Computer for college...Laptop vs. Desktop

[BurnItDwn]

Desktops are bettor for gaming (generally) i assume you will be on a college T1 or T3 .. so you will probably be doing your share of gaming (if you game) ...

If you dont care or plan on gaming, or making use of the Larger/cheaper HD capacities available for desktop systems ... than go with a laptop (if you got the extra money to spend on one)

 

[Warthog912]

Originally posted by: Kelvrick
One last thing before I go to bed, dual-boot linux does wonders. That, and if you don't already, learn some basic dos, ftp, telnet.

Words of wisdom- We use dos, ftp, and telnet everyday here @my campus.

As for the computers-

I was one of the lucky individuals whom their grandparents bought me a laptop for college. I also have a nice desktop- To be honest, we have wireless internet covering the complete campus and the laptop is kewl cause you can surf anywhere. But the desktop gets more use as a server/gaming rig.

Just my .02

 

[Corsairpro]

DESKTOP for upgradeability when you read the hot deals forum at 3 am!

 

[HokieESM]

The other posters have it right here:

Get a relatively nice desktop (build your own!) with a decent CRT (or LCD, if you prefer). MOST of your work will be done at your desk, in your room. You'll have relatively fast broadband, so SSH will let you send your work to any server you wish (if you're programming something that would need server CPU time). Plus, you'll want a REAL keyboard and a REAL monitor--99% of the people that I know that solely have laptops end up buying docking stations or at least plug up a keyboard when they want to do serious work.

If the $$ is available, I would pick up a cheap laptop as well (I've seen some nice Dell specials here recently). As much as you don't like it, you WILL be in the library.... and a lot of major colleges have wireless in their libraries. Plus, a laptop is REALLY nice for group meetings--you can all meet in a central location (that's not someone's cramped room). But you won't be taking notes on it (I've met VERY few people who can actually keep up that way). Security is an issue, though.... my old roommate (back in undergrad days) screwed a lockbox to the bottom of his desk (which seemed to work well).

Best of luck to you!

 

[NakaNaka]

Are there no products out there that prevent theft of a laptop?

 

[dc]

Originally posted by: So

Originally posted by: Kelvrick
In conclusion, get the desktop. That, or if you must, say you have a 1500 budget, spend 900 on the desktop, 600 on a decent laptop that will be able to do anything you'll need to do thats related to your major.

I would say that is probably the best plan, at the moment.

i'd switch that around since desktops are dirt cheap.
~1k on a decent laptop and the remainder of 1500 on one of those dell hot deals that go for 3xx-4xx.

 

[Skyclad1uhm1]

Originally posted by: NakaNaka
Are there no products out there that prevent theft of a laptop?

You have locks which you can click into the notebook or port replicator, and which you can attach to your desk.

 

[SendTrash]

I actually wrote an article about this... basically, if you are going to college near home, then buy a desktop, else buy a laptop.

Link to article

 

[Skyclad1uhm1]

Originally posted by: dc

Originally posted by: So

Originally posted by: Kelvrick
In conclusion, get the desktop. That, or if you must, say you have a 1500 budget, spend 900 on the desktop, 600 on a decent laptop that will be able to do anything you'll need to do thats related to your major.

I would say that is probably the best plan, at the moment.

i'd switch that around since desktops are dirt cheap.
~1k on a decent laptop and the remainder of 1500 on one of those dell hot deals that go for 3xx-4xx.

If he wants to game the first option is better. If he buys a cheap desktop and a more expensive laptop they are basically the same in performance, if he goes with the first option he has a lot better desktop (better for gaming), and still a decent enough notebook to take notes.

 

[AmigaMan]

Originally posted by: NakaNaka
Are there no products out there that prevent theft of a laptop?

Smith and Wesson. 9MM.

 

[J Heartless Slick]

Originally posted by: chiwawa626
Computer for college...Laptop vs. Desktop, what should i get? Im not really much of a library person. If i do get a desktop it will prolly be a shuttle mini xpc thingie. What do u guys think is better for college, my major is computer engeneering.

Get both.
For what you would pay for a new laptop, you could get a decent midrange desktop system and an used laptop off ebay. If you are choosy you could get a warranty with the used laptop too.

 

[Murpheeee]

Originally posted by: AmigaMan

Originally posted by: NakaNaka
Are there no products out there that prevent theft of a laptop?

