$3000 to spend on computer(s), going to college, what do you think?

[snberk103]

.... I'm going to be based in Canada. ....

Thank you all very much for you're help and I made this post with a completely open mind because I really have no idea what would be the best to get for that amount. Keep the replies coming!

Where about's are you going to be? You mentioned earlier you were an international student.... depending on where you are, you may need some of those funds for parkas and other winter gear!

Ottawa = Coldest National Capital (well, tied with Ulan Bator)
Montreal = Removes more snow in winter than any other city in the world
Victoria, BC (The mildest capital city in Canada) got 1.5 meters of snow in one storm several years ago.
Edmonton = A number of years ago had over 30 days of -30 degree weather (at that temperature its moot whether F or C). But remember - its a dry cold!
Toronto = Called in the army to remove snow several winters ago. Actually, it wasn't that much snow.... but that's Toronto for you. (Running for my flame proof suit..... ) just kidding just kidding just kidding......

Seriously.... Good Luck.

If you do go with a desktop and a mobile solution, I would suggest using the mobile as your main system, and the desktop for backups/archives and games. I find keeping two systems synchronized a pain. Except that I have a .mac subscription and use that keep iCal, and the address book in synch. That way you can make an appointment on the laptop on campus in iCal, and then be sure that the desktop will remind you about the pub crawl. Are you going to Halifax? Boy, do they know how to do a good pub crawl there!

 

[Entourage12]

Where about's are you going to be? You mentioned earlier you were an international student.... depending on where you are, you may need some of those funds for parkas and other winter gear!

Ottawa = Coldest National Capital (well, tied with Ulan Bator)
Montreal = Removes more snow in winter than any other city in the world
Victoria, BC (The mildest capital city in Canada) got 1.5 meters of snow in one storm several years ago.
Edmonton = A number of years ago had over 30 days of -30 degree weather (at that temperature its moot whether F or C). But remember - its a dry cold!
Toronto = Called in the army to remove snow several winters ago. Actually, it wasn't that much snow.... but that's Toronto for you. (Running for my flame proof suit..... ) just kidding just kidding just kidding......

Seriously.... Good Luck.

If you do go with a desktop and a mobile solution, I would suggest using the mobile as your main system, and the desktop for backups/archives and games. I find keeping two systems synchronized a pain. Except that I have a .mac subscription and use that keep iCal, and the address book in synch. That way you can make an appointment on the laptop on campus in iCal, and then be sure that the desktop will remind you about the pub crawl. Are you going to Halifax? Boy, do they know how to do a good pub crawl there!

I'm actually going to be in downtown Toronto for University so it should be really good. I've been up in Canada for 2 years now just finishing off high school at a boarding school and going back home when I get the chance to (to Barbados). I really do like the idea of the 2 computers but everytime I get close to making the purchase I get buyer's remorse and think about the Macbook Pro. It's so tempting. So torn!

 

[cluthz]

If you are a casual gamer, and play games like wow etc, you'll be really pleased by the performance of a Macbook Pro.
I'm running a 2.2GHz MBP with an external screen, the new MBPs are faster and they do have more vram than mine aswell.

Grap a MBP, a screen and an external HD imho, I did that and i haven't regret it ever. And grab a copy of windows too, since many games dont play on OSX

As for screens, most 19" usually have 1280x1024 res, which is kinda low, while 20" usually have 1650x1050

 

[Abstract]

I'm actually going to be in downtown Toronto for University so it should be really good. I've been up in Canada for 2 years now just finishing off high school at a boarding school and going back home when I get the chance to (to Barbados). I really do like the idea of the 2 computers but everytime I get close to making the purchase I get buyer's remorse and think about the Macbook Pro. It's so tempting. So torn!

If you want 2 computers so badly, then get 2 computers. It's your money, and your mind seems pretty made up with regards to this dual computer situation. I like everything to be in one place, but if you want 2 computers, then just get it. Simple. Done.

Personally, I'd rather have all my stuff in one place, and be certain that I didn't forget to move stuff between computer A and B. But I also don't play games like you do, so what do I know. On the other hand, your computer graphics demands don't seem high. I think all the games you like will be very playable on a new MBP. Since you're buying it for uni, you can also wait until June or July and see what's available then. Who knows, maybe the graphics card will be upgraded, and your problems are solved by owning 1 system.

