Originally posted by: bharok
What should I do?? and Why?
Firstly, as an engineering student here at Queen's University, congratulations on choosing to be an engineer. It's loads of fun (even if you're 17 like me and thus can't get hammered every weekend -- JK).
With respect to your choice of computer, let me start off by pointing out the obvious -- do you really need a laptop? Unless you've got a fat wad of cash burning a hole in your pocket, I trust that you realize that from a price vs. performance standpoint, a desktop is a much better choice. Especially if you live in Res on campus -- here at Queen's, your room's so close that usually you can check email in between classes if you hurry.
When making this decision, be sure to keep in mind that you probably
won't be taking notes with your laptop in class. (I only mention this because it seems to be a common misconception, especially with parents for some reason.) I have many, many friends with laptops and I only know one person who brings his -- and he uses it to play MegaMan during lectures. While you can expect to have lecture notes available online, most people just print them out and bring them to class. That way, they a) have a hard copy to study from and b) can add notes to the hard copy while in class. Further, if there is no campus wide WiFi network, then you have to remember to download the notes before coming to class, thus negating the "convenience" factor.
The pros of owning a laptop, on the other hand, are obvious. If you spend alot of time away from your desk, then it makes no sense to have $2000 of computer equipment gathering dust while you're away. (This is especially clear for me, as I'm doing a dual degree in Engineering Physics and Computer Science, which means I have umpteen hours of class a day punctuated by short (50min) breaks. To top it all off, I live a 25min walk from campus, which means no getting back in between class.) Also, as I noted above, if you have a WiFi network at your school, so much the better. (While we don't have WiFi, we do have ethernet jacks all over the place. They're about as prolific as electrical outlets.)
As for a PC vs. a Mac, I would recommend getting a PC, because of the following:
- Connectivity. When you need to print out an essay and you've run out of ink, you really don't want to worrk about finding someone with a USB, Mac compatible printer. As for ResNet, that's a moot point because as we all know, Mac plays nice with Win on a network.
- Software. I have only ever had one situation where a piece of software required for a course was available for Win only. In that case, it was a CAD suite that wouldn't run under VirtualPC (Win emulator for Mac, for the uninitiated), so anyone with a Mac (both of them ) were left to work in the labs. YMMV, of course, especially depending on what you decide to concentrate in. However, one thing is for certain: res is a huge, constant LAN party (except you don't have to move your stuff); and guess what -- VirtualPC doesn't do CounterStrike!
Before I have to don my Nomex underwear, let me just that I have been a Mac user for many years and believe it is indeed superior in many ways to Windows.
If you do decide to get a laptop, I would choose a T40. In fact, I am planning to get a T40 myself at the end of the summer. TabletPCs are nice in concept, but right now, the price vs. performace ratio is not feasable for anyone poorer than Bill Gates. Why T40? Well, by all current accounts:
- Fast.
- Durable.
- Reliable.
- Compact.
- Did I mention fast?
If you can't quite afford an IBM, the Dell Latitudes are good as well. The D800 seems to be especially well-priced. I wouldn't get an Inspirion, just because of what I read on these forums and others about various build issues. IMO, it's worth the extra $200 to get the Latitude.
If you decide to get a PC, I wouldn't get a Shuttle. Why? Well, if you buy a PC now, you might want to keep it for a few years, and then upgrade. In a Shuttle, your options are somewhat limited. You might want to add multiple drives, maybe overclock, et cetera; some of there things may be more difficult in a Shuttle, others may be impossible. At this point, you don't want to limit your options, especially if (once again) you don't have a money orchard. Don't get me wrong, a Shuttle has a place -- as a compact PC, a media center, a LAN party rig -- but none of these fits the description of typical res life.
Well, I have said quite enough, so I will step off my soapbox. One last thing though -- definately do a dual boot with Linux. Playing with a *Nix OS is one of the funnest things you can do with a computer, IMO, even if you only use it to confuse your Arts friends. ("What? I just wanted to type a note -- you say type
vi? Huh?")
'Nuff said.