Computers & Networking

[Chelsf00l]

 I'm a college student looking for a laptop that's going to work pretty fast. I don't really know a lot about computers and whatnot but I'm really only going to be using it for my school work and entertainment/music. I'm not really into computer games or anything. I just want a computer that's goin to stay fast and has a long battery life. My budget is up to about $700. Tell me what you think please!

[RealGeorgeW Emerging Expert · Accepted solution]

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Toshiba+-+Satellite+Laptop+/+Intel%26%23174%3B+Core%26%23153%3B+i3+Proce...

Quick search and I found that. THere's quite a few decent laptops in that price range.

Though, I understand bugetary limits, $700 will not buy a laptop that's going to "stay fast" comparitively for very long.

[Chelsf00l]

Thanks, a lot

I also found this one and like it too, do you have any opinions on what's better about either one?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+Pavilion+Laptop+/+AMD+Turion%26%23153%3B+II+Processor+/+17.3%22+Dis...

[RealGeorgeW Emerging Expert]

The Toshiba I posted has newer/faster parts in it, particularly the RAM is DDR3 and the Core i3 being a much newer CPU than the Turion.

[p37l215]

Being a student you will most likely require some iteration of microsoft office as well as a good antivirus to assure your computer keeps its "like new speed" over time. There is alot of computers arond 700 that will be great for students. However, with a PC you will need to invest time and money to keep the computer performance up to par. I know it is more than your target price, but I mac may be right up your ally. Apple OS is based around ease of use, and virus free operation. In a nut shell, without a virus to speak of, the computer will keep its "like new speed" through years of use. In addition to this, without spending money on a reliable antivirus subscription year after year you can save over time by avoiding that 30-50 dollars a year. Although it doesn't come with office, you could purchase a iWork for only 49.99 after a mail in rebate.

Macs:
Come with "Mail" which is an email client similar to outlook for no extra charge (109.99 for outlook for a PC)
Virus Free (30-50 dollars a year for antivirus a year can be avoided)
iWork reads and saves in microsoft office formats (iWork is only 49.99 after a mail in rebate, where as office is 150)

A 700 dollar laptop can become 1000 dollars before you know it. The peace of mind, light weight, and over 8 hours of battery in a macbook computer is a great option for students. Not to mention the standard Nvidia graphics card that works will with the website and movie making, as well as photo editing software that ocmes standard on mac computers.

[Nokia]

PCs:
Can download Windows Essentials, which includes Windows Live Mail. Just like Outlook. Free.
How are Macs virus-free? There are definitely viruses for Macs. Also, Microsoft Security Essentials: free AV.
OpenOffice is free. Saves in Office formats.

Macs are more expensive than PCs. Don't try to justify the cost.

[p37l215]

Nokia, thank you for your input, but it was just a recommendation. I build PC's, however, I believe there is an inherent value with an Apple computer. Windows Live Mail was made to function "like" outlook, however, it will not connect to all email accounts. It does support pop 3 accounts, but it may have trouble connecting to school specific email accounts. Microsoft Secuirity Essentials is typically not ranked in any of the top ten antivirus software lists. Although it is free, you get what you pay for. The definitions are not updated as quickly as you think, and the virus database rivals norton, not bit defender, kaspersky, or nod 32. In addition to this, OpenOffice is a free alternative to paying for office. It works well, but depending on how advanced one needs to format their presentation or how professional they would like a document or spreadsheet to appear, the advanced extensions within OpenOffice are not entirely supported by MS Office. Also, OpenOffice requires an active internet connection.

Windows laptops are less expensive. But a decent machine that will run well with Windows 7 is not. After applicable educational discounts are applied, if any given Best Buy store management will allow, a Mac will only run 899. In addition to this, Apple laptops are the only computers in the industry to come with a FULL warranty for the first year. During this first year the customer can go into any mac store to partake in seminars to learn the ins and outs of this operating system for free. The warranty out of the box lists all defects, including a potential battery replacement, power cable and screen protection. During this year the customer has the option to buy apple care which will extend the warranty to 3 full years. Because Apple makes all of their own parts they will literally fix any component of the computer, including motherboards. (Mac actually uses foxconn to produce their components but they work soley with this one company and brand their components exclusively).