 

[snberk103]

I'm actually going to be in downtown Toronto for University so it should be really good. I've been up in Canada for 2 years now just finishing off high school at a boarding school and going back home when I get the chance to (to Barbados). I really do like the idea of the 2 computers but everytime I get close to making the purchase I get buyer's remorse and think about the Macbook Pro. It's so tempting. So torn!

If you like the MBP, get it. My wife has it, and loves it. For her the best feature is the back lit keyboard. Makes a huge difference working in a dimly lit room.

I grew up in Niagara - home of Ridley college. A friend of mine there had a chance (and took it) to tackle one of the members of the Royal Family (Andrew I think? Perhaps at UCC?) during a rugby game. Boy, did we hear that story alot that year.

Toronto's a good city, with a couple of Apple stores. You might want to start with the MBP, and wait to see what you need. My wife did a lot of work at the campus computer labs as well. She knew which systems had accessible USB ports since she always kept 2 copies of everything, at a minimum. On the campus systems she would save to both a memory stick and her online storage. Never lost a document. I did mention backups? Didn't I?

Work hard, but take the time to enjoy yourself as well. This is where you gather all the best stories to bore your kids and grand-kids with.

 

[QCassidy352]

If you want 2 computers so badly, then get 2 computers. It's your money, and your mind seems pretty made up with regards to this dual computer situation. I like everything to be in one place, but if you want 2 computers, then just get it. Simple. Done.

Personally, I'd rather have all my stuff in one place, and be certain that I didn't forget to move stuff between computer A and B.

I agree with that. I've had 2 computers before, and didn't like it. Like abstract said, I find it annoying to have to keep making sure I have what I need on each computer. But I know some people swear by the powerful desktop/small laptop model. IMO the macbook pro is nearly the power of an imac with nearly the portability of a macbook. You take a slight hit in both departments, but it's really quite slight, and you have the convenience of a single system.

 

[nick9191]

Spend $100 on some second hand Dell laptop, then spend the rest on a mac pro + display. Go on you know you want to.

If you take the single quad xeon, plus 8800GT, its $2449, plus $100 for a second hand whatever laptop is $2549, then spend the rest on whatever display you like.

Think this could be your only chance to own a mac pro for a while.

 

[iMpathetic]

You sure as hell can go wrong with a 1.2 Ghz processor. Good luck having that last you 4 years.

Why, does clock speed cause a computer to go down in flames after a prespecified amount of time?

If he could get the X300 and, say, a G5, he'd be all set. Of course, some people have to have t3h UBER LEET FRAGBOX!!!1!!!!1 with OMG SLI!!!1!! and the MACBOOK PRO!!1!! with, like, TURBO FAST!!!!!, but if not, you're all set.

 

[DarkRevenant]

Get a macbook pro. youre in college, you wont want to be screwing around with 2 computers, external displays, etc. When it comes down to it, how often are you going to be gaming? between partying, studying, and girls, an expensive gaming PC or whatever seems like a waste.

 

[Eraserhead]

Why, does clock speed cause a computer to go down in flames after a prespecified amount of time?

It doesn't but 1.2Ghz is pretty slow, Vista or OS X 10.6 or future applications may well not run, or not run well.

 

[2contagious]

I'd go for either a MacBook Pro + 30" Apple Cinema Display or a Mac Pro + 30" Apple Cinema Display. Consider the prices in the Apple "Education" store - it's worth it.

 

[zioxide]

Just get a Macbook. Having a bunch of computers in college is a waste of time. You'll never use them. Just get something for im/facebook/papers/music and you'll be all set.

Like someone else said in the thread, if you want games, get a Wii. Girls love to play with the Wii. 360 or PS3 could be fun if you have some good multiplayer games, but even then you don't need it. I have a PS2 here and I NEVER use it. There's way more stuff to do at college than just sit in your room and play video games.

So spend $1000 on your computer, then you can put some money towards a decent TV (you will watch a lot of movies with friends). Don't spend $3000 on a computer just because you have it. Books will cost you like $400 a semester, plus you have food and other expenses if you want to go out to the movies, out to restaurants, and stuff like that (not to mention tuition&fees+room&board).

 

[Digital Skunk]

I'm actually going to be in downtown Toronto for University so it should be really good. I've been up in Canada for 2 years now just finishing off high school at a boarding school and going back home when I get the chance to (to Barbados). I really do like the idea of the 2 computers but everytime I get close to making the purchase I get buyer's remorse and think about the Macbook Pro. It's so tempting. So torn!

