Laptop for medical school?

[bonoz]

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I start medical school soon. I have a crappy old Dell from 3 years ago that just won't suffice. I need to find something that is super light, powerful, durable, and reliable.

I don't want to go for another Dell as i believe their quality is quite below-par. They use cheap parts that start breaking down after a year or so.

I was thinking about Thinkpads (No pun intended 😛). Perhaps even a tablet, like this one: http://shop.lenovo.com/us/products/laptops/thinkpad/xtablet-series/index.html

What do you guys think/have?

 

[Rocher]

I start medical school soon. I have a crappy old Dell from 3 years ago that just won't suffice. I need to find something that is super light, powerful, durable, and reliable.

I don't want to go for another Dell as i believe their quality is quite below-par. They use cheap parts that start breaking down after a year or so.

I was thinking about Thinkpads (No pun intended 😛). Perhaps even a tablet, like this one: http://shop.lenovo.com/us/products/laptops/thinkpad/xtablet-series/index.html

What do you guys think/have?

This has been discussed quite a bit recently, I would do a search, you'll find a lot of good stuff. I bought the x220 and am very pleased with it.

 

[bonoz]

This has been discussed quite a bit recently, I would do a search, you'll find a lot of good stuff. I bought the x220 and am very pleased with it.

Do you find that you are able to take notes as easily as you would if you were using a notebook?

 

[TexasPhysician]

Some med students require certain brands or types. Contact your school first.

 

[D elegans]

Those were my considerations for a laptop as well. I purchased the Toshiba Portege 13" and would highly recommend it. Cnet.com has a great review of it.

http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/tos...5-3121_7-34449812.html?tag=prodList.0;bingo.4

 

[aSagacious]

Some med students require certain brands or types. Contact your school first.

😕 Really? Are you sure they don't simply require a certain operating system? (...which would still surprise me)

 

[thedoctor8706]

Macbook Pro. Thread closed.

 

[Rocher]

Do you find that you are able to take notes as easily as you would if you were using a notebook?

I think taking notes is much easier on a computer, I can actually read my handwriting haha. All of our lecture are in powerpoint format, so I just type the notes onto the notes section of the powerpoints.

 

[YH5]

Those were my considerations for a laptop as well. I purchased the Toshiba Portege 13" and would highly recommend it. Cnet.com has a great review of it.

http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/tos...5-3121_7-34449812.html?tag=prodList.0;bingo.4

I have that model too. It's a really good laptop.

 

[shenanigi]

Macbook Pro. Thread closed.

This. I'm an M2... had a dell for the first year, just bought a 13' MBP and am NEVER looking back. From battery life to build quality this things is VERY hard to beat

 

[theWUbear]

This has been discussed quite a bit recently, I would do a search, you'll find a lot of good stuff. I bought the x220 and am very pleased with it.

I strongly agree with everything above. There have been like 50 threads with approximately the same title where everyone has come out guns a'blazing in favor of the Lenovo hybrid laptop/tablet or the Macbook. There is a wealth of information in these threads and nothing more can be contributed that has not been said before within the last ~three months. Please read these threads

Some med students require certain brands or types. Contact your school first.

Also good advice

 

[Marcus Brody]

I'd save myself the 1000 bucks and stick with the Dell. Do you have internet, CD-ROM and word processing? OK, you are set.

A lot of med students have a technology fetish. Nothing like a fancy brand-name computer for superior facebooking capabilities.

 

[goldenwest]

I'd save myself the 1000 bucks and stick with the Dell. A lot of med students have a technology fetish. Nothing like a fancy brand-name computer for superior facebooking capabilities.

While this is decidedly true... it's nice to not run into random errors/viruses/etc. A big hd allows me to put all the tons of gigs of software they hand on on my machine instead of carrying around an external hd. The processing power means I don't run into problems waiting for my notes (or whatever else) to load. I don't regret my decision to get something a little higher end. I am admittedly a technology geek, though, so my advice obviously doesn't fit everyone. I think I could get by with a 4-6 year old crappy laptop if I ran linux on it and just took notes in vim and browsed. It's not necessary to have a nice computer, but it's not useless either.

 

[addo]

The only thing for which you would need a nicely spec'ed computer is to run 3D interactive anatomy programs.... if youre into that. If not, there is really no exceptional computer needs that i can think of, so far.

 

[bonoz]

Some med students require certain brands or types. Contact your school first.

I did. There are no particular requirements.

Macbook Pro. Thread closed.

Expensive and it's a MAC which means there are applications and other things out there that may not be compatible.

I think taking notes is much easier on a computer, I can actually read my handwriting haha. All of our lecture are in powerpoint format, so I just type the notes onto the notes section of the powerpoints.

Do you have the X220 tablet? The laptop that swivels and becomes a tablet? or just a regular laptop?

I'd save myself the 1000 bucks and stick with the Dell. Do you have internet, CD-ROM and word processing? OK, you are set.

A lot of med students have a technology fetish. Nothing like a fancy brand-name computer for superior facebooking capabilities.

