Computers for College

[Mickeyman819]

I recently got accepted at UCF in orlando. Im looking to buy a computer in the near future. Can anyone that is in college or knows something about computers recomend a computer for me. Im studying Hospitality managemen if that makes a difference. Also im leaning towards a laptop but if people think a desktop is better i can go with that.

 

[Thnkindependent]

Hey Mickeyman,

I would definitely get a lap top. I go to Rollins (just down the road a bit from UCF), and got an Apple Powerbook recently. It doesn't leave my side. I bring it everywhere. So useful! I bring it to the library and with my wireless card, I can print wirelessly from the printers there!

I really recommend getting a mac. I've never had a problem. In the 6 months I've had my lap top, it hasn't crashed once! I used to use Dells, which are good as far as PCs go, but it would crash on me all the time. Also, because Macs are rarer than PCs there are NO viruses and very little spyware available.

There's an applestore nearby at Mall at Millennia that will help you with any questions. But feel free to PM me if you want to know more

 

[Number_6]

Also, because Macs are rarer than PCs there are NO viruses and very little spyware available.

And almost NO software... (I'm only slightly kidding)

 

[Figment1986]

Hmm.. Mac Laptops are top of the line... Even thought of their limited softwear...

You can get some microsoft apps for it... works wonderfully now with os X on them...

 

[Atta83]

My lap top is my best friend, when its working properly that is. I was able to take it with me to class and such and type down notes which was easier than writing them , I can type faster than I can write. But with the lap top it also gave me things to do while waiting an hour or so for my next class. We have had luck with HP's here at the house, of course mine is a Compaq and I will never buy their brand again.

 

[Figment1986]

Funny.. Compaq being owned by HP.... (I won't use another cmpaq agan...)

 

[wdwmagic]

I would suggest going with www.dell.com, some great prices, great warranty and top quality machines. Also budget for Microsoft Office 2003. Good luck!

 

[Thnkindependent]

And almost NO software... (I'm only slightly kidding)

Not entirely true though. I'm not a gamer, but as far as games are concerned, you're right. But anything artsy runs better on a mac (final cut pro, photo shop etc.). And considering this computer is for academic purposes and not gaming, a Mac's the way to go.

works wonderfully now with os X on them..

OS X is great; the next operating service will be out by Summer, and that should be even better.

 

[surfsupdon]

I'll agree with a Dell.

If you go to a major university with super sized classes, a notebook might be good to bring to class, if that's what most other people do as well.

As for me, I see that as foolish. My Dell PC is more than enough, and my classes here of 15-20 people all use pen and paper for notes, so transporting a laptop isnt needed.

It's a good question to ask on a tour if you go on one, and see what general people do.

I'd also highly reccomend you get things like PowerPoint and Excell.

And make sure you immediately put wdwmagic in your favorites...

 

[Invero]

See... now, I used to use a Mac G4 and a G5 with OS X for my digital media class, and it was constantly crashing. It also ate my homework!On the flip side, I leave my PC (Gateway) on 24/7, and I never have any problems.


By the way... one thing I love about being a student... ACADEMIC PRICED SOFTWARE. Check it out... it's great!

 

[Captain Hank]

I find a laptop to be incredibly convenient. I've got a Dell, and it really hasn't given me too much trouble. If it's going to be a late night for me writing papers and I don't want to disturb my roommate, I can just take my computer out to the lounge to work on it. There is a tradeoff in terms of power and price, but I think it's worth it in the end.

 

[stitch rocks]

i have a laptop... it's my best friend. i really recommned one if you like to do homework in various places (i do my homework in the library sometimes). i find it extreamly useful taking notes in meetings, let alone being on the internet on campus to kill time. in the end, it all depends on how much you want to spend (i have a toshiba.... ummm yeah don't get one... they like to play tricks on your mind)

 

[imagineer99]

Not entirely true though. I'm not a gamer, but as far as games are concerned, you're right. But anything artsy runs better on a mac (final cut pro, photo shop etc.). And considering this computer is for academic purposes and not gaming, a Mac's the way to go.

Please...this is a complete myth. Mac's used to be the standard for digital media, yet this is no longer the case. When it comes to design work, both machines (with equal specs) run programs equally well. Saying photoshop runs better on either machine is just false.

People get so caught up in the differences between MAC's and PC's. The fact of the matter is, the operating system is where the major differences reside. They still run on similar guts.

