mooseman44

Hey, I've got a quick question for everyone on this board. I'm heading out to Boston College this fall, and I have yet to decide even which platform I'm going to take. As of now, I'm leaning towards a 12 inch iBook, with 768mb of RAM.

The reason I'd like to go Apple is because it seems they last longer, get better battery life, have less viruses, and well, I cant play as many games on it.

It would be great if anyone could let me know what they think of the whole college computing scene; Apple vs. Windows, Desktop vs. Laptop vs. Computer Lab, et al. Thanks soo much in advance for any advice.

R3d

if you're concerned about size.. maybe look into a shuttle.. im not a huge fan of Apple..

Lasereth

Laptops are cool and everything, but does your college require them? When people use laptops in my classes, everyone hates the person because they're so annoying during class.

If you took it out, you better hope that there's a power connector somewhere because laptop batteries are horrid. They don't last worth a shit.

I'd buy a desktop and save money. You could get a nice desktop for really cheap if you're not gonna play games. You can get a nice gaming computer for pretty cheap as well. Laptops are so damned expensive for what you actually get.

Mac vs PC? It's simply what you're comfortable with. Macs do have less viruses, but it's easy to keep viruses off PCs if you take precautions.

-Lasereth

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BigGov

It largely depends on what you want to do with your notebook. If you're just looking at web access, writing papers, or other entertainment type things, the iBook would be great for you (hell, even I want one).

However, some programs you might need for some majors are PC specific. No way around it.

As for your reasons for wanting an Apple:
1) Apples don't last any longer than other quality laptops.
2) Apple laptops can get far less battery life than say an IBM laptop. But their battery life is very respectable compaired to most PC laptops.
3) Apples have no viruses because no one writes viruses for them. There are still holes in OS X, just no one chooses to exploit them.
4) You can't play games on many laptops unless you want to play Starcraft, Diablo II, etc.

I still wish I had an iBook though

[EDIT: After reading Las's post]

I agree almost entirely with Las, but there are a few things we disagree on:

Laptop battery life is based largely on usage. I can stretch a high-capacity battery on my IBM to 8 hours if I had to. I can stretch a normal battery to 5+.

If you know how to purchase a laptop you can get a very, VERY, nice iBook for under $1,300. That's an extra $300 - $400 for portability and comfort. Especially in a college dorm room in the lack of space you will appreciate a computer that takes up less room than your pillow.

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One day an Englishman, a Scotsman, and an Irishman walked into a pub together. They each bought a pint of Guinness. Just as they were about to enjoy their creamy beverage, three flies landed in each of their pints. The Englishman pushed his beer away in disgust. The Scotsman fished the fly out of his beer and continued drinking it, as if nothing had happened. The Irishman, too, picked the fly out of his drink but then held it out over the beer and yelled "SPIT IT OUT, SPIT IT OUT, YOU BASTARD!"

mooseman44

Ha thanks alot...as for what I'd be doing with the laptop:

Of course alot of its going to be work, sadly. I am interested in film and music, and as such I think an Apple suits those fields pretty well. The games I'd want to play are pretty old anyway; I'm big into Alpha Centauri, Civ 3 and other Turn Based games.

Pure performance isn't an issue at all. From what I've seen though, kids that come home with 4 year old IBMs tend to have far less use for them than kids that come home with 4 year old PBs or iBooks. Thats just a personal observation.

I've got a $1000 Parental Cushion with this too...anything over that and its my bread. Again thanks alot for the feedback

MooseMan3000

Just to add to what's already been said...

The main thing about getting a laptop is the size and convenience of it. It's a lot easier to move around, and you can take it with you to classes if you need to.

I went with a desktop that I built myself, because I saved money and got a much more powerful machine, but I also do some video editing and gaming on it, which were the major factors in going for more power. If I didn't need it, I would have gotten a laptop. A little more expensive, but worth it.