There is nothing wrong with a refurbished 15" SR for $1500 and a refurbished iMac for about the same price or less. Get both a desktop and laptop, you'll never be happier, even IF the unmentionable act of theft happens.

Having two machines isn't hard if you are smart about things. Most people can barely use the one they have efficiently mainly because they don't need it. If you need the machine then having two of them makes things a little easier. Keeping one (laptop) for school work and the other (desktop) for personal use and having copies of all your important docs and photos. You can also watch movies on your computer screen.

I do agree that having both in a dorm room may be a bit much, so if you want you can get a MacBook and fill it with all the great hardware that's out there: 500GB HDD, 4GB of RAM, or an AIR if you have the balls.

p.s. Now that I think about it, get the Air for $2000 and a refurbished 20" iMac for $1000.

 

[thinkband]

There is nothing wrong with a refurbished 15" SR for $1500 and a refurbished iMac for about the same price or less. Get both a desktop and laptop, you'll never be happier, even IF the unmentionable act of theft happens.

Having two machines isn't hard if you are smart about things. Most people can barely use the one they have efficiently mainly because they don't need it. If you need the machine then having two of them makes things a little easier. Keeping one (laptop) for school work and the other (desktop) for personal use and having copies of all your important docs and photos. You can also watch movies on your computer screen.

I do agree that having both in a dorm room may be a bit much, so if you want you can get a MacBook and fill it with all the great hardware that's out there: 500GB HDD, 4GB of RAM, or an AIR if you have the balls.

p.s. Now that I think about it, get the Air for $2000 and a refurbished 20" iMac for $1000.

Why get the air? That just sounds like a waste. A macbook should be fine for a college student and is half the price. I am not convinced by the air yet because I think the new mbp's coming out will look about the same and maybe a bit thicker for the same price.

Also... why get a 30' apple display? Thats overkill. Apple displays are not really made for college students who like games... they are for the graphic designers who require the panel. This will stick out like a sore thumb to passing students and somebody will try to steal it because they know it is worth $1000+. Just get a modest Dell 20-24".

A question for everyone... would a 24" Dell stand out in a college dorm room? I am debating between a 20" and a 24" because I don't want to look like a rich spoiled high-schooler. I would definitely like the extra screen real estate for movies/photo editing/ games/ browsing but I won't get it if it is an oddity at college campuses. I am asking this becasue I saw a lot of laptops at my campus, most of the apple computers being macbooks, but never saw inside the dorms as to what students brought. Thanks.

 

[stainlessliquid]

A macbook + imac sounds really redundant to me. Whats the point? Not to mention the imac is basically a laptop on the inside anyways. Either get a MBP + monitor or get a MB + real desktop like a PC. A MB plus PC desktop might be redundant too but it makes more sense and will have a lot more flexibility than 2 macs that are nearly identical and do exactly the same things.

 

[Digital Skunk]

A macbook + imac sounds really redundant to me. Whats the point? Not to mention the imac is basically a laptop on the inside anyways. Either get a MBP + monitor or get a MB + real desktop like a PC. A MB plus PC desktop might be redundant too but it makes more sense and will have a lot more flexibility than 2 macs that are nearly identical and do exactly the same things.

Except that the iMac has a larger screen, faster hard drive, and better GFX performance.

I agree that having both may be redundant for some, but they are no where near identical and do exactly the same things.

 

[ipodtouchy333]

Ok this is just an idea. If you can wait, I say wait till June and make sure they don't update the macbooks to aluminum. If they do I'd say get the new high end aluminum macbook with a cinema display and an iphone. This may be a horrible idea to you but this summer I am doing this exact thing (will be my first mac) But good luck with whatever you do !!!

