[Q] Good Laptop for College? - Off-topic

I'm starting college next year, and I need a laptop! I better one than my current laptop anyways... I currently have an Acer Aspire S7 391 - purchased it used, and it just has too many cons that just don't make it worth the $600 I paid for it.
It gets too hot for Lap use, battery life is about 2-3 hours, the fan gets crazy loud... too loud for my high school classes, and the trackpad is jumpy, slow, and just.. terrible.
So I need a new laptop! Here are some things I would like to mention that may help tell you what I'm looking for.
1. Good Battery Life. A minimum of 6 hours.
2. Atleast a 1080p display. (Prefer touchscreen)
3. 13 inches minimum display size.
4. Slim, and powerful for it's size. I don't need to be editing videos or playing games, but being able to do some tasks that require a little more power would be nice!
5. The fan, if there is one, simply can't be loud. I don't know why this bothers me so much, it's fine if it's my desktop, but for a laptop, ugh..
I'll also be bringing my desktop to school, this Laptop will mostly be for taking notes, and being able to do all of my school "stuff" on a portable device, so I can work... anywhere!
Your suggestion doesn't need to match any of the specifications I mentioned, I'll certainly take a look at anything recommended!
Thank you so much!
(In-case it makes any kind of difference, I'm going into Business at an above average university, 30,000 students total)
I forgot to include a budget! haha! I'm willing to look into used versions of the laptops recommended as well, to possibly save a hundred bucks or so, I would say mu budget is just around $1,000. (Possibly being able to find it used for maybe $800 if any are available used).

Dell Inspiron 13 may be a fit for you.. If not the Surface Pro 3 was OK

I reckon surface pro, but if your looking for a bargain, look at some of the sub $200 Windows 8.1 tablets. Ad some accessories such as a keyboard, mouse and battery pack, and you could have a decent laptop replacement for under $300.
I would even suggest something such as the cube iwork7 dual boot tablet (android and windows 8.1) for ~$125USD from geekbuying
http://www.geekbuying.com/item/Cube...GB-32GB-HDMI-IPS-BT---White-Black-341909.html
This is all you really need for school imo, and after adding accessories such as a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, battery pack and usb hub, you could have a moderately powered computer for about $200.
I seriously considered doing this myself, but the school gave us Lenovo ThinkPad yogas (current model), which is also a good option.

Ive been wondering about this also. Im about to start my computer science degree this year.

Look into Asus. By far the best in terms of hardware and build.
I'm particularly fond of the N range, though those might be a bit too powerful for regular use. (still, €1299 for a laptop(N76VB) that can run Dragon Age Inquisition on Ultra at 58FPS is well worth the money to me.)
Sent From My Samsung Galaxy Note 3 N9005 Using Tapatalk

Related

Notebook dilemma...

Hi,
I am in a bit of a dilemma choosing which notebook to get. I've basically narrowed it down to two choices, but they are somewhat very different from what they offer. One thing they have in common however, and that is my most important concern, is a lightweight design. A notebook over 4 - 4.5 pounds is not a choice, I know that I'll be on the go with it a lot, and I like very light models.
I've basically come done to:
Choice A:
Sony VGN-T150/L, with added memory to 1GB and possibly a bigger HD (60GB, but I would exchange that later on, 40 is fine for now)
Choice B:
Acer Travelmate TMC112TCi-G, also pumped to 1GB (actually 2GB is the max, but I don't think I could afford that... but it's good to know that there is room for expansion)
Both devices share the same CPU (1.1 ULV Centrino), 10.6 and 10.4 screens respectively, B/G wifi (essential), Bluetooth (I hope it's 1.2, it isn't really specified anywhere), same video cards (I don't plan to play 3D games on them).
The major differences are that the Acer is a hybrid tablet PC, whereas the Sony is a regular design notebook. The Sony is also a bit lighter, but that's marginal.
The Sony has a killer internal CD/DVD reader/writer, something very nice to have, but not essential, then again, watching DVDs without an external drive would be really cool. The Acer comes with both external diskette and CD/DVD drive (no burner I think)... that's ok... I don't burn a lot anyhow, particularly not while traveling.
Now, the second crutial criteria is battery life. The Sony is supposed to have up to 7 hours on the standard battery, whereas the Acer is down at 3, with no extended battery available (haven't found any).
I plan to use the notebook for two major areas, college and work. I'll be commuting to college soon, about 1.5 hours a day, plus I would love to organize my notes paperless, that's definitely a plus for the Acer as it's a tablet PC.
On the other hand, I work for an IT consulting company and also do some webdesign. The Sony has an excellent screen brightness, I don't mind the small screen, I've been used to a 12.1 for many years.
What do you guys think? I really like the Acer for it's tablet design and functionality, but the battery life is disappointing... unless I find an extended battery... the Sony's got the internal drive, brilliant screen and I currently own a 4.5 year old Sony Vaio notebook, I know that Sony makes great quality, and most of their units are engineered beautifully.
Oh, price is a secondary concern, I am willing to invest up to $2500, because I know that this notebook will be with me for the next 3-4 years. If I could have it all, great battery, tablet, internal CD/DVD and less than 4 pounds, I'd be willing to spend even more, but there isn't anything out there right now... sadly.
Thanks for your input,
Treo
i had to change the plastic on my acer laptop 2 times
i dident abuse it or anything the plastic qulity was just poor

