Which laptop should I buy?

  • Thread starter Thread starter 577455
  • Start date Start date
This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
5

577455

Members do not see this ad.
I've been using my trusty Sony Vaio for the last 7 years but the pixels are starting to die. With dental school starting next year and black friday coming up I believe it's time for a new laptop. I do not like upgrading laptops and I want to keep my next one for at least 5 years.

I am looking at a Dell XPS 15 with an i5, 4k touch screen, 8 gb ram, and 256ssd. I am concerned with the reliability of Dell as I've read about negative things online.

The other option is a Macbook Pro 13in with touch bar. I5, 8gb ram, 256 ssd. Macbooks are well known for their reliability and build quality which is what attracts me to them. I'm not sure if I like MacOS tho.
 
iono101 said:
I've been using my trusty Sony Vaio for the last 7 years but the pixels are starting to die. With dental school starting next year and black friday coming up I believe it's time for a new laptop. I do not like upgrading laptops and I want to keep my next one for at least 5 years.

I am looking at a Dell XPS 15 with an i5, 4k touch screen, 8 gb ram, and 256ssd. I am concerned with the reliability of Dell as I've read about negative things online.

The other option is a Macbook Pro 13in with touch bar. I5, 8gb ram, 256 ssd. Macbooks are well known for their reliability and build quality which is what attracts me to them. I'm not sure if I like MacOS tho.
Click to expand...

Wait until you get an offer from a dental school. Some dental schools require you to buy their laptop of choice.
 
I have the XPS laptop (and so does everyone else in my class). The vast majority love theirs, including me.
 
personally I avoid macbook because the software may be incompatible with the SD oftware.

I cannot comment on dell except that people complain about it. I used Lenovo throughout college and now for med school. I also suggest HP's inspiron too


IDK if the promotion still stands but I got my new Lenovo, an edge 2-in-1 15.8", for 800. it had i7 processor, 8 GB RAM, and came with GeFirce 940XM
Sent from my SM-G920V using SDN mobile
 
1070752 said:
What's their 'laptop of choice'? What does that even mean...?
Click to expand...
I know some schools demand that their students have certain OS, or hardrive space, and minimal CPU, and memory.

I had to replace my old laptop because my medical school required at least Windows 8
Sent from my SM-G920V using SDN mobile
 
blablabla1 said:
Wait until you get an offer from a dental school. Some dental schools require you to buy their laptop of choice.
Click to expand...
I'd rather not miss out on some of these deals. If I find out I get into a school with laptop requirements I will just return the one I bought.
 
ncide said:
I have the XPS laptop (and so does everyone else in my class). The vast majority love theirs, including me.
Click to expand...
Do you have any complaints about the XPS. I've read about a lot of issues people are having including dead pixels, buzzing speakers, and general glitches.
 
elgauchotejano said:
personally I avoid macbook because the software may be incompatible with the SD oftware.

I cannot comment on dell except that people complain about it. I used Lenovo throughout college and now for med school. I also suggest HP's inspiron too


IDK if the promotion still stands but I got my new Lenovo, an edge 2-in-1 15.8", for 800. it had i7 processor, 8 GB RAM, and came with GeFirce 940XM
Sent from my SM-G920V using SDN mobile
Click to expand...


Avoid HP. Have had 3 0f their laptops over the years and have had nothing but bad experiences
 
1070752 said:
What's their 'laptop of choice'? What does that even mean...?
Click to expand...

It means that certain schools require you to buy a laptop through them. VCU, for example, requires everyone to buy a Dell XPS 13 through them that would have preinstalled hospital software
 
most dental schools will be fine with Macbook pro 13 retina model. That being said, I would wait till getting into dental school....But if you find a good deal between now and acceptance on a macbook, go ahead and make the deal.
From what I heard peers say was that their PC laptops were causing problem with exam software during testing in d-school. But Macs did not cause any problems like that. Also, Macs are a bit more reliable.
 
Michael_Scott said:
most dental schools will be fine with Macbook pro 13 retina model. That being said, I would wait till getting into dental school....But if you find a good deal between now and acceptance on a macbook, go ahead and make the deal.
From what I heard peers say was that their PC laptops were causing problem with exam software during testing in d-school. But Macs did not cause any problems like that. Also, Macs are a bit more reliable.
Click to expand...

Depends on the school again, for example in UNLV you have to use a dell from a list they give you.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
Unless the school I choose requires something specific, I think I'm going to wait for the surface pro refresh and pick up the previous model.
 
iono101 said:
I'd rather not miss out on some of these deals. If I find out I get into a school with laptop requirements I will just return the one I bought.
Click to expand...

Some schools, like UNLV, require that you buy a very specific Dell Laptop. So if you want to buy your own, make sure none of the schools you want to go to require a specific laptop. Alternatively, I was talking to some students there and they said you can have a personal laptop in addition to the school-standard one 🙂
 
1070752 said:
You can't download this on other laptops?
Click to expand...

Doubt it since some of these schools require you to buy the laptop through the University rather than from a store.

