I was wondering for all the college students out there whether you use a desktop or a laptop and which models you recommend. I'll be off this fall so I need to get a new computer. Thanks!
For the college students
- Thread starter Karot
- Start date
Inspiron E1505. Keep an eye on fatwallet and you can get some great deals..... not just dell may I add.
AgaBoogaBoo
Lifer
- Feb 16, 2003
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I built my desktop. My laptop's an HP Pavillion dv6000. But really, you don't need much to get by on... as long as it has a network adapter and can run MS Office (or equivalent), it ought to be enough. What's your intended major right now?
Scarpozzi
Lifer
- Jun 13, 2000
- 26,392
- 1,780
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I recommend the Dell Latitude series. Historically, they are a little more stable and have fewer overall problems. This is based on my department at work ordering roughly 300 laptops. They no longer order Inspirons because they had more hardware-related and engineering design problems about 30% of the time.
If you go desktop, check out the Dell Dimensions. They give you the most options for upgraded video so you can play all the fun games out there.
If you go desktop, check out the Dell Dimensions. They give you the most options for upgraded video so you can play all the fun games out there.
I'm still on my 5 year old Dell desktop. Having a laptop during class seems impractical to me. I can do any assignments at home on my desktop. There's also the computers at school.
I have a laptop and don't have room for a desktop, though I would like one. I use a Dell Latitude D620. As shortspanishguy said the 1505 is decend quality and can be had cheap. If you want to spend a bit more the business lines(Dell Latitude and Precision, Thinkpads etc.) have a bit better build quality, and don't have the shiny look of the Inspiron.
f4phantom2500
Platinum Member
- Dec 3, 2006
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i built a desktop and use a crt, have a bed and an electronic drum kit in my room, as well as 2 25" tv's and a small refrigerator. the rooms here are relatively big, i'd describe it as an apartment rather than a dorm room.
MacBook laptop here. Im sorry but I HATE Dell laptops. We use a lot of laptops at work (600+) and we used to be a Dell only shop but after having so many problems with Dell's we switched to HP. The HP's seem to be built better.
After using many different brands of laptops, I would buy another MacBook again. IBM Thinkpad series would be my second choice.
After using many different brands of laptops, I would buy another MacBook again. IBM Thinkpad series would be my second choice.
AgaBoogaBoo
Lifer
- Feb 16, 2003
- 26,108
- 5
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I'm surprised no one has asked what he plans to use it for, as in, anything besides word, excel, email, etc. and what's important to him in a computer. 
I have an E1705
... I like it. However if you have a desktop already then just get an E1505. E1705 is too big.
It's my only computer so thats why I got the 17
... I like it. However if you have a desktop already then just get an E1505. E1705 is too big.
It's my only computer so thats why I got the 17
Unless you really need a laptop (for CS majors?), go with a desktop. I bought an E1405, and I want a desktop now. I mainly bought the e1405 for portability, but I use it mostly at home. 14 inch screen is not good for your eyes...
14 inch screen is not good for your eyes...Laptop
Conserves desktop space at home,
You can take it to the library when you do research projects,
You can take it to area coffee shops to study/socialize.
/thread
Conserves desktop space at home,
You can take it to the library when you do research projects,
You can take it to area coffee shops to study/socialize.
/thread
YOyoYOhowsDAjello
Moderator<br>A/V & Home Theater<br>Elite member
- Aug 6, 2001
- 31,205
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Originally posted by: AgaBoogaBoo
I'm surprised no one has asked what he plans to use it for, as in, anything besides word, excel, email, etc. and what's important to him in a computer.
Those kind of questions don't matter in Off Topic
If you aren't going to be using it much for games, I'd recommend a laptop. Some professors don't like, or don't allow, laptops in their classes, but as others have mentioned, it's nice to be able to take your word processor with you wherever you go. I've noticed that I definitely get a lot more work done when I make myself sit down at a library or in a coffee shop than here at home (for the most part, anyway).
That being said, if I only had my laptop and not this desktop as well, I'd definitely want some sort of docking station...or at the very least a normal-sized keyboard to use while at home.