Computers for college...

I am looking at laptops for College. and it is a really hard decision. I would like to be able to play games on it but it doesn't need to run crysis.....any suggestions with that little bit of info?
Also the other day I was thinking about purchasing a netbook and using that for school work and taking to classes and then using extra money to build a desktop for my dorm. I much prefer doing work on a desktop and this would also give me more power.
My budget is about a thousand dollars. If I did the netbook idea I was looking at the Eee PC 1000HE or 1008HA which would leave me around $600 to put towards the desktop. Wouldn't be much at first but I would be able to easily add to it as I had money.
Any opinions/recommendations are greatly appreciated!
Why not get a redfly for your cell phone? Then use the money to build a comp?
what is that?
Yes, what is RedFly? I've heard of it before but never got around to researching it.
Personally, I'd rather put down the $1000 for a good-quality laptop...I prefer working on desktops too, but just because of the mouse/keyboard (I despise laptop keyboards and the dreaded touch pad...grr). Laptops improve exponentially in quality as the price range goes up, as opposed to desktops, which don't improve much until you get to the $2000 range.
Then, you can buy some portable mice/keyboards and keep everything conveniently in one place.
And besides, if you want to play games, you'll need a laptop much better than the $400 range.
I know that I would need a laptop that costs more than $400 to play games. I was talking about spending that much on a netbook. and then using my other $600 to build a computer for gaming and work while in my dorm. This would also be easy to add to.
cyberpowerpc.com or ibuypower.com
get a cheap gaming pc there
My advice...Get a good laptop, buy a monitor and a mouse/keyboard combo.
I have a Dell XPS m1330 that's pretty small light and portable. It's great for games and can even play Crysis.

Help me replace my laptop with something brand new...

