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Need to get a laptop for school...cheap, I'm poor. Any opinions

R

rumplestiltskin

Member
I am a student in need of a laptop. Size is especially important. Smaller is far better. Mostly all that I really need to do is type notes, surf via wifi, and listen to some music. My sister has a ibook g4 and she rell likes it, but it is here primary computer. I have a decent desktop, and thats my primary.

I like the slimmer dimensions of the 12" Ibook. It seems to me like no one makes a cheap 12" or smaller laptop. Why is everyone so engrossed with 15"? Its supposed to be a laptop not a portable desktop!

So i am looking at used lappy's and having trouble finding anything as portable as say a g3 500mhz, for the same price. they are going for like an average of 350 on ebay.

So are there any cheaper Intel laptops that are just as slim?

Is there a HUGE compatability issue with mac's and Pc's? I am not a total computer idiot, and I can figure some things out. I see that lots of the macs are running microsoft apps, so can I use word on the mac, and transfer my documents and stuph to my pc via network? And be able to use them?

 
I definately wouldn't get an Apple laptop. The fact the Apple is switching from PowerPC to Intel processors tells me that any new Apple is a bit of a dead-end until the switch.

I'd recommend a Dell Inspiron 700m. It has a 12.1" screen, weights just 4.1 pounds, and is less than 1.5" thin. You can get one with a 1.6GHz Pentium M processor and built-in 802.11b/g wireless for less than $900 new.
 
with a 750 off dell coupon, you can get a brand new 700m for around 750 bucks which i think is still a steal
 
Yeah, the 700M is definitely the best price you'll get for a new laptop under 15". If that's too expensive, you'll have to go with something used. The 700M isn't exactly the nicest 12" in the world, but it's a great deal. The keyboard is a little cramped compared to a 12" PowerBook, though, and it's not as thin as as most things in the thin/light category. I'd certainly rather have one than a used laptop.

If it's not going to be your primary computer and you're not going to do anything but type and surf, just about anything would be fine. If you want decent battery life, though, you'll probably want a Pentium M, so you can't get anything terribly ancient.

Not sure what the battery life would be like on a G3 500, but it doesn't seem like too bad a deal if you want an Apple to play around with.
 
You could get something like this: http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=C400-18B&cat=NBB

$379 for a 1.2ghz DellC400 ain't bad -- you can get a wireless card for about $15 these days and everything is external -- CD&Floppy so it's under 2kg (approx. 4lbs).

Better hurry though, only 2 left. No DVD player, but these days you can still put a few Divx or the odd DVD on the hard drive, plus music etc. Not perfect, but for under $400 you can't really complain -- without the power adapter & external CD/floppy it's only going to weigh about 3.6lbs. Obviously battery life will vary since it's used 😉
 
A used X series Thinkpad would be a good fit for you. Great size there tiny yet durable. Might be a bit more thne $350 though. But you can't go wrong with a x31.
 
With a budget starting at $350 you don't have to worry about x86 Powerbooks/iBooks. You'll finish your school before they're on ebay in this price range 😀

The 12" iBook is a fair offer too, the only thing it lacks a bit is screen brightness.

Originally posted by: rumplestiltskin
Is there a HUGE compatability issue with mac's and Pc's? I am not a total computer idiot, and I can figure some things out. I see that lots of the macs are running microsoft apps, so can I use word on the mac, and transfer my documents and stuph to my pc via network? And be able to use them?
Click to expand...

Most of the important file formats are interchangeable. But you need a Mac version of your apps (Microsoft has student offers though).

PC-Mac networking works fair. It's not as good as PC-PC but it's not the PITA it used to be.
 
Thanx for the info. I looked at the dell 700m, and the thinkpad x31...both a little pricey, even on ebay.

where can I get the dell $750 off cupon?

The ibook boasts a 3.5 hour batt life, although I am looking at used lappy's

What about compatibility for the mac? I don't own a mac, and I never have, is it ridiculous to think of tryihng to transfer text files?...