I'd imagine that if a school had a required laptop, they do it for a reason. If you could just download the **proprietary** software onto any other laptop, they wouldn't have the restriction.
 
1070752 said:
You can't download this on other laptops?
Click to expand...

No, UAB explained it as because you have access to patient records, they have to make sure the laptop is secure which is much easier for them to do if they give you a secure laptop vs. making your laptop secure


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
iono101 said:
Do you have any complaints about the XPS. I've read about a lot of issues people are having including dead pixels, buzzing speakers, and general glitches.
Click to expand...

None and I haven't run into anyone in my class who have those issues.

VCU requires that you purchase a laptop through the school and many schools do as well so make sure that isn't the case before you go out and buy your own.
 
I recommend a MacBook Pro and if you need to run windows, use Bootcamp or Parallels.

Why you might ask? Everything just "works." Applications don't crash, the interface is silky smooth, continuity if you have an iPhone, the quality of the actual MBP. Heck, I still have an old MBP from 2006 that works. You could probably get the previous, non touch bar generation for a good price. And if you need to run windows, you can do so. I was a windows user more than 10 years ago and I haven't looked back. Although nothing beats building your own custom PC (for the fun of it). Haven't done that in so long…

OP: if you go the MBP route, I would highly suggest getting the 15" screen.
 
Last edited:
ry_guy_chi said:
I recommend a MacBook Pro and if you need to run windows, use Bootcamp or Parallels.

Why you might ask? Everything just "works." Applications don't crash, the interface is silky smooth, continuity if you have an iPhone, the quality of the actual MBP. Heck, I still have an old MBP from 2006 that works. You could probably get the previous, non touch bar generation for a good price. And if you need to run windows, you can do so. I was a windows user almost more than 10 years ago and I haven't looked back. Although nothing beats building your own custom PC (for the fun of it). Haven't done that in so long…

OP: if you go the MBP route, I would highly suggest getting the 15" screen.
Click to expand...

It's funny you say that because I have a 2015 MBP 13' and it has given me nothing but problems lol. The battery is good though, but I'll be buying a windows PC before (hopefully) dental school.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
Have a MacBook from 2010 that hasn't had a single problem. Just recently upgraded it to 16 GB and a SSD and it felt brand new.
 
The New Lenovo
It looks awesome. I have Lenovo yoga 2, 360 it lasts 3 hours, but other than that it's awesome!
the new one is supposed to have like 15 hours. which is a lie, of course, it's probably 8 hours or 9.
I looked at it today at Best buy. It's awesome. the colors, the screen, everything is so perfect and it's now on sale! Check it out, I am trying to convince my sister to buy it, but she insists on buying the Mac book pro 🙁
http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/yoga/900-series/yoga-910/#tab-reviews
 
ry_guy_chi said:
I recommend a MacBook Pro and if you need to run windows, use Bootcamp or Parallels.

Why you might ask? Everything just "works." Applications don't crash, the interface is silky smooth, continuity if you have an iPhone, the quality of the actual MBP. Heck, I still have an old MBP from 2006 that works. You could probably get the previous, non touch bar generation for a good price. And if you need to run windows, you can do so. I was a windows user more than 10 years ago and I haven't looked back. Although nothing beats building your own custom PC (for the fun of it). Haven't done that in so long…

OP: if you go the MBP route, I would highly suggest getting the 15" screen.
Click to expand...
Why do you suggest the 15in? The new Macbook 15in starts at $2300. That's why I was just gonna go eith a 13in.
 
I think Roseman or Midwestern IL give you a macbook. It's a mandatory part of tuition costs.
 
wengerin said:
No, UAB explained it as because you have access to patient records, they have to make sure the laptop is secure which is much easier for them to do if they give you a secure laptop vs. making your laptop secure


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
Click to expand...

AKA, they have a deal with the laptop manufacturer so they can make money off of it and make you think it's about "security", lol. It's not about security, trust me.
 
1070752 said:
AKA, they have a deal with the laptop manufacturer so they can make money off of it and make you think it's about "security", lol. It's not about security, trust me.
Click to expand...

Thing is most people are computer illiterate. They don't know how to self-diagnose problems, much less point out what a processor looks like. So they load these computers with software necessary for dental school and then offer an incoming class the same computer. If any problems arise, the IT department can more quickly fix the problem since they are all using the same hardware and software.

There's no money-making scheme going on.
 
iono101 said:
I've been using my trusty Sony Vaio for the last 7 years but the pixels are starting to die. With dental school starting next year and black friday coming up I believe it's time for a new laptop. I do not like upgrading laptops and I want to keep my next one for at least 5 years.

I am looking at a Dell XPS 15 with an i5, 4k touch screen, 8 gb ram, and 256ssd. I am concerned with the reliability of Dell as I've read about negative things online.

The other option is a Macbook Pro 13in with touch bar. I5, 8gb ram, 256 ssd. Macbooks are well known for their reliability and build quality which is what attracts me to them. I'm not sure if I like MacOS tho.
Click to expand...
Macbook is totally worth it, is durable and awesome... I highly recommend it 🙂
 
1070752 said:
AKA, they have a deal with the laptop manufacturer so they can make money off of it and make you think it's about "security", lol. It's not about security, trust me.
Click to expand...

