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Getting a laptop

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What size of screen would you go for on a new laptop?

  • 13 inch

    Votes: 1 6.7%

  • 15 inch

    Votes: 6 40.0%

  • 17 inch

    Votes: 8 53.3%
  • Total voters
    15
Well, I´m just gonna let Ellen explain everything to you.. suddenly it all becomes chrystal clear! (this could almost could work in Bad Pot thread).

 
It seems the operating system is the only real benefit, but that is one huge important factor.

Are they having any new ones coming out in the January? I'm planning on waiting until then to buy a "notebook".
 
Robert said:
It seems the operating system is the only real benefit, but that is one huge important factor.

Are they having any new ones coming out in the January? I'm planning on waiting until then to buy a "notebook".
Click to expand...

The operating system and the design is perhaps the major difference from your average notebook PC. But I would really like to add that you get a lot for your money if you decide to get a Macbook/Macbook Pro. Everything that you need is built in, and the sound card is actually top notch and delivers very low latency if you should decide to use it for recordings. You also get the iLife package which you are going to love!

http://www.apple.com/ilife/

I´m not sure when Apple will upgrade their macbook line.
 
Well I am about 90% decided on a Mac now. :)

Several people have told me OS X uses way less resources than Vista, so you get a lot more power with the Mac compared to the PC because of this. That is reason enough for me.
 
Robert, you can go to the apple store and select the macbook. Then select the compare tab and see for yourself. One major difference is that graphics accelerator, which helps out a lot when working with video and photos, it also makes the system more responsive (mac os x relies a lot on the graphics accerator due to all the eye candy).
 
Robert said:
Thanks Swede.

By the way, Ellen's high tech talk is way over my head.... :D

Another by the way - what screen size do you recommend - 13/15/17 inch?
Click to expand...

Depends on how "mobile" you want your laptop to be. The 13" is kinda small, especially for text editing imho... The 17" looks gorgeous but it IS a big notebook, so I guess that I would recommend the 15" :-)
 
I have a 15 Powerbook and have since it was a new model. It is a good compromise I think. I use laptops more as a mobile desktop than a real travel computer, so I may go 17 next, but if I was travelling a lot, I might go 15. I think the 13 range iBooks I have seen seem too small. I cannot add anything else to the tech talk about what is better. You, Robert, having worked on building and modding computers, probably know more than I. I just get the best one I think I can afford, usually one step down from the top end, and use it forever. I am still on an 01 Powerbook right now, with two different era iMacs, one PowerPC chip, one Duo Intel, at work.
 
I picked up a new Dell 1721 for my Mom, 17 inch does seem big, great for what she needs, does indeed take up your whole lap.
It also came with Vista, my opinion only here, Vista is a beeotch pig faced processing power hog (bpfpph for short), run as fast as you can the other way if you can.
 
This article, though dealing with iMacs directly, gives info that might help you with your decision. Basically, it talks about being able to use the mac programs, and windows programs that you need, on the same machine. You do need to have a copy of windows if you want to do this. I have a copy of Windows XP pro, just for this purpose, but have not had occasion to use the Windows on my machine.

http://www.apple.com/education/profiles/iona/?sr=hotnews
 
I am jealous! I want a new MacBook Pro! I will likely get a new iMac for at home next, then save up for the laptop later. Our family needs a better machine at home to manage our pics, video, music, etc. and a new lap top for me does not get that done. ;-)
 
ted s said:
I picked up a new Dell 1721 for my Mom, 17 inch does seem big, great for what she needs, does indeed take up your whole lap.
It also came with Vista, my opinion only here, Vista is a beeotch pig faced processing power hog (bpfpph for short), run as fast as you can the other way if you can.
Click to expand...

Let me suggest dual booting with PCLinuxOS.. try it...
You end up staying in Linux 90% of the time.. and once in a great while load Vista to play a game.. least, that's how its ending up with me...

:master: PCLinuxOS
 
I certainly would if it was mine Justa, but it's her machine, any changes would surely cause more calls to her "tech support" Maybe I'll try it on my work notebook. Thanks for the tip.
 
A cool thing for you Mac users is 'VMware Fusion' ($70-$80). Google it. Basically allows you to run Windows as a 'virtual machine' on top of the Mac OS. Then run your Windows Apps on the virtual Windows machine. So when Windows crashes, hangs, or whatever it is only the virtual machine that is affected. Your Mac OS is still up and running. One of my trusted computer 'geek' friends is going this route. I do not work for VMware, just a fan of their technology.

You can run VMware Workstation on a PC, then run Linux on top of Windows, or visa versa, cool stuff...

I do not use Mac's, but everyone I know that moved from PC to Mac absolutely loves it and would not go back - OS is more stable, but also ease of use with a more seemless integration with printing, video, sound, etc. I may even become a convert at some point.
 
I have a 15" (heh heh, I just like saying that) and it works for me. I carry mine daily and a little less weight, without a major loss in screen space is always nice. The other thing is I have a docking station at work that has a keyboard and large screen hooked up to it.

Do you plan on carting around a lot? Do you you have a larger screen at the primary location that you can use?

I voted 15", because I have... Oh, you get my point.
 
Like what Strum says. Packing around the larger monitor will get old after a while. I know you are still young and strong and all but a lighter computer means you'll still have room for candy.
If you don't plan on hauling it much then get the bigger monitor or stay small if you have monitors on site that you can plug into that are bigger.
 
I don't fly much and use it as a mobile desktop really. I like having the screenspace, and the additional weight is really incidental. I vote 17".
 
markb said:
Oh, shiny, thin and with an Apple logo. Want one now!
Click to expand...

Looks cool, but on looking at the site, I am still a MacBook Pro guy. I want a portable workstation with the most performance available more than the lightest and most portable. 17" MacBook Pro for me next time.
 

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