Also... does your school have a wireless network? At my school, nearly all the buildings on campus are connected to the wireless network, so having a laptop with a wireless card was nice. that being said, however, my friends who had those laptops usually left them in their rooms, anyway.

Mainly it depends on what you expect to use it for.

Now, to address your actual question... () As for Apple vs. PC, I honestly don't think it matters that much. I like Apple notebooks better just because they look nicer. The same reason I like iPods as opposed to other mp3 players. But as far as functionality, battery life, longevity and all that, a new iBook and a new high quaility PC laptop should be nearly identical. Like Lasereth said, what you're more comfortable with is the most important factor. Your interest in "film and music" shouldn't influence what you buy: that Apples are better suited to them is just an elitist myth (having used both PCs and Apples most of my life, I can say that safely). And like Jimmy said, just keep in mind what software you want. The simple fact is that more software is available for the PC, but most of the stuff you'll probably NEED is available for both platforms.

Um. I think that's it.

Oh, and yeah, you'll want your own computer. While you CAN get along using just computer labs (and if you're easily addicted to games, maybe it's worth it =P ), it's mostly a pain in the ass. Just having a word processor and a printer in your room is enough to make it worth it.

BigGov

OH!

The biggest thing I forgot to mention.

Get the Apple Education Discount. Thats a few hundred more right there.

The 12" Apple iBook wouldn't be the best, but it should do a great job for ya and fall perfectly in your price range.

Windows laptops I would personally avoid for that price because the better ones, the IBM's and such are much, much more.

I also asked what you're going into because while music and film are done equally well, something like Accounting is basically 100% Windows.

BTW, are you two Moosemen related?

__________________
One day an Englishman, a Scotsman, and an Irishman walked into a pub together. They each bought a pint of Guinness. Just as they were about to enjoy their creamy beverage, three flies landed in each of their pints. The Englishman pushed his beer away in disgust. The Scotsman fished the fly out of his beer and continued drinking it, as if nothing had happened. The Irishman, too, picked the fly out of his drink but then held it out over the beer and yelled "SPIT IT OUT, SPIT IT OUT, YOU BASTARD!"

WarWagon

I have a laptop, wish I didn't, but is almost a necessity due to data acquisition and tight, tight space living in a quad. I wouldn't give too much thought on battery life. I've think I've used mine off the AC adapter about 5 times to date.

madsenj37

The laptop is a good idea because you can do your work outside of the dorms, sometimes a neccessity. My campus has wireless all over and its a huge place. Also many coffee type places have wireless if want to go off campus.

Apple over Micosoft is mostly a personal choice, so if thats what you want, get it. The only deal breaker for an Apple might be your curriculum. I personally am two weeks away from getting my B.A. and I have never had to use a PC only product. If you really want a Mac, you can probably get one and use school labs if you need special software ... afterall, not everyone buys all the books, some go to the library. It is usually the same for computer programs as well. Browse their website to see if you can find anything on it, or call the dept. head.

As for the iBook, do you want expandability options? The iBook does not have a pcmia slot, only usb and firewire, (I am saying this based on an older model my friend has). You might want to look at a powerbook.

The education discount was mentioned. That will apply to you. To a bigger discount, I will let you in on a secret. Keep in mind, this will delay when you get your laptop. For $100, you can join the Apple Student Developer Program for on year. This entitles you to a one time discount of %20 off of hardware and if a new OS, say 10.4 gets released, you will get a copy.

Buy Ram from a 3rd party. Apple gauges you on ram prices. Shop around and make sure you get Apple compatible ram. 2-2-2 latency will make it as fast as possible.

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punx1325

I have a huge monstrosity for a computer. And as much as I love my computer it is a bitch to move. I love the power that my pc provides, but sometimes it would be nice to pick up my pc and walk to the Library. When you are buying a computer think what you will be doing on it. Just Word processing? Go with a Laptop. If you are going to be playing games, a better bet would be a desktop. As for Windows or an Apple, the only reason someone would need an Apple is if you are using Final Cut Pro. Other than that go Windows.

