Question on laptop

JentheRN05, RN · Mar 1, 2007

I love my alienware. Got it from my hubby for graduation from nursing school. I haven't actually used it for school recently, but I hope to enroll for my BSN - MSN this fall - I just upgraded my alien too (by myself :) and it now has 120g hard drive space, and 1g ram (will be 1.5g in about a week when I upgrade again).

violingirl · Mar 1, 2007

BUT one peeve: the adaptor is just terrible! the latest version ahs a neat feature of snapping off in case you accidentaly trip on the wire. dunno how that is doing. but for my 2005 at least, the wire disconnected from the main body. Ive heard of a few complaining about sparks. Scary Getting a new adaptor from mac costs $80. So i got one from a third party which was excellent both in quality and in price.

Hmm.... where'd you get that adapter from? My adapter got messed up too, but they replaced it for free... I'm not exactly sure it's going to hold up though even though they modified it some.

aviator411, RN · Mar 1, 2007

I should point out that having the power adapter cord pop off of the MacBook computer if you accidentally bump the cord is an intentional design feature and I LOVE it. Finally someone got the power cord connector RIGHT on a notebook computer. For the last 20 years they have all been making power adapter cords which plug INTO the computer somewhere. This means that the first time someone trips on the cord it begins to destroy the plug at the computer or in most cases breaks the main logic pc board inside the computer. FINALLY someone (Apple) got it right. Instead of the power cord plugging INTO the computer, the connector contains a couple of tiny but extremely strong magnets which hold the connector to the computer. This means when you trip on the cord it simply pops off doing NO damage. All you have to do is stick the magnetic connector back onto the side of the computer. This is the first decent power connector design in the entire laptop industry, or for that matter, the entire electronnics industry. I've been doing electronics work for 20 years and can't begin to count the number of logic boards and connectors I have had to repair on laptops. I have never had to do this to the current MacBooks and I probably never will because the junction between the computer and the power cord is virtually indestructible. You see sparks occasionally when attaching the magnetic power connector to the computer? There is nothing wrong when that happens, it is normal. It happens because the actual electrical contacts are on the mating surfaces of the two visible/exposed connector halves instead of buried inside where you can't see them. If you could see inside all the other computers you would see sparks also occasionally but you can't because it's all on the inside; which means you have a plug which extends inside and is guaranteed to fail sooner or later when someone trips or yanks on the power cord. This is another Apple first (as far as I know - could be mistaken) which the rest are sure to imitate.

FAM600 · Mar 1, 2007

CurleySue. What do you want out of a laptop? DO want it to be flawless; no viruses, spyware, or any software problems that result in the thing freezing? Or do you want something that requires you to know lots about computers like a microsoft. Know this, microsoft makes their system thinking that everyone is going to take a class just to figure out how to properly use the system.

Now, i own an apple macbook and am loving it so much that i'll never ever ever buy another microsoft running cpu again simply because i've not had any problems with it, it's works just like it did 6 months ago. Make the right choice and go with an apple.

BTW, do you realize the simple fact that people go from microsoft to mac but absolutely nobody moves from mac to microsoft? Makes you think huh. Now you might go to your local best buy or whatever and tryout an apple and say "whats so good about this", i don't blame you because you won't see why an apple is better than a pc unless you use one for a week doing all the typical things it is you do on a computer. Trust me on this one, get an apple. People who say that you should get a windows computer are simply people who haven't tried an apple.

Things to consider for your decision.

1 - microsoft sucks simply because its a cheap rip off of what apple does with their system, on the new vista OS you'll find plenty of things that weren't on past pc's. Bill gates' company copys what Steve Jobs company does.

2 - the ipod, microsoft made a wannabe ipod-the zune, which in fact its premiere was silenced by apples premiere of the iphone.

3 - apple is consumer friendly, excellent customer support unlike ms. They make their software and hardware with people in mind. Take that example aviator411 made about the power plug, i can't start to tell you how many times thats come in use for me.

Just buy a macbook, you'll never look back saying "did i make the right decision".