So, right now, I have a desktop PC and a laptop PC that I use on a regular basis. The desktop is my master system and is good for another 2 years definitely. My laptop has been aging and we're on the verge of a revolution in small PCs.
I have a Dell XPS M140 that I upgraded to 2GB RAM. It has 80GB of hard disk space, CD/DVD burner, and Windows 7. It's getting old and I wondered if everyone could chip in some advice for a replacement.
I spent like $600 on it originally, so I'd like to stick with that price or less. I use it to browse the web and watch internet videos on it while I play XBox360 or when I have people over. I use it to feed to my TV when I have a movie to watch (movie file, not a DVD). I also take it with me on any vacations in the hotel room to keep connected to the internet.
For a replacement, I'm looking for the following...
-CD/DVD drive
-video out
-at least 120GB of disk space
-ability to run Windows 7 Ultimate with Aero
-ability to have 2GB of RAM at least
-USB ports
-Wifi (of course)
-A good processor
-HARD keyboard
-multitouch screen
-$600 or less
Preferred but optional
-ethernet port
-webcam
-4 USB ports
There may not be anything out there just yet that meets all the requirements, but if anything's close, let me know.
I have a Dell XPS M140 too. Great system. I loved the battery life -- 7.5 hours when I bought it like 3 or 4 years ago. But now its old and I rarely use it.
I've migrated to a Samsung N120 netbook. The keyboard is great even though its smaller form factor. The portability is excellent. It's so comfortable to use even with the 97% sized keyboard and 10" screen that I am still able to do most of my programming on it. So it can be used every day for hours with no eye strain or me wanting to throw it cause the keyboard is awkward. I love it.
I've run Windows 7 on it and it runs great once I upgraded it to 2GB. I did go thru the Windows Services and set to manual/disable some of those that I don't need (heavy networking ones) that made it a little faster. It can run OSX too as a side benefit. You can pop in a 640GB in here for cheap if you feel comfortable taking it apart.
I know there is going to be complaints about the processor speed...its a slow Atom. For daily browsing use its not that much difference than the M140's 1.73ghz P-Mobile. I do agree that its slow on Youtube videos and having multiple flash animations on the same page. The newer generation of netbooks are faster and will probably do a better job. Also Adobe is releasing a new version of Flash very soon that they have tweaked and stating would allow the Netbook to view Youtube without the jitters.
If you already have a desktop that is powerful enough for the heavy lifting tasks (photoshopping/video editing/filesharing/etc) then if I were you I would look into a netbook for its portability and convenience. It can still photoshopping btw, just going to take a little longer with the filters and handling large image sizes. And of course it is harder on the small screen.
You can get a great netbook in the $300-350 and get an external slim DVD burner for $50. If you do a lot of traveling or working away from home like at a cafe or just like having it on your lap surfing while you are in front of the TV, a 10" netbook is the way to go.
for the touchscreen thing,
i think you should buy additional hardware such as DUO.
Hmm. Very interesting! Thanks for the feedback.
I really appreciate that another M140 user out there has spoken. I haven't found anyone with this "XPS mini"!
When I upgraded to Windows 7, I can't believe how smooth everything ran. It really sold Windows 7 for me. Yeah, my desktop was faster but, wow, it turned by old M140 into a new PC. I haven't done much programming since college and even then, I did more making Counterstrike maps on their CAD-like interface software than anything.
I was really considering netbooks and your advice fits in well. I like the idea of add-on hardware like DUO to make anything touchscreen, but I would like to be ahead of the game with my new purchase. I felt like even my M140 purchase was behind the game. My desktop was nicely fit with a quad-core masterpiece at the time. Now it's commonplace.
I think a netbook fits my needs perfectly, but maybe I'm waiting for the next wave to include multitouch netbooks. The technology is definitely there, and fortunately it shouldn't be that expensive. I was waiting for someone to post the latest Eee multitouch PC, but I know that the processor is child's play.
