POLL: desktop or laptop for college?

[thirtythree]

I already have a desktop that I built for about $400 a while back but my parents would be willing to buy it from me and that money could go towards a laptop. it wouldn't be a top-of-the-line laptop or anything because I don't want to spend too much on it and I'd mostly be using it for music, internet, and word processing anyway. however, my interest in computer games might be rekindled at some point. I'd probably be happy enough if it was able to run half-life and starcraft. oh, and the desktop might need a new motherboard here are the specs:

desktop
asus a7n266-vm (nforce - using built-in lan, sound, and video)
amd athlon xp 1700+
2*256mb pc2100 ram
80gb hd
8x dvd
40x cdrw
plus a floppy drive, keyboard, mouse, heaphones, and monitor (probably 15-17")

laptop (something like this anyway)
intel celeron processor 2.4ghz
14.1 xga
384mb, 266mhz ram
20gb hd (won't really be a problem)
24x cdrw/dvd
plus a lan card, modem, and external floppy drive

keep in mind the conveniences of carrying a laptop around happy voting. oh, and feel free to bump my thread if you have nothing to say.

edit: also, I have a 128mb geforce4 ti4200 lying around... I won't be able to use it unless I get the mobo replaced and it doesn't look like asus is going to be any help.

 

[kalster]

desktop replacement laptop

 

[HiTek21]

get the dell inspiron 1100 for 700 after rebate

 

[thirtythree]

Originally posted by: HiTek21
get the dell inspiron 1100 for 700 after rebate

those specs are from the inspiron 1100.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

for jcollege, a laptop

 

[Tdawg951]

Originally posted by: Deslocke

Originally posted by: HiTek21
get the dell inspiron 1100 for 700 after rebate

those specs are from the inspiron 1100.

I'm not sure which one the insprion is, but i have the latitude D500. I would highly reccomend this computer because its thin and light. Most of my friend computers are big, clucky and loud compared to this one, it might cost a little more, but its definately worth it. Also, i'm a college freshman (duke) and i had a desktop 1st semester, but soon realized it was much better for a laptop. You shouldnt be in your room that much anyways, and if your roommate is asleep or "busy" you dont want to forced to stay in your room to do work. THus, i vote laptop.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Oh, and spend the little extra and get a P4 laptop with a wireless card or something, it'll be well worth it on the campus

 

[ElFenix]

laptop = teh easily stolen

and they're not all that great for taking note on... you're too tempted to play games/surf the net in class, usually

 

[Spoooon]

Well, I only recently got a laptop. If money isn't a concern, then go for a laptop for the few occasions when you might want to take it to school with you. If money is a concern, then there's nothing wrong with just a desktop. For me, it was just a matter of convenience.

 

[labrat25]

laptop... i got one before i came to school... it's great

WiFi-ed up lecture halls mean posting during lecture

academically it's great to be able to bring your computer to group meetings for classes rather than having to meet in a computer lab

honestly you don't need anything fancy, though i do recomend a wifi card

 

[thirtythree]

Originally posted by: AgaBooga
Oh, and spend the little extra and get a P4 laptop with a wireless card or something, it'll be well worth it on the campus

perhaps. I don't think the upgrade to a p4 2.4ghz is much. what good would a wireless card do me? I mean... would I be able to access the internet anywhere away from my dorm?

 

[slydecix]

Do you have any ideas about what major you're going to do? Also, which college?

 

[thirtythree]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
laptop = teh easily stolen

can't you get some sort of clamp to lock it to your desk when you're not around? seems like I've heard of people doing this anyway.

 

[novon]

for laptop @ school the most important thing is weight, make sure it's under 5 lbs or you are going to get back aches carrying it around all day

 

[thirtythree]

Originally posted by: Elitebull
Do you have any ideas about what major you're going to do? Also, which college?

psychology and I have most of my GEs out of the way. I'm going to the univ. of utah.

 

[mpitts]

Originally posted by: Deslocke

Originally posted by: AgaBooga
Oh, and spend the little extra and get a P4 laptop with a wireless card or something, it'll be well worth it on the campus

perhaps. I don't think the upgrade to a p4 2.4ghz is much. what good would a wireless card do me? I mean... would I be able to access the internet anywhere away from my dorm?