So, to the original poster, There is no one correct answer. Find something that works for you.

Personally I can't stand laptops, so I have a fast PC. I know I'm in the minority with that one, but I do a lot of design work/ digital video editing, so it just makes things easier.

If you like the simple interface of a Mac (and are willing to forego the negatives, such as lack of software) then go for it. Mac's are very user friendly and are aesthetically pleasing machines. As was mentioned, the chance of computer viruses is most definitely less.

Nevertheless, I like a PC for a couple of reasons.
1.) I play games. With a MAC, you might as well play solitaire for the rest of your life.
2.) Price. You can custom make a top of the line PC for much less than a MAC.

It's your decision. Go to a store and play around with different machines. Decide on specifics. How big of a monitor (flat screen or CRT)? How much RAM? How big of a harddrive? It's important to decide what YOU want to do and then go from there.

 

[maelstrom]

Get an Apple iBook or PowerBook and you won't be sorry. I have an iBook G4 and it's a great little machine. There is *plenty* of software available for the Mac. They are very small and light and have great portability. The iBooks are very durable. Also, no viruses or spyware. I think Mac notebooks are really ideal for school. Just put it to sleep, slip it in your bag, take it to class and pull it out and open the lid and it's ready to go. You can get Microsoft Office for Mac (Word, Power Point, Excel, Entourage), which includes a great note-taking part (inside Word). The Adobe and Macromedia apps are available for Mac, as well as plenty of fun software. And the Mac comes with lots of great software already installed (iTunes, iCal, Safari, Mail, iPhoto, etc). Upgrade the standard 256mb RAM because OS X is a RAM hog (I recommend at least 512mb). And because the Mac community is a very tight-knit group, you can find lots of useful little pieces of software for free or cheap that really improve your user experience and you wonder how you could have ever lived without them (Konfabulator, M-Beat, Butler, Adium, etc).

If you do end up getting a Windows PC, please don't go with Dell. I have had nothing but bad luck with Dell and their service has really dropped off in recent years.

Tyler: if a Mac is crashing left and right like that it probably has bad RAM.

 

[LiveItUp21]

I recently got accepted at UCF in orlando. Im looking to buy a computer in the near future. Can anyone that is in college or knows something about computers recomend a computer for me. Im studying Hospitality managemen if that makes a difference. Also im leaning towards a laptop but if people think a desktop is better i can go with that.

Well first of all, CONGRATS on getting accepted into UCF! God, what I would give to be in your shoes rigft now (Ohio weather SUCKS)

Ok getting to your question:
I am a freshman at Ohio State and I just recently purchased a Toshiba Satellite laptop and I absolutely LOVE IT! Proir to purchasing this laptop I had a Mac laptop and I HATED IT! I mean, there is no software at all on that computer (Apple Works is definately not even close to Microsoft Works or Office) Basically, it is a very powerful laptop with NOTHING on it at all. By the time I expanded it to have Microsoft Office I had already put about $150 into a brand new computer.

I could not recommend a Toshiba laptop any more highly! Their service is fantastic and it is a very durrable laptop. I take it eveywhere with me and it is very easy to transport from place to place. The only problem I have with it is that the battery life isn't very long, but I just got the standard battery while I could have spent the extra $120 for a much better battery, which I will do very soon.

 

[disneygirl03]

I'd recommend a Dell. I got one when I went to college and it's great!! I've had no problems yet.

 

[Testtrack321]

I'm a Mac guy all the way, I have to use PCs though most of the time. Try them both out, give them test drives. If you want a Mac, get the 12" PowerBook, if you want a PC, I'd go for most things Dell.

 

[CaptainMichael]

I think I'm getting a Dell Notebook. That is what LSU recommends.

 

[WDWScottieBoy]

Mickeyman, I'm moving to Orlando in July/August and I'm going to Rosen as well (I'll be either a second semester sophomore or a junior).

I have a Dell laptop and it's perfect for college right now. I even bought myself the Dell All-in-One printer/copier/scanner to go with it. Now, one thing I'm doing before I move to FL is having my girlfriend's sister build me a desktop as well. She makes excellent ones for like $400, and has everything you would expect to find in a $2000 desktop.

If you want some more recommendations, feel free to PM me, email me or chat with me on AIM.

Let us know what you decide on.