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View Poll Results: What laptop do you own or would buy for school?
PC 88 55.00%
Mac 62 38.75%
Undecided 10 6.25%
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You can now 'rent' laptops from the libraries at Mac Chad Computers & Tech 10 10-12-2006 02:10 AM

Battle of the Laptops

 
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.

pinkshuniza says thanks to Chad for this post.
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Old 07-24-2007 at 10:32 AM   #2
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yeh you definately want to look for something with a dual core processor to compensate for the amount of multitasking we do as students. Also, aim for something like 1.6GHz+ in terms of processor speed, believe me it will come in handy. for screen size, remember that you will be looking at the screen for extended periods of time, my screen size is 12.1, but it is a wxga, in other words it is wide screen and extended. most screens are atleast widescreen now so make sure your screen is appropriate for your needs and use. also glossy or matte screens can make a huge difference to how you see things, when in average light, glossy screens show amazingly crisp images, but when in brightly lit areas, and at certain angles outside, they can give off pretty obtrusive glare
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Old 08-17-2007 at 11:17 PM   #3
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thanks for the advice chad...im actually looking for a new laptop right now before school starts and i've decided on the macbook pro....i will let you guys know how it goes....
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