Originally Posted by Lizliz

so does anyone know how much i'll actually be using my laptop for my math courses?

I took Math 1A03 and Math 1AA3 and the only time I used my laptop for that course was for webassign assignments (done at home) and for looking up information that they post on the math website (they post test rooms, times, practise questions).

Bought a Dell Studio 15 a couple weeks ago and no complaints so far. Specs look something like this (upgraded):

2.66 ghz processor, 6MB cache, intel core duo
4GB of ram, DDR2, 800 mhz
250GB hard drive at 7200 rpm
15.6" lcd screen (720p)
512MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4570
Upgraded sound card..i think like creative xifi mb something
Black-lit keyboard (it's a nice touch)
6 cell battery (didn't upgrade because it would the make laptop heavier and thicker)...i think around like 4hrs of battery life

Got it for around 1400, which is amazing considering what I put in it. Beats the macbook pro anyday. I don't know why anyone would pay so much for the macbook pro when you could get even better hardware on a pc for a much cheaper price. People will go blah blah mac's os is nice, but honestly, only get a mac if you're constantly doing something mutlimedia related. I'm contemplating downloading the Windows 7 RC seeing as the official version comes out on Oct. 22 I think. Should be a very nice os.

ANYWAYS, I have no gripes about my studio 15. It's an amazing laptop and I would suggest even buying it with no upgrades because it's just that good. Actually, if you get the option maybe opt out for like 4GB of ram and a faster hard drive (stock speed is 5400 rpm). You wouldn't believe how much difference a faster hard drive makes.

Originally Posted by sdiddy

I'm contemplating downloading the Windows 7 RC seeing as the official version comes out on Oct. 22 I think. Should be a very nice os.

The "official version" is already out for "free" if you know where to look .

Originally Posted by Ownaginatios

The "official version" is already out for "free" if you know where to look .

Haha are you serious? Like the one they are releasing in october because I rather install it now . Care to provide a link?

Originally Posted by sdiddy

Haha are you serious? Like the one they are releasing in october because I rather install it now . Care to provide a link?

I don't think you should need to hack anything, since your computer technically already has a license for the version you need; so that's good for you . You might need a serial number if dell didn't already stick one on your laptop.

Just search the pirate bay; there a whole bunch already available (RTM version). Get the version Dell is supposed to sent you 2 months from now, lol.

I've attempted to read most of this thread..cough (: and I was wondering if a macbook pro is compatible for a health sci student? Or would you say to stick it out with a HP and get windows 7? I'm really torn between the two so any advice would be appreciated!

Originally Posted by atinus

I've attempted to read most of this thread..cough (: and I was wondering if a macbook pro is compatible for a health sci student? Or would you say to stick it out with a HP and get windows 7? I'm really torn between the two so any advice would be appreciated!

It depends on your personal needs. I've never heard of Health Sci's needing to run any proprietary or special software which may only be compatible with Windows.

I think it comes down to you... are you a gamer? If you want to play high-end games on your notebook, an Apple computer is not for you.

Originally Posted by atinus

I've attempted to read most of this thread..cough (: and I was wondering if a macbook pro is compatible for a health sci student? Or would you say to stick it out with a HP and get windows 7? I'm really torn between the two so any advice would be appreciated!

A Macbook Pro should be compatible with everything you use. If you want to play graphic intensive games or anything make sure you get the model with the dedicated graphics card. Ive had a macbook pro since last year and Ive had nothing to complain about, Im happy i got it.

Originally Posted by Taunton

It depends on your personal needs. I've never heard of Health Sci's needing to run any proprietary or special software which may only be compatible with Windows.

I think it comes down to you... are you a gamer? If you want to play high-end games on your notebook, an Apple computer is not for you.

I dunno why you would say that. You just need to make sure that you get the macbook pro model with the dedicated graphics card and bootcamp windows. Thats what I do on my MBP and Ive never had any trouble with any games.

Originally Posted by syaseen

I dunno why you would say that. You just need to make sure that you get the macbook pro model with the dedicated graphics card and bootcamp windows. Thats what I do on my MBP and Ive never had any trouble with any games.

seems to be a bit of apple hate around here. if anything, if you bootcamp with windows, its best of both worlds so why wouldn't you.

Originally Posted by syaseen

I dunno why you would say that. You just need to make sure that you get the macbook pro model with the dedicated graphics card and bootcamp windows. Thats what I do on my MBP and Ive never had any trouble with any games.

You would never be able to run the highest end games well at all. Also, Apple isn't great for peripherals such as game pads etc.

Originally Posted by Taunton

You would never be able to run the highest end games well at all. Also, Apple isn't great for peripherals such as game pads etc.

Again I dunno why you say that since you can get the NVIDIA 9600M GT with 512MB which should play any game that is out right now (to my knowledge). Also apple is amazing with peripherals. Ive used game pads while playing video games and never had any problems.

Originally Posted by syaseen

Again I dunno why you say that since you can get the NVIDIA 9600M GT with 512MB which should play any game that is out right now (to my knowledge). Also apple is amazing with peripherals. Ive used game pads while playing video games and never had any problems.

From http://www.macobserver.com/columns/h...20060605.shtml

On the other hand, those who are really into games want the fastest possible hardware and the lowest possible cost. It doesn't take long to find a litany of negative comments on the Internet about how Apple's most affordable consumer systems are just not up to serious gaming. Rather than complain, this should be taken as an outward sign of Apple's most serious branding intentions:

Yes, games are fun, and we love many of them, but this is not the most significant message we want to deliver as a company.


This mixed message confuses and annoys many Apple customers.

It's not just that Apple computers aren't designed for gamers; Apple doesn't want to cater to gamers. Any gamer who wants the best doesn't go with Apple. There's better out there when it comes to gaming.

Originally Posted by Taunton

From http://www.macobserver.com/columns/h...20060605.shtml



It's not just that Apple computers aren't designed for gamers; Apple doesn't want to cater to gamers. Any gamer who wants the best doesn't go with Apple. There's better out there when it comes to gaming.

There is better out there, but the way you stated your views in previous posts it sounded like they were completely incapable of playing high end games which isn't true.

No, I'm not a gamer and I will probably just use it for notes and surfing the net. Price isn't really a problem ($1500 max) but Im having trouble dealing with all the options.