Except in UAB's case that give you the choice between three different computers (including a MacBook Air and the surface pro).

Dental schools are already charging an arm and a leg in tuition and fees. If they wanted to charge more I doubt they would have to lie about the computer.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
ncide said:
Thing is most people are computer illiterate. They don't know how to self-diagnose problems, much less point out what a processor looks like. So they load these computers with software necessary for dental school and then offer an incoming class the same computer. If any problems arise, the IT department can more quickly fix the problem since they are all using the same hardware and software.

There's no money-making scheme going on.
Click to expand...

Exactly


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
wengerin said:
Except in UAB's case that give you the choice between three different computers (including a MacBook Air and the surface pro).

Dental schools are already charging an arm and a leg in tuition and fees. If they wanted to charge more I doubt they would have to lie about the computer.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
Click to expand...

You're paying for the laptop they tell you to buy. What I'm saying is they have a deal with specific companies and their specific laptop models. Don't you find it strange that they give you an option for a Macbook Air, but not the regular Macbook or the Pro?

Anyways, I'm not here to argue. I just find it a bit silly.
 
You might be wasting your money if you don't know what school you're going to. I'm in a similar situation as you; my macbook air (from 2012) needs to be plugged in for me to use it because its battery life is so poor. I really want to get a new macbook, but after interviewing at different schools, it would be smart to wait. Some dental schools require the newest iPad, the newest Macbook, a Dell, or something else.

Just wait until next year! I know that black friday deals are hard to pass up, but it's the most practical thing to do!
 
iono101 said:
I've been using my trusty Sony Vaio for the last 7 years but the pixels are starting to die. With dental school starting next year and black friday coming up I believe it's time for a new laptop. I do not like upgrading laptops and I want to keep my next one for at least 5 years.

I am looking at a Dell XPS 15 with an i5, 4k touch screen, 8 gb ram, and 256ssd. I am concerned with the reliability of Dell as I've read about negative things online.

The other option is a Macbook Pro 13in with touch bar. I5, 8gb ram, 256 ssd. Macbooks are well known for their reliability and build quality which is what attracts me to them. I'm not sure if I like MacOS tho.
Click to expand...
The keyboards on the new Macbook Pros are not very comfortable to type on. The overall laptop is much thinner, at the expense of typing experience; they're drastically worse than previous generations in that regard. Bear that in mind for dental school, where you plan to do serious note-taking!

I'd recommend the XPS or a Thinkpad (T or X series). If you want a Mac, the Macbook Air can be had for a fantastic discount. Last gen's Macbook Pro should also be a good deal.

And of course, wait until you know where you're going; some schools have required laptops.
 
I just bought an Alienware 15 R3, but that is overkill unless you game on PC/are a media creator. I am planning on using it as a desktop replacement. I would second the XPS, especially if the price drops due to the new pascal cards hitting the market.
 
Last edited:
I have a Dell and it works great! I think it really depends on your school though as some will issue you one or require you to install certain programs on it.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
Turns out I'll be attending Michigan! I don't think they have requirements. I'll get both and keep the one I like better.
 
1070752 said:
AKA, they have a deal with the laptop manufacturer so they can make money off of it and make you think it's about "security", lol. It's not about security, trust me.
Click to expand...
This. I've seen plenty of deals like this in my time. And quite a few nice lunches/dinners/box seats at sports games/unlimited alcohol. Not even talking about the kickbacks. [Edit: For the record, I've never taken a kickback or bribe.]

ncide said:
If any problems arise, the IT department can more quickly fix the problem since they are all using the same hardware and software.
Click to expand...
And this.

Combination of those two. (Why am I posting in Pre-Dent??) I'd lose my ever-loving **** if any future graduate school dictated to me how I live my private computing life. I'd raise hell with the Dean and Board of Trustees and make everything public. It's fine to have a list of supported devices so if anyone makes use of their Service Desk for assistance they can provide better familiarity, but it's another thing to require students to buy a new, specific device that they get through their dealer.

Edit: There's a thread in the Tech forum: Advice for the Tech Idiot. I spent 3-4 hours on one post with some pearls of wisdom, if this helps anyone on their laptop purchasing or configuring decision. The security/privacy advice I gave was just tip of the iceberg.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

K
Mom lives one place. Dad lives in another. Which should I choose before applying to dental school?
Replies
1
Views
904
Mr.Smile12
Mr.Smile12
T
Should I start to worry?
Replies
2
Views
1K
Mr.Smile12
Mr.Smile12
heartdental
  • Poll Poll
Should I go to my interview?
Replies
5
Views
1K
Chicago_predental
C
R
are my stats competitive enough or should I go for masters?
Replies
17
Views
1K
Mr.Smile12
Mr.Smile12
M
What should I do? Very low GPA High DAT
Replies
8
Views
2K
macsak
M
Top