Computers, Tablets, Phones, & other Tech for Med school

[HalfListic]

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Instead of continuing the seperate threads for Phones, tablets, computers, etc...I wanted to start a combined technology thread.

Some of you know that Im an Apple fan...but I just read about a new computer that might give my Macbook Air a run for its top spot!

Have you guy/gals seen the chromebook Pixel they just released. Looks sweet:

[YOUTUBE]http://youtu.be/j-XTpdDDXiU[/YOUTUBE]

The only draw back is that its meant to store everything in the cloud, so you need to be connected almost always. It does have LTE built in (optional) and it does come with 1TB of cloud storage (for 3 years) so that should be good enough. The screen is amazing and it should be super fast...interesting option, I just wonder if its too soon to be all in the cloud?

 

[Ravizzle]

Instead of continuing the seperate threads for Phones, tablets, computers, etc...I wanted to start a combined technology thread.

Some of you know that Im an Apple fan...but I just read about a new computer that might give my Macbook Air a run for its top spot!

Have you guy/gals seen the chromebook Pixel they just released. Looks sweet:

[YOUTUBE]http://youtu.be/j-XTpdDDXiU[/YOUTUBE]

The only draw back is that its meant to store everything in the cloud, so you need to be connected almost always. It does have LTE built in (optional) and it does come with 1TB of cloud storage (for 3 years) so that should be good enough. The screen is amazing and it should be super fast...interesting option, I just wonder if its too soon to be all in the cloud?

It's way overpriced for what it is. If they had same hardware with windows on it then maybe I'd consider it.

It's basically a browser. Only 5 hours batt life, and i5 processor. WTF Google!

I'd rather get a more functional macbook at that price point.

Sent from my Galaxy S2, I think. But I don't really know, I'm just a lowly premed.

 

[MedPR]

Instead of continuing the seperate threads for Phones, tablets, computers, etc...I wanted to start a combined technology thread.

Some of you know that Im an Apple fan...but I just read about a new computer that might give my Macbook Air a run for its top spot!

Have you guy/gals seen the chromebook Pixel they just released. Looks sweet:

[YOUTUBE]http://youtu.be/j-XTpdDDXiU[/YOUTUBE]

The only draw back is that its meant to store everything in the cloud, so you need to be connected almost always. It does have LTE built in (optional) and it does come with 1TB of cloud storage (for 3 years) so that should be good enough. The screen is amazing and it should be super fast...interesting option, I just wonder if its too soon to be all in the cloud?

So after 3 years what happens?

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

 

[Ravizzle]

So after 3 years what happens?

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

They charge you.

Sent from my Galaxy S2, I think. But I don't really know, I'm just a lowly premed.

 

[HalfListic]

So after 3 years what happens?

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

yeah, you have to pay for storage (or sell computer and get a different one, which is what I would do).


All in all, I think its a bit too new. I hear that the Macbook Air might be getting a bigger update this spring with Retina Display. That'll prob win my money.

And, I agree Ravizzz...I need a little more function, battery life, and physical storage at this point.

 

[VisareAvGud]

So after 3 years what happens?

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

All of your info becomes "google-able"

 

[survivordo]

It seems like all of these chromebooks are a bit of a ripoff. Flashy but under powered for the price especially when you can get an iPad for significantly less.

Survivor DO

 

[VisareAvGud]

In all seriousness though, I think the Surface Pro seems pretty nice

 

[Ravizzle]

My dream computer would have 10 hour battery life, fast processor, have touchscreen with active digitizer, at least 128gb SSD, and solid build quality.

The announced think pad helix comes close. But no word on pricing/availability yet.

Sent from my Galaxy S2, I think. But I don't really know, I'm just a lowly premed.

 

[MedPR]

yeah, you have to pay for storage (or sell computer and get a different one, which is what I would do).


All in all, I think its a bit too new. I hear that the Macbook Air might be getting a bigger update this spring with Retina Display. That'll prob win my money.

And, I agree Ravizzz...I need a little more function, battery life, and physical storage at this point.

I didn't think MBA were getting retina this time. I thought it was just a better processor.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

 

[HalfListic]

In all seriousness though, I think the Surface Pro seems pretty nice

I think so too actually. I need to get my hands on one to make sure. One problem, I hear that the operating system takes up 50% of the storage.

So the 64GB is only 32GB and the 128GB is only 64GB, roughly...if so, they are overpriced for sure.

edit: when I googled it, people are saying its just like the 128GB MBAir, but my Air, the 128GB, has 114GB usable space. Not sure where they are getting their info

 

[VisareAvGud]

I think so too actually. I need to get my hands on one to make sure. One problem, I hear that the operating system takes up 50% of the storage.

