Which computer to get?

[zoner]

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Hi everyone,, i am not in med school yet, but i really need to get something portable for this semester at school. i am not a mac person so i won't be buying anything that has apple on it, so with that said, which laptopt/netbook/table did you guys all find useful in med school?

 

[KinasePro]

Hi everyone,, i am not in med school yet, but i really need to get something portable for this semester at school. i am not a mac person so i won't be buying anything that has apple on it, so with that said, which laptopt/netbook/table did you guys all find useful in med school?

Asus zenbook is supposed to be pretty baller. Their transformer pad infinity tablet is allegedly excellent as well and has already received the new Android OS (4.1 jellybean). Nexus 7 from google is great, too, if you don't mind the portrait orientation is smaller size.

That being said, I'm a big fan of macbooks, so I'd urge you to reconsider apple if you're shopping for a laptop. But if you want a tablet, I agree that the iPad is sub-par (it's only redeeming quality is the display).

 

[deleted103644]

Even if you're looking for a windows pc, I'd still recommend the 11" MacBook air.

Just dual boot windows. It's a fantastic machine.

 

[zoner]

Asus zenbook is supposed to be pretty baller. Their transformer pad infinity tablet is allegedly excellent as well and has already received the new Android OS (4.1 jellybean). Nexus 7 from google is great, too, if you don't mind the portrait orientation is smaller size.

That being said, I'm a big fan of macbooks, so I'd urge you to reconsider apple if you're shopping for a laptop. But if you want a tablet, I agree that the iPad is sub-par (it's only redeeming quality is the display).

Nexus 7 is just a tablet no? How useful would that be for studying and taking notes?

Even if you're looking for a windows pc, I'd still recommend the 11" MacBook air.

Just dual boot windows. It's a fantastic machine.

Samsung has similar air kind of laptop but I am not that rich.

 

[KinasePro]

Nexus 7 is just a tablet no? How useful would that be for studying and taking notes?

Yes, it's a smaller-than-average tablet but it's been well received. I'm not a tablet fan myself, I think they're all pretty cumbersome for note taking. I'd use one around the house and on the road, but for in-class note taking laptops are far superior IMO.

 

[DrWily]

Yes, it's a smaller-than-average tablet but it's been well received. I'm not a tablet fan myself, I think they're all pretty cumbersome for note taking. I'd use one around the house and on the road, but for in-class note taking laptops are far superior IMO.

I respectfully disagree. Right now I'm using an Ipad 1 (first gen) for all my notetaking and find it quite enjoyable. I was very very skeptical for using the ipad for taking notes, but with a good system, it works out better than I expected.

I use Goodreader app for annotation and ability to upload/download to dropbox, and a stylus + bluetooth keyboard. Ya it defeats the purpose of having a tablet with a keyboard separate, but my laptop is 5 years old and pretty thick&heavy. Ipad + keyboard/stylus was like $400 vs Macbook which is $$$$. I rarely take notes during class in which I have to type. It's mostly highlighting/underlining key points and I find the stylus and touchscreen to be way better than trying to do that with a touchpad.

If money is an issue, I see no reason why you shouldn't get an Ipad. I'd say 65%+ of my class uses Ipad.

 

[KinasePro]

I'd say 65%+ of my class uses Ipad.

Interesting, we had about 20 ipad/tablet users at the beginning of M1 and it has since dwindled to ~5. Most just bring in their laptops now. Maybe we're just set in our ways 😀

What you said about price is definitely true, you can save money by going with a tablet. But I'd only go the tablet route if I had a reliable laptop/desktop elsewhere for production. I imagine making a powerpoint, working with spreadsheets, image editing etc.. abilities are pretty limited on the tablets.

 

[deleted103644]

Interesting, we had about 20 ipad/tablet users at the beginning of M1 and it has since dwindled to ~5. Most just bring in their laptops now. Maybe we're just set in our ways 😀

What you said about price is definitely true, you can save money by going with a tablet. But I'd only go the tablet route if I had a reliable laptop/desktop elsewhere for production. I imagine making a powerpoint, working with spreadsheets, image editing etc.. abilities are pretty limited on the tablets.

Keynote's actually pretty good on the iPad. Made a few presentations on it.

 

[Bane]

Ipads are more convenient than they are functional. Right now there's very little advantage (productivity-wise) that an iPad offers.

But being technologically more efficient doesn't matter much for medical school. There is no way in hell that a business that needed to do actual data entry would primarily use iPads. As for on the go or accessing/reading information, iPads are great.