Just go to youtube and watch those ms vs. mac commercials, their hilarious and true.

Cherish · Mar 1, 2007

My laptop went Kaput on me but I had a warranty so just picked up my brand new HP laptop today. I like it, its sleek and comfortable. The vista is really cool so far better than XP. If your going to buy a New laptop I think mostly all of them have Vista on them already installed. You will like the program.

chococroissant · Mar 1, 2007

Hmm.... where'd you get that adapter from? My adapter got messed up too, but they replaced it for free... I'm not exactly sure it's going to hold up though even though they modified it some.

Got it at J&R, in NYC near city hall. Or, yo ucan order it online:

http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=3992977

Its only for the ibook (which i have) and the powerbook, i beleive. :) and, you can only use it in the US.

np_wannabe · Mar 1, 2007

I have a Macbook and love it SO much. It is about an inch and a half thick and weighs about 5 lbs. I just stick it in my regular book bag with all of my books. It is super easy to use too. I've had it for a couple of months now and use it daily. when i first bought it, i spent the first few nights playing with it/trying it out until my eyeballs were stinging!

I LOVE IT!!!

violingirl · Mar 1, 2007

Yeah... I love the magsafe power adaptor. I guess my only problem with it was that the cord tore close to the head... which is why I was wondering about that generic brand that you mentioned (aviator411).

Everything else about it is so awesome though. Video conferencing built in... bluetooth... CD burner and all that good stuff.

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Mar 1, 2007

One thing to know is that while the bigger screen might be helpful in some ways, it probably won't make up for it in weight. I got a Gateway that was 2 inches larger than I wanted because it was on sale. But it is too heavy for me to take to school along with all my books. I tried it once and it ripped the strap on my backpack.
Good luck in your search.
Don't forget about software when you get your computer. Office is a must have. In my opinion, PowerPoint all your notes when you get home from class. It helps put the info into memory when you set up a presentation with your notes.

I think that depends on two things - the bookbag you use and what you consider heavy. Actually three things - the brand computer you have is also a factor, because they're not all created equal.

I have a 15.4" Sony Vaio because if I had a smaller one I'd constantly have a headache - if I wasn't blind by the end of the week. I've carried my Pharmacology book, the 3 ring binder I use for that class, my Adult Health (i.e. Med-Surg) book, and another notebook with the laptop in a Champion laptop backpack I got on sale at JCPenney for eight dollars (it was originally seventy bucks!) and I've never had a problem. The bag you use has got to be a major factor, and for many reasons - including saving your back with proper padding and protecting the expensive items you're carrying - I would highly recommend investing in a good bag. In fact, I'm going to get another one this summer because the one I have now just doesn't have enough pockets in it for me.

I look at the itty-bitty screens of my classmates' laptops and wonder how they see them. I'd have a 17" if it hadn't been three hundred bucks more at the time...now they're not that much more expensive than a 15.4". Those little ones are cute, and they sure are handy to tote around, but I LLOOOOVVVEEEEE my big screen! The other reason I bought a big screen is the huge keyboard I have; I have less of a hard time transitioning to a desktop than my friends with the bitty keyboards.

I love my Sony - I've had it two years (almost two and a half) and haven't had a problem with it yet.

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Mar 1, 2007

I didn't have good experiences with HP or with Compaq. Dell is ok, and their service is always great. They still help me with tech support and my warranty has been expired for a year. But listening from all of you about Toshiba, I think that will be my next brand.

My husband, who travels heavily in, around, and through the Middle East and puts his laptops through H-E-double hockey sticks, SWEARS by his Toshibas - I think he's had three in the last ten years. I will say that as much as I worship the keys on my Vaio, I don't think it could take the beating he puts his laptops through, and yet they seem to handle it just fine.

So I would also give Toshiba kudos. I looked at them when I bought mine but I got my Sony over NC's tax free weekend two years ago and Best Buy didn't have a Toshiba with a full size keyboard at the time, and I didn't feel like fighting the crowds to check somewhere else.

