I can't decide on a new notebook...

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SigmaB

Member
Jun 5, 2004
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hey everyone - this is my first post after much lurking!


I'm a college student at the University of Kentucky. My desktop PC that I built about 3 years ago is dying, well, is dead.

I'm trying to decide what I want to do. I need a new system before july/august and i've somewhat decided that I want a notebook. I've had a desktop forever and I just want a change and I don't play computer games anymore, since the dawn of xbox live.

I'm a marketing major that loves to photo and graphic work (mainly photoshop). I'm a big shutterbug.

Basically I want a strong portable system that will not *gasp* become outdated too quickly. I'd like to be able to do like i did with my desktop - simply make it last 3 - 4 years.

i was considering all sizes of the powerbook - leaning toward the 17, but i'm not sure...

i would upgrade the hd's to 5400 rpm and graphic cards accordingly.....

on the flip side i was considering the IBM X40 or even the T42..... with 512 or ram in a similar setup....

my daily activites would be...

Taking lecture notes
surfing the web wirelessly (UK is completely wireless everywhere)
basic email - profs love homework or inclass quizes to be done this way - due in 24 hrs (once i assigned i can do it now and not have to wait and possibly forget)
photshop work - this will vary from small to large. i love photos and keeping good records and stuff.
Web Page development - basic stuff, mainly photo pages for my photos.
Digital music - on a the PC i used programs such as Frootyloops and another program that has slipped my mind since my computer died - i used these to create digital loops, and actual dance clips for my sister's dance team and also custom mp3 tracks.
movies and music - i have many movies and mp3's that i'll buy a external HDD for.
DVD watching when on the go - doubt it since i primarily work all the time.


I appologize for the long post.

That is my routine. I've thought of one more possiblity - a cheap notebook and a "better" desktop, but i'd much rather have a notebook. I'm trusting that you all will have sound advice for me.
 
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drag

Elite Member
Jul 4, 2002
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Geez you picked two of the top, eh?



Any laptop will be perfectly capable of running any of those things you mentioned. All in all it's pretty generic stuff, word proccessing, e-mail, even photoshop isn't that strenious on a computer anymore.

Speed advantage is going to go to the IBM, OS advantage is going to Apple. OS X is just plain better for everything then XP. Especially for people who do the shutterbug thing.

The Apple has good interfaces, they support both types of Firewire, USB 2.0, TV-out, etc etc. It has the super drive, which is just a DVD burner.

Both have 802.11b wireless support.

I suppose the IBM has all that, except for the firewire stuff, which I am not sure off.

Personally I like the IBM setup more then Apple's. Three buttons are cool, as is the eraser head mouse control, but lots of people don't like that so much.

I'd go with Apple just because of the OS advantage.
 
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TBP

Senior member
Feb 20, 2000
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Performance-wise, X40 is at the bottom. I'll go with a T42p (2379DYU). P-M 745 1.8G (2 mb cache), 15" Flexview screen, 128mg ATI video card, 512 MB ram, 80G 5400 rpm HDD, and a DVD recorder.
 
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SigmaB

Member
Jun 5, 2004
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Originally posted by: drag
Geez you picked two of the top, eh?
Click to expand...



Yes, I'm trying to find out which platform and notebook would suite me better. My mom (who has used PC's much of her career) thinks its stupid for me to want a mac. She insists that "everyone else uses PC's", yet when i talk to her she's always having "computer issues". I'm sick of the constant updating and so forth and so on..... which made me think I might want to make the "switch".

I just want a machine that works. One that works well, fast, relilable, and one that will last several years before being retired to newer technology.
 
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Frightcrawler

Senior member
Oct 15, 2003
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The X40 doesnt really compare to the apples, because it was built for the portability. The comparison to any apple that is not 17" is the T series.
With that said, I would rather get the T series just because I need a pc. However, if you dont use much pc programs, the apple is a clear choice because since there isnt a windows os, there are less errors, viruses, and bugs.
 
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SigmaB

Member
Jun 5, 2004
64
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i meant to say powerbook vs. T series

I don't know how to tell if i rely heavily on the windows system or not. I've described my daily activities - i just don't know where to turn for proper advice.
 
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Sahakiel

Golden Member
Oct 19, 2001
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If you really want longevity, go with a PoweBook. If there's one thing Apple does really well it's limiting upgrades.
 
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8ballcoupe

Member
Jan 27, 2004
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If you are certain that you can get the apps you need for the work you will do on either platform, then go with the OS / machine that appeals to you the most. But if you haven't had much time on an OS/X machine, do yourself a big favor and get some face time with one of them. You don't want to spend that much on a computer to find out you can't stand, and can't adjust to, the user interface. Regardless of how appealing the Mac's interface looks, the proof of its efficacy for YOU comes when YOU use it.

I'd be very tempted to get the Powerbook just because I've never had a Mac. I've used just about everything else from micros to mainframes, but no Macs.

One thing you said does bother me with respect to this choice. You said you intend to take lecture notes on the notebook. I started carrying a computer with me to graduate classes when portable computers had built-in CRTs and thermal printers and had to be plugged in. (No, I'm not kidding.) I tell you that so that you'll know that I'm not shy about using a computer in public. I always carried bulky gear / desktop replacement type portables with me everywhere I went. Then a couple of years ago I finally introduced myself to the subnotebook. Now that is a computer with which you can take notes almost anywhere without being obtrusive and annoying to others. Call me insensitive, but it hadn't occurred to me, until I started using a Libretto, that others might have perceived my large portable iron as an imposition in the work/study space. From that standpoint it might work to your advantage to get a little, bitty thing for carrying around and a nice, powerful desktop for handling the heavy loads.

Have fun shopping, and then have more fun using.

Ernie
 
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Busithoth

Golden Member
Sep 28, 2003
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If you really want longevity, go with a PoweBook.

that made me really smile.

but that 15" powerbook that wahsapa linked looks pretty sweet.

8ballcoupe's advice is spot on, too. get the feel of a mac, and then make your decision on your preference, since either of your choices should bring joy.

I've got an x30, and love it. OK, I'll admit a serious bias towards thinkpads.
I don't think you'd be weighed down by a T4x model, though. They're very close to my X30 in size, and the T's pack much more punch (making lappie that much better in the last year you expect to be using it)
 
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