Do you need a Laptop?

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Do you think it is necessary to have a laptop to be successful in college?

Got any links to either of what you are talking about?

$400?

4gb ram?

7 hrs?

queries on handwriting?

Wow! Do little hands pop out and give you a massage between classes too? ha-ha

Thanks

Mine was a great deal more than $400, but I feel it was worth the investment. (there are plenty of tablet convertables that are much less expensive, but this one best met my needs) I bought the Thinkpad X41T before starting my prereqs 3 years ago....and it has more than served me well. I have the opportunity to purchase a new machine before starting my nursing program, so I'm getting the updated version of my current machine, the X61T.

The 8 cell battery did last me just over 7 hours when it was new (I'm assuming my new one will perform similarly). Even with this battery it is just under 4 lbs.....however, I something had to go to keep that weight....it doesn't have an internal optical drive. I have the docking station that goes with it and have an optical drive in that. It works for me, I don't need the drive with me all the time, I just need it at home. It does come with a virtual drive, which is handy. So, I can imaged a CD and then load it in my virtual drive to use the content, even if my machines not in the docking station.

The handwriting feature is amazing, it will convert my handwriting to text....but honestly the only time I've ever used it is to show people that it can do this. ( I have lousy handwriting and it understands mine) If I want something in text, I just type it. What I do use extensively is the handwriting for my note taking...typing science and math notes are a hassle...to many equations and diagrams. So, I write all my notes on my computer and can then also record it as well. My handwritten notes are fully searchable....a very handy feature.

If you want to see some of my notes, PM me your e-mail addy...I'll print off some as a PDF and e-mail them to you. (No mocking of my pitiful handwriting allowed! :D )

http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/controller/e/web/LenovoPortal/en_US/catalog.workflow:category.details?current-catalog-id=12F0696583E04D86B9B79B0FEC01C087&current-category-id=329576204C9E42289967E79E0E7C9A2D

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You don't need a laptop, but a flash drive will make your life a GAZILLION times easier. You can pick one up in Walmart for around $14.00 with plenty of storage space. You can load your files, papers, etc on to it and access the information at the school computer lab, home, etc, without carrying around a bunch of cds that might get scratched. Better yet, its so small you can fit it on your key chain! Next to a good, comfortable pair of shoes, it was the best school purchase I made!!:yeah:

No doubt flash drives are really useful for transporting files. The caution I'd give though is that they shouldn't be the place you store files. You should always have those files at least one other place.

I say this only because I've seen it happen to often. The solid state drives are very hardy....but lets face it, these things knock around your pocket, your bookbag, hang off your key ring....they undergo a fair amount of abuse (and sometimes even end up in the laundry!). I'm changing careers from a profesional techy type person (ie profesional computer geek) to nursing.....I've seen a lot of folks lose important information because they only had it on a flash drive.

An additional idea for transferring files between computers (either between yours and one at the lab or even between different lab computers) is to just e-mail the file to yourself at a web mail account (I use gmail, but hotmail, yahoo, whatever...you get the idea). You'll always have the copy in your mailbox, so not matter where you are you can access it (whether you remembered to bring the flash drive or not :D).

Peace,

CuriousMe

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No doubt flash drives are really useful for transporting files. The caution I'd give though is that they shouldn't be the place you store files. You should always have those files at least one other place.

I say this only because I've seen it happen to often. The solid state drives are very hardy....but lets face it, these things knock around your pocket, your bookbag, hang off your key ring....they undergo a fair amount of abuse (and sometimes even end up in the laundry!). I'm changing careers from a profesional techy type person (ie profesional computer geek) to nursing.....I've seen a lot of folks lose important information because they only had it on a flash drive.

An additional idea for transferring files between computers (either between yours and one at the lab or even between different lab computers) is to just e-mail the file to yourself at a web mail account (I use gmail, but hotmail, yahoo, whatever...you get the idea). You'll always have the copy in your mailbox, so not matter where you are you can access it (whether you remembered to bring the flash drive or not :D).

