Battle of the Laptops: MAC vs. PC

[MCAT guy]

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There was a PC vs Mac thread 4 years ago, so much has happened since then in tech and the role tech plays is more important than ever. So it's time for a new one.

If you were an incoming M1, would you buy a PC or Mac laptop and why?

If you think it doesn't really matter either way, then there is an option for that too.

 

[robu058]

I would go with Mac because you can always add PC to a mac via, for instance, VMware fusion. This is not true if you have PC.

 

[MCAT guy]

I had this battle down to the Macbook vs Lenovo Thinkpad, but I don't know much about laptops.

If anyone has good laptop recommendations, please offer them.

I should add, I don't mind spending extra money BUT only when I get tangible benefits from the higher price.

 

[medstudent87]

I hate macs so much I don't even know where to begin. So, I'll let this site scratch the surface for me:

http://collegetimes.us/top-10-reasons-why-mac-sucks/

 

[thechad]

I hate macs so much I don't even know where to begin. So, I'll let this site scratch the surface for me:

http://collegetimes.us/top-10-reasons-why-mac-sucks/

Finally, someone who understands...

 

[Alvarez13]

I would go with Mac because you can always add PC to a mac via, for instance, VMware fusion. This is not true if you have PC.

What Mac software/hardware/whatever you're talking about would you want to add to a PC?

 

[TooMuchResearch]

I have always owned PCs. They're cheaper, easier to fix, easier to customize, and harder to mistake for the laptops of 60% of people in your class.

I don't care for Thinkpads, though. When I used them in the past, I repeatedly fingered the little red nubbin by accident. It was irritating.

 

[random cell]

I'm a Mac owner of 7 years and for med school and most likely beyond I am going back to PCs. There is not nearly as much compatibility issues as before, but there still exists some issues and they pop up when you least expect it. For example, Excel 2008 for Mac does not have an option to add custom error bars...basic **** on every goddamn excel program since the beginning and it was removed for office mac 2008. This **** would never happen for Windows software and really ****ed me when I needed it most. Yes, Microsoft Office was at fault here, but they would never pull this **** on their own OS.

Also the "Macs just work" slogan is true.......

......until it isn't. Hardware fails. This is universal and Steve Jobs does not have a magical powder that makes Macs invincible to hardware failures. I've had the same Macbook for 5 years and had the logic board (includes GPU) replaced twice already due to hardware failure and a recall. I do have to say Apple service is top notch and they ask no questions if you have AppleCare. Then again that **** costs money too...

I would recommend a Mac if you are willing to pay a premium for the stylish exterior and a different OS. I think the OS is really easier to use than Windows, until some **** goes terribly wrong (pretty rare honestly) and you cannot troubleshoot it. I really like the OS, and I don't want to leave it, but I do not want to pay extra $$$ for an aluminum case with inferior specs versus a Windows laptop. And the OS itself is not worth $1K in extras. It was a fun ride, but I'll be switching back to windows. For med school I'm researching tablet PCs like lenovos/toshibas. I'll probably end up with a lenovo X220T, the refresh of the already awesome X201T.

By the way, no way in hell did I pay full retail price for any Macs I own/owned. I wait until the new model comes out, then go straight to Amazon and nab one of the few previous generation models for about $1K cheaper for basically the same specs. Also try Apple refurbished if you really want a Mac for a slightly cheaper price.

 

[eablackwell]

I am biased (seeing as I get all my macs 25% off, so price isn't much of an issue). However, I have to say many of the reasons given in that link are 1) ridiculous or 2) simply incorrect

1) I am sorry that at one point in time the date does not show up by the time, it is, however, very large at the bottom of the screen when you mouse over the dock. Also, it does show up in the top right now, but in older versions (this article is almost a year and a half old), it didn't.

2) The non 2-button mouse thing is really a nonissue for anyone who knows anything about macs. I refused to change to them way back when for that exact reason, and for at least the past 3-4 years you can go into the controls and choose two-button function. It will work then, promise.

3) As an avid gamer and someone with a husband who does gfx and website design as a hobby, I can tell you the weak gfx claim is crazy. The artist types I know cling to their macs harder than anyone else. Many design schools such as Full Sail in orlando run 100% on macs. Also the 15" MacBook pro was ranked #5 in 2010 as far as gaming laptops go, and I believe every laptop above it was in the 2k-4k price range.

