Technology Suggestions for a CS major

[AFB]

Okay, so here's the deal. I'm going to be a CS major next year at UT Austin, which is a pretty large campus. They mostly use Java, Linux, and on occasion (in my sophomore OS class) C and assembly. So my question is what would be the best combination of computer systems (desktop and/or laptop) to get me by for idk, about three years or so?

My budget:

I could probably stretch it to around $2000 if it's absolutely necessary.
However, I would prefer a total price or no more than $1500.

Concerns:

Usability
I want to be able to code for extended periods of time without hand/eye strain. Yes, I know CS is not all coding, but there still is a significant amount of it. So perhaps I need a desktop with a larger monitor, or do you think a dock/monitor & keyboard station with a large screen would work?

Durability
Also, I'm concerned with the durability. I've been seriously considering the Macbooks, the Thinkpads, and the Latitudes, but the Macbooks seem fragile and the Thinkpads are pricey.
Warranties (3yrs+) are definitely positives.

Weight
I want to be able to actually use this as a laptop. I was considering getting a cheapo HP 17" dv9000 series, but those are like 8-9lbs. I like the weight of the macbooks, but idk if programing on a 13" screen would be insane.



Yes, I'm very confused at the moment. I guess what I really want is a 17" notebook that rolls up, fits in my pocket, and weights about three pounds. Oh and if I could have that for $599. Maybe the best solution is the get a notebook (dell vostro-ish?) and a nice desktop? Or maybe something else.


Thank you.


Oh, and if it matters, I have a nice little Nokia 770 4" Tablet I can take with me in a pinch.

 

[TheStu]

I have a MacBook, and did coding on it no problem. If you code in text editors most of the time then you can usually fit 2-3 windows side by side for notes, code, and then maybe more code. I did a lot of my coding in emacs since i could customize the window more than i could in most other apps, and the code highlighting was really good. You can then copy and paste it into the compiler to error check it and run it. Though, if you link emacs to a compiler, it will do some error checking.

 

[AFB]

Originally posted by: TheStu
I have a MacBook, and did coding on it no problem. If you code in text editors most of the time then you can usually fit 2-3 windows side by side for notes, code, and then maybe more code. I did a lot of my coding in emacs since i could customize the window more than i could in most other apps, and the code highlighting was really good. You can then copy and paste it into the compiler to error check it and run it. Though, if you link emacs to a compiler, it will do some error checking.

How is the build quality. My GF has a MBP and she's replaced the power cord about 10 times. Not to mention the wrist rest that's worn from use in two years.

 

[TheStu]

Any machine will get worn from use over time. My buddy has a year old inspiron, his wrist rests are more worn than mine.

As far as the build quality goes, I am very impressed by it. The keys are still responsive, the hinge isnt loose at all, the whole thing feels as solid today as when i first got it almost a year ago. Plus the thing has taken some beatings and still works like a champ.

Quick addendum, regardless of what you choose, try to get to a store to try out the keyboard. If you are going to be typing a lot on this thing (notes, coding, web) then make sure you are comfortable with the keyboard and to a certain degree the trackpad. One thing that I love about my MacBook is the trackpad, it is huge and really smooth feeling without being polished plastic like some laptops have.

 

[erwos]

You want a small notebook (12" or less) with a good dock - something like a Latitude or a Thinkpad. Spend the remainder on getting a high-end monitor (24"), keyboard (to taste), and mouse (MX Revolution).

You don't need much in the way of CPU or RAM for undergraduate CS classes, or at least that was my experience a few years ago. Something to run emacs, vi, or Eclipe with, at most.

 

[MrNeutrino]

This is going to go a bit off-topic but it's related and important:

Ergonomics should be high on your list especially with a laptop. Laptop keyboards are POS when it comes to ergonomics during extended typing. Ask any ergonomic expert in corporate environment or elsewhere.

Get what you prefer in a laptop. However, don't forget to invest in an 'ergonomic' KB / mouse at least at your desk. MS natural keyboard + mouse combo fits many well. Take it from someone who's been through the ups and downs of ergonomics using a laptop for coding / mousing / 100+ page document creations for extended periods of time.

That rant aside, get a wide-screen LCD (based laptop, if you're going portable). They are ideally suited to view everything from PDFs to word documents etc. in book mode / 2 pages per screen. Makes reading / scanning MUCH easier and faster.

 

[Onund]

I agree with erwos about the power, not that important for undergrad CS. Screen real-estate would be my focus.

It would really come down to how to plan on using your system and doing your work. If I had to do it over again I would probably have gone with a laptop with a large, preferrably wide, screen, a dual monitor setup at home plus keyboard/mouse. On campus, I would have hijacked a computer lab PC for the keyboard/mouse and monitor. I find it incredibly useful to be able to simultaneously full screen a reference doc and my work. In situations where there is only one monitor, wide screen is as close as you get.

Personally, I would take a heavier laptop for a bigger screen. My wife had an incredibly small laptop (maybe 12"?) in university which was a dream to carry around but a freaking pain to work with, blah.

A side effect of a laptop, it makes moving around between terms much easier. Between co-op and school, I was moving every 4 months. My PC was probably about 1/2 the volume of what I moved. I suppose if you're getting a laptop and monitor you're not saving that much in that department.... ah well.

 

[erwos]

Originally posted by: Onund
Personally, I would take a heavier laptop for a bigger screen. My wife had an incredibly small laptop (maybe 12"?) in university which was a dream to carry around but a freaking pain to work with, blah.

I probably should have emphasized the dock point more. Get a laptop with a real dock! This allows you to have the small screen on the go, yet two (with modern docks) large screens at home.

I used dual CRTs extensively in undergrad CS, and they were a lifesaver. For the OP's budget, he can easily do all these things with a Latitude or Thinkpad.

 

[AFB]

Originally posted by: erwos

Originally posted by: Onund
Personally, I would take a heavier laptop for a bigger screen. My wife had an incredibly small laptop (maybe 12"?) in university which was a dream to carry around but a freaking pain to work with, blah.

I probably should have emphasized the dock point more. Get a laptop with a real dock! This allows you to have the small screen on the go, yet two (with modern docks) large screens at home.

I used dual CRTs extensively in undergrad CS, and they were a lifesaver. For the OP's budget, he can easily do all these things with a Latitude or Thinkpad.

I got a top of the line thinkpad t61 with a dock and three year warranty for around $1800 after taxes and shipping.

Thanks Everyone