Question:
Daughter needs laptop for college....so confused!
I am trying to help my daughter find a good laptop for use at college. She is not sure exactly what she will be majoring in, but this is a very good chance that she will be doing something involving graphics design/visual communicaitons. We are aware of the classic Mac vs. PC arguments, thought it seems that with all the new models the differences are not as great. We have been told that if we buy a PC model that we should look for 2 gigs of memory and dedicated graphics.....but after that I get lost. We both speak just enough "geek" to get by, but could really use some advice. She is not a huge gamer, but will definitely be doing some creative stuff.
Any input would be appreciated.
We would like to spend under $1600.
CJW
Dayton, OH
Answer:
Re: Daughter needs laptop for college....so confused!
Welcome to the forum,
Fill out the Complete FAQ so that we can help you better. Ask your daughter for her input too.
Answer:
Re: Daughter needs laptop for college....so confused!
Welcome to the forums! Please take a minute to fill out the FAQ so that forum members can better understand your requirements and make suitable recommendations.
Answer:
Re: Daughter needs laptop for college....so confused!
I am trying to help my daughter find a good laptop for use at college. She is not sure exactly what she will be majoring in, but this is a very good chance that she will be doing something involving graphics design/visual communicaitons. We are aware of the classic Mac vs. PC arguments, thought it seems that with all the new models the differences are not as great. We have been told that if we buy a PC model that we should look for 2 gigs of memory and dedicated graphics.....but after that I get lost. We both speak just enough "geek" to get by, but could really use some advice. She is not a huge gamer, but will definitely be doing some creative stuff.
Any input would be appreciated.
We would like to spend under $1600.
CJW
Dayton, OH
Definitely fill out the FAQ. Ignoring that:
For graphics design, the de-facto standard really is the Mac. Especially since they can run Windows if she has to, it's probably your best choice. If you can push your budget to $2000, a 15.4" MacBook Pro would be ideal because it has the extra memory and graphical power. The MacBooks really won't be as good, but they will definitely be workable, if she can deal with a smaller 13.3" screen as her primary working screen. I'd recommend against it, especially going into graphics. You almost certainly want a higher resolution than 1280x800, unless you'll be getting a second monitor for her to plug into in the dorm room.
Answer:
Re: Daughter needs laptop for college....so confused!
You could likely get a MacBook Pro for $1600 by getting it with the student discount ($1800) and selling the iPod rebate ($200) and printer rebate ($100) that come with it in the student deal.
The new Dell Inspiron 1520 looks like a nice option that's a good deal less expensive. Sony FZ is really nice too, and while the screen is nice it's WXGA (low-res) only.
The regular Macbook is a little small for graphics work IMO, but that plus an external monitor may be an option.
If she prefers a matte display with high resolution, the Dell Latitude D830 or Thinkpad T61 may be worth a look. I'd stay away from WUXGA resolution on a 15" though... that's a little too high-res IMO... the WSXGA+ should be nice though. MBP also offers a great matte display.
Answer:
Re: Daughter needs laptop for college....so confused!
Here are our answers to the FAQs.
Thanks!
CJW
General Questions
1) What is your budget?
Ideally $1500 to $2000
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
3) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in.
Icon already posted. Buying in US as well.
4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
Not sure, but have heard some negative things about Dell....quality and reliability issues mostly.
5) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
College homework (researching/writing papers, doing speadsheets, etc.), playing music, graphics...would like to be able to run programs such as Photoshop and Illustrator.
6) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
Some of both.
7) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
Not enough to matter....not into "high end" gaming.
8) How many hours of battery life do you need?
3 to 4 hours.
9) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
If I can see something very similar in person then buy online...otherwise would rather buy in person.
10) What OS do you prefer? Windows (XP or Vista), Mac OS, Linux, etc.
Windows...familiar with XP, but can live with Vista.
Screen Specifics
11) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
Doesn't matter.
12) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
Standard
b. SXGA - 1400x1050 - Compromise resolution between XGA and UXGA.
13) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Probably matte, but that aspect wouldn't be a deal breaker.
Build Quality and Design
14) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Only a little bit.
15) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
This summer, hope to have it last for at least the next 4 years.
Notebook Components
16) How much hard drive space do you want;
---somewhere in the 160 to 200 range.
17) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
Mostly likely the DVD-CD combo.