Hmm. Dilemma.

Discussion in 'Computers and Technology' started by Will, Aug 21, 2009.

  1. Will

    Will Level IV

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    I have a dilemma.

    I need a (new) laptop for next year's university course where I'll be doing some form of engineering - most likely Ocean Engineering.

    And I have issues with what laptop I get, that I can put down to a paradox: do I get a large, unportable, powerful laptop, or do I get a small, less powerful, portable laptop? Obviously, there's very little point going for the middle ground, because you don't really get either option. And, given that, choosing one set of specifications will negate the choice of the other.

    To elaborate on what I'll need the laptop for: I'll be moving away to go to university, which is a sort of rarity in Australia I guess, because of the stupid system we have where every state has different laws, a different schooling system and that seems to screw everything up. I digress. Given that I'm moving away, I'll need a laptop both for taking notes, and as a primary computer - that could possibly be linked up to a second monitor/TV, a mouse, speakers and a proper keyboard in my room within the halls of residence.

    The distance between lecture theaters, tutorial rooms and the halls of residence is pretty big, so obviously I don't want to be lugging around a massive, awkward laptop the whole time - even if it is in a bag thing.

    However, given that it will be the primary computer I will use (which will be for daily use, taking notes, internet use, watching movies, and possibly games - among other things), it has to be relatively powerful, too. For example, I'm not too sure how far an Intel Atom 1.66 Ghz processor will go in terms of my needs - I hate when pages take to long to load, and when movies lag because Windows media player can't take it.

    It also needs a decent graphics card - for the movies. And, ideally, a fingerprint reader for that awesome login thing with the fingerprints. XD

    So there it is. The dilemma.

    Keep in mind I don't really have a set budget - US$1000-1500 would be ideal, I guess.

    I've been considering a 10.1" VAIO as a small laptop, or a Lenovo equivalent. And I haven't a clue about the bigger computers - but I'd be going for a relatively strong Duo/Quad core processor, and 4GB of RAM. Presumably, I could expand the RAM in the VAIO from 2GB to 4GB, but the processor would still only be the Atom 1.66 GHz.

    Any input, help or suggestions on models or helping me in the portable/powerful debate would be awesome (and met with some +rep :p)
     
  2. FastBullet

    FastBullet Level IV

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    I don't know how to help you. I got a Lenovo laptop, 1 GB Ram, Intel Celeron 2,00 GHz, Windows Vista.

    I'm not into technical stuff yet I suggest you to get a Lenovo :yup: . I haven't been dissapointed (yet).

    (I'm actually writing this from the laptop, i'm in vacation)
     
  3. Hally

    Hally Level IV

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    I'm in engineering, I personally don't recommend a laptop at all. None of us bring ours to class. The notes you're making in class are all formulas and diagrams and stuff, making your laptop pretty pointless (Unless you buy a tablet).

    There's also the fact that any laptop you lug around with you every day is going to last a couple of years at most.

    What I recommend is buying the cheapest laptop you can, for bringing around with you, and then build yourself a legit desktop for your dorm room / apartment. You can set up remote control of that desktop so you can use it while on your laptop. The great thing about a desktop is it's upgradeable! Laptops are going to be obsolete in a few years anyways.
     
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  4. ceneret0023

    ceneret0023 Level III

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    ok i've just gotta ask about this one. Why are laptops gonna be obsolete in a few years? i don't see any new computers coming out to match the laptops portability and power unless you're talking about all the phones which still i don't see being quite as useful as a laptop even in the next 10 years because they can't run certain programs that are meant to run specifically on computers.
     
  5. Will

    Will Level IV

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    I like the idea of this remote control.

    Can you explain more of that? :)

    and what type of engineering are you doing, Hally? ;D
     
  6. Andromeda

    Andromeda Level I

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    If you look in the right place, you can get a netbook for $200 USD...Using what you have left, just get the best laptop you can afford as your main machine. I'm sure you won't want to replug and unplug all your shit all the time anyway to move from residence to class. That was you satify all your needs and don't come back from class with a sore shoulder from lugging around a desktop-sized gaming laptop.

    Just my 2 cents.

    EDIT:


    Well XP SP3 and Vista and above come with a nifty tool called the remote desktop, which allows you to remotely connect to a computer that is set up to receive the connection. Speed depends on the speed of your internet...I've used it though with a 500kb/s down connection with a computer in the UK from Canada and it wasn't TOO bad (not to the point of not being bearable). There are also other tools out there like Teamviewer that you can use.
     
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  7. Lexicon

    Lexicon Level I

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    Honestly buy a macbook. I have a black macbook from 2006 and i still get a 5 hour charge on the original battery. Nuts I know. Works flawlessley never lags and no viruses. Plus you can install windows via bootcamp and apple support is second to none. I lost my operating system disc and they mailed me a new one for free didn't even have to argue spent a grand total of 4 min on the phone.

    Second Post:
    If you buy a netbook i will personally slap you. Those things are basically left over hardware recycled into a smaller not as great package.

    Please don't double post! The edit button's there for a reason.
     
  8. Lexicon

    Lexicon Level I

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    If you buy a netbook i will personally slap you. Those things are basically left over hardware recycled into a smaller not as great package.
     
  9. toesocks

    toesocks Level I

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    Urgh, why do everyone that goes to University buy a laptop? Nobody on both the courses I've been on took one into lectures etc.

    What you need is a nice kick-ass pc in your dorm so you can kick friend's ass in the hall at Counterstrike Source and shizzle... hell that's about all I did in my first year! haha :D (and still passed!)