In the end, for med school it does not matter at all what you buy. In fact it would likely help your time management if you got a less than awesome, older pc or Mac, because then you won't have the option of indulging in more popular forms of computer entertainment 😉

 

[thechad]

3) As an avid gamer and someone with a husband who does gfx and website design as a hobby, I can tell you the weak gfx claim is crazy. The artist types I know cling to their macs harder than anyone else. Many design schools such as Full Sail in orlando run 100% on macs. Also the 15" MacBook pro was ranked #5 in 2010 as far as gaming laptops go, and I believe every laptop above it was in the 2k-4k price range.

That's great until you wan't to play Mass Effect 2 or any of the other great games that aren't available on a Mac, or come out a year after the PC launch (if they ever come out on Mac at all, that is)...

EDIT: Should also be of note that just because one random list has MBP at #5 doesn't mean most other list even have it in the top 10, as per google search.

 

[robu058]

What Mac software/hardware/whatever you're talking about would you want to add to a PC?

Gee...don't you guys know how to read?? I clearly stated the name of the software one would use to run Windows on Mac, i clearly spell it correctly and I clearly say it is called: VMware Fusion, which I am using now to reply to your post!!! Moreover, I did not say the same is true for PC. If you have PC, you cannot run Mac on it (at least legally; I know someone who does so but it is NOT legal).

EDIT: For others who might be interested, the aforementioned software creates a virtual PC that is running concurrently with your MAC. Thus, you can add anything to this "PC" as you would have done in a regular PC. To install the PC, you would need to buy a window software in addition to your VMWare Fusion. VMware fusion also allows you to install linux into Mac as well. I have both Window 7 and Window XP installed in my VMWare fusion. If i save a document on the virtual PC, it is automatically saved on my Mac

 

[BlueElmo]

I own both a Mac laptop and PC and Mac is so much easier to use and user-friendly than a PC.
The only bad thing is that I can't play games on Mac. But if you're not a gamer, and you can afford it, I would buy a Mac. Otherwise, buy a good quality PC.

 

[mvenus929]

Gee...don't you guys know how to read?? I clearly stated the name of the software one would use to run Windows on Mac, i clearly spell it correctly and I clearly say it is called: VMware Fusion, which I am using now to reply to your post!!! Moreover, I did not say the same is true for PC. If you have PC, you cannot run Mac on it (at least legally; I know someone who does so but it is NOT legal).

I believe the response to this is, again.... if you have a PC, why would you want to run anything Mac on it? The only thing I use from Apple is iTunes, and it runs just fine on my PC, thank you very much.

I've always had PCs, and can't fathom why someone would want to spend twice as much (or more) for a computer with essentially the same specs. Plus, I have ports that the Macs don't have, such as an HDMI port. Loved that when we wanted to watch movies but didn't have a DVD player after I got my new TV.

 

[MCAT guy]

I'm a Mac owner of 7 years and for med school and most likely beyond I am going back to PCs. There is not nearly as much compatibility issues as before, but there still exists some issues and they pop up when you least expect it. For example, Excel 2008 for Mac does not have an option to add custom error bars...basic **** on every goddamn excel program since the beginning and it was removed for office mac 2008. This **** would never happen for Windows software and really ****ed me when I needed it most. Yes, Microsoft Office was at fault here, but they would never pull this **** on their own OS.

Also the "Macs just work" slogan is true.......

......until it isn't. Hardware fails. This is universal and Steve Jobs does not have a magical powder that makes Macs invincible to hardware failures. I've had the same Macbook for 5 years and had the logic board (includes GPU) replaced twice already due to hardware failure and a recall. I do have to say Apple service is top notch and they ask no questions if you have AppleCare. Then again that **** costs money too...

I would recommend a Mac if you are willing to pay a premium for the stylish exterior and a different OS. I think the OS is really easier to use than Windows, until some **** goes terribly wrong (pretty rare honestly) and you cannot troubleshoot it. I really like the OS, and I don't want to leave it, but I do not want to pay extra $$$ for an aluminum case with inferior specs versus a Windows laptop. And the OS itself is not worth $1K in extras. It was a fun ride, but I'll be switching back to windows. For med school I'm researching tablet PCs like lenovos/toshibas. I'll probably end up with a lenovo X220T, the refresh of the already awesome X201T.