I guess I see myself owning 3 systems...
Desktop PC - currently fulfilled need
Multitouch PC - for portability and ahead of the game portacomputing
Slate Phone - I know there's phones and then there's slates, but I won't be buying a replacement for my Rhodium until a nice slate phone arrives (with slide out hard keyboard, of course)
These 3 systems will practically make me have a mess in my pants. We're on the verge of #2, but I know I might have to wait 2 years for a good #3.
I'm staying away from virtual keyboards forever. I know how they are and I know what they can do, but I cannot accept 30 wpm slower. Unacceptable.
Great advice guys, and I really do appreciate your input. Tablet PCs are going to erupt soon, to prove that the iPad is garbage. And I just can't wait for the results. I dream of a day when I can just pop out my multitouch netbook in the comfy Hyatt hotel bed and respond to the next great XDA post.
I actually was looking tonight and there really isn't anything out there right now. I really hope this market picks up. The closest thing is the newest Eee PC, with a processor at 1.66 MHz. My M140 is at 1.73, so I can't go lower. Let's hope for a nice push in products...
Dell should hit this up. The only Multitouch tablet they offer is over $2k!!!!
I bought a LOADED HP tx2000z two years ago because I thought that I'd actually use the touchscreen/wacom digitizer. Boy was I wrong. 2000 bucks later, I honestly wish I would have bought a macbook pro over this POS.
Using a mouse or keyboard still is faster. Windows is not designed well for using a touch screen. Plus, that tiny swivel point where the screen connects to the rest of the computer isn't quite as strong as I had once thought, and all the wiring inside of it, over time, starts to get shorts in it. My sound crackles as I swivel the screen. Also, HP doesn't have the best of build quality in general. However, the digitizer does do an excellent job of speeding things up in photoshop.
My advise: Stay away from laptops with touch screens. Unless you spend the majority of your time in photoshop, it won't be worth it.
got the earlier tx1270 little brother of tx2000z
it get too hot to use in tablet mode and it's too fat and it makes too much noise
speedfan say the gpu is 89c in idle
the heat caused the wifi to stop working
but it was good for reading eComics on if I could stand the heat
I'm not put off tablets yet though
what laptop to get is really down to what one use it for
if it's surfing in the sofa netbooks are great and got long batt
but some people like to game on their laptops in which case they end up having to pay
a lot
got 2 dell work laptops both ugly and plastic'ish but better quality then crappy hp
and got a acer very underpowered one but manage with xubuntu
gf got a new macbook pro cost an arm and leg and kidney but the build quality is pretty good
osx remind me of linux really in a closed platform version though
if I were looking to get a laptop now I would look at tablets without combi keyboard option like the hp got
otherwise I would look at asus eebooks or whatever they are called
Hmm, good points. I guess my consideration for getting something with multitouch is basically to make sure that I'm consistent with the market. If that's what people are buying, I want to have my copy, just in case software erupts for it.
But I'm surprised at the story about the shoddy HP hardware.
I could, however, see how I can use a touchscreen with Windows 7. I won't touch Apple products because they don't suit my needs, but I guess that's why I won't spend $2k on a tablet PC. It sounds like it's just not worth that much.
Rudegar said:
got the earlier tx1270 little brother of tx2000z
it get too hot to use in tablet mode and it's too fat and it makes too much noise
speedfan say the gpu is 89c in idle
the heat caused the wifi to stop working
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had the SAME exact problems with my tx1219. Too loud, too hot, wifi stops working, and also the touchscreen is horrible.
I've only worked with the tx2000 for 10 minutes, so I can't comment on the problems, but the the touchscreen was really good on it.
yeah tx2000 and up have vacom active digtizer and some got capative with dual touch
but I don't trust their quality so even if they look good on papir I don't want to pay that much with such a high risk of being ripped off