Peace,

CuriousMe

First of all - I totally agree with you - In the past year I've lost one flash drive outright and left another plugged into someone else's computer and not had it get back to me yet. I also saw a friend freak out because she lent someone her flash drive without thinking and then realized her life (meaning classwork, work, and some of her masters thesis research) was on it. Fortunately she got it back right away. So don't put anything essential on one without emailing yourself a backup.

However, I just had to comment that they actually seem pretty laundry resistant :D - I've put one through the wash with zero data loss (yay solid state memory:) ) I mentioned this to my physiology TA and he said he'd had the same experience. I think they were both Lexar, so maybe other brands aren't as durable.

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Would anyone REALLY keep the only copy of a file on their flash drives? EEKS!! With age comes wisdom I guess!!!

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Would anyone REALLY keep the only copy of a file on their flash drives? EEKS!! With age comes wisdom I guess!!!

I've seen folks of all ages do that one.

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Almost pulled the trigger on an Acer for $420 on Amazon,BUT

1. Current Intel Atom is squirley with more than 1 Gb Ram,

2. You can put up to 1.5Gb in but you void the warranty and have to pull a labotamy in thin substrate material on Acer,

3. There is a heating problem with config,

4. Not enough power to poodle on with window applications up (like WINDOWS was intended to do),

5. Insurance and gadgets, drives, dvds, etc... run you about over double that price (all around $900 + w/ insurance and essentials),

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY OF ALL,

6. Intel is coming out with a dual core 2GHz Atom Processor Sep 21, 08, so that will make all those $400 to $600 mini's into $100 to $300 range hopefully.

Since you can get a nice 14", 13.3", or 12.1" with EVERYTHING including accident insurance for 4 years (vs 3 yrs) for about $500 to $800 more (and that includes 9 or 12 cell battery which will give you up to 7 hrs!!!), the new intel atom dual core can't go too much higher if any at all. All those made so far seem to be junk of recent mini-brands (all hype). You can only see this in the company sponsered forums. LOTS of problems!!!

I'm with the last poster, I won't really need mine until this time next year, so I can be selective. I'm going to get a new efficient and high performance carb for my BMW F650 motorcycle and start saving enough on gas to pay for my new notebook, ha-ha!!

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OK, here is the GOLDEN standard!

http://www.intel.com/consumer/shop/product.htm?cnetId=S5795030&category=AB

I looked up Intel site for best and most efficient processor, Centrino2, and here is Satellite (yes, 'plain' satellite) for $1100. Drop the specs down below features.

Its a 13.3" and has 7.2 hr batter, 3gb ram, 5100 wifi, and all the doodads you will ever need. Its Vista for XP, so it has ALL the XP drivers.

So its $1100 (base) + $400 ( 4year accident) +$150 (Win XP Pro IF DON'T NEED TO REPLACE VISTA HD TO GET THAT CRAP OFF HD!!!).

So theoretical total is $1650 for the best of the best: a 15 year laptop that deserves $400 every 4 years accident insurance updates, if possible.

Let me see if I can save that much gas by next Fall!!! AND if Centrino2 makes you use Vista downgrade for XP, that's a cool $1500 (just hope it takes office 97 though!!).

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OK, I think finally got the WinTel scam game figured out from yesterday. I was just delerious from punching product buttons that said one thing and sent me to another product or dead link (which was always a Sony game, and now Toshiba too :cry:).

The Centrino2, most easily seen by WiFi 5100 or 5300 is for Vista only. And even with 'upgrade' to Win XP, I would bet its just a disquised combersome and software restricing Vista. And all those wonderful software and hardware upgrades that only work in Vista would still be 1000% better in Win XP unless a 'future' software was designed 'around' the business systems of today to work 'only' with Vista (not going to happen overnight or next 10 years from Vista 'flops' to date).

So my original concept, better firmed up in details, still stands today. And the proof is the proposed system I'm giving you actually costs more than the centrino2 WIFI 5100 6GB ram 64 bit Vista deluxe systems. Its all just a Wintel scam to get you hooked before you can turn back (to justify in your mind the money you have spent - I was even ready to give in, lol).