CuriousMe · Mar 1, 2007

Just a few comments here

CurleySue. What do you want out of a laptop? DO want it to be flawless; no viruses, spyware, or any software problems that result in the thing freezing? Or do you want something that requires you to know lots about computers like a microsoft. Know this, microsoft makes their system thinking that everyone is going to take a class just to figure out how to properly use the system. .

My Grandmother uses her PC just fine, no class taken, and no troubles. If you have anti virus-spyware on your computer, that auto updates, you'll have no troubles with viruses and you won't have to do anything. Mac's aren't flawless...folks just don't viruses for them because there's proportionally not that many Mac's out there. Mac's freeze as well, that's just the nature of computers. Mac's aren't flawless, a classmate just bought hers in December and it spent the last two weeks of December and most of January in and out of the repair shop.

Now, i own an apple macbook and am loving it so much that i'll never ever ever buy another microsoft running cpu again simply because i've not had any problems with it, it's works just like it did 6 months ago. Make the right choice and go with an apple. .

So, this whole rant about Microsoft is based on 6 months experience with Mac?

BTW, do you realize the simple fact that people go from microsoft to mac but absolutely nobody moves from mac to microsoft? Makes you think huh. Now you might go to your local best buy or whatever and tryout an apple and say "whats so good about this", i don't blame you because you won't see why an apple is better than a pc unless you use one for a week doing all the typical things it is you do on a computer. Trust me on this one, get an apple. People who say that you should get a windows computer are simply people who haven't tried an apple..

I hate to burst your bubble on this one, but I've moved from Mac to PC. And unless you've done some sort of research study, I don't think you can really say that No One goes from Mac to PC. I have moved from Mac to PC to Mac to PC....depending on what I needed at that point in my life. These are technology tools, not religions...no oath is required to purchase either one.

Things to consider for your decision.
1 - microsoft sucks simply because its a cheap rip off of what apple does with their system, on the new vista OS you'll find plenty of things that weren't on past pc's. Bill gates' company copys what Steve Jobs company does. .

OK, another factual correction here. The original Mac operating system (named Lisa) had huge concepts from it stolen from IBM back in the day (IBM was the first company to use icons and a graphic interface..it's generally accepted that Apple stole those concepts for their first OS). Apple is not a paragon of every good value and Microsoft is not the home of the Antichrist. Again, these are not religions, they're companies that make technology tools (and are trying to make a profit)...that's it.

2 - the ipod, microsoft made a wannabe ipod-the zune, which in fact its premiere was silenced by apples premiere of the iphone..

How is this connected to what Laptop CurlySue should buy?

3 - apple is consumer friendly, excellent customer support unlike ms. They make their software and hardware with people in mind. Take that example aviator411 made about the power plug, i can't start to tell you how many times thats come in use for me..

Well, no one is buying a laptop from Microsoft....if you need support with your laptop, 9.9 times out of ten, you'll contact the folks who made your laptop, not Microsoft. That being said, I've been on the phone with Microsoft Engineers to solve corporate problems and they were very helpful.

I don't get why the plug is such a big deal, it seems to me like Apple fixed a problem that wasn't broken. I've used and supported laptops for over a decade and I've never had a repair because someone tripped over a power cord. Of course, I also don't leave a power cord laying in a walkway. It seems that the low tech solution of not draping your power cord in a walkway might be a better solution.

Just buy a macbook, you'll never look back saying "did i make the right decision".
Just go to youtube and watch those ms vs. mac commercials, their hilarious and true.

The comercials are cute, no doubt.....but buying a thousand plus dollar technology tool based on them, seems like choosing a car to buy, by the color.

Apple makes a fine product, but it's not the end all, be all of computers....it has positives and negatives, like any other.

Peace,

Cathie

curlysue82 · Mar 1, 2007

The only thing I want a computer for is school. I really only need it to write essays and other school assignments and to surf the web. What I would like to know - At my CC we are using blackboard. On this we can download and print school assignments and view our grade. Mostly these are sent in word or excel; will I still be able to download/ print them or will I have to purchase the Microsoft software?