So the 64GB is only 32GB and the 128GB is only 64GB, roughly...if so, they are overpriced for sure.

128 GB is around 89GB real storage. Unfortunate, but there is a microsdxc slot which can add up to 64 additional GB

 

[Ravizzle]

In all seriousness though, I think the Surface Pro seems pretty nice

Big problem for me is that you can't comfortably use on your lap. Also wish the type keyboard had a second battery to extend battery life.

Sent from my Galaxy S2, I think. But I don't really know, I'm just a lowly premed.

 

[HalfListic]

128 GB is around 89GB real storage. Unfortunate, but there is a microsdxc slot which can add up to 64 additional GB

that is really nice actually

 

[Ravizzle]

http://www.theverge.com/2013/1/6/3844010/lenovo-thinkpad-helix-convertible

 

[HalfListic]

http://www.theverge.com/2013/1/6/3844010/lenovo-thinkpad-helix-convertible

Thats a pretty cool one too...I was just talking to Kenobi about the lenovo Yoga. Another decent idea.

I need to see these in person though

 

[VisareAvGud]

Big problem for me is that you can't comfortably use on your lap. Also wish the type keyboard had a second battery to extend battery life.

Sent from my Galaxy S2, I think. But I don't really know, I'm just a lowly premed.

True, it is not the most comfortable in your lap. I like that is is bridging the gap between ultrabook and tablet though and does decently at both. I got to try one at a local Windows store and it was pretty slick. Of course I will fully admit to being a Windows fanboy. Hell, I still use my Zune 😳

 

[Ravizzle]

Thats a pretty cool one too...I was just talking to Kenobi about the lenovo Yoga. Another decent idea.

I need to see these in person though

Saw the yoga in person at best buy. Pretty cool.

Sent from my Galaxy S2, I think. But I don't really know, I'm just a lowly premed.

 

[Ravizzle]

True, it is not the most comfortable in your lap. I like that is is bridging the gap between ultrabook and tablet though and does decently at both. I got to try one at a local Windows store and it was pretty slick. Of course I will fully admit to being a Windows fanboy. Hell, I still use my Zune 😳

I still use my zune too!

My next computer is def going to be a win 8 convertible.

Sent from my Galaxy S2, I think. But I don't really know, I'm just a lowly premed.

 

[VisareAvGud]

I still use my zune too!

My next computer is def going to be a win 8 convertible.

Sent from my Galaxy S2, I think. But I don't really know, I'm just a lowly premed.

I haven't had a reason to switch to Windows 8 since I do most of my computing on a desktop, but I'm also in the market for a touch screen laptop, tablet, etc.

 

[ladybug1552]

Does anyone know about the MBA's 'screen crackability' and if anything has been done to strengthen it? I have had two friends crack their screens just from normal transport in their backpacks which is a major red flag. Also, does anyone think it's possible to get through med school with an iPad and no computer? I've heard streaming lectures could be an issue...Any input is appreciated!

 

[SLC]

Does anyone know about the MBA's 'screen crackability' and if anything has been done to strengthen it? I have had two friends crack their screens just from normal transport in their backpacks which is a major red flag. Also, does anyone think it's possible to get through med school with an iPad and no computer? I've heard streaming lectures could be an issue...Any input is appreciated!

No input on the MBA screen, though you should probably be able to find a hard-shell type sleeve for it if it's going to live in a backpack/be subjected to those types of stresses.

As far as iPad/no computer. You need to get the green-light from whatever school you end up at on that one. I know at my school we use our personal laptops for all testing, so you wouldn't be able to go without one here. I heard that our testing software is being released for the iPad soon, but who knows when and who knows if the school will support it.

 

[abolt18]

My dream computer would have 10 hour battery life, fast processor, have touchscreen with active digitizer, at least 128gb SSD, and solid build quality.

The announced think pad helix comes close. But no word on pricing/availability yet.

Sent from my Galaxy S2, I think. But I don't really know, I'm just a lowly premed.

Dream computer? Try infinite battery. Terabyte SSD (I'd never fill that).

 

[HalfListic]

Does anyone know about the MBA's 'screen crackability' and if anything has been done to strengthen it? I have had two friends crack their screens just from normal transport in their backpacks which is a major red flag. Also, does anyone think it's possible to get through med school with an iPad and no computer? I've heard streaming lectures could be an issue...Any input is appreciated!

When I worked for Apple, I saw a lot of screen lines on the MBA from people carrying in a bag that put too much pressure on it. I actually never saw a crack, though I can imagine that with enough pressure it would do some damage. But it is a bit more resistant to cracking than the MBP and other computers because it doesnt have the outer glass layer that usually does the cracking.