 

[marbles]

Save your money, get a MacBook Pro and get an external hard drive for your ripped DVDs. If you're just doing a full rip (not just extracting the actual film, but with menus and all) anything will do it in satisfactory time, if you are ripping the film itself without any of the fancy DVD stuff, an iMac wont help you, the optical drive is the bottleneck for the encoding, and thus, there won't be any advantage unless you get a Mac Pro (and I do not recommend that you do). Do not go all out, do not buy more than one computer, if you can wait, wait until the current MacBook Pros show up in the refurb store and save yourself some more money. It is much easier to have one computer with all of your things on it. The MacBook Pro alone would be the best bet for you, alongside an external hard drive, there really isn't a need for a cinema display here, you can get another brand (like Dell) or buy an adapter and hook the MBP up to a TV. You will want to have that extra money for yourself, there's more to college than a computer and you'll want to save that money. Get a MacBook Pro (think about it, do you really need the mid range?) and an external hard drive. I know it's tempting to go for more powerful hardware and more of it, but the practicality of it is that you will be best suited by one of the less expensive machines due to the nature of what you will be doing with it, seeing as there isn't really any noticeable difference to the user between the two 15" MacBook Pros aside from hard drive size. It all boils down to this: buy a MacBook Pro and an external hard drive, save as much as you can, you'll need it.

this post makes total sense imo but stick a games console in there too as I can see you like to play games ...

remember ... refurb !!

 

[illegallydead]

Save the money

The only majors you would take that require loads of power likely have there own powerful computer labs. Don't bother with a pimped out rig. Get the MBP since you have the money, but having another computer is just stupid. Especially the iMac/(MB/MBP/MBA) combo. Can you say Apple whore?
Honestly, my MB is just fine for pretty much all my needs.
What this comes down to thought is personal preference. Test out the college thing. Then buy...

A question for everyone... would a 24" Dell stand out in a college dorm room? I am debating between a 20" and a 24" because I don't want to look like a rich spoiled high-schooler. I would definitely like the extra screen real estate for movies/photo editing/ games/ browsing but I won't get it if it is an oddity at college campuses. I am asking this becasue I saw a lot of laptops at my campus, most of the apple computers being macbooks, but never saw inside the dorms as to what students brought. Thanks.

No, not overkill. Anything bigger with a on it, then probably yes. Might depend on the school, though. Just get a good security cable to secure it to the desk.

 

[stainlessliquid]

Except that the iMac has a larger screen, faster hard drive, and better GFX performance.

I agree that having both may be redundant for some, but they are no where near identical and do exactly the same things.

Its easy to hook up a 24" screen to a laptop and plug in a firewire drive, the graphics card doesnt really matter since the best option in the imac still isnt very good thanks to having a mobile gpu. The imac is faster obviously but its only marginally faster and not fast enough to add any value or usefulness over the laptop.

He could use a mac laptop as his main computer hooked up to an external monitor and use a super fast PC that smokes the imac for games and DVD ripping that actually WILL make a difference (hooked up to the same monitor, Dell monitors dont need DVI switches and can do picture in picture or split screen).

 

[MacinDoc]

Although I love myiMac/MB combo, I have a wife and 4 kids in my home, so we need the extra computer. For you, a refurb 15" MBP would be perfect, along with Time Capsule and an LCD TV. PS3 would give you a DVD player that could be used to play Blu-ray when rentals get cheaper.

 

[Abstract]

Except that the iMac has a larger screen, faster hard drive, and better GFX performance.

I agree that having both may be redundant for some, but they are no where near identical and do exactly the same things.

Its easy to hook up a 24" screen to a laptop and plug in a firewire drive, the graphics card doesnt really matter since the best option in the imac still isnt very good thanks to having a mobile gpu. The imac is faster obviously but its only marginally faster and not fast enough to add any value or usefulness over the laptop.

Exactly. If you don't think the MBP and iMac are similar in spec, you're dreaming. That, or you're trying to justify a purchase you made yourself. Anyone else will think they're similar.

 

[zap2]

Buy a MacBook or MacBook Air
Spend 2000ish

Put remain 1000ish in a bank account, and start saving for your next laptop.

 

[miniConvert]

Don't spend 3k just because you can. Don't spend it because your parents wont miss the money.

Spend on what you need, and if you can't do that at least spend on what you want. Something totally amazing could come out tomorrow - you'll be glad you still have a grand to buy it with.

 

[Digital Skunk]

... that are nearly identical and do exactly the same things...

I was referring to this.

....

.....

Note the word exactly....

I didn't mean to say they weren't similar, but you aren't getting the exact same thing. Anyone that would say a MBP is exactly the same thing as an iMac when one is portable and the other isn't, and one comes with a 24" screen and the other a 15" is dreaming. That, or they're trying to justify a purchase they made themselves. Anyone else will think one is a laptop that tops off at 2.5 GHz 667MHz FSB, and the other is a desktop that tops off at 3.06 GHz 1.06 GHz FSB.