By the way, no way in hell did I pay full retail price for any Macs I own/owned. I wait until the new model comes out, then go straight to Amazon and nab one of the few previous generation models for about $1K cheaper for basically the same specs. Also try Apple refurbished if you really want a Mac for a slightly cheaper price.

Found the X220T, looks nice:

 

[MCAT guy]

I don't care much about gaming on the laptop.

Definitely won't be spending my free time in medical school sitting down in front of a computer!

It seems like Mac users love and are devoted to their machines, while PCs users enjoy getting similar specs for less. I'm not quite sure if I've seen anyone list any tangible benefits for owning a Mac over a PC yet. Although I do understand that Mac users are highly satisfied, which is certainly a strong selling point.

 

[thechad]

I'm just going to leave this here.

 

[eablackwell]

That's great until you wan't to play Mass Effect 2 or any of the other great games that aren't available on a Mac, or come out a year after the PC launch (if they ever come out on Mac at all, that is)...

EDIT: Should also be of note that just because one random list has MBP at #5 doesn't mean most other list even have it in the top 10, as per google search.

LoL, I'm not trying to start a Mac/PC war here. In the end, per my final suggestion it doesn't really matter for us. We shouldn't be spending massive amounts of time gaming in med school anyway.

However, the PC games not coming out for Mac card has been a moot point since Mac went intel. I've played PC only games the day they came out for years.

As one person above asked for a reason I would actually recommend macs over pcs (which until now I have not done, just discredited present day myths), I would recommend it due to safety while browsing/downloading on the net. Yes, on that list there is a nice little rant about how this is untrue, but I just don't see where that could possibly be right. I have never once in 4 years of using a Mac gotten a virus/Trojan/infection, whatever. I have had one MacBook for 4 years (not top of the line when I bought it, still played games like SC2, WoW, and CoD), no problem. Forgot my power cord on a vacation once, brought my work laptop home that week and in 1 week I picked up a ridiculous amount of virus/worm crap that had to be taken care of by my tech dept. My aunts, cousins and grandmother just gave up on PCs because they were buying a new comp every year or so because within a month or two their registry keys were so laden with junk that they ran like a 486. Firewall settings and antivirus software don't always cut it. I never even bother with the firewall on my macs because I don't need to.

Another pro, resale value. I just sold a 3.5 year old MacBook (not pro) for over 500 bucks. selling my laptop and my 3 year old iMac practically paid for my new 15" MacBook pro. Though as I look at it now I realize I overstepped and bought a computer to game with. I do not need this for med school. I was fooling myself 😛

 

[fahimaz7]

That's great until you wan't to play Mass Effect 2 or any of the other great games that aren't available on a Mac, or come out a year after the PC launch (if they ever come out on Mac at all, that is)...

EDIT: Should also be of note that just because one random list has MBP at #5 doesn't mean most other list even have it in the top 10, as per google search.

The difference is that the MBP's can run most of the games on the market, and they don't have to have an external cooling system to do it. I play Quakelive and WoW on my 13inch MBP, and it's flawless.

Plus, what idiot wants to play real games on a laptop? I have a i7 with tons of ram and dual video cards for that.

 

[Mace1370]

The only reason to buy a Mac is if you really like their form factor (can't blame anyone for liking it, Mac's have great form factors) or are used to their OS.

PCs can also look snazzy, are much better priced (you can get equivalent hardware for much, much less), and do more from a software perspective than Mac's can. I personally prefer PCs.

 

[plauto]

a machine is a machine...macs do break too. However, would you rather drive a BMW 330 or a Chevy Aveo? Sure, they both take you from point A to B just fine....

 

[Dr Oops]

Gee...don't you guys know how to read?? I clearly stated the name of the software one would use to run Windows on Mac, i clearly spell it correctly and I clearly say it is called: VMware Fusion, which I am using now to reply to your post!!! Moreover, I did not say the same is true for PC. If you have PC, you cannot run Mac on it (at least legally; I know someone who does so but it is NOT legal).

EDIT: For others who might be interested, the aforementioned software creates a virtual PC that is running concurrently with your MAC. Thus, you can add anything to this "PC" as you would have done in a regular PC. To install the PC, you would need to buy a window software in addition to your VMWare Fusion. VMware fusion also allows you to install linux into Mac as well. I have both Window 7 and Window XP installed in my VMWare fusion. If i save a document on the virtual PC, it is automatically saved on my Mac

Point is that aside from OSX (which you can still do depending on how far you want to go) there is FAR more software for PCs than for macs.