But, yeah, like SLC said, a hard shell case is the way to go. I use the hard candy case:

Works well. Another cool case is called the Book Book. Pretty sweet, but expensive.



As far as using iPad only...I say a big NO! I love the iPad, but I see it more as a companion to a computer. You just need a computer for something, IMO.

 

[HalfListic]

My dream computer would have 10 hour battery life, fast processor, have touchscreen with active digitizer, at least 128gb SSD, and solid build quality.

The announced think pad helix comes close. But no word on pricing/availability yet.

Sent from my Galaxy S2, I think. But I don't really know, I'm just a lowly premed..

Just get a MBP or Air, and pay this company a lot of money to turn it into a touchscreen for you, haha...you get your 10 hour battery life, touch screen and speed! and you can put whatever SSD you want in it...itll just cost ya.


http://www.modbook.com/modbookpro

 

[DrWily]

When I worked for Apple,

And everything suddenly became clear

 

[HalfListic]

And everything suddenly became clear

haha... *wondering if I lost or gain credibility on this front now...

If its any consolation, I liked Apple before I worked for them. And I hated Apple before I liked them.

 

[DrWily]

haha... *wondering if I lost or gain credibility on this front now...

If its any consolation, I liked Apple before I worked for them. And I hated Apple before I liked them.

I don't hate on Apple. Shiet my first computer (when I was 5) was a little Mac that could play games off a floppy. Reader Rabbit all up in that biz. Reader Rabbit is a G. 😎

 

[ladybug1552]

No input on the MBA screen, though you should probably be able to find a hard-shell type sleeve for it if it's going to live in a backpack/be subjected to those types of stresses.

As far as iPad/no computer. You need to get the green-light from whatever school you end up at on that one. I know at my school we use our personal laptops for all testing, so you wouldn't be able to go without one here. I heard that our testing software is being released for the iPad soon, but who knows when and who knows if the school will support it.

Good to know, I'd probably play it safe and stick with a laptop.

 

[MedPR]

book book case is so lameeeeeeeeeee.

 

[ladybug1552]

When I worked for Apple, I saw a lot of screen lines on the MBA from people carrying in a bag that put too much pressure on it. I actually never saw a crack, though I can imagine that with enough pressure it would do some damage. But it is a bit more resistant to cracking than the MBP and other computers because it doesnt have the outer glass layer that usually does the cracking.

But, yeah, like SLC said, a hard shell case is the way to go. I use the hard candy case:

Works well. Another cool case is called the Book Book. Pretty sweet, but expensive.



As far as using iPad only...I say a big NO! I love the iPad, but I see it more as a companion to a computer. You just need a computer for something, IMO.

Well it changes things now that I know that I'm talking to a bona fida apple employee 🙂 I was hoping to get away with not spending that much and just buy an iPad but I'd definitely like to have a laptop. I have my MBP but it's from '07 and I figure I should get a new laptop before med school in case it poops out. And I'll definitely get a hard case, thanks!!

 

[ladybug1552]

I don't hate on Apple. Shiet my first computer (when I was 5) was a little Mac that could play games off a floppy. Reader Rabbit all up in that biz. Reader Rabbit is a G. 😎

True life. And the Oregon Trail. Made living in Oregon seem pretty legit.

 

[Ravizzle]

Just get a MBP or Air, and pay this company a lot of money to turn it into a touchscreen for you, haha...you get your 10 hour battery life, touch screen and speed! and you can put whatever SSD you want in it...itll just cost ya.


http://www.modbook.com/modbookpro

I need a physical keyboard too. Plus $3500 is way out of my price range. I was thinking 1000-1500 Max

Sent from my Galaxy S2, I think. But I don't really know, I'm just a lowly premed.

 

[MedPR]

So I hear the MBP has seen a dip in price. Any chance the new MBAs will experience a similar fate? I'm still looking at one for the Fall.

 

[HalfListic]

book book case is so lameeeeeeeeeee.

You're lame!!!! :cry::cry::cry:

But for real...I think its awesome on the Air. Looks oh so good...just too expensive.

True life. And the Oregon Trail. Made living in Oregon seem pretty legit.

I was totally going to say this.

I need a physical keyboard too. Plus $3500 is way out of my price range. I was thinking 1000-1500 Max

Sent from my Galaxy S2, I think. But I don't really know, I'm just a lowly premed.

so picky... 😉
JK, those are WAY too pricey. Im sure something new will come out for a good price sometime this year.

So I hear the MBP has seen a dip in price. Any chance the new MBAs will experience a similar fate? I'm still looking at one for the Fall.