750 for the dell is a good deal.... a really good deal.... i may be able to come up with that, but by the time I do, I'm sure that the deal will be over.

I really am looking for older laptops, mostly cause I already eat ramen noodles as a primary source of nutrition...I don't know where I am gonna be able to scrounge any more extra cash... so are there any older thinkpad's that are still travel size. Just a series # to give me a push in the right direction...same with the Dell's.
 
You could maybe find a old x22 or x23 in your price range. But those machines are p3's. It looks like your best bet would be a 700m when DELL has those crazy coupon sales. Good Luck.
 
WTF you can get IBM Thinkpad R 50e celeron for $ 599 an they are sweet laptops I have the one the is in my sig and it's all good. 😉

Edit ; and to answer the second question , NO do not MAC especially for college do not MAC , my friend bought a Powerbook for $ 2000 almost and now he is banging his head against the wall , because he didn't listen to my advice, first of all the schools WiFi network doesn't run on his MAC ( due to LEAP protocol) , a SH!T load of required course software do not support MAC. He can't find stuff useful enough as on PC and Linux, sigh...

I told him that for 2000 dollars he can get the sweetest thinkpad there is, but he was like I don't like windows, I am like cool check out my laptop it's running Fedora Core 4 It's full of free software, office suite it even has a Mac OS X Theme and Icons on it and what not and it's so stable so get one like mine and I will set it up for you. He was like no I want a powerbook , finally I was like if you are determined to get a Powerbook then why have you came for my advice ?
 
Originally posted by: owensdj
I definately wouldn't get an Apple laptop. The fact the Apple is switching from PowerPC to Intel processors tells me that any new Apple is a bit of a dead-end until the switch.
Click to expand...

That's just untrue. Remember, for the first little while there will be more PowerPC-based apps than x86-based ones. He will only be web browsing, typing notes, and listening to music. Those won't stop functioning when Apple starts selling x86-based Macs.

Compatibility isn't a real problem in my experience, especially if you have Office 2004 for the Mac. The main thing I'd get in a habit of doing is to save files using the full file name (such as "rumplestiltskin's class notes.rtf"). Most apps are supposed to add the file extension, but occasionally you'll find a misbehaved app that omits that part and thus won't let the file automatically work on a Windows box.

Networking the two isn't too hard. On the Windows computer, you have to make sure that file sharing is on (go to a folder you want to share, right-click, and choose Sharing And Security). In OS X, you have to go to the Sharing section in System Preferences. You may need to make a note of each computer's IP address on the network.
 
Originally posted by: Commodus
Originally posted by: owensdj
I definately wouldn't get an Apple laptop. The fact the Apple is switching from PowerPC to Intel processors tells me that any new Apple is a bit of a dead-end until the switch.
Click to expand...

That's just untrue. Remember, for the first little while there will be more PowerPC-based apps than x86-based ones. He will only be web browsing, typing notes, and listening to music. Those won't stop functioning when Apple starts selling x86-based Macs.

Compatibility isn't a real problem in my experience, especially if you have Office 2004 for the Mac. The main thing I'd get in a habit of doing is to save files using the full file name (such as "rumplestiltskin's class notes.rtf"). Most apps are supposed to add the file extension, but occasionally you'll find a misbehaved app that omits that part and thus won't let the file automatically work on a Windows box.

Networking the two isn't too hard. On the Windows computer, you have to make sure that file sharing is on (go to a folder you want to share, right-click, and choose Sharing And Security). In OS X, you have to go to the Sharing section in System Preferences. You may need to make a note of each computer's IP address on the network.
Click to expand...


No need for Microsoft office get openoffice.org why even bother with Moffice 2004 ?
 