 

[MCAT guy]

a machine is a machine...macs do break too. However, would you rather drive a BMW 330 or a Chevy Aveo? Sure, they both take you from point A to B just fine....

?

 

[NotAsking4Much]

One other thing to note is the design of the Mac. I always bought PCs but the problem is that a lot of them (besides Lenovo but they look so...nm) break after a few falls.

Honestly, the whole software issue is not relevant. Med school requires internet, email, and a few other programs that is universally available. It's not like you're going to use abstract programs only available to one system.

Main pros about PC: cheaper, high-end gaming (if this matters to you)
Macs: OSX (I think it is just a more stable OS) and design

Some of my classmates use only netbooks...so anything is going to be fine.

 

[MilkmanAl]

I've always been a big ThinkPad fan for their durability, but Dell business class laptops are also excellent (the consumer models are utter rubbish, though, so be careful). Here's a comparison of the two I threw together about a month ago and posted elsewhere:

Let's compare 2 computers, shall we?

Custom Lenovo ThinkPad T510:
Processor: 2.66 GHz Intel Core i5-560M
Screen: 15.6", 1600x900 resolution, "anti-glare" (matte)
GPU: NVidia NVS 3100
Memory: 4 GB, 1067 MHz
HD: 500 GB, 7200 RPM
Battery: 9-cell Li-ion
OS: Windows 7 64-bit
Comes with integrated wireless and mobile broadband access
1 year parts and labor


MacBook Pro:
Processor: 2.66 GHz core i7 (can't figure out which model, but I'm betting it's the 620M)
Screen: 15", 1680x1050 resolution, "anti-glare"
GPU: NVidia GeForce 330M
Memory: 4 GB, 1067 MHz
HD: 500 GB, 7200 RPM
Battery: 58W NuPower battery
OS: OS X
No mention of integrated wireless or broadband access, though I'm sure they're there.
No warranty mentioned.

The Mac boasts slightly better resolution with a marginally smaller screen and a better processor. They're claiming 8-9 hours of battery life, and given Mac's reputation for efficient products, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. I usually get about 5 hours out of my power-hog ThinkPad, so advantage: Mac in that department, too. In other words, those are two very similar computers with the upper hand to the MacBook Pro. The difference? The Lenovo clocks in at $1149. The Mac? $2399. Yeah...

edit: I noticed that on the main MacBook page, they list the graphics card, but it's nowhere to be found in the customization part. Odd. Anyway, it appears that the NVS card performs a little bit better than the 330M. It's more or less a wash for most people, but if you plan on running high-resolution things the NVS is stronger.

Lots of people are very happy with their Macs, and rightfully so; they are excellent computers. However, ThinkPads are also excellent - just as good if you're okay with installing and running AVG Free every now and then - but don't come with a ludicrous price tag. ThinkPads also happen to have magnesium cases around all internal parts (read: they're tough as nails, literally) and don't run anywhere near as hot as Macs, in my experience.

As for the tablet debate, I'd absolutely not buy one. Just type in the slide notes. If you just have to have the tablet functionality, buy an IPad.

 

[hoot504]

a machine is a machine...macs do break too. However, would you rather drive a BMW 330 or a Chevy Aveo? Sure, they both take you from point A to B just fine....

Somewhere out there an apple marketing wizard just came.

 

[shadowfox87]

For you mac lovers who think ipad is cool: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpvTXXtMJkU

 

[JacobSilge]

If you are used to using a PC, get a PC. If you are used to using a Mac, get a Mac. Other than possibly cost, there really isn't a single compelling reason to go for one or the other. However, if you go PC just make sure to get a decent one. My Thinkpad has been in outstanding shape for the last 4 years.

Actually, there are two tangible advantages to having a Mac - faster startup time and longer battery life. That being said, Windows 7 is an improvement on both fronts.

 

[armorshell]

a machine is a machine...macs do break too. However, would you rather drive a BMW 330 or a Chevy Aveo? Sure, they both take you from point A to B just fine....

I'd ride a bike. You people are taking your needs way too freaking seriously. 99% of what you do is word processing and surfing the net. Why do you need a $2500 laptop? Hell, why do you need an $800 laptop?