The MBA actually did drop in price too at the same time the MBP did. There are new ones coming out in the Spring, most likely, so maybe good to wait til then, since the new models almost always stay the same price. For students, the price dropped $150 for the Air though, while also getting a processor speed increase. the Pros dropped $2-300, but they have a larger margin so thats makes sense.

 

[JGimpel]

To all the wealthy pre-meds; all it takes is for one of your shiny new Apple products is to get stolen once to get stung with a huge financial hit if you have to replace like for like to worry less about "relearning" an OS in the middle of med school. Get a Windows laptop with the basics for around $600 and be done with it. I assure you, you'll be able to listen to/watch lectures on it, store the gigs of torrented stuff that will probably be passed around class and connect your favorite gadgets too. Writing on a tablet with a pen or in "fingerpaint" mode is way overrated and not worth the price once you get down to studying for your exams.

 

[Ravizzle]

To all the wealthy pre-meds; all it takes is for one of your shiny new Apple products is to get stolen once to get stung with a huge financial hit if you have to replace like for like to worry less about "relearning" an OS in the middle of med school. Get a Windows laptop with the basics for around $600 and be done with it. I assure you, you'll be able to listen to/watch lectures on it, store the gigs of torrented stuff that will probably be passed around class and connect your favorite gadgets too. Writing on a tablet with a pen or in "fingerpaint" mode is way overrated and not worth the price once you get down to studying for your exams.

PreyProject ftw.

Sent from my Galaxy S2, I think. But I don't really know, I'm just a lowly premed.

 

[HalfListic]

To all the wealthy pre-meds; all it takes is for one of your shiny new Apple products is to get stolen once to get stung with a huge financial hit if you have to replace like for like to worry less about "relearning" an OS in the middle of med school. Get a Windows laptop with the basics for around $600 and be done with it. I assure you, you'll be able to listen to/watch lectures on it, store the gigs of torrented stuff that will probably be passed around class and connect your favorite gadgets too. Writing on a tablet with a pen or in "fingerpaint" mode is way overrated and not worth the price once you get down to studying for your exams.

This may sound like prudent advice, but its really only one opinion (which I can respect, btw!)

Having something stolen is always bad news, but I dont think I'd base my computer choice on that. Sunglasses choice? Sure...why buy $300 sunglasses when they are so easy to break or loose/steal.

But my computer? Good luck stealing my computer. If you have your commuter stolen, you have done something wrong. Even if you buy a $600 machine, are you just going to let it sit around?? $600 is a lot of money.

Not to mention, if you get a $5-600 computer, you'll have to buy a new one sooner. So, even if you get a PC, get a decent one for around $1000.


I say, get whichever brand you want. btw you can run windows (faster 😉 ) on a Mac. But OSX takes all of 2 weeks to learn, so I wouldnt even take that much into consideration.



And then, don't leave it sitting around!


b, idk. Ijapm...

PreyProject ftw.

Sent from my Galaxy S2, I think. But I don't really know, I'm just a lowly premed.

lol

 

[HalfListic]

also, Google Glass. Seen it? this has some really cool potential, I think:


http://youtu.be/v1uyQZNg2vE

 

[Ravizzle]

So ppl worried about computer being stolen. I encourage you to install some sort of security tracking software. I personally love http://preyproject.com/ it's open source and free. A friend of mine had his apartment broken into and laptop stolen, used this to track the person, get their picture using front camera and had police successfully retrieve his device.

Sent from my Galaxy S2, I think. But I don't really know, I'm just a lowly premed.

 

[gmcguitar4]

You guys should also check at your school for OS works best with their software. For example,(according to someone who goes there) NYCOM is not mac friendly. They stream lectures and they work best on windows media player. You can watch on VLC on mac but you can't watch it 2x speed. Many schools have electronic tests and their programs could only work on certain operating systems.
I'm not sure how big of a problem it is or if it is even a concern..but just something to consider!!

 

[GopherMD]

I'm planning on getting a MacBook Pro. Maybe an iPad as well, but I'll hold off from deciding until I start classes to see if it would actually be useful or not.

 

[MedPR]

You guys should also check at your school for OS works best with their software. For example,(according to someone who goes there) NYCOM is not mac friendly. They stream lectures and they work best on windows media player. You can watch on VLC on mac but you can't watch it 2x speed. Many schools have electronic tests and their programs could only work on certain operating systems.
I'm not sure how big of a problem it is or if it is even a concern..but just something to consider!!