Originally posted by: The Linuxator
Edit ; and to answer the second question , NO do not MAC especially for college do not MAC , my friend bought a Powerbook for $ 2000 almost and now he is banging his head against the wall , because he didn't listen to my advice, first of all the schools WiFi network doesn't run on his MAC ( due to LEAP protocol) , a SH!T load of required course software do not support MAC. He can't find stuff useful enough as on PC and Linux, sigh...
Click to expand...

Your friend did try the enabling LEAP through the 802.1X Connection menu, yes?
 
For some reason his laptop had problems connecting to the network, he is not the only MAC user there and I have never seen anyone with a MAC being able to connect to the colleges network. And if there is any I have never seen them around. I talked to the networking department and they told me that MAC users are pretty much screwed around here. Most PC users have problems with their cards but they can always get one that is recommended by the department( either it's PCMCIA or mini-pci like mine) so that they can set it up
Anyway he is selling his Mac on ebay soon and after I showed him the link to the IBM Z6x series he was very intrested in it and might get one as soon as they come out and with the extra money get himself mac mini for all his MAC stuff. Of course I will setup Fedora Core 4 for him on the Thinkpad and Dual boot it for him with XP so that he would benefit for have the advantage of both OS applications.
 
Originally posted by: The Linuxator
For some reason his laptop had problems connecting to the network, he is not the only MAC user there and I have never seen anyone with a MAC being able to connect to the colleges network. And if there is any I have never seen them around. I talked to the networking department and they told me that MAC users are pretty much screwed around here. Most PC users have problems with their cards but they can always get one that is recommended by the department( either it's PCMCIA or mini-pci like mine) so that they can set it up
Anyway he is selling his Mac on ebay soon and after I showed him the link to the IBM Z6x series he was very intrested in it and might get one as soon as they come out and with the extra money get himself mac mini for all his MAC stuff. Of course I will setup Fedora Core 4 for him on the Thinkpad and Dual boot it for him with XP so that he would benefit for have the advantage of both OS applications.
Click to expand...

Another alternative is to simply get a cheap PC and use that as a gateway onto the campus network. That would get you past the LEAP issues and would only cost what a dirt-cheap PC would run you - $50, perhaps? Both XP and 2003 offer this capability.

A Mac laptop isn't cheap, but it sure does look good. 🙂 I have a 12" PB, and I paid about $900 for it, new, in a Microcenter sale. It's a G4/1.33 - one generation older than the current one. It works well enough - not as fast or as good a battery as a Centrino 1.3, sure, but otherwise not too bad, and it came with a decent GF5200FX video, so it's not too shabby for simple, last-generation games.

 
Originally posted by: dclive
Originally posted by: The Linuxator
For some reason his laptop had problems connecting to the network, he is not the only MAC user there and I have never seen anyone with a MAC being able to connect to the colleges network. And if there is any I have never seen them around. I talked to the networking department and they told me that MAC users are pretty much screwed around here. Most PC users have problems with their cards but they can always get one that is recommended by the department( either it's PCMCIA or mini-pci like mine) so that they can set it up
Anyway he is selling his Mac on ebay soon and after I showed him the link to the IBM Z6x series he was very intrested in it and might get one as soon as they come out and with the extra money get himself mac mini for all his MAC stuff. Of course I will setup Fedora Core 4 for him on the Thinkpad and Dual boot it for him with XP so that he would benefit for have the advantage of both OS applications.
Click to expand...

Another alternative is to simply get a cheap PC and use that as a gateway onto the campus network. That would get you past the LEAP issues and would only cost what a dirt-cheap PC would run you - $50, perhaps? Both XP and 2003 offer this capability.

A Mac laptop isn't cheap, but it sure does look good. 🙂 I have a 12" PB, and I paid about $900 for it, new, in a Microcenter sale. It's a G4/1.33 - one generation older than the current one. It works well enough - not as fast or as good a battery as a Centrino 1.3, sure, but otherwise not too bad, and it came with a decent GF5200FX video, so it's not too shabby for simple, last-generation games.
Click to expand...