In the end, this becomes a silly debate though, because being a great student has very little to do with what technology you use (i.e. some people are computer-dumb but are top students). Which goes back to my point, in a real business where data entry was really important, iPads wouldn't fly. See if any hospital uses iPads as their primary device... none will because they just aren't there yet, but again they can be used as a secondary device brilliantly, which is why they are as popular as they are.

 

[DrWily]

Interesting, we had about 20 ipad/tablet users at the beginning of M1 and it has since dwindled to ~5. Most just bring in their laptops now. Maybe we're just set in our ways 😀

What you said about price is definitely true, you can save money by going with a tablet. But I'd only go the tablet route if I had a reliable laptop/desktop elsewhere for production. I imagine making a powerpoint, working with spreadsheets, image editing etc.. abilities are pretty limited on the tablets.

Ah I forgot to mention I have a powerhouse desktop at home for these tasks so my suggestion may not work for the OP if he is looking for an all-in-one solution.

 

[deleted103644]

Ipads are more convenient than they are functional. Right now there's very little advantage (productivity-wise) that an iPad offers.

But being technologically more efficient doesn't matter much for medical school. There is no way in hell that a business that needed to do actual data entry would primarily use iPads. As for on the go or accessing/reading information, iPads are great.

In the end, this becomes a silly debate though, because being a great student has very little to do with what technology you use (i.e. some people are computer-dumb but are top students). Which goes back to my point, in a real business where data entry was really important, iPads wouldn't fly. See if any hospital uses iPads as their primary device... none will because they just aren't there yet, but again they can be used as a secondary device brilliantly, which is why they are as popular as they are.

I believe some hospitals are actually using iPads for their EMR systems, maybe not on an operational level but they are definitely experimenting with it. Portability is a huge benefit, not to mention touch screens are much easier to sanitize than keyboards.

 

[myshisha]

Lenovo. It's that simple. If you are computer savvy, Lenovo + Linux = best thing ever. And their X series laptops are small and portable and powerful.

 

[zoner]

what about one of those cheap mini laptops?

 

[Bane]

I believe some hospitals are actually using iPads for their EMR systems, maybe not on an operational level but they are definitely experimenting with it. Portability is a huge benefit, not to mention touch screens are much easier to sanitize than keyboards.

Of course they are using them because they can use the touch screen simply. That's why I said primary system (btw, if you've been through any EMR systems you would know that there are few iPad applications with the depth/complexity of current EMR software). I'll say this, count the # of ipads in the hospital and count the # of computers. When the iPads outnumber the computers, then you'd be correct in asserting they are the primary device the hospital uses.

You're point only backs up my assertion that the iPad is about convenience.

 

[Morsetlis]

iPads are good for a convenient way of looking at lecture slides. Their battery life are also superior to PC's.

I use a Vaio Z for schoolwork. Most of my friends prefer their Macs. If you can wait, wait for the Windows 8 Touchscreen laptops... will probably be worth it.

 

[evilbooyaa]

Dude it's a laptop. If you're not planning to game/edit videos on it, just get something cheap, portable, and good battery life.

I wouldn't worry too much about it.

That being said, if your school gives you notes to go off of like mine did, you don't necessarily need to even bring a laptop to class. For other studying at school, I used one of the computers in the school lab.

 

[deleted103644]

Of course they are using them because they can use the touch screen simply. That's why I said primary system (btw, if you've been through any EMR systems you would know that there are few iPad applications with the depth/complexity of current EMR software). I'll say this, count the # of ipads in the hospital and count the # of computers. When the iPads outnumber the computers, then you'd be correct in asserting they are the primary device the hospital uses.

You're point only backs up my assertion that the iPad is about convenience.

Most EMR systems are essentially web portals (or the bad ones are Java).

Easy enough to handle on an iPad.

With voice dictation built into all of them and improving quickly, expect it to be an integral part of many hospitals' EMRs.

 

[cpufreak3]

You can get the Dell XPS 13 for less than $700 through their outlet.

If you want a tablet for actual note-taking, wait for windows 8. Most android tablets and the ipad only support capacitive input, which is terrible for notes.

There are a few android tablets good for notes (N-trig or wacom digitizers) - HTC flyer (7") and the Galaxy Note Tab (10").

I personally have a Dell XPS 14z for typing up stuff, watching lectures, etc.

For casual browsing, I have a transformer prime tablet. Good for flipping through pre-produced content from class.