Dells disintegrate after a year or so of use. I just want something that's fast and light and will last be for a good 4 to 5 years.

 

[MilkmanAl]

x220 would probably be your best bet, then. It's a nice combo of light, relatively inexpensive, and powerful.

 

[Jolie South]

Expensive and it's a MAC which means there are applications and other things out there that may not be compatible.

For anything like web browsing, creating Office documents, or whatever you may need to do as a med student, I have yet to encounter anything that's "incompatible" with a Mac. In fact, my printer was way easier to hook up to my Mac than my PC that imploded after first year.

 

[amakhosidlo]

I'm looking at maybe getting a new machine before MS2 starts, and I've narrowed it down to the X220 and the R835.

Spec-wise they're virtually identical, the Toshiba has better battery life by 20 mins (according to Cnet), and the X220's marginally faster. One thing to consider though, is the screen & lid finish. The X220 has a matte finish on both, which means way less glare from the screen and a lid that won't pick up scratches nearly as fast.

If I do decide to pull the trigger though, I'm probably going with the R835. I hate the keyboard on my Lenovo and it's really not any tougher or resilient than my friend's HP, just busier.

 

[Morsetlis]

Remember that Macs are made of aluminum "unibody" design, and that Lenovos are plastic pieces of crap (I have a y560p that can play Crysis on the highest settings with no lag, but it's still a plastic piece of crap).

 

[MilkmanAl]

The Lenovo consumer line (which is what you're talking about) is just as ****ty as any other computer in its class. However, ThinkPads and the other Lenovo business models are absolutely not pieces of crap. In fact, they're probably the most durable PCs on the market outside of the Panasonic Tough Book.

 

[FIREitUP]

Remember that Macs are made of aluminum "unibody" design, and that Lenovos are plastic pieces of crap (I have a y560p that can play Crysis on the highest settings with no lag, but it's still a plastic piece of crap).

lol comparing ideapad junk to thinkpad line.

 

[Rocher]

I'm looking at maybe getting a new machine before MS2 starts, and I've narrowed it down to the X220 and the R835.

Spec-wise they're virtually identical, the Toshiba has better battery life by 20 mins (according to Cnet), and the X220's marginally faster. One thing to consider though, is the screen & lid finish. The X220 has a matte finish on both, which means way less glare from the screen and a lid that won't pick up scratches nearly as fast.

If I do decide to pull the trigger though, I'm probably going with the R835. I hate the keyboard on my Lenovo and it's really not any tougher or resilient than my friend's HP, just busier.

The IPS screen on the x220 blows the r835 out of the water. I was contemplating getting the toshiba, but I couldn't get over the fact that it felt so fragile. The x220 on the other hand, is built like a tank. As far as battery life goes, my x220 with the 9 cell battery (free upgrade at the time) realistically lasts for 12 hours (it's marketed as 15 hours).

The main con I can see of the x220 is that the trackpad is garbage. The red nub in the middle of the keyboard works surprisingly well, but it could definitely be a dealbreaker for some.

 

[235009]

I start medical school soon. I have a crappy old Dell from 3 years ago that just won't suffice.

if you had a mac from 3 years ago it would have lasted you through all 4 years of med school.

 

[chiz2kul]

if you had a mac from 3 years ago it would have lasted you through all 4 years of med school.

funny and true

 

[Morsetlis]

lol comparing ideapad junk to thinkpad line.

I was a professional gamer, so before I started this great adventure, any computer without dedicated GPU's would be junk in my POV.

Of course, the priorities are different when you're using your laptop for school and not for gaming.

 

[Geekchick921]

I was a professional gamer, so before I started this great adventure, any computer without dedicated GPU's would be junk in my POV.

Of course, the priorities are different when you're using your laptop for school and not for gaming.

I'm actually pretty torn because I'd love a smaller laptop for portability (my current HP is 16" and I forget how much it weighs) but I really still want to be able to game with it. It wouldn't need to play Crysis 2 on ultra settings or anything, but I'd still like one with a decent dedicated graphics card.

 

[FIREitUP]

buy a desktop for gaming and a laptop for portability.

 

[amakhosidlo]

The new macbook air 13" is amazing. It compares well in speed/power tests to the last run of macbook pros, but its way light to carry to class! I love mine:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...17145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B005CWHZP4

...with no HDMI or VGA out. Or more than one USB. Orrr Ethernet jack. Orrrrrr cardreader (sorry, I'm just thinking of all the things you'd probably need/want to use on a routine basis)

 

[Jolie South]

...with no HDMI or VGA out. Or more than one USB. Orrr Ethernet jack. Orrrrrr cardreader (sorry, I'm just thinking of all the things you'd probably need/want to use on a routine basis)

I have a MBP, but I don't use any of those things routinely.

 

[Morsetlis]

I have a MBP, but I don't use any of those things routinely.

They're routine requirements for desktop-replacement notebooks. A MBA is like a fun accessory, but it's ****ty when you have to do serious computing and networking (come on, no Ethernet?)

Of course, medical students DON'T do serious computing...

 

[bonoz]

Ok here's a question though.