 

[MCAT guy]

I've always been a big ThinkPad fan for their durability, but Dell business class laptops are also excellent (the consumer models are utter rubbish, though, so be careful). Here's a comparison of the two I threw together about a month ago and posted elsewhere:


Lots of people are very happy with their Macs, and rightfully so; they are excellent computers. However, ThinkPads are also excellent - just as good if you're okay with installing and running AVG Free every now and then - but don't come with a ludicrous price tag. ThinkPads also happen to have magnesium cases around all internal parts (read: they're tough as nails, literally) and don't run anywhere near as hot as Macs, in my experience.

As for the tablet debate, I'd absolutely not buy one. Just type in the slide notes. If you just have to have the tablet functionality, buy an IPad.

Let's compare 2 computers, shall we?

Custom Lenovo ThinkPad T510:
Processor: 2.66 GHz Intel Core i5-560M
Screen: 15.6", 1600x900 resolution, "anti-glare" (matte)
GPU: NVidia NVS 3100
Memory: 4 GB, 1067 MHz
HD: 500 GB, 7200 RPM
Battery: 9-cell Li-ion
OS: Windows 7 64-bit
Comes with integrated wireless and mobile broadband access
1 year parts and labor


MacBook Pro:
Processor: 2.66 GHz core i7 (can't figure out which model, but I'm betting it's the 620M)
Screen: 15", 1680x1050 resolution, "anti-glare"
GPU: NVidia GeForce 330M
Memory: 4 GB, 1067 MHz
HD: 500 GB, 7200 RPM
Battery: 58W NuPower battery
OS: OS X
No mention of integrated wireless or broadband access, though I'm sure they're there.
No warranty mentioned.

The Mac boasts slightly better resolution with a marginally smaller screen and a better processor. They're claiming 8-9 hours of battery life, and given Mac's reputation for efficient products, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. I usually get about 5 hours out of my power-hog ThinkPad, so advantage: Mac in that department, too. In other words, those are two very similar computers with the upper hand to the MacBook Pro. The difference? The Lenovo clocks in at $1149. The Mac? $2399. Yeah...

This pretty much settles it for me.

I'm probably getting a Lenovo and not the tablet. Lenovo + iPad should do fine.

 

[MCAT guy]

I was looking at a Thinkpad, does anyone know if the processing power will matter in anyway?

The choices are:

Intel Core i3-2310M Processor (2.10GHz, 3MB L3)

Intel Core i5-2520M Processor (2.50GHz, 3MB L3)

Intel Core i5-2540M Processor (2.60GHz, 3MB L3)

Intel Core i7-2620M Processor (2.70GHz, 4MB L3)

 

[Geekchick921]

I'm starting to lean more and more towards getting a tablet laptop that I can write directly on the screen with a stylus for handwriting notes. I'm pleased with my laptop but I'd like to keep that at home and have something a little more portable and durable to take to and from school. The Lenovo's look really nice and I'm liking what I read about the HP Touchsmart tm2.

 

[gravitywave]

I have always owned PCs. They're cheaper, easier to fix, easier to customize, and harder to mistake for the laptops of 60% of people in your class.

I don't care for Thinkpads, though. When I used them in the past, I repeatedly fingered the little red nubbin by accident. It was irritating.

you can turn the pointing stick off. question is, why would you want to? it's so much better than a touchpad it's not even funny.

reminds me of the review (I think it was CNet?) in which that was their only complaint, and i was like, uuuhhhh guys... you can turn it off.

I was looking at a Thinkpad, does anyone know if the processing power will matter in anyway?

The choices are:

Intel Core i3-2310M Processor (2.10GHz, 3MB L3)

Intel Core i5-2520M Processor (2.50GHz, 3MB L3)

Intel Core i5-2540M Processor (2.60GHz, 3MB L3)

Intel Core i7-2620M Processor (2.70GHz, 4MB L3)

i'd get the i5-2520, if only because you're going to want this thing to last four years, with enough ohmph to run anything you throw at it during that time. what is it, an extra $50? worth it. also get win7pro-64, and 4G of ram.

the most important thing however, is to get the SSD. read/write/boot times are so so so much faster, not to mention the increased reliability. it's probably still a good investment to buy a Carbonite subscription, though.

check the Lenovo store to see if your school is listed for a discount. it's very easy to order through their education portal and save a couple hundred bux.

 

[Geekchick921]

check the Lenovo store to see if your school is listed for a discount. it's very easy to order through their education portal and save a couple hundred bux.

