Computer Shopping

[Of these options, which would you choose?]

Of these options, which would you choose?

"Docked" Netbook ($350 for me)

 1 (7.7%)

Desktop + Netbook ($650)

 2 (15.4%)

Macbook Air ($1800)

 2 (15.4%)

15'' Macbook Pro + Netbook ($1900)

 6 (46.2%)

Other

 2 (15.4%)

Total Members Voted: 13

[sheltron5000]

I love my netbook (a dell mini 9) and I hate heavy computers, even 4lbs is heavy to me, but I can handle it for short trips (like exams). I'm also cheap, so option 1 really appeals to me. But I'm concerned about whether my netbook is enough computer for exams.

Thoughts?

[gzl]

I love my netbook (a dell mini 9) and I hate heavy computers, even 4lbs is heavy to me, but I can handle it for short trips (like exams). I'm also cheap, so option 1 really appeals to me. But I'm concerned about whether my netbook is enough computer for exams.

Thoughts?

I love my netbook (chose the HP one because the keyboard was a bit larger, 92% of actual size. Could have gotten a more powerful Dell for the money though.)  It's great for taking notes in class, and because I bike alot, it's perfect for my backpack.  I can't stand it for exams though.  After three hours the smaller keyboard and screen become a big issue for me. Tired fingers make time-consuming typos on that smaller keyboard and tired eyes make the screen seem that much smaller.  I bring in my full-size laptop for exams now, having learned after the first exam that the netbook didn't cut it.

The only concern with Macs is: make sure your school has Mac-compatible testing software.  Mine didn't last semester and a couple students were stuck hand-writing their exams.

[,.,.,.;.,.,.]

Oh, jeez.  I say:

Cheaper + smaller = better.

Don't buy anything fancy.  All you need is Word and solitaire.

[botbot]

1) $500 laptop
2) netbook
3) profit

[CTL]

Why not get the regular macbook, Shel?  Pros are really heavy and the airs are iffy.  I hear they're not really worth the added cost.  I would get a mac so you can get a free ipod. 

[sheltron5000]

Thanks everyone. I hate this, why can't I just have the power of a desktop in a netbook with a screen that folds out to a desktop monitor's size?

I like the macbook pro because of the screen size and power, if I'm using it primarily as a desktop replacement, I might as well have a desktop replacement I am starting to think that the 13" + external monitor is the way to go, but I'll miss the options a desktop would give me.

I guess I could use a decision making boot camp I may end up waiting till the last minute to buy anything. I might just buy the external monitor and hold off until I have a better idea of how I'll be working.

Am I the only one who finds something they loathe in ALL the computer options out there?

[sheltron5000]

1) $500 laptop
2) netbook
3) profit

I'm a bit of a power user, I eat $500 laptops for breakfast

[NYCFed]

You may also want to buy a network attached storage device or external hard drive for back ups and media storage, or at least upload copies of any notes and outlines to some form of web storage.

[botbot]

1) $500 laptop
2) netbook
3) profit

I'm a bit of a power user, I eat $500 laptops for breakfast

In that case,

1) $500 laptop
2) $1000 desktop
3) netbook
4) profit

The laptop is primarily for exams + misc - but I'm unclear as to what you plan to do on your laptop that would qualify you as a "power user".  Gaming, video editing, and multi-task web development all suck on a 14-17" screen.  Docking is pointless when you can get more power and flexibility from a $1500 laptop+desktop combo.