<p>I am a non-technical non-engineering student and I’m trying to decide which laptop is best for me. I am not a gamer, and im not interested in much multimedia beyond what is basically needed for school. However, I am looking for a reliable laptop with good battery life, speed, and memory. I know that macs are less susceptible to viruses and that they have fewer software available; but how much will each of these affect me? As of now, I have narrowed down my choices to:</p>
<li> IBM Thinkpad (probably t43)</li>
<li> Apple Powerbook</li>
</ol>
<p>I need help to decide! If anyone can help me, that would be awesome!</p>
<p>Well, macs are known for multimedia. Seeing as how you don't want to go into video and audio, this might deter you from purchasing an apple. However, they are also known for their reliability and security against viruses. Personally, that's what pushed me to make the switch over to mac (I have a powerbook btw). </p>
<p>As long as you need it for just school, I don't think software availability should be a problem as there is Microsoft Office and whatnot for macs(you can also get Virtual PC if you REALLY need to run Windows programs on mac). </p>
<p>Battery life is good with the powerbook; it lasts at the very least a good 3 hours for me. </p>
<p>Speed is good and memory, well, the standard on the p-books is 512 (i went with 1GB). If you don't mind upgrading down the road, then 512 should be enough for the essentials. </p>
<p>The price is almost the same b/t your two choices for almost the same specs. (You have to admit though, the powerbook DOES look more sophisticated and sexy). Plus, you get a discount w/ Apple if you tell them you're a UCB student and show them your student ID and government issued ID. </p>
<p>If you're comfortable with the Windows OS and don't want to make the switch, then maybe you're better off with the IBM. If you're sick of Windows always crashing on you (like I was), then maybe the Apple is the right one for you. Me, I bought by powerbook and have not looked back since; it's great.</p>
<p>Apple student discount = $100. The discount is basically a free SuperDrive.</p>
<p>The Lenovo "IBM" Thinkpad isn't bad.</p>
<p>If you really need an office suite, you can use NeoOffice/j which is OpenOffice modified to use OS X's functions. It's free, it's open source.</p>
<p>You sound like you don't need much in a computer at all, so just save your money and go for something cheap, light, and has a good battery life. Apple products are severely overpriced.</p>
<p>Battery life is always a premium, and I gotta say, these Mac laptops last for a looong time before running out of juice. I surf the net, consult notes, write papers, and listen to iTunes all at the same time, and my iBook lasted me a full 5 hours in the library the other day. Can't complain about that.</p>