👍 👍 My school had a bunch of discounted offers. Still, I might be able to find a cheaper option elsewhere.

Here's the link if anyone's interested.
http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/...howPromo?LandingPage=/All/US/Portals/Students

 

[MilkmanAl]

Also, there's a way to get an additional discount on top of the institutional one if you convince them you're a student. You have to click on a bunch of links that have to do with school and education, and they eventually give you a coupon code for a 5% discount, assuming they haven't discountinued that practice.

 

[amakhosidlo]

As much as I hate Macs, and I mean hate, I gotta through my vote behind the macbook pro. A little program called Mentalcase (flashcard maker with a really smooth UI) has been clutch for all my classmates throughout the year. It only runs on macs (Yeah, ironic)

# of PC's that have failed/broken this year: 4. # of Mac casualties: 0 (and Macs outnumber PC's 2:1)

A number of PC'ers in our class, me included, can't get online in our main lecture hall and when we can it's slow as **** (Some problem w/ naming conflicts and not getting assigned an IP address). None of the macs have this problem.

As much as I hate to admit it, they just work better...

BTW, since Thinkpads are being presented as an alternative: All thinkpads are NOT created equal. Go for the T/R/X series ONLY. The cheap versions (S/U/"Consumer" level) are just that, cheap.
Oh, and you don't need a new model either for whatever Lenovo's charging now (Think I saw $1200 for a T410??) Check out Ebay or Craigslist and you'll find a bunch of ex-corporate machines in pretty awesome shape for cheap ($3-400)

 

[gravitywave]

As much as I hate Macs, and I mean hate, I gotta through my vote behind the macbook pro. A little program called Mentalcase (flashcard maker with a really smooth UI) has been clutch for all my classmates throughout the year. It only runs on macs (Yeah, ironic)

# of PC's that have failed/broken this year: 4. # of Mac casualties: 0 (and Macs outnumber PC's 2:1)

A number of PC'ers in our class, me included, can't get online in our main lecture hall and when we can it's slow as **** (Some problem w/ naming conflicts and not getting assigned an IP address). None of the macs have this problem.

As much as I hate to admit it, they just work better...

BTW, since Thinkpads are being presented as an alternative: All Lenovos are NOT created equal. Go for the ThinkPad series ONLY. The cheap versions (S/U/"Consumer" level) are just that, cheap.
Oh, and you don't need a new model either for whatever Lenovo's charging now (Think I saw $1200 for a T410??) Check out Ebay or Craigslist and you'll find a bunch of ex-corporate machines in pretty awesome shape for cheap ($3-400)

fixed those for you 😀 if it says ThinkPad, you're getting the professional grade build quality. also, if you need a good flashcard app for windows, check out Anki.

I agree with the part about refurb machines though, it's worth checking out. doesn't Lenovo have their own refurb outlet too? i'm just such a huge fan of the SSD drives though, and those are still pretty new.

 

[MCAT guy]

you can turn the pointing stick off. question is, why would you want to? it's so much better than a touchpad it's not even funny.

reminds me of the review (I think it was CNet?) in which that was their only complaint, and i was like, uuuhhhh guys... you can turn it off.



i'd get the i5-2520, if only because you're going to want this thing to last four years, with enough ohmph to run anything you throw at it during that time. what is it, an extra $50? worth it. also get win7pro-64, and 4G of ram.

the most important thing however, is to get the SSD. read/write/boot times are so so so much faster, not to mention the increased reliability. it's probably still a good investment to buy a Carbonite subscription, though.

check the Lenovo store to see if your school is listed for a discount. it's very easy to order through their education portal and save a couple hundred bux.

SSD is $350 more and a lot less memory. Is it really worth it? 128 GB only cost that much more than regular drive.

 

[MCAT guy]

fixed those for you 😀 if it says ThinkPad, you're getting the professional grade build quality. also, if you need a good flashcard app for windows, check out Anki.

I agree with the part about refurb machines though, it's worth checking out. doesn't Lenovo have their own refurb outlet too? i'm just such a huge fan of the SSD drives though, and those are still pretty new.

Again, is an SSD drive worth 300-400 bucks more? I don't mind spending if it's really worth it. The drives are so small though, like 128 or 180 GB.

 

[xanthomondo]

I was looking at a Thinkpad, does anyone know if the processing power will matter in anyway?