Smith and Wesson. 9MM.

There are motion sensors you glue to the lid and if some "unauthorized" person tried to move it it sets of a 110dB siren. How does it know the owner is authorized......can you imagine setting this thing off by mistake in a hushed library

Cable barrel locks are about the only other option I am aware of.

Docking stations do not work....my laptop was stolen from one

 

[Murpheeee]

I should add, if your school has wireless, or plans to get it......that's a sweet reason to go with laptop.

 

[toant103]

DESKTOP

 

[xospec1alk]

i voted banana nut bread...just to be difficult....but get a desktop...

 

[RossMAN]

Desktop + 17" or 18" LCD + security cables/lock

 

[mpitts]

PowerBook

 

[Demon-Xanth]

What I would recommend if you got the cash:
Build a budget/performance desktop. Keep that in the room and do all your simulations and stuff like that on it.

Then get a cheap used laptop. We're talking like a low P2 w/ 128MB RAM. Just enough to run Win2k. Install simple office apps on that. That way when you need to do research outside of the room you can, but you're not blowing excessive amounts of cash on something that's easily stolen.

 

[Rufio]

banana nut bread is most portable.

and not a lot of people would steal it...especially if it was moldy.

but seriously - get both! that would be killer!

AND INVEST IN A SECURITY SYSTEM FOR YOUR STUFF. That is probalbly the best advice everyone has given to you in the thread.

CABLE LOCKS ARE YOUR FRIENDS!!

 

[MuffD]

I think right now prices are good enough where you can get both. I would build a cheap desktop and get a mid range but portable notebook that you can take to class.

 

[chiwawa626]

Hmm so after reading this i come to see...

Im not a gamer, but i do like an occasional game of cs or something. Right now my geforce2 and 1.1 ghz comp is doing fine in satisfying my gaming needs.

I dont know if i would really take my laptop to class or to a coffee shop, maybe the library at most, but in 4 years of highschool ive never went to the library to do homework.

I tend to do all my homework ... at home...

Im not really rich so either its a desktop or a latop, both is not an option.

I do have a 17in LCD availble to me if i choose to take a desktop. Since i have an lcd thats why i was thinkin of getting an SFF pc...


The poll is about even, and so are the arguments, i think im still leaning twoards the desktop mainly because of the pure power it has over a laptop. Ive used peoples laptops and they arent noticibly faster after like 1 ghz. Plus i hate that cramped keyboard and lcd viewing angle.

 

[brtspears2]

Desktop, Full tower.

At least thats what I use. Never will get stolen unless someone decides to bring a hand truck with them.

 

[Kelvrick]

Originally posted by: chiwawa626
Hmm so after reading this i come to see...

Im not a gamer, but i do like an occasional game of cs or something. Right now my geforce2 and 1.1 ghz comp is doing fine in satisfying my gaming needs.

I dont know if i would really take my laptop to class or to a coffee shop, maybe the library at most, but in 4 years of highschool ive never went to the library to do homework.

I tend to do all my homework ... at home...

Im not really rich so either its a desktop or a latop, both is not an option.

I do have a 17in LCD availble to me if i choose to take a desktop. Since i have an lcd thats why i was thinkin of getting an SFF pc...


The poll is about even, and so are the arguments, i think im still leaning twoards the desktop mainly because of the pure power it has over a laptop. Ive used peoples laptops and they arent noticibly faster after like 1 ghz. Plus i hate that cramped keyboard and lcd viewing angle.

Well, thats easy then. Your computer doesn't seem that behind. I'd spend maybe 300 bucks just ugprading a few parts on that desktop and spending the rest on a laptop. You can find good deals on them in our ForSale forum. I myself just sold my P3 700 laptop and it did everything I'd ever want it to. Its primary purpose in the dorms was to be a dedicated host for all the games we played. I was really popular since most people only ahve one machine and nobody wanted to be left out.

 

[chiwawa626]

Well the other thing that comes to mind is im going to college in San Diego, but i live in the bay area. Whenever i fly home it would help to have a laptop or a SFF pc to take home. Now if i could get a baller alienware laptop i would have no problem, but what can i get for a 1000 dollarS?

 

[Kelvrick]

Well, if you just upgraded your computer and brought it with you, then you'd be fine. You'd have the laptop to bring home. Whats your budget?

Here's some links.

$1700

$1050