On a college campus, a WiFi card is pretty much a must. You should be able to hop on any number of wireless networks on campus and surf.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Originally posted by: Deslocke

Originally posted by: AgaBooga
Oh, and spend the little extra and get a P4 laptop with a wireless card or something, it'll be well worth it on the campus

perhaps. I don't think the upgrade to a p4 2.4ghz is much. what good would a wireless card do me? I mean... would I be able to access the internet anywhere away from my dorm?

Isn't much as in price or performance? In terms of performance, huge difference. Most campuses have wireless networks running so in class, eating lunch, etc. you'd be able to access the internet

 

[loup garou]

I would recommend a cheap, reasonably fast desktop and a cheap, older (used) lightweight laptop and a wirless card. This way, you have the option of taking the laptop with you and if it's stolen, you're not out too much $$. Also, you have a desktop that's fast enough for most games. Of course, this will end up costing a bit more than just one or the other, but IMO it's worth it.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Originally posted by: Deslocke

Originally posted by: ElFenix
laptop = teh easily stolen

can't you get some sort of clamp to lock it to your desk when you're not around? seems like I've heard of people doing this anyway.

Yeah, buy a decent lock, it can be a huge investment, oh, and don't leave your laptop alone even to use the rest room unless your friends are around.

 

[Savij]

Unless you really think you're going to take the laptop with you to class or something, go with the desktop.

Laptops are more likely to get stolen, and are so much more prone to get damaged by spills, drops and stuff. Unless it's really worth it to you to be able to take your comp with you, a desktop might be a safer option.

If you do get a laptop, my school recommeded putting it on your home owners insurance (irc, some places offer special plans for computers and stuff) or get the complete protection policies that protect against spills, drops and theft.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: Deslocke

Originally posted by: ElFenix
laptop = teh easily stolen

can't you get some sort of clamp to lock it to your desk when you're not around? seems like I've heard of people doing this anyway.

yeah, assuming your desk has something to loop the cable through. but i assume it won't always be at the desk

 

[thirtythree]

Originally posted by: novon
for laptop @ school the most important thing is weight, make sure it's under 5 lbs or you are going to get back aches carrying it around all day

is 7.5 pounds really that much?

Originally posted by: AgaBooga

Originally posted by: Deslocke

Originally posted by: AgaBooga
Oh, and spend the little extra and get a P4 laptop with a wireless card or something, it'll be well worth it on the campus

perhaps. I don't think the upgrade to a p4 2.4ghz is much. what good would a wireless card do me? I mean... would I be able to access the internet anywhere away from my dorm?

Isn't much as in price or performance? In terms of performance, huge difference. Most campuses have wireless networks running so in class, eating lunch, etc. you'd be able to access the internet

I meant in price.. I'd have to go check though. I'll see if there's any info about wireless networks at my university also.

 

[HiTek21]

Originally posted by: ElFenix

Originally posted by: Deslocke

Originally posted by: ElFenix
laptop = teh easily stolen

can't you get some sort of clamp to lock it to your desk when you're not around? seems like I've heard of people doing this anyway.

yeah, assuming your desk has something to loop the cable through. but i assume it won't always be at the desk

aren't most of those lock down systems just a piece of double stick tape that sticks to the desk with a cable going to the notebook that locks in place to a small plastic hole?

 

[thirtythree]

Originally posted by: HiTek21
aren't most of those lock down systems just a piece of double stick tape that sticks to the desk with a cable going to the notebook that locks in place to a small plastic hole?

err.. I can't imagine anyone investing in double stick tape to secure their laptop.

 

[Kaervak]

Originally posted by: Deslocke

Originally posted by: novon
for laptop @ school the most important thing is weight, make sure it's under 5 lbs or you are going to get back aches carrying it around all day

is 7.5 pounds really that much?

Yep. I have an Inspiron 8200 and with my CD-RW and battery in it, it's almost 9lbs. Eventhough I primarily use it a stationary system, when I do have it mobile the weight of it takes it's toll.