>> But here is the system I proposed before:

At least 2.18 GHz Centrino(NOT 'Centrino2') Win XP (not Vista 'XP Downgrade') with up to 4GB ram (not 6 GB) 32 bit (faster than 64 bit except for large file databases - give me a break, please, for consumers and business both) and WiFi 4965 (since 5x faster and 5x range of previous, and NOT 5100, 5300, ---> Vista earmarks).

>> Now the additions I learned from Atom processor study (except for final comments below):

At least a 9 cell battery with at least 6200mAh 'Li-ion' (which almost divided by 1000 equals hrs max in service for 14" screen size and below ->15.4" and up screens are real inneficient power usage screens NO MATTER WHAT THE ADS SAY to sell Vista's, and are mainly the screen sizes Centrino2's are pushing for battery-cycling game and short battery lives). The solid state 4 to 16 GB flash disks are great, but don't worry about exclusive SSD hard drives: they are expensive, not 'overall' faster, or significantly more hazard proof (just another hd scam game). Optimum screen for battery is 12.1" to 14" range (smaller is better): better prices on 14" and all sizes below 14" have better/more intelligent video cards (best dollar spent next to ram, and pick quality manufacturer over specs), so the pictures will be enhanced for the smaller screen compared to larger battery drain size screen laptops. All notebooks used to be 12" to 14", with 14" being the largest.

As for the new Atom processors and Dual Core Atom processors coming out 9-21-08 from Intel, its just another Wintel scam clam game. By the time you buy all the essential requirements, you have a combersome multi-piece system you have to put together. Its not so portable and drains the battery even more with attachments, so you pay 60% for less than half the utility and equipment of a full system that is obsolete in 3 weeks. Yee haw. But it is intriguing admittingly, until you go to company forums and see the poor saps who bought them having more problems with just basic needs.

And the last thing, I prefer 32 bit Toshiba or Sony BRAND WIn XP laptops (with 4965 WiFi of course). They are not the only brands, but the most proven for laptops historically. Just get ready for at least a weekend of going through the merry-go-round of bs Jap advertising marketing loops. At best, with 4 yr accident warranty, about $1300 to $1800, or more of course. And keep you eye on batteries (Li-ion, 9 cell or >=6100 mAh), or will have to buy additionally. And for some reason, some software makers make hardware 'look' for battery sizes 'up to' a size of inefficiency, so its good if it comes with a large battery. Nothing's easy, especially laptop purchasing.

This has been a lot to figure this out, but no one tells what I have just told you in whole. Every part of the essential system is real important, because less than 3% of sytems are worth their price. And the fact is this opportunity to get a 'good' laptop may be closing for the next 10 or 15 years. If Vista is all that is offered, then I'll probably go to one of MS's latest server products which will be a business OS like Win 2000 or Win XP. Good luck!! And then you die, ha-ha-ha :clown:

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Not only do I feel having a laptop is unnecessary, It's really annoying when I'm trying to pay attention to a lecture and I have to listen to the incessant click-clicking of someone typing in class!

:twocents:

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Not only do I feel having a laptop is unnecessary, It's really annoying when I'm trying to pay attention to a lecture and I have to listen to the incessant click-clicking of someone typing in class!

:twocents:

In class I agree. Its overnight while I'm working or away from home utilizing my time best. So far, I've got enough to do with 38 lbs of 1 book, 2 notebooks w/handouts, and a book bag. BUT there will be time when papers are due, and typing and proofing will be required. As well, research on net will come in handy (i.e. - WiFi 4965 is 5x faster and 5x range of previous 3xxx).

So its kickin' buns whenever you are waiting, in line, at work, on break, or anywhere. Its like that working full time, going to school, and maintaining a home.