I'm still a paper pencil kind of guy. I prefer writing in the margins of our syllabus, and it's just less cumbersome to use than electronics.

Also, a 7" tablet will fit in your white coat pocket. Load it up with epocrates and you're good to go.

 

[citr8]

Lenovo. It's that simple. If you are computer savvy, Lenovo + Linux = best thing ever. And their X series laptops are small and portable and powerful.

not keen on linux, but pick yourself up an X220 or X230...you'll spend less than Apple and get better specs

plus your comp probably won't be eyed by a potential thief 👍

 

[deleted103644]

not keen on linux, but pick yourself up an X220 or X230...you'll spend less than Apple and get better specs

plus your comp probably won't be eyed by a potential thief 👍

Stick with UNIX based computers.

I'd go either Ubuntu or Mac (unless you're geeky enough to play around with more complicated flavors of Linux).

 

[Dirtyshadow]

Honestly, I'd wait for the window's 8 batch of ultrabooks to come out. Also, you could invest in one that has a touch screen that could act as a tablet for taking notes. They make these now for windows 7, but windows 7 is not ideal for tabs
.

 

[deleted103644]

Honestly, I'd wait for the window's 8 batch of ultrabooks to come out. Also, you could invest in one that has a touch screen that could act as a tablet for taking notes. They make these now for windows 7, but windows 7 is not ideal for tabs
.

I'd wait for windows 80.

 

[zoner]

I'd wait for windows 80.

http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/29/samsung-unveils-ativ-smart-pc-and-smart-pc-pro-with-detachable-k/

sweet thing

 

[Quaero]

I'd wait for windows 8 tablet/ultra book as well. Whatever you get, make sure it's light enough to carry around all day, have good battery life, and have good enough processing power.

 

[zoner]

I'd wait for windows 8 tablet/ultra book as well. Whatever you get, make sure it's light enough to carry around all day, have good battery life, and have good enough processing power.

yep yep and S-pen! i just tested out S-pen at best buy this past weekend for Samsung Galazy 10.2 or 1 and it was freaking AMAZING! Pressure sensitive, just like using the real pen or pencil

 

[oculus]

asus zenbook prime is a good choice

 

[kdavidlee25]

Hi everyone,, i am not in med school yet, but i really need to get something portable for this semester at school. i am not a mac person so i won't be buying anything that has apple on it, so with that said, which laptopt/netbook/table did you guys all find useful in med school?

if im lucky enough to make it to med school, ill be the only one using a pad and pencil. tried taking notes on laptop, ipad, iphone, rotary phone....cant do it. plus, the price is right. only 50 cents, sometimes even free from the career center.

 

[zoner]

if im lucky enough to make it to med school, ill be the only one using a pad and pencil. tried taking notes on laptop, ipad, iphone, rotary phone....cant do it. plus, the price is right. only 50 cents, sometimes even free from the career center.

that's good for you, but over the years, i lost my ability to write fast enough to be able to take a note... plus, i hate printing ppt and other lecture document. it feels like the biggest waste of paper and ink

 

[zoner]

i can't wait for this....


http://www.bgr.com/2012/10/04/att-windows-8-tablet-release-date-asus-samsung/

or any other windows 8 tablet coming out

 

[joshua201]

Nexus 7 is just a tablet no? How useful would that be for studying and taking notes?

the samsung galaxy note 10.1 is a great device all round and especially in the note taking category

 

[Wordead]

I had a cheap $200 netbook that I used for preclinical years. 10 hours of battery life, super light, did anything I needed it to. Sync it up with my home desktop so files auto-update. Dont waste your money on an expensive laptop unless you actually have the need for processing power - your idiot classmates with a $1200 Macbook are still only using it to check facebook and open powerpoints. Whats the point?

 

[MedicalBeast]

Get a Lenovo Thinkpad,

http://www.lenovo.com/products/us/laptop/thinkpad/

they are the best laptops, hands down.

a really good mix of price/features/screen size is the Thinkpad T430s

or if you have the money for it, their new X1 Carbon ultrabook looks amazing!

they often have special discounts for students as well: http://shop.lenovo.com/us/portals/students

 

[deleted103644]

I had a cheap $200 netbook that I used for preclinical years. 10 hours of battery life, super light, did anything I needed it to. Sync it up with my home desktop so files auto-update. Dont waste your money on an expensive laptop unless you actually have the need for processing power - your idiot classmates with a $1200 Macbook are still only using it to check facebook and open powerpoints. Whats the point?

