Battle of the Laptops (Part 1)
Looking to buy a laptop for school next year? If you are, which will you decide to buy.. a PC or an Apple notebook? What should you look for in a laptop? What brands are the best? MacInsiders gives you the lowdown and lets you decide who's the winner. Use the poll and vote now: Mac or PC?
Hot discussion! Check out our forum topic on laptops here.
UTS (University Technology Services) recommends:
- PC Laptop w/ Windows XP
- 2GB of ram/memory
- Dual-core processor
Recommended stores:
Wireless?
UTS at McMaster offers FREE wireless to McMaster students (you need to use your MacID to connect to the internet). All laptops these days have built in WIFI, so you should be able to use wireless no problem. Hotspots (areas with wireless internet) include common places like libraries, the student centre, learning commons, and eating areas. Residence do not have wireless, but have hardwired internet instead (you plug your computer into the wall for internet).
Is there a computer store at Mac?
Yes! Visit the Titles Bookstore (you can get to it through the student centre) and there is a computer store called
MacMicro who can answer all your computer questions and let you try out some MacBooks. There is also a certified Apple rep there. Apple has a discount for students, and right now you get a free ipod if you buy a Mac. PC's are of course cheaper now than Mac notebooks, and there are plenty of Back to School sales to get great deals.
How much should a laptop cost?
Usually if you're just wanting the basics, you can get one for $700-800 (plus taxes) that will do the job. If you're looking for one that will last you the four years you are at Mac, you'll want to aim towards the $1000 range.
What else do I need?
Anti-virus is provided free from UTS at McMaster, so no need to buy it. You may want to invest in Microsoft Word, but feel free to download
OpenOffice which is similar to Word, but free.