The choices are:

Intel Core i3-2310M Processor (2.10GHz, 3MB L3)

Intel Core i5-2520M Processor (2.50GHz, 3MB L3)

Intel Core i5-2540M Processor (2.60GHz, 3MB L3)

Intel Core i7-2620M Processor (2.70GHz, 4MB L3)

What is the price difference?

 

[gravitywave]

Again, is an SSD drive worth 300-400 bucks more? I don't mind spending if it's really worth it. The drives are so small though, like 128 or 180 GB.

well, obviously you know my answer because i keep harping on it. i'll say this: if you don't get the SSD, the slower performance of a mechanical drive will be the single weakest part of the system. a regular hard drive is going to be the bottleneck. don't bother upgrading the CPU, that's for sure. if you amortize the cost of the drive over four years, it's a worthwhile investment, if only because of all the time you'll spend sitting there, staring at it, waiting for things to happen. there's also the reliability factor in the setting of a laptop: there are no moving parts to get damaged in the rough-and-tumble that is the life of a student's laptop. and did i mention how much quieter the thing is?

storage is cheap. if you really need more space for all your movies and music, just get an external hard drive and swap stuff out as you please.

 

[MCAT guy]

Sample build:

~ $1900 with 3 year warranty

ThinkPad T420
Processor: Intel Core i5-2520M Processor (2.50GHz, 3MB L3)
Operating system: Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64
Operating system language: Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64 US English
Display type: 14.0 HD+ (1600 x 900) LED Backlit Display, Mobile Broadband Ready
System graphics: Intel HD Graphics 3000 - (no separate video card)
Total memory: 4 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
Keyboard: Keyboard US English
Hard drive: 128 GB Solid State Drive, Serial ATA +$350
Optical device: DVD recordable multiburner
System expansion slots: Express Card Slot & 4 in 1 Card Reader
Battery: 6 cell Li-Ion Battery - 55+
Power cord: Country Pack North America with Line cord & 65W AC adapter
PCI adapter: IEEE 1394a port
Integrated WiFi wireless LAN adapters: ThinkPad b/g/n
Integrated mobile broadband: Integrated Mobile Broadband - Upgradable
Language pack: Language Pack US English
Microsoft productivity software preload: Microsoft Office Home and Business 2010 (North America) and Adobe Acrobat X - English

Accessories and options:
3YR Onsite + 3YR ThinkPad Protection Edit

What is the price difference?

Intel Core i3-2310M Processor (2.10GHz, 3MB L3)

Intel Core i5-2520M Processor (2.50GHz, 3MB L3) - Base price

Intel Core i5-2540M Processor (2.60GHz, 3MB L3) +$50

Intel Core i7-2620M Processor (2.70GHz, 4MB L3) +$190

 

[amakhosidlo]

fixed those for you 😀 if it says ThinkPad, you're getting the professional grade build quality.

Eh...Notsomuch. I have the "SL" series. Says Thinkpad. So far after 2 yrs: 1 broken hinge (Plastic, happened when I opened the thing in class one morning. OH, and it took half the keyboard bezel with it😡), One dead battery (My battery-tending habits aren't the best, but still a little ridic. how fast it went), loose DC input 2x (Both times I had to take the whole damn thing apart and Epoxy it back into place. Only two little plastic tabs hold the the plug onto the chasis, SUPER cheap and a terrible design for such a commonly stressed input), and the LCD backing is finished in high gloss, cheap plastic (read: Picks up scratches like a MOTHER). Oh, and hitting the volume/lenovocare buttons makes the bios freakout and hangs up the entire system. But that happened straight out of the box.

If I didn't know how awesome the T series can be, I wouldn't buy a Thinkpad ever again.

 

[MilkmanAl]

Dude, that sounds more like a problem with the user than the equipment. You shouldn't have that much trouble with the cheapest POS on the market.

MCAT, I'd spring for the 9 cell battery. It's worth the extra cash.

 

[motomed]

how good is the service for the lenovos? I currently have a dell xps and love the warranty. no matter what I do, it gets fixed within a day or two. I've had the techs meet me on campus, at home, at a subway... I'm liking the lenovos but would like to have similar service available.

 

[stiz]

I have had THREE thinkpads ... I like Thinkpads ...
but Macs are cheaper now that the hardware has changed (not all SCSI, etc..) ....

anyway, to me the MacBook Pro at about $1100 for students to me is a great value ... I don't know of anyone who is not happy with their MacBook ....

can be a pain... I had to install VMWare, WindowsXP, etc...so I can use MSKAP ....