Honestly I do not get Tablets

"What a tablet gains in mobility it loses in utility."
To me that sums up a Tablet. I do not get where it fits in to the degree that Apple has sold 55M of them in 2 years. Smartphone sales are through the roof, and phones are getting bigger and more capable. The only thing tablets have on smartphones are bigger screens. And phones have gsm voice capabilities whereas most tablets do not. So where exactly do tablets fit in if you own a smartphone and a laptop?
High end smartphone - does everything a Tablet does in a more mobile package but is less comfortable to use for some tasks due to smaller screen
Tablet - a "gsm voiceless" smartphone with a bigger screen but limited in function compared to a laptop
Laptop - a true computing device that is the least mobile of all but does more functions that all
So if I own a new iPhone 5 with a 4" screen and a Macbook Air, why do I need an iPad? Or I am just not with it?
I don't get them either, but I want one so badly I feel ill.
I want one because I don't call or send texts. My last call was 3 years ago and my last text was 2 years ago Mobile phone are not used for calling anymore!
nicksti said:
"What a tablet gains in mobility it loses in utility."
To me that sums up a Tablet. I do not get where it fits in to the degree that Apple has sold 55M of them in 2 years. Smartphone sales are through the roof, and phones are getting bigger and more capable. The only thing tablets have on smartphones are bigger screens. And phones have gsm voice capabilities whereas most tablets do not. So where exactly do tablets fit in if you own a smartphone and a laptop?
High end smartphone - does everything a Tablet does in a more mobile package but is less comfortable to use for some tasks due to smaller screen
Tablet - a "gsm voiceless" smartphone with a bigger screen but limited in function compared to a laptop
Laptop - a true computing device that is the least mobile of all but does more functions that all
So if I own a new iPhone 5 with a 4" screen and a Macbook Air, why do I need an iPad? Or I am just not with it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My Phone does everything I need yes, but reading books and watching films is a pain on my phone.
Laptops are too big/bulky imo, phones are too small (mainly when reading PDFs or watching films that have a massive letterbox), not to mention battery life on a tablet is far better than both
sleepingsword said:
My Phone does everything I need yes, but reading books and watching films is a pain on my phone.
Laptops are too big/bulky imo, phones are too small (mainly when reading PDFs or watching films that have a massive letterbox), not to mention battery life on a tablet is far better than both
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally agree with you there and why I appreciate having my Galaxy Tab 10.1. A lot of the print magazines I subscribe to went all digital and consuming these on my phone is not useful nor sitting at my desktop computer. I suppose having a light laptop like the Air would change this behavior.
One thing a tablet exceeds with is the touch screen interface which most laptops cant compete.
Anyway, my 2 cents
Apple excels at creating demand for products that a consumer never knew they desired or needed, lol. I agree with OP, I actually bought a Galaxy Tab 10.1 wifi, and after the first few weeks never picked it up again and ended up selling it. I suppose the uses for the device vary greatly among all, but for me a tablet is just too large to be lugging around to work and back. The phone, although with a smaller screen is always with me and more of a convenience than a tab ever will be.
Tablets are like netbooks, only difference netbooks had no restrictions like an iPad and you could use an decent office suite on it.
I don't get tablets either, but its more meant for using internet if you do not wish carry your notebook because its heavier.
But for me I do not mind carrying my notebook, even though it weights 2,62kg so yes its heavier then a tablet, but it also got much more power then a tablet.
My gf also said to me: You don't need an iPad you already have an notebook. Notebook plus smartphone is best combo for me, the smartphone for on the go and notebook when I can sit somewhere down like at home.
What is it that you'd like a tablet to do with regards to the "limited functionality"?
I am not taking away that there are some pros with tablets. But then there more than enough cons.
Doing simple inputs are easier on a touchscreen, simplified device. Tablet wins here. Doing more complex inputs (more intensive data entry like typing up long emails, or forums ) are better suited for laptops. Sure you can add a bluetooth keyboard but then you are adding bulk which defeats the purpose of the mobile tablet.
Maybe tablets suit people with a more outdoorsy lifestyle. Hanging out in Cafes, Parks, airports, etc. I would not be surprised that there are a few people that bought into a tablet and it is now collecting dust. I also know some people love them.