That being said, if I only had my laptop and not this desktop as well, I'd definitely want some sort of docking station...or at the very least a normal-sized keyboard to use while at home.
FYI....you don't need a laptop.
Don't bullshit yourself with ...I'm going to take it to class with me or I'm going to go to Starbucks everyday and use it there.
Be honest with yourself.
Don't bullshit yourself with ...I'm going to take it to class with me or I'm going to go to Starbucks everyday and use it there.
Be honest with yourself.
AgaBoogaBoo
Lifer
- Feb 16, 2003
- 26,108
- 5
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My thoughts: Don't buy it for taking notes or using in the library or something unless it's something you already do.
If you have a desktop already, use it. If you need something better for gaming, don't use school as an excuse, buy it because of gaming. All you really need is word, excel, etc. and an internet browser. Depending on your major, you might have to compile things, I wouldn't buy a new computer for beginning programming or anything though unless you're still on a Pentium 2 or something.
A desktop is all you *need*. If you will be going home often or something, then a laptop will be helpful.
Most of the people I know that bought laptops really just use it as a desktop, if that. There isn't much of a need for one, not sure why everyone goes out and buys one, save the money, it's not cheap. If you take notes in class, a notepad and pen work well, they never crash, need updates, or need to be charged. They don't have a boot up time outside of pulling them out of your bag either
I generally advise against a laptop for college, get a simple desktop and call it a day, it's all you need. If computers are a hobby or something and you want more, then make that choice yourself.
If you do go for a laptop, I recommend the Dell Latitude's, my D620 is everything I need. It has a 1440x900 screen, 1GB RAM, a 7200 rpm drive, etc. and so it works as a good desktop replacement for my uses, even playing CSS well and while it struggles to do so, plays Rainbow 6: Vegas at lower resolutions.
If you have a desktop already, use it. If you need something better for gaming, don't use school as an excuse, buy it because of gaming. All you really need is word, excel, etc. and an internet browser. Depending on your major, you might have to compile things, I wouldn't buy a new computer for beginning programming or anything though unless you're still on a Pentium 2 or something.
A desktop is all you *need*. If you will be going home often or something, then a laptop will be helpful.
Most of the people I know that bought laptops really just use it as a desktop, if that. There isn't much of a need for one, not sure why everyone goes out and buys one, save the money, it's not cheap. If you take notes in class, a notepad and pen work well, they never crash, need updates, or need to be charged. They don't have a boot up time outside of pulling them out of your bag either
I generally advise against a laptop for college, get a simple desktop and call it a day, it's all you need. If computers are a hobby or something and you want more, then make that choice yourself.
If you do go for a laptop, I recommend the Dell Latitude's, my D620 is everything I need. It has a 1440x900 screen, 1GB RAM, a 7200 rpm drive, etc. and so it works as a good desktop replacement for my uses, even playing CSS well and while it struggles to do so, plays Rainbow 6: Vegas at lower resolutions.
Def get a laptop. It saves precious space in a cramped dorm room, and is portable to take anywhere. Also, if you're the type to travel home often and such, you'll enjoy the benefits of a laptop.
AgaBoogaBoo
Lifer
- Feb 16, 2003
- 26,108
- 5
- 81
These are good reasons to get a laptop, IMO. However, if you have a desktop already and don't need a laptop, don't drop another $1k or whatever on a laptop. If you're on a parents desktop or something and will be getting one or the other, then yes, a laptop may be a good choice.
Mo0o
Lifer
- Jul 31, 2001
- 24,227
- 3
- 76
I have had a SFF w/ LCD for 4 years in college and i've never had problems. i was able to get a much better desktop for the same price as a mediocre laptop. I take all my notes by hand, which is actually what hte majority of students do, especially in biology classes where you draw a lot of diagrams and such. I think if gaming is not a concern or money isn't an issue then a laptop is worth it. but if you're on a budget then a desktop will do just as well.
Built my own PC desktop. I use both a CRT and LCD. I'm in design school. I use the surround sound and need all the USB connections. I do plan to upgrade sometime. I made it state of the art before dual cores and PCI-E came out.
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