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madsenj37

I disagree. Apple provides an enitire computing platform. They are providing an entire experience. If he is not using it for games or professional business software, Macs are fine for his needs, if that is what he truly wants. For his stated needs Apple, PCs and linux will all work fine.

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oblivion

the only reason you would need an ibook is if you wanna work with visual graphics or other graphic stuff. Other then that, other labtops are a lot better for other things.

Hey, im going to college soon....and im buying a desktop. Cause im being practical. I know for a fact im not gonna want to lug a laptop everywhere i go. Plus, i dont do work out of my room/library. I guess it all depends on the person. I much prefer to hand write notes.....gets kinda hard to write complex math equations onto your laptop.

madsenj37

Your stuck in a mindframe of 5 years ago. I am certain that you have not used Mac OS X ever. You are thinking of the old Mac OS which does not have much to do with the OS X. Its like comparing windows 98 and windows xp. I personally use both the x86 and PPC platform on a regular basis. I own a Macintosh and do not do any graphics work at all. I browse the web, write papers, listen to music, watch DVDs, rip movies and music, chat, etc all the time. I am very satisified with my choice of platforms. Like I said before, if he feels that it is for him, then he should get it. If it is not for him, then he should not get it.

Second of all, its laptop not labtop.

Third of all, Apple notebooks are very competitively priced.

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"Only two things are certain: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not certain about the universe."
-- Albert Einstein

mooseman44

Thanks alot again...well the sucky thing is, Boston College doesn't offer a discount on Apple products, nor do they offer a discount on any computer brand. They used to; in fact last year they offered large discounts on both IBM and Apple laptops.

As far as I know, when it comes to wireless networks there, you get the usual "We're working on it" response. All the dorms are wired for ethernet of course, and I think the libraries do have some sort of wireless, be it B or G.

Im looking at the iBook because I cant justify purhcasing an Powerbook at a $400 premium when in all honesty, I most likely will never use what I paid that extra $400 dollars for. And in terms of Apple desktops, the eMac would be nice, but in 4 years that CRT is going to look like a Commodore 64, the iMac's alright, but pricey, and the G5 is, well the G5.

If I were to buy an Apple, the main decision would be to buy it direct online, or go to a small Apple retail shop in my town. With the Education discount not really an issue, I think it would be better to buy from a small shop and bring in the product if it breaks, rather then ship it across the country.

Two quick questions : Does third party memory void an AppleCare warranty? And can anyone tell me about any problems they've had with logic boards? They seem to be a problem for Macs. ------Thanks

westothemax

There are also games on Macs. My housemate is constantly playing Halo on his sweet G5.

Also, with OS X I think you can compile and run pretty much any GNU/Linux or BSD package. So there is a lot more to Macs than video and graphics editing etc.

madsenj37

You get the education discount directly from apple.

Go to http://www.apple.com/store find teh education link, click on it, then find the higher education link and click on that. You input your school and then you get to browse the education store.

Voiding an Apple warranty consist of removing a dvd drive, removing the logic board, and possibly removing teh built in ram. Voiding the warranty should not include installing more ram.

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"Only two things are certain: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not certain about the universe."
-- Albert Einstein

sailor

One thing to consider is the availability of wireless on campus. Here at UNC, the entire campus is wireless, and it is wonderful. Its great being able to take your latptop with you to class or to the library to get some work done between classes.

I dont use my laptop too much, but when I need it, I am damn glad I have it.

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arch13

Wait until you get to campus.

Many schools have discount programs with vendors like Apple or Dell. Dell deals are acheiveable only through your school and you can look up if your school works with apple Here.

Wait until your at school, get an idea of what common setups are amongst peers, and what if anything is being recomended by your major. In many cases, a dept/major has a pre-arranged deal with at least one vendor for a desktop or laptop with all the software you'll need in that majors class's at a discounted price that can be calculated in finacial aid with lower payments if you take the deal through the school.

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