girl needing a lower weight laptop, but honestly, if something not even 10 pounds is too heavy, you need to reassess your manly qualities. 10 pounds is not even that heavy.</p>
<p>^Think about books/notebooks and other weight that will in with it. And taking the bus from north to central is one thing, but climbing libe slope on west with a really heavy backpack is not exactly fun (especially for early morning classes when you are still half asleep). I’ve done it plenty of times, but walking 10+ minutes uphill (from west to central is uphill the entire way to class, although not nearly as steep past the slope) with a lot of weight gets tiring. Regardless, desktops are better and a laptop will never qualify as a substitute for people that actually use the computer, and not just type papers.</p>
<p>^Think about books/notebooks and other weight that will in with it. </p>
<p>I’m not saying that (I should be more concise), I’m referring to the fact that is there really such a significant difference between something that is 6 pounds and something that is 8, that it would stop you from buying the better computer? </p>
<p>If 2-3 pounds is gonna kill someone, then maybe they shouldn’t carry their laptop around period.</p>
<p>having a small notebook makes a huge huge difference. you may not care about weight, but consider how much space you have in your bag. it is hard to fit all of your folders and binders and books that you need plus your laptop if it is huge. i personally suggest 14 inch or less and look for a 3-4 pounder. you really dont know the weight and particularly size factor until you are walking around with a bag of books all day.</p>
<p>I’d get a macbook pro if I had the money. Then dual-boot for engineering programs. It’s pretty slim and shouldn’t take up much space in my bag.</p>
<p>most people would rather not carry around their laptops…it’s a distraction…</p>