Oh yeah, I think I've found the Vista answer: barebones laptops! Got about 20 or more hours of investigation to go (I'll need to know what features are of components and if in XP or Vista OS exclusively... uhhh, maybe 50 hrs or more investigation, :clown:), but it looks better than 95% confidence of the BEST SYSTEM for the dollar. MAXED OUT, about $1363 PLUS Accident insurance which is a little fuzzy still. Got a lot of (barebones structure) specs and company product reviews digging before corresponding with vendor. But for that price, Intel T8300 2.4GHz, 3 or 4GB Ram, Dynamic video card to about 3XX Gb (for power savings when not needed-?), 9 cell Li-ion battery (spec-?),Seagate harddrive, 4965 WiFi, r/w dvd/cd, $70 electronic filter (??), XP Pro, and 7 to 45(USB) interface quick attachment device. Oh yeah 12" (or 13" or 14") screen, 7/24 lifetime help desk, and free install hw/sw that buy components from them, which is about the same as ebay/amazon best prices if you include shipping/ins.

This way, Vista will no longer be in my vocabulary, except for jokes.

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OK, here goes my assumed pc purchase methodology and main reasons:

http://www.powernotebooks.com/configure.php?special=499

Site above has 3 main models of different frame submodels and has been a high quailty company for over 20 years in bare bone laptops. I did look at others, but the industry except for these guys is still in its infancy stage.

My main criteria was to find two battery cycles (1 spare) that would be stated near 7 hrs (or 6 hours realistically for the smaller pc's, and even LESS for 15.4" and up). So there was 1-15.4", 1-14", and 1-12": which I selected since it not only had the stated 3.5 hr battery cycle, but it had an 'on' recharge rate of the same length (or 2.5 hrs 'off'). The smaller screen should experience more uniform performance and reliability. As well, it would ALLOW me to start off without a spare battery which is not only $130, but 'maintaining' 2 battery cycles really bites: especially knowing you are effectively reducing the life of both batteries ($260 worth of assets).

Here are my selections and briefly why ($783 base price PLUS - below):

NOTE, already comes with intel X3100 Dynamic Video card up to 384Mb memory - pretty nice.

1. T8300 2.4GHz processor, since this is pretty much the optimum Centrino designed model size for battery efficiency, and all others are assumed afterthoughts for more revenue product range (add $215),

2. 3Gb (hopefully from choices, Kingston LOW LATENCY Ram). 3Gb is the cache size of the operating system, so this will allow maximum efficiency and is max allowed, with Vista allowing 4Gb max ram - but who cares? (add $55),

3. NO Trubo Memory - Vista snake oil ONLY. (add $00),

4. Hard drive - 2 alternatives:

4.a - IF 160GB 5400 rpm is Seagate MOMENTUS (note 5400 rpm), then THAT is combo that saves 1/2 energy source (not fast 7200 rpm Seagate Momentus hd). Battery estimates cannot take into account different components - this is a Hi-powered GAMERS laptop marketing company. (add $00).

4.b - If 160gb 5400 is NOT a Seagate MOMENTUS, then choose 320Gb 5400 rpm, and SPECIFY Seagate Momentus paying marginally more if required (add $64),

5. WiFi - Intel 4965 (add $45),

6. Spare Battery, none to start off, but if need later, $130 (add $00),

7. Operating System, Win XP Pro (add $145),

8. No Software bundles,

9. no microsoft Office software (get used or copy of Office97 ;-)

10. Hum X, a ground filter you can save $20 and get elswhere. Its just a plug between pc and outlet (add $00),

11. No spare AC adapter (comes with auto and outlet adapter :-),

12. No carrying case,

13. 3 years parts and warranty. NO accident insurance, but just be careful and don't be a dumb a$$ (hard for me sometimes). Plus you have 7/24 lifetime help, so can save accident insurance and replace high quality parts if ever do go out (add $129).

Totals:

**(MOST Likely Option with STATED 3Gb/s Harddrive technology)

Harddrive option 4b. - $1442 credit, $1399 cash,

with options to buy HUM X filter for $50 later and $139 for backup battery if need later.

*** NOW if can get new in box, a Toshiba Tecra 14" w/ Win XP (NOT downgrade Vista option) and 2GB ram option for under $1100 including shipping, that would be an easy choice (with 5.2 hour max battery life) since it retails for $1450 shipped.

Until then, I'll keep using my workstation at home unless get real cheap Centrino used with WiFi 4965 (and I'd estimate it won't happen anytime soon). Anyway, used laptops would be excess risk not worth new batteries.

:typing

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