As far as virus for mac. Mac OS is built on UNIX, which is virus free. Most virus software today relys on cache overflows as well as user interface. Referring to cache overflows, cache and ram memory is randomized to stave off attacks. It is impossible to get a virus without user interface. A worm is another story. For a user who is new, or unfamiliar with computers, an accidental click on a dubious link will not result in a virus infection. This is becuase Macs keep system files completely seperate from user files and encrypt library files so there is no ability for third party software to infect it without user awareness (ie. password entry). User passwords are also encrypted to add another layer of protection.

Last, windows OS requires upkeep. The computer needs to be defraged, and superfulous files cleaned periodically. In addition to this, virus removal and computer backup can be daunting. Macs do their own maintenance, are not prone to fragmentation, and through TimeMachine the user can back up the entire operating system and applications installed incase of hardware failure or for peace of mind.

Windows computers are great, but Apple is definately gaining a larger foothold in the market. Windows is great for a user who knows more about computers, but the ease of use trophy definately goes to Apple OS. Microsoft recognized this, and has been striving to provide a more secure experience, and actually borrowed features from apple. Before you say, "no", think of where the idea for aero peek, and the search feature now built into windows 7 came from.

[Nokia]

WLM, through extensions, should support pretty much any email account except Exchange.

MSE is actually ranked pretty well. If you're paranoid, you can also get AVG Free, or get paid versions of AVG for free through trial offers.

There should be compatibility packs for most OO extensions to allow them to work with Office. iWork is not 100% compatibile with Office though, either.

What do you mean by full warranty? Parts and labor are covered by pretty much all mfgs. for the first year.

UNIX is virus-free. Macs are not. Currently, apple's main form of virus protection is obscurity. They are slowly losing this from their beloved "halo effect."

Defragging has been mythbusted time and time again. System gains are negligible. There are third party programs for easy backup. I believe Windows even provides an easy option.

Macs are designed for stupid people. This isn't an insult towards mac users. It's fact. Apple has even said it.

[p37l215]

To the original poster: Sorry for quasi-hijacking this thread, if you scroll down to the bottom paragraph I get back on point.

To Nokia:
There is a market for each product, and each definitely has their appeals. The point is when it comes to a truly user friendly experience Apple is a better choice. It is impossible to argue that a similar system doesn't exist on a windows platform for cheaper. The point is, the windows computer does require a little more know how to get around, as well as maintain performance. Mac OS is built on UNIX, just with a very user friend GUI. I understand where you are coming from, but turning this into a debate on technicalities and personal bias is of no use to the original poster. For a student, both are viable options. It all comes down to user preference. Coming from a background of both machines my opinion is that Apple is easier to use for a user who is new to computers. Windows computers can be great for value, the point is that it does require a more hands on approach.

Manufacture warranties are LIMITED warranties that only cover flaws in manufacturing. They do not cover wear and tear. To say so is simple to be uninformed. Manufacturers exclude batteries and power cables as they are listed as consumables. They also exclude most LCD displays although exceptions have been made. Another large loop-hole is their lack of power surge protection. If ANY malfunction of a computer is related to a power surge it will not be covered by the manufacturer. Apple covers everything within the computer beyond simple manufacturing error. This full feature warranty can be extended anytime within the first year or ownership.

You mentioned "free" paid for versions of anti-virus. You also said they were trials, so they expire. They aren't free, but for thirty days or so. Also, most free antivirus software is used as an advertisement tool to get the full version with more powerful removal options. Last, the backup software within windows will NOT allow you to image a disc drive. To argue that it does is to say that you could reinstall the operating system from a user created disc within the os pre-packaged software. Windows 7 does not allow for this. Unless you are Windows Platinum or higher certified here there is no credibility in your end user argument. You do need to remove unwanted temporary files and cookies as they are both a potential security risk as well as wasted storage. The more full a hard drive is, the slower it will function. This maintenance has to be done by, or scheduled by the user. On a Mac it does not. The argument that Macs are for "stupid people" is an insult no matter what way you attempt to spin it. Apple advertises an experience. They sell to frustrated PC users and others who want a more worry free environment to operate. All of this is fact. Apple would in no way insult its population of supporters by calling them "stupid".

