opinions re: laptop computers

CuriousMe · Sep 17, 2006

I"m not in CRNA school, just doing my pre-req's for my RN program. But the career that I've just left was technology.

One thing to consider in a laptop for school is a tablet convertible. it's a regular laptop, but when it's open, you can turn the screen around completely and write on it as well (I've included a couple of pics to show what I mean). It's dead useful taking notes. I have the thinkpad version (like the pics attached) and it's amazing, I take notes on it, write papers on it, record my lectures with it....its great!

Just an idea

Oh and no matter what you get, I'd avoid Dell....their support is painful to use and unfortunately, there's a better than average chance you'll need it. Thinkpad's are good, HP's, Fugitisu, Sony, even Toshiba isn't bad. I'd avoid Gateway like the plague. If you're looking to buy in December, then I'd go for a dual core, you'll need it if you ever need to upgrade to the new Window's OS, Vista.

Good luck in your search!

Peace,

Cathie

augigi, CNS · Sep 17, 2006

I have a brand new Sony Vaio that I am desperately in love with it. My main criteria apart from the usual performance features was WEIGHT! Mine is

I also would stay away from Dells - my last Dell computer was a dog.

Ruby Vee, BSN · Sep 17, 2006

i am currently applying to crna programs to start in 8/07. i will need to purchase a laptop computer (not only for school, but for personal use as well). i have started doing some research online and have some general ideas of what i am looking for, but i was wondering if anyone has any information that would be useful. for instance, what specs do most schools require. also, does anyone out there have a laptop that they are happy with? since technology changes frequently i will probably wait until december to purchase, but i wanted to research fully before then so i am not making a rash decision. from what i have read online it seems that dell has some strong followers (and those that do not like them at all!). i also have read some good things about the lenovo thinkpads (previously ibm). any thoughts/words of wisdom would be appreciated. thanks!!

avoid apple macbooks -- random shutdown syndrome is the pits, and there's no clear fix yet. (at least, mine is still awaiting repair -- since aug 12!)

i loved my gateway, and hubby loves his. i've also heard good things about dell and toshiba.

FloridaCCRN, CRNA · Sep 18, 2006

I'm not in CRNA school.....just finished my RN-BSN & looking to head that way! Anyway I have a Toshiba, have had it for 2 years now- and I can't say enough positive things about it, very reliable and well put together!

NavyVet · Sep 19, 2006

I've just begun my pre-reqs for BSN, but I've got some experience as far as laptops for class work. I have a Gateway cx2724 and its been great. Its a convertible tablet pc. For the slow 'discussion' type classes I can sit there and type away...for the faster calculations/drawings/graphs classes like math's and sciences, I prefer to go tablet mode and scribble away. It works well for me, and the organization of Onenote is nice. If you have a scanner, you can scan all the handouts or pages from your textbooks into folders or into your notes....its the closest thing to paperless out there :)

Needless to say, I like my tablet. Also, as far as what brand/quality to go for....the best thing you can do is go to some electronics stores and feel them in your hands. Thats what i did. I tried the toshiba models out and the gateway. The toshiba model felt a bit flimsy to me, like the whole thing was made of plastic...while the gateway felt a lot more solid. In the end its all personal choice on this type of purchase. Though I must add that the gateway laptop I am typing on right now quit working 13 months after I bought it....1 month after the warranty expired. I called gateway up and they still covered the repairs for me....so there's that, for what its worth. Goodluck!

CuriousMe · Sep 19, 2006

I've just begun my pre-reqs for BSN, but I've got some experience as far as laptops for class work. I have a Gateway cx2724 and its been great. Its a convertible tablet pc. For the slow 'discussion' type classes I can sit there and type away...for the faster calculations/drawings/graphs classes like math's and sciences, I prefer to go tablet mode and scribble away. It works well for me, and the organization of Onenote is nice. If you have a scanner, you can scan all the handouts or pages from your textbooks into folders or into your notes....its the closest thing to paperless out there :)
Needless to say, I like my tablet. Also, as far as what brand/quality to go for....the best thing you can do is go to some electronics stores and feel them in your hands. Thats what i did. I tried the toshiba models out and the gateway. The toshiba model felt a bit flimsy to me, like the whole thing was made of plastic...while the gateway felt a lot more solid. In the end its all personal choice on this type of purchase. Though I must add that the gateway laptop I am typing on right now quit working 13 months after I bought it....1 month after the warranty expired. I called gateway up and they still covered the repairs for me....so there's that, for what its worth. Goodluck!

If you're looking at tablet's, be aware that many of the Gateway models use a different pen system then the rest of the industry....I found that I didn't have as much control with it as I did with the wacom system (the one on just about every other tablet). Gateway's models are strong, but they can be a bit big and heavy. HP, Fujitsu and Thinkpad have sturdily built yet lighter models (my Thinkpad is just 4lbs with a seven hour battery on it, yet very sturdy....titanium hinges, etc).

I don't have any personal grudge against Gateway....in my former life as a techie (before entering into self induced poverty to go to nursing school :) )I've just seen them cause a lot of folks trouble. They're known for being very inconsistent with the components they put in their machines.....so two folks with the same make and model of machine, purchased two weeks apart, could have components from different companies in their machines....this just causes more problems down the line (performance differences, driver compatibility issues, etc). So, if you get a good one....fantastic! But if you don't, it's a painful process.

The other thing I'd recommend no matter what machine you get....buy the extended warranty that the manufacturer offers!!! Laptops are one of the few (IMHO) devices that extended warranties make sense on. It's an expensive and delicate (no matter how sturdily built) piece of electronic equipment that you tote with you everywhere, that has crucial information on it. Chances are very good that something will happen at some point in time. I bought a three yr contract for less than $200 in which if I were to throw the thing on the ground, they would have to show up the next business day with a replacement for me (or at least enough parts to put Humpty Dumpty back together again :) ). I did that because while I am fluent in techie....if the hardware's broken, the only real fix is to replace the hardware....and for laptops, that gets expensive. The policy paid for itself within two months....I had inserted one of my batteries badly (bent the hard plastic connector) it was absolutely my own fault....I just wasn't paying attention to what I was doing. I called up my tech support number and they overnighted a battery to me (eight cell battery, that lasts approx 7 hours), I put the broken battery in the box, put their postage paid label on it and presto, brand new battery no cost to me. :)

Good luck with your search!

Peace,

Cathie

Ruby Vee, BSN · Sep 19, 2006

though i must add that the gateway laptop i am typing on right now quit working 13 months after i bought it....1 month after the warranty expired. i called gateway up and they still covered the repairs for me....so there's that, for what its worth. goodluck!

i've had three gateways, and been happy with every single one of them. you can't beat the warranty or service!

Trauma Columnist · Sep 19, 2006

I have a two year old Sony Vaio and love it...I got it for school (BSN/MSN) and then it goes with me everywhere - Hawaii, St. Thomas, Florida, everywhere - wireless, completely portable and is very tiny (love the size).

willti1 · Oct 18, 2006

i have the ibm thinkpad z61 - its my first lap top and I'm happy with it-- check with your school-- they might offer good deals and support

willti1 · Oct 18, 2006

so I was thinking about the tablet/its sooo cool-- but I wasn't sure I'd really use it in class-- sounds like you do-- do you print your notes after or just study from your computer

willti1 · Oct 18, 2006

I was really thinking about getting one of these-- they seem soo cool but wasn't sure I'd use it-- but sounds like you do-- do you study off your computer or print your notes out