Just not worrying about viruses is a pretty significant difference ....

My .02
👍

I had this battle down to the Macbook vs Lenovo Thinkpad, but I don't know much about laptops.

If anyone has good laptop recommendations, please offer them.

I should add, I don't mind spending extra money BUT only when I get tangible benefits from the higher price.

 

[MCAT guy]

I have had THREE thinkpads ... I like Thinkpads ...
but Macs are cheaper now that the hardware has changed (not all SCSI, etc..) ....

anyway, to me the MacBook Pro at about $1100 for students to me is a great value ... I don't know of anyone who is not happy with their MacBook ....

can be a pain... I had to install VMWare, WindowsXP, etc...so I can use MSKAP ....

Just not worrying about viruses is a pretty significant difference ....

My .02
👍

On the virus thing. I did have a little trouble with viruses on my desktop at one point but over a 5 year period, maybe only 2-3 instances. Are viruses really a huge problem right now in the laptop world? And do Macs really have no viruses?

Also, you said you downloaded Windows XP for mac. So doesn't that mean your Mac could then get a virus?

Dude, that sounds more like a problem with the user than the equipment. You shouldn't have that much trouble with the cheapest POS on the market.

MCAT, I'd spring for the 9 cell battery. It's worth the extra cash.

Thanks for the tip.

 

[amakhosidlo]

You shouldn't have that much trouble with the cheapest POS on the market.

No, I shouldn't.

 

[Kevin Baker]

I hate Macs but honestly, I feel the new MBPs have the best balance of power, performance, battery, and portability of any sub $2000 laptop on the market . Not only that, but there isn't the insane price premium (at least for the 13 inch) as there is with almost every other Mac release in history. I'm looking at the Sony Vaio S as alternatives at that pricepoint, and the Z as an alternative for the higher priced MBPs.

For a decent under $1k laptop, apple won't cut it (look at the Portege or a Vaio S sale) but I am very impressed with the new release and think Apple has justified its market share in the $1-2k laptop market.

 

[MilkmanAl]

how good is the service for the lenovos?

Honestly, I've had 2 problems ever with my 2 ThinkPads. One of them was my fault for repeatedly ignoring a message that told me my CPU fan wasn't working, and the other was my fault for spilling water on the (nearly spill-impermeable) keyboard and leaving it there like a *******. In the first case, my 4 year warranty had expired 1 month before my mobo fried. They walked me through a few tests to do to determine what had gone wrong. In the latter case, the dude on the phone gave me some magic trick to do with the battery that made my machine start back up like nothing was wrong but told me that if it didn't work, it'd take 3-5 business days after they received the computer to fix it and have it on its way back since there isn't a Lenovo hub in Little Rock. I'd consider their service good, but I'd consider the fact that I've never had one screw up from something I didn't do/neglect* to be even better.

*If you want to count a 4+ year old $10 plastic fan burning out as a serious lapse in quality, then you go right ahead.

 

[Slack3r]

Sample build:

~ $1900 with 3 year warranty

ThinkPad T420
Processor: Intel Core i5-2520M Processor (2.50GHz, 3MB L3)
Operating system: Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64
Operating system language: Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64 US English
Display type: 14.0 HD+ (1600 x 900) LED Backlit Display, Mobile Broadband Ready
System graphics: Intel HD Graphics 3000 - (no separate video card)
Total memory: 4 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
Keyboard: Keyboard US English
Hard drive: 128 GB Solid State Drive, Serial ATA +$350
Optical device: DVD recordable multiburner
System expansion slots: Express Card Slot & 4 in 1 Card Reader
Battery: 6 cell Li-Ion Battery - 55+
Power cord: Country Pack North America with Line cord & 65W AC adapter
PCI adapter: IEEE 1394a port
Integrated WiFi wireless LAN adapters: ThinkPad b/g/n
Integrated mobile broadband: Integrated Mobile Broadband - Upgradable
Language pack: Language Pack US English
Microsoft productivity software preload: Microsoft Office Home and Business 2010 (North America) and Adobe Acrobat X - English

Accessories and options:
3YR Onsite + 3YR ThinkPad Protection Edit

And you said Macs were expensive? My 15" MBP has similar specs and cost about $600 less than that.