nicksti said:
"What a tablet gains in mobility it loses in utility."
To me that sums up a Tablet. I do not get where it fits in to the degree that Apple has sold 55M of them in 2 years. Smartphone sales are through the roof, and phones are getting bigger and more capable. The only thing tablets have on smartphones are bigger screens. And phones have gsm voice capabilities whereas most tablets do not. So where exactly do tablets fit in if you own a smartphone and a laptop?
High end smartphone - does everything a Tablet does in a more mobile package but is less comfortable to use for some tasks due to smaller screen
Tablet - a "gsm voiceless" smartphone with a bigger screen but limited in function compared to a laptop
Laptop - a true computing device that is the least mobile of all but does more functions that all
So if I own a new iPhone 5 with a 4" screen and a Macbook Air, why do I need an iPad? Or I am just not with it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're obviously just not a tablet kind of person. That's fair enough. I use mine a lot, but I don't have a laptop - I have a desktop PC at home. Saying that, I'd be less inclined to take my laptop out with me than I would a tablet. It just about sits comfortably in my pocket (7" Galaxy Tab) and it keeps me entertained for hours on end with no effort at all. The battery lasts longer than a laptop, which is a plus, but of course a laptop is generally better than a tablet at most things. It just all depends on whether or not you can see a use for a tablet in your life, and you obviously can't.
Just don't get one
Won't pick one up until windows 8 arrives. If I'm blowing that much, it better function as a computer.
Archer said:
You're obviously just not a tablet kind of person. That's fair enough. I use mine a lot, but I don't have a laptop - I have a desktop PC at home. Saying that, I'd be less inclined to take my laptop out with me than I would a tablet. It just about sits comfortably in my pocket (7" Galaxy Tab) and it keeps me entertained for hours on end with no effort at all. The battery lasts longer than a laptop, which is a plus, but of course a laptop is generally better than a tablet at most things. It just all depends on whether or not you can see a use for a tablet in your life, and you obviously can't.
Just don't get one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But you see, your tablet is your mobile convergent device. I would take a wild guess that you have a desktop with a nice, hi-res, big screen with specs that are nicer than the average laptop. So you have a phone and a desktop without a mobile computing stopgap.
Also, I am not blind to the usefulness of a tablet. I am not suggesting it is not for anyone. 55M in sales from Apple + say 30M from all the rest combined.... I am surprised the marketspace is that big with laptops getting more portable and smartphones having such a high penetration.
Its a happy medium
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire using XDA
I don't like them either. It would be nice if someone would give it as a gift, but spending my own money for it won't happen. If I want mobility, I'll use my phone; If I want to do work or watch movie, I'll do it on my laptop.
In less than a month I will be buying my first tablet and I cannot ####### wait....
There are so many times a day that I need to quickly nip online to do something but it's often not worth booting up the laptop for and is a pain in the ass to do on my phone.
I don't want to have to carry a laptop to work just to be able to do a few minor things on my lunchbreak but a tab will do just fine..
It won't be an Ipad though....
Sent From My Fingers To Your Face.....
My macbook pro over heats like no tomorrow, so my transformer fits in perfect when I need to watch netflix or youtube... By the way my macbook pro isn't old it's 2011 model...
I use my iconia daily for uni. Far more portable than my laptop.
I get where you are coming from though. I know a girl with an iPad because other people said its the best lol
Sent from my Rachael using XDA App
Honestly I don't get Smartphones today. Battery is crap, they're not that smart in utmost basic features, and they can't even call. LOL
My battery works great..
I have a notebook that is pretty large (alienware M17x) and it is more than a tablet can think of being.. it takes it a matter of no more than 15-20 seconds to boot and load.. so, not bad on quick needs..
Like the Jack's films video
IPad= big iPod touch
Sent from my Supercharged R3velation v2 Infuse
I have a Razr Maxx and a Toshiba Quosmio 17" gaming laptop. I needed something in the middle. Laying down on my bed right before going to sleep my Acer Iconia A500 is perfect for checking emails or maybe even checking out some youtube. Also, i love the fact that i can just throw it in a bag and gives me 8-9 hours of usage, enough for a flight from Connecticut to California and back. And reading the occasional ebook.