The OS. Much better than Windows, and a bit more reliable than Ubuntu.

Not to mention they're pretty.

Get an MBA. They're not too expensive $999, and you do get your money's worth. (As opposed to an actual MBA, which is just a hollow degree...)

 

[Bacchus]

Lenovo. It's that simple. If you are computer savvy, Lenovo + Linux = best thing ever. And their X series laptops are small and portable and powerful.

Aye. I got a Lenovo T400 at the beginning of school, 2009, and it runs fine. The battery is near death, but still holds a 2 hour charge. I've dropped this countless times without any repercussions. Bought the 4 year warranty and I don't think I'll have to use it.

 

[Wordead]

The OS. Much better than Windows, and a bit more reliable than Ubuntu.

Not to mention they're pretty.

Get an MBA. They're not too expensive $999, and you do get your money's worth. (As opposed to an actual MBA, which is just a hollow degree...)

Let's not lie, that's the actual and only reason.

I'm not going to get into a computer nerd debate over the OS - suffice to say that it's not worth $800 more.

 

[deleted103644]

Let's not lie, that's the actual and only reason.

I'm not going to get into a computer nerd debate over the OS - suffice to say that it's not worth $800 more.

Anything based on UNIX is better than Windows.

 

[zoner]

tablet PCis the future

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using SDN Mobile

 

[Rumalum]

Yes, it's a smaller-than-average tablet but it's been well received. I'm not a tablet fan myself, I think they're all pretty cumbersome for note taking. I'd use one around the house and on the road, but for in-class note taking laptops are far superior IMO.

Which is why everyone needs to own the Lenovo X230t convertible PC/tablet

best of both worlds and it's been a godsend for me so far in med school

 

[zoner]

Is thay windows 8 where the tablet portion comes of f?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using SDN Mobile

 

[Wordead]

Anything based on UNIX is better than Windows.

Yes, yes, enjoy your superior program opening abilities and pretty interface. I'll take a trip to the carribean instead.

 

[notamember82]

IBM pentium desktop. Had it for twelve years still kicking.

Sure bet is on MacBook pro. Would avoid the air if you're going to use as primary computer.

 

[deleted103644]

IBM pentium desktop. Had it for twelve years still kicking.

Sure bet is on MacBook pro. Would avoid the air if you're going to use as primary computer.

It a actually is really not bad as a primary.

I've been trying to justify getting a new high res MBP to myself for "work" (radiology), and I just really don't need more than my MBA, plus wouldn't want to have to deal with something bigger.

For serious computation, I use the cloud anyway.

 

[notamember82]

Could you use iPad for viewing pacs? If so it might be a nice compromise

 

[deleted103644]

Could you use iPad for viewing pacs? If so it might be a nice compromise

Definitely, although it depends on the system and don't think you can do official reads on an iPad yet.

OSIRIX has a decent iPad app already.

 

[zoner]

You got to try samsung s/pen. It feels exactly like using the real thing. Thats why I am so excited about the latest tablet pcs coming out at the end of this year. When you want to read or look at slides our just highlight you can detach the tablet portion.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using SDN Mobile

 

[myshisha]

Glad to see that a lot of people have come out in support of Lenovo with me. In all honesty, Johnnydrama is correct in UNIX>>Windows opinion....In my opinion. And I still use windows a lot for random things. I use to be an apple fanboy until they up and sold out and turned into microsoft 2.0. So while they have lost my respect, I concede that the OS is still far superior to windows.

 

[deleted103644]

I won't deny that Apple has some ****ty business practices.

There aren't many saints in the computer industry though. (Aside from the FOSS supporters of course, but no money in that.)

As long as it doesn't undermine the quality of their products, I'll concede them their profit gouging on their charging cables.

 

[myshisha]

There aren't many saints in the computer industry though.

Truer words and all that. 👍

 

[circulus vitios]

Anything based on UNIX is better than Windows.

As long as it's something incredibly mainstream like OS X. Otherwise, prepare to spend 10 hours on Google trying to figure out why (some obscure and horribly written hacked-together program or utility) keeps crashing.

 

[deleted103644]

As long as it's something incredibly mainstream like OS X. Otherwise, prepare to spend 10 hours on Google trying to figure out why (some obscure and horribly written hacked-together program or utility) keeps crashing.

Oh c'mon, that's half the fun. 😀

Ubuntu is pretty stable.

Just don't try lots of untested stuff unless you like tinkering.