Well I sure think that technique will work ( sharing and internet connection with a PC using Windows), but i don't know what cheap laptop is going to run XP for $ 50 add to that PCMCIA card that should be compatible with LEAP , also I don't know about the portability of carrying your PB in addition to some crappy laptop , and then connecting both with an ethernet, I don't think my friend is going to do that. He might as well hook up his MAC to a wall ethernet port in the building. But it wasn't just about the WiFi he wasn't able to run alot of material that comes with his books for applications ...etc, so he kept going back to his PC at home to run things. So bottom line is that MAC shouldn't be considred the alternative to PC , and at the same time Linux shouldn't be taken for granted as an alternative for windows, that's why I keep an XP pro dual boot handy just in case , but to be honest I haven't accessed it in a long time ever since I got my WiFi running smoothly on Fedora Core 4 :thumbsup:
 
I think Macs are as cute as the next guy, but anybody suggesting buying a Mac even when it isn't compatible with your network and then buying an additional PC to act as a gateway for that Mac sounds like they need their lips surgically removed from Steve Jobs' ass.
 
$50 refers to the price of a cheap PC that he puts in his dorm and keeps on, not a laptop. His laptop then connects thru that PC to the campus network. The obvious disadvantage is that he'd need to be within 200 feet or so of his own dorm to use the network, but given that every copy of XP has that sharing built into it, I've got to believe he could convince a few friends to turn on access to their PCs too, giving him a lot of options.

I said that assuming you only have wireless capability. If you have ethernet, then just get a wireless router and share it out normally.

It all depends on the college as to whether a Mac is a good idea or not - some campuses require them, some are in the middle ground, and some don't use them at all.

BTW, it's "Mac", not "MAC". 🙂

 
Originally posted by: Tostada
I think Macs are as cute as the next guy, but anybody suggesting buying a Mac even when it isn't compatible with your network and then buying an additional PC to act as a gateway for that Mac sounds like they need their lips surgically removed from Steve Jobs' ass.
Click to expand...

LOL. I merely presented it as an option. If you don't like it, that's fine. If it were my school, I'd just ask the network admin (not the college kids getting $6/hour in aide money masquerading as network admins) what was going on and what was required to get the Mac working, because the Mac + Airport combos handle LEAP just fine.

I believe in this scenario someone has already spent $2000 on the Mac, so the question now is how to get it working. Yep - that's this thread. If he already owns a Mac, getting a PC (or using your dorm-mate's PCs) to get onto the network would be a trivial, fast, and easy way to circumvent this problem.

Or he could just learn how to configure LEAP on the Mac... 🙂
 
The problem he doesn't live in the dorm, and he needs the wifi working so that wherever he is @ college he can use his Mac so that he doesn't have to restrict himself to the computer lab and therefore feel more comfortable doing his research.

He is always @ some different area o campus so it's not a matter of having a connection in a single area.
 
Then I would suggest he keep raising the issue about Mac support with administrators. Surely the LEAP configuration can't be that difficult - there's just a few options there!
 
Well it's not only a LEAP issue as I have mentioned it has to do with driver problems also, even some pc wifi cards can't work on the wifi network, they are Network Admins not driver writers. I was lucky to have the intel 2200 BG in my thinkpad so that it works in windows with the network.
However my same Laptop when I boot in Fedora Core 4 I can run it on any Wireless network I want but I can't get it to work with the one they have at college, I am still working on it though.
 
So, technically, what's the problem? You select LEAP, and you put in the network name, user name, and password --- and what happens or doesn't happen?

Technically there is no reason for LEAP to work with a miniPCI connection (ie your Intel 2200GB) and not with a pc card connection. The operating system abstracts all of that from the application.

Windows, particularly with SP2, should work 100%. Just have Windows (rather than the third-party driver maker) manage the connection, and it should either work on all or none. I trust you're having Windows manage the wireless network, rather than the third party wireless manufacturer's GUI?

 
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