[Q] Surface Pro 3 or Macbook Pro?

Before you continue reading, I would like to mention I work well with both Windows and Mac OS, one is not better or worse to me, I'm familiar with both operating systems.
I'm starting College next year, and I'll need a Laptop! I'm shortened my list of possible options to now two main competitors in my opinion, the Surface Pro 3, and the Macbook Pro.
The prices of the Model I am deciding between:
Surface Pro 3: $999 - i5 128GB (Additional $130 for Keyboard, $1129 total)
MacBook Pro: $1299 - i5, 128GB (2015 Model JUST announced)
In YOUR opinion, which would you choose if you could pick between either, and why? I understand this is a personal option, and there are many factors to consider, but I'm looking for other's opinions and their reasoning why
Surface. Tablet/pc, touch screen is really handy, all Windows programs, Linux if wanted, Windows 10 and more.
Source: Have some Lenovo ThinkPad yoga laptop for school, with Windows 8.1.
You know, there are many other options you can choose from, which are better for even a better price
Personally, if I HAD to take one of the two, I would take the Surface
The major question is: 'what do you need it for?'
Closely followed by 'Why a Macbook?'
Is it going to be used for mainly browsing and documents or coding? Then the Surface if a good idea. It's versatile.
Graphic design? Whatever anyone says, a uniform Mac is very much NOT a good choice for a designer who's supposed to be unique and creative. Every Mac is identical as customisation is nearly impossible. (As a Windows using designer I hate those hipsters.. Half of Uni was filled with them.) Get a proper laptop. I did Multimedia Design and my Asus ran laps around even the most expensive Macbook. For half the price. And I could game on it, too.
3D/Video/Gamedesign? You need something heavy duty. A Macbook isn't powerful enough.
Do you also intend to use it for home/on the go use for normal everyday things? The Surface will do.
If you're looking for an Android alternative to the Surface, there's also the NotePro.
Quite frankly a Macbook is a severely overpriced product with mediocre specs. I truly do not see the point of a Macbook. (I've worked with them, it's not ignorance.)
You're on XDA, so obviously you know your way around technology, rendering the major selling point (easy to use for the technologically handicapped) redundant.
You're much better off getting a Windows laptop/Ultrabook or the Surface.
Hell, you could get both for the price of a Macbook with good specs.
Sent From My Samsung Galaxy Note 3 N9005 Using Tapatalk
ShadowLea said:
The major question is: 'what do you need it for?'
Closely followed by 'Why a Macbook?'
Is it going to be used for mainly browsing and documents or coding? Then the Surface if a good idea. It's versatile.
Graphic design? Whatever anyone says, a uniform Mac is very much NOT a good choice for a designer who's supposed to be unique and creative. Every Mac is identical as customisation is nearly impossible. (As a Windows using designer I hate those hipsters.. Half of Uni was filled with them.) Get a proper laptop. I did Multimedia Design and my Asus ran laps around even the most expensive Macbook. For half the price. And I could game on it, too.
3D/Video/Gamedesign? You need something heavy duty. A Macbook isn't powerful enough.
Do you also intend to use it for home/on the go use for normal everyday things? The Surface will do.
If you're looking for an Android alternative to the Surface, there's also the NotePro.
Quite frankly a Macbook is a severely overpriced product with mediocre specs. I truly do not see the point of a Macbook. (I've worked with them, it's not ignorance.)
You're on XDA, so obviously you know your way around technology, rendering the major selling point (easy to use for the technologically handicapped) redundant.
You're much better off getting a Windows laptop/Ultrabook or the Surface.
Hell, you could get both for the price of a Macbook with good specs.
Sent From My Samsung Galaxy Note 3 N9005 Using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really appreciate you taking the time to respond!
At this point, I'm no longer considering a Macbook. The reason I even considered a Macbook was simply because of their reliability, design, and influence by the specific University I'm going to, the school is flooded with Apple devices because Steve Wozniak was once a student there (he's donated an insane amount of apple products to the school).
Sure other devices are sleep and reliable, in my opinion, Macs are just the overpriced versions.
At this point, I've eliminated any Apple product.
Now.. I do realize there has to be a million other Laptops better than the Surface, in the same price range, but there are a lot of factors I'm trying to consider
1. The design matters to me. As silly as it may sound to others, I'm willing to sacrifice power for something "sexy". (Not TOO much though!)
2. It needs to be reliable.
3. It needs to be portable.
4. Decent-Good Battery Life
5. 1080p screen resolution minimum.
6. Prefer a touchscreen for the price I'm willing to pay.
Being able to do some form a gaming or video editing, etc, would be nice, but it's not a MUST-HAVE. I wouldn't want a fat, 3-4 lb laptop with fat round edges, just so I can play games d:
The surface is appealing to me because it can do what I need it to do, it's thin, sleek, sexy, and reliable (with reliable support as-well if I need it).
If you can think of something better that may be appealing to me, PLEASE let me know a device name or include a link, because I certainly will look into it!
Lenovo ThinkPad yoga (whatever the latest number is). have one for school, touchscreen, powerful enough to play games like need for speed carbon (haven't tried PhotoShop), and my favourite part, the keyboard folds behind the screen rather than detaching, so you don't have to ditch it anywhere when using tablet style. Thin, and Imo beautiful, as well as powerful.
If for some reason you want to use android on it (no idea why, but shadowlea posted it) try amiduos(.com)
2PMintheAM said:
Really appreciate you taking the time to respond!
At this point, I'm no longer considering a Macbook. The reason I even considered a Macbook was simply because of their reliability, design, and influence by the specific University I'm going to, the school is flooded with Apple devices because Steve Wozniak was once a student there (he's donated an insane amount of apple products to the school).
Sure other devices are sleep and reliable, in my opinion, Macs are just the overpriced versions.
At this point, I've eliminated any Apple product.
Now.. I do realize there has to be a million other Laptops better than the Surface, in the same price range, but there are a lot of factors I'm trying to consider
1. The design matters to me. As silly as it may sound to others, I'm willing to sacrifice power for something "sexy". (Not TOO much though!)
2. It needs to be reliable.
3. It needs to be portable.
4. Decent-Good Battery Life
5. 1080p screen resolution minimum.
6. Prefer a touchscreen for the price I'm willing to pay.
Being able to do some form a gaming or video editing, etc, would be nice, but it's not a MUST-HAVE. I wouldn't want a fat, 3-4 lb laptop with fat round edges, just so I can play games d:
The surface is appealing to me because it can do what I need it to do, it's thin, sleek, sexy, and reliable (with reliable support as-well if I need it).
If you can think of something better that may be appealing to me, PLEASE let me know a device name or include a link, because I certainly will look into it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm an avid Asus user so this'll be quite a bit biased, but..
The Asus Zenbook NX500 is a powerhouse with a very beautiful exterior. (It looks a bit like a macbook). 15.6" 1080p Touchscreen, i7 4712HQ, GTX850M 2GB GDDR5, 16 GB RAM. This could handle both regular use and heavyuse.
An equally pretty one to look at is the ASUS ZENBOOK UX301LA. i7 4558U 2.8 GHz ~ 3.3 GHz. 13.3" Touchscreen Corning Gorilla Glass 3 16:9 WQHD (2560x1440)/Full HD. IntelHD 400/5500 (not exactly optimal for graphic use, but then the Macbook uses an IntelHD 4000 too).
Both are Ultrabooks, so they can't be detached.
The only real option in the tablet range is indeed the Surface. Everything else runs on Android or iOS, which whilst great, is a bit limiting.
Please ask in our dedicated **Desktops and Laptops Thread**.

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