Is a tablet-laptop a worthy purchase for your medical school lectures/coursework? The reason I like the IDEA of a laptop is because I feel it can in a sense replace my pen and notebook. I can have all my notes/diagrams/annotations/etc. consolidated into one digitized place. I can then back my notes up, send them to friends, etc.

That's why I feel that getting the x220 tablet may be a worthy purchase. But I could be wrong. That's where I need your input.

 

[Jolie South]

They're routine requirements for desktop-replacement notebooks. A MBA is like a fun accessory, but it's ****ty when you have to do serious computing and networking (come on, no Ethernet?)

Of course, medical students DON'T do serious computing...

I was just providing a counterpoint that all of those ports were "necessary." I've owned my MBP for two years and never needed any of those things. This is my sole computer.

 

[FIREitUP]

I was just providing a counterpoint that all of those ports were "necessary." I've owned my MBP for two years and never needed any of those things. This is my sole computer.

I agree those ports are not what I would call necessary, plus you can get a mini displayport to hdmi converter for a few bucks. in the end, I have other reasons for not getting a mac.

 

[ucbsmd]

...with no HDMI or VGA out. Or more than one USB. Orrr Ethernet jack. Orrrrrr cardreader (sorry, I'm just thinking of all the things you'd probably need/want to use on a routine basis)

My 13" MBA has a display port and i picked up the VGA and HBMI adapters for $10 each. I don't need ethernet...its a laptop. Its got an SD card reader(Not that I'll ever use it)

Any other missing functions?

 

[Beren]

UX21 :http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/asus-ux21-to-be-priced-at-less-than-1-000-says-chinese-newspap/http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2386149,00.asp

Better CPU than MBA, lighter than the MBA, thinner than the MBA, more stylish than the MBA, longer battery life than the MBA ... for less than $1000. Coming in September.

 

[ucbsmd]

UX21 :http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/asus-ux21-to-be-priced-at-less-than-1-000-says-chinese-newspap/http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2386149,00.asp

Better CPU than MBA, lighter than the MBA, thinner than the MBA, more stylish than the MBA, longer battery life than the MBA ... for less than $1000. Coming in September.

But no 13" model available

 

[Beren]

But no 13" model available

But there is: http://www.crn.com.au/News/267242,first-look-asus-13in-ux31-ultrabook.aspx

 

[FunnyCurrent]

I start medical school soon. I have a crappy old Dell from 3 years ago that just won't suffice. I need to find something that is super light, powerful, durable, and reliable.

I don't want to go for another Dell as i believe their quality is quite below-par. They use cheap parts that start breaking down after a year or so.

I was thinking about Thinkpads (No pun intended 😛). Perhaps even a tablet, like this one: http://shop.lenovo.com/us/products/laptops/thinkpad/xtablet-series/index.html

What do you guys think/have?

All you need is a typewriter

 

[FunnyCurrent]

I use this:

 

[Morsetlis]

I use a Cherry MX Blue keyboard, which sounds way better.

I also type 110 WPM. Career in the secretarial arts?

😎

 

[Envix]

I should totally bring my mechanical keyboard to class, now that it's the "in" thing to do 🙂 Mine has Cherry Browns though (which are quieter), so I don't get to be as annoying as I want to be.

 

[FunnyCurrent]

I should totally bring my mechanical keyboard to class, now that it's the "in" thing to do 🙂 Mine has Cherry Browns though (which are quieter), so I don't get to be as annoying as I want to be.

Oh that would be classic.

 

[mrwesticles]

I hate to be another one to mention it, but take a serious look at apple.

There is something to be said about a reliable computer that just does what it is supposed to do, in addition to the fact that you can take it into an apple store and let issues with it be someone else's problem.

 

[richse]

lol comparing ideapad junk to thinkpad line.

My ideapad U460 is amazing (fast, lightweight, slim, low price) if you are calling it junk then you really don't know what you are talking about.

 

[miui]

Medical school's still have libraries and computer labs, no need to go out of your way for a powerful laptop; Just get something that meets your needs.

 

[moto_za]

Macbook air 👍

 

[DrGiraffe]

HP tablet (elitebook is the best) but anything HP has the best warranty and service

 

[kautionwirez]

g74sx-A1

 

[jtdMU2010]

I'm rockin a five year old Dell. Has internet (95%) of what I use it for and has Word and Powerpoint 2003 (5% use). Haven't used a CD on the computer in years. I'm not sure what else anyone needs on a computer other than internet and Microsoft Office.

Sometimes, I take notes on this like FunnyCurrent:

But it's a bit loud in class so I try to only use it at home.

 

[KKat]

buy a desktop for gaming and a laptop for portability.

This.

I got the Toshiba Portage for mobility. The portage has a 13.3 inch screen and is very light weight. So far I have not had any problems and would highly recommend it. I also have a desktop with a 24 inch monitor and it has been a good investment. Being able to see multiple windows at once is helpful. For example, in histology, I can look at the lab, the slides, the lecture, my notes, or the internet all at once and don't have to shifting through multiple windows.