Question:
High School Student Looking For A First Time Laptop
Hi, I'm going to be a high school senior this coming September and am looking to get a laptop for the work-intensive classes I'll be taking. I'll be doing *a lot* of writing and researching on the web.
I'll be using it primarily for school-related tasks (mostly word processing) and a bit of multimedia on the side (I'm a big fan of Adobe Photoshop 7.0 and iTunes). I will never be using it to play games.
Although this will be my first laptop, I'm not a stranger to computers. I'm fairly capable of using any computer to my needs and I'm competent overall with handling them.
I've been a PC user all my life, but I'm interested in the Apple Macbook. I use Macs in Journalism class and I don't mind the change-over that'll take place.
Also, I've come down to two options: The first, to get a solid computer that'll hold me through college (or at least the first one or two years) OR two, settle for a very basic one for now and get a new one next year. I know that the first one is probably the smarter way to go but it's going to come down to the budget.
With that said, I filled out the basic questionaire:
1) What is your budget?
Not too much over $1,000. If I do end up getting a very basic one, it'll be around $500 or so.
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
-I don't particularly mind the screen size. 12" is okay by me, but if I had a choice, I'd go with something closer to 14".
Weight isn't a priority.
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
-Mostly school-related things such as Microsoft Word, web browsing and basic things such as that. I use Adobe Photoshop 7.0 and iTunes regularly along with AIM and some other messenger services.
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
-I'll be doing a lot of things next year so the prime target of the laptop would be to allow me to work away from home such as during a free period at school or at a coffee shop.
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
-No, I won't be playing any games on it.
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
-I'm particularly taken by the Apple Macbook (White, 13.3 inch screen, 1.83 GHz, 512 MB RAM, 80 Gig hard drive, Combo Drive: DVD-ROM/CD-RW).
I'm kind of biased against Compaq computers because they come off as being cheap in quality.
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
-Three or so hours on single charge should be enough, but in general, I'll take as much as I can be given.
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
-I'd like to purchase it at a store in person. I live in Southern California so I can easily access an Apple store, Best Buy, The Notebook Store, Comp USA and all of those shops.
9) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in?
-USA.
Screen Specifics
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
-I don't mind.
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
-I don't mind.
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
-I don't mind.
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
-Yes, it was what led me to the Apple Macbook in the first place. I'd like a machine that looks clean and sleek, not too cluttered.
It's very important to me that my laptop not be flimpsy or cheap in construction. Another aspect that led me to the Macbook. I'm good with keeping my things nice and I'm not clumsy so it should be able to last in my hands.
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
-Either this month or August. As mentioned above, if I go with a cheaper ($500) model, then it will only have to last until the end of next year. If I go with something in the range of $1,000 then it should last me for at least three years.
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB?
-I have a lot of photos, movies and music on my iPod so I'd be looking at 80 Gigs at least.
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
-It's not a necessity but I'd really enjoy a CD/DVD burning drive.
Thanks for your time. =]
Edit: It should be noted that I frequently have various internet windows open, iTunes playing in the background and AIM running, all simultaneously. Is 512 MB RAM enough to handle this?
Thanks again, Jess
Answer:
Re: High School Student Looking For A First Time Laptop
well, it seems like the macbook is for you. however, there are noted heat issues, and discoloration problems....though it may have been fixed. the only other alternative i can think of would be the hp dv2000t. although not great looking, the dell d820 will give you superior build quality in your budget. the upcoming asus z35f might be in your budget as well.
as for the ram question, i would suggest installing an additional 512 mb.
Answer:
Re: High School Student Looking For A First Time Laptop
If you are in HS then wait until next year it will be worth the wait and you 'll get better compuiting power
Answer:
Re: High School Student Looking For A First Time Laptop
Thanks ejl, I'll look into the HP DV2000T and the Dell D820. I've read about the heat issues and the discoloration on a review here and it kind of worries me. It's one of the reservations I have about the Macbook.
I had originally thought they would be ideal since I heard they were relatively resistant to crashing (which is apparently not true) and immune to most bugs out there because no one designs bugs to attack Macs. I doubt the validity behind that statement but it's a thought.
Answer:
Re: High School Student Looking For A First Time Laptop
it is true that macs aren't prone to virus attacks b/c they make up such a small portion of the computing world, so no one programs viruses for them. one thing to consider is that with the switch to vista, there will be a good deal of technological changes going on within the next year, e.g. the core 2 duo, solid state hdds/hybrid hd/nand technology, wireless n. and i didn't mean the dell d820, i meant the d620. sorry about the typo ^_^;;
Answer:
Re: High School Student Looking For A First Time Laptop
How will these technological changes affect everyday users like myself? I'm very happy with Windows XP Home and I don't have any particular issues I want changed. I was thinking that I wouldn't have to upgrade or change my computing needs to keep up with what's going on. Do you think it will be a huge issue to come when Vista is released?
Thanks for the heads up on the D620. I'll check that out right now.
Answer:
Re: High School Student Looking For A First Time Laptop
well, the advantage of the core 2 duo is that it is 64-bit. with the release of vista, software will really begin making the switch over to 64-bit software, and you cannot run 64-bit software with a 32-bit processor. however, it probably won't become necessary until 2-3 years down the road. also, the core duo can be upgraded to the core 2 duo, though the macbooks cannot have this upgrade done b/c the cpu is soldered to the motherboard. the flash hard drives sound quite amazing to me b/c they will drastically reduce load times. but they are also quite expensive, so i doubt that they would be in your price range if you decided to take the second option. the wireless n is really only important if you have a wireless n network and you transfer files often between the computers in your network. it doesn't affect download speeds from the internet.
Answer:
Re: High School Student Looking For A First Time Laptop
the asus z62f is a good fit for you..asus btw makes the macbook so yes they make quality notebooks..it has 4.5 to 5hrs of battery life compared to the 3ish that you get from the macbook..it also can be configured pretty well for 1200 with shipping and taxes..try geared2play.com and play around with the configs to see what fits your budget..theres also a review there for you to look at
Answer:
Re: High School Student Looking For A First Time Laptop
PowerBook... You can get them quite cheap now since MacBook has come out and they're plenty fast for the stuff you ant to do. And ofcourse, OSX is a joy to work with.
Answer:
Re: High School Student Looking For A First Time Laptop
Thanks for your suggestions ejl, jterp7 and HyperBaton, I'll look into the Asus Z62F. :)
Also, I've been scouting the official Apple users forum and it seems that the Macbook discoloration problem is very common. And most of the users have said that cleaners won't work on it including bleach, nail polish remover, the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and even some extreme car polishes. It occurs on the white Macbooks and its stains are greyish yellow. I'm having second doubts on what looks like a good machine otherwise.