Why can't you watch 2x on vlc? Vlc is a billion times better than wmp.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

 

[JGimpel]

The wealthy pre-meds that walk in to an Apple store and fill up a shopping cart with expensive stuff that their parents ultimately end up paying for are not the people that I am trying to reach with my n=1 opinion. Just know that, no matter whom is paying for the equipment, whether or not the school will support it and the different software it may need to run is most important. If you've been accepted into and have put your money down on a school that is all Mac, by all means, get a Mac and get cracking on your First Aid. If the school is all Windows, get a Windows PC and get cracking on your First Aid. You could go your entire 4 years of medical school without the need to replace any of your gadgets, computers or sunglasses. If you feel you must, that's up to you, but it's not the most prudent use of your money. An opinion made for judicious use of money while in medical training will rarely be derided by anyone.

You can definitely control the speed of anything you play on VLC, whether on your computer or phone.

 

[MedPR]

The wealthy pre-meds that walk in to an Apple store and fill up a shopping cart with expensive stuff that their parents ultimately end up paying for are not the people that I am trying to reach with my n=1 opinion. Just know that, no matter whom is paying for the equipment, whether or not the school will support it and the different software it may need to run is most important. If you've been accepted into and have put your money down on a school that is all Mac, by all means, get a Mac and get cracking on your First Aid. If the school is all Windows, get a Windows PC and get cracking on your First Aid. You could go your entire 4 years of medical school without the need to replace any of your gadgets, computers or sunglasses. If you feel you must, that's up to you, but it's not the most prudent use of your money. An opinion made for judicious use of money while in medical training will rarely be derided by anyone.

You can definitely control the speed of anything you play on VLC, whether on your computer or phone.

But I'll be cool if I get fancy new stuff every month

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

 

[HalfListic]

Why can't you watch 2x on vlc? Vlc is a billion times better than wmp.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

I agree...much better. I cant see why you couldn't watch at 2x, so maybe its a software thing he was using??

The wealthy pre-meds that walk in to an Apple store and fill up a shopping cart with expensive stuff that their parents ultimately end up paying for are not the people that I am trying to reach with my n=1 opinion. Just know that, no matter whom is paying for the equipment, whether or not the school will support it and the different software it may need to run is most important. If you've been accepted into and have put your money down on a school that is all Mac, by all means, get a Mac and get cracking on your First Aid. If the school is all Windows, get a Windows PC and get cracking on your First Aid. You could go your entire 4 years of medical school without the need to replace any of your gadgets, computers or sunglasses. If you feel you must, that's up to you, but it's not the most prudent use of your money. An opinion made for judicious use of money while in medical training will rarely be derided by anyone.

You can definitely control the speed of anything you play on VLC, whether on your computer or phone.

"wealthy pre-meds" huh?

I feel like you are out of your comfort zone here. AGAIN, macs run Windows and they run it faster and more reliably than PCs. So, a school doesn't need to be mac. And Apple has the top rated support of any company, so you are fine *if you have trouble, which, statistically, you will have fewer problems anyway.

So again, is buying something that has a much higher failure rate objectively a "judicious" decision? (hint: no 😉 ) Is a Mac that much more expensive? (see previous hint)

So, feel free to add your opinions to the conversation, but try to be more objective in your assessments.


Some people buy Toyota, some buy hyundai. Have fun in your sonata. 👍

 

[JGimpel]

I agree...much better. I cant see why you couldn't watch at 2x, so maybe its a software thing he was using??



"wealthy pre-meds" huh?

I feel like you are out of your comfort zone here. AGAIN, macs run Windows and they run it faster and more reliably than PCs. So, a school doesn't need to be mac. And Apple has the top rated support of any company, so you are fine *if you have trouble, which, statistically, you will have fewer problems anyway.

So again, is buying something that has a much higher failure rate objectively a "judicious" decision? (hint: no 😉 ) Is a Mac that much more expensive? (see previous hint)

So, feel free to add your opinions to the conversation, but try to be more objective in your assessments.


Some people buy Toyota, some buy hyundai. Have fun in your sonata. 👍

Never mind.

 

[MedPR]

Apple is the best. The jocks and cheerleaders told me so.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

 

[Mr Kenobi]

So ppl worried about computer being stolen. I encourage you to install some sort of security tracking software. I personally love http://preyproject.com/ it's open source and free. A friend of mine had his apartment broken into and laptop stolen, used this to track the person, get their picture using front camera and had police successfully retrieve his device.

Sent from my Galaxy S2, I think. But I don't really know, I'm just a lowly premed.

But that takes all the fun out of things.

 

[Ravizzle]

But that takes all the fun out of things.

Yeah but it turned out the dude had an arrest warrant out previously. So glad my friend took the safe approach.

Sent from my Galaxy S2, I think. But I don't really know, I'm just a lowly premed.