So far for your no additional cost Windows experience you have mentioned:

The download of third party software that requires a constant active internet connection to type homework, create presentations, as well as spreadsheets

The download of a free antivirus that will either lack updates, a full database of known threats, or full removal tools and in some cases poorly rated protection

The download and installation of trial antivirus on a monthly basis in order to get "free" paid for versions of legitimate subscription software

The need to purchase or otherwise obtain free backup software to create an image of the HDD in case of failure. Even with the creation of this media, a user who is unfamiliar with computers will most likely not be able to reinstall a full operating system, followed by the aforementioned software that will need to be reinstalled afterward. Not to mention the recovery of personal files as a worst case scenario.

The scheduling or time set aside to clean temporary system files periodically

With the proper setup a windows computer can and will last an incredible amount of time. But it is all in the setup. If you know someone, or a willing to pay for someone that knows how to set up a computer correctly a Windows computer is a great choice. I built a computer for my mother not too long ago. It is running Windows 7 but I invested time and money into getting the right software so that maintenance, anti-virus updates and renewals, system updates, and system backups are all automated. At almost a year old the computer still boots in under a minute from post.

Last, I have the highest level windows certification, as well the equivalent Apple certification and can speak from both experience and understanding of the two systems. Like I said, they both have their advantages. The best way to truly appreciate either operating system is to get hands on with them. Try going into a Best Buy so you can compare the two systems side by side. Ask a knowledgeable associate to show you how each work and see which one is for you. If you are investing in something that is going to last you through college and potentially beyond just make sure you are happy with your choice and have thoroughly explored your options. I would say go into an Apple store but the associates there can only sell their product, and are notorious for strict sales goals. Best Buy's non-commission environment is an ideal place to test out the latest in technology. Also, Best Buy has been deemed the best place to buy a computer with the most knowledgeable staff by computer magazines.

[CrystalWoW Valued Expert]

The original poster has marked there thread as solved but for future forum users, I would take most of p37l215's information with a grain of salt. I agree that turning the thread into a mac debate was not a great idea especially with erroneous information.

Macs get virus's as Nokia pointed out and apple agrees, with our without user input Windows includes a built in system image creator in the backup and restore center. Once again, as Nokia stated windows has mail built in as well with support for even exchange with some configuration, and all others with ease. Microsoft Security Essentials has performed fairly well and has held up and performed better than some of the larger paid av. It also maintains regular virus definitions updates.

Open office is free and I haven't had an issue not maintaining an internet connection while in use except for downloading it in the first place of course. Virtually all of open office's extensions are supported fully by word and iworks would have roughly the same rate of conversion issues.

Most if not all manufacturers cover things such as power cords and batteries that stop functioning completely during the warranty term including power surge in some cases. Here is a quote from Apple's warranty: This warranty does not apply: (a) to consumable parts, such as batteries, unless damage has occurred due to a defect in materials or workmanship; (b) to cosmetic damage, including but not limited to scratches, dents and broken plastic on ports; (c) to damage caused by use with non-Apple products; (d) to damage caused by accident, abuse, misuse, liquid contact, fire, earthquake or other external causes; (e) to damage caused by operating the product outside the permitted or intended uses described by Apple;(h) to defects caused by normal wear and tear or otherwise due to the normal aging of the product. So just the same as everyone else...

Windows can get by just fine without defragging though clicking a button to delete temporary files and cookies is good. Also, on virtually every windows 7 pc it provides a utility to create os restoration disks that most users would find fully satisfying if an issue arose such as a virus or os corruption.

Either os has a market with different customers but when you constantly see customers running in the day before a class starts that has special software that is pc only, or there company has a software that they need to make work but it is pc only, some of the user friendliness goes out the window without some technical knowledge. One of our more techy users will probably pop in tomorrow to clear up some points made in this thread as well.