Technology Suggestions for new computer purchase

Started by lilloco
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lilloco

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I am purchasing a new computer for University of Arizona in Tucson. Any suggestions considering mac vs pc, programs needed for classes, note-taking during lectures, researching for case-based groups, tablet pros and cons, etc.

Thanks SO much!
 
I don't know about your specific school, but I have an HP tx2 tablet and I love it. My school handed out a Dell tablet, but it does not compare to my tx2 (it is currently in my closet, lonely). The touch screen response is good and I haven't had any problems with this machine (had it ~9 months). It costs around $800-1000, which is decent for a good laptop.
 
stay clear of HP Tx2...s!!!! about half of the people in my class who bought this had theirs die on them approx. 1.5 years after purchase (including me! lucky I bought the extended warranty, but who knows it might happen again). get an IBM or Gateway, the Dell ones look really nice
 
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i know this sounds random but get something with good hinges if you plan on carrying your laptop around a lot. The first thing I always destroy on laptops are the hinges because they're the weakest point and tend to get a little abused in transit
 
just going to throw this out there - get a macbook or macbook pro
- cold start-up time is way faster than any windows machine
- reliable sleep mode: if you shut the laptop cover you know that it will work when you open the cover again, with windows it might not
- uses battery more efficiently
- can run windows if you need it to (you can probably get virtualization software and windows XP/7 for a steep discount at your school)
- no ridiculous flashing lights
- it just works

(for the record i also own a PC desktop and and did my share of customizing/fixing/etc ...I did my research before buying a laptop 3 years ago and found that macs were [and still are] superior hands down ...i continue to be very happy with my purchase)
 
macbook pro.

worth the money. eat noodles, avoid paying for repair bills and virus software.
 
I did a lot of research before deciding on the HP Pavilion dm4. I looked at macs but they're really pricy and I'm just more familiar with Windows OS. My laptop has an Intel i5 processor, 500 GB hard drive, weighs 4.4lbs and has 6.5 hours of life on a 6 cell battery.
I found one for 730 dollars on HP.com but Ultimate Electronics will price match. Plus they have a 50 mail in rebate and an additional rebate on printers right now. This machine met my standards for speed and portability but didn't overshoot my budget.
Hope this helps🙂
 
but if you get an mac, it's hard to find free pirated softwares. :meanie:

skinMD said:
just going to throw this out there - get a macbook or macbook pro
- cold start-up time is way faster than any windows machine
- reliable sleep mode: if you shut the laptop cover you know that it will work when you open the cover again, with windows it might not
- uses battery more efficiently
- can run windows if you need it to (you can probably get virtualization software and windows XP/7 for a steep discount at your school)
- no ridiculous flashing lights
- it just works

(for the record i also own a PC desktop and and did my share of customizing/fixing/etc ...I did my research before buying a laptop 3 years ago and found that macs were [and still are] superior hands down ...i continue to be very happy with my purchase)
Click to expand...
 
if you want windows get a Lenovo laptop. Personally I'd ditch windows, but that's a matter of contention.
 
plauto said:
if you want windows get a Lenovo laptop. Personally I'd ditch windows, but that's a matter of contention.
Click to expand...

Or you could always do what I did - get a Lenovo laptop AND ditch windows! And as long as you're getting a copy of windows you don't need, you can dual boot with no hassle.

And in response to mcgyver above, I have access to more free software than I know what to do with...
 
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