Any College Students (or alumni) here that carried a 17" ?

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Not to change the topic, but I'd like to hear some opinions from people in engineering disciplines who take notes with a computer.

Can you use Mathtype or an equivalent equation writer to write equations and keep up with those who use pencil and paper?

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[Battlefield Fan]

Ok I will also be going off to college this fall and I don't know if the 15" or 17" will be better(just like the op). I mainly only care for the increased screen size.

On a college desk, table or what ever you have used would a 17" take up too much space so that you couldn't have a text book out or a notebook?

Thanks(i don't mean to thread jack but I figure it should help the op too)

 

[austincolby]

Yep

I carried one around for 3 years of law school. It was a fantastic computer- 8 years later it is still going strong and seeing daily duty.

Was it too big? Well, it was big... but beautiful. But as much as I loved it, I won't lie- my next computer was a 15", which speaks for itself, and I don't notice the decrease in screen size- at least, not as much as I appreciate the slightly smaller footprint...

 

[Patriks7]

OMG .........after reading this thread, I've discovered 2 things:

1. Students are rich! 17" MacBook Pro for taking notes

2. You guys don't use pencil and paper any more?

1. I am betting most of these are probably from parents as a highschool graduation gift or some such thing.

2. Pencil? What's that?*

*I'm totally kidding. But I hardly use a pencil. Teachers prefer pens at my school. Plus, I'm much faster typing notes than writing them. Plus it's impossible to count the times I lost my notes or wanted to go over them in the car or something and then realized I have them in my binder at school or something. One thing that I don't like about it though is drawing diagrams. Sometimes I can pop into Google and search the thing I need, but sometimes I need drawings I can't find there. Here's hoping for a touchscreen netbook from Apple soon!

 

[Brien]

OMG .........after reading this thread, I've discovered 2 things:

1. Students are rich! 17" MacBook Pro for taking notes

2. You guys don't use pencil and paper any more?

I'll answer #2 first: I don't have good handwriting, and I can type faster than I can write, and when the professors speak fast, it really helps.

As for #1: Doju is partially right: a $2,000+ laptop is a drop in the bucket compared to tuition.

However, and this is just my personal observation based on threads and posts, as well as signatures (lists of the macs they own, mainly), along with the occasional forty-thousand-dollar Mac Pro thread (which I agree is the exception, not the rule!), you get a picture about the types of people on here. I'm sure part of it is that Apple is a premium brand. Either way, I think the average salary of people on here is probably higher than the average, so you can't really say students are rich for buying a MacBook Pro. I spent over $3k on mine but I could afford it; for ever person at my university with a MacBook Pro (or even a MacBook) I see 10 HPs. This forum is not at all a random sampling of America.

Back on topic: 6 1/2 pounds isn't that heavy when it's in a backpack. Besides, a 17" laptop doesn't move around as much as a smaller one, at least for most people I would presume.

 

[darngooddesign]

Was it too big? Well, it was big... but beautiful. But as much as I loved it, I won't lie- my next computer was a 15", which speaks for itself, and I don't notice the decrease in screen size- at least, not as much as I appreciate the slightly smaller footprint...

after 8 years your 15's screen res is prob the same as your old 17.

 

[sehnsucht77]

OMG .........after reading this thread, I've discovered 2 things:

1. Students are rich! 17" MacBook Pro for taking notes

2. You guys don't use pencil and paper any more?

I do use paper and pencil. I type using the computer and make references (Fig. 1 etc..) on my paper for flow charts and I scan those in later.

 

[trekster]

What programs do you guys use to take notes?

 

[MikhailT]

Journler. I probably converted 90% of my classmates and friends to this app.

Unfortunately, the development may have stopped on that app because the developer felt overwhelmed and is about enter grad school. He has no idea if he'll sell the app or opensource it.

 

[skinniezinho]

Although not an apple pc,I bought a 17' HP DV9575Ep when I went to university,although carrying it through the campus is not "thaaat bad" ,when you put some books and things in the bag you will regret everytime you bought a 17'..
But...my dv9575ep weight more 0.55kg than the current 17' mpb...:! but the 17' mbp also wights more 0.5kg than the 15' one..
Only reason I'd buy a 17' laptop again (apple or another) -if I was going to do some cad/cam or something a LOT..I am in mechanical engineering,and If it was today,i'd buy a 13.3 thingy and If I needed very much,I'll buy a tft...

 

[dhuang]

Currently sporting a macbook pro 15.4 SR, really thinking about "downgrading" to a unibody MB just because it doesn't fit on some of desks in the lecture halls. Since the bottom is smooth aluminum it tends to slide, which is annoying. I had a Dell XPS M1210 (12.1") prior, and it fit well.

I see some students carrying around classic 17'ers and it doesn't seem to bother them that much. It depends on how you use it too -- I find it difficult to use the 15.4" mbp screen, so i tether it to my 24" screen when i am back in my room. The 17" umbp res is absolutely gorgeous, and the res is what i am accustomed to. The 133 ppi might be a pain to see from a distance away, the 15.4 mbp and mb are easier on the eyes at 110 and 113 ppi respectively.

This summer I might sell my mbp and pick up a 17 umbp for a dtr and a rev b macbook air for traveling, lectures, meeting clients, etc. If I had a more permanent place than a dorm, i might go crazy and get one of those nehalem mac pros.

If you intend on bringing your 17 mbp to class everyday, scout out those locations first and see if it would be convenient, and if there is space. I find that my 15.4 is too large for my taste as a "portable." 12.1 was too small and cramped. 13.3 - 14.1 seems like a great size for traveling and comfort.

But when you are stationary, that 17 umbp beats all in terms of what you can get out of a portable... second to a tricked out desktop setup.

 

[kennyli]

I do use paper and pencil. I type using the computer and make references (Fig. 1 etc..) on my paper for flow charts and I scan those in later.

Thanks God. I am not alone

The first thing I learnt from my professor was, listen carefully to what he is saying, not taking notes! How can you take notes with a notebook and listen to him at the same time?

Also, as one member said that how can you take enginerring formula and also graphic with a notebook?

Is this photo true? This is what's going on in the USA classroom?


PS: I was an old fashion UK student back in the 80's!

 

[MACZ]

I'm a girl and 15" MBP is pretty heavy for me so I don't actually carry it to school. I was thinking about buying the macbook but I've been using Vaio 13" for a while and feel like it's actually a bit small so i go with 15"

My major is computer programming and net/system admin. so I've seen lots of people in my classes taking note with their notebook. However, it's like 50% using regular laptop and 50% using the small 10"

However, when i go to other classes besides computer class i don't see so many people using laptop to take note.

I still use pen and paper to take note i think i feel more comfortable that way.

 

[BigHungry04]

I carry around my 17 inch MBP every day. Its not heavy at all. I have the Wegener backpack. I carry all my notebooks, text books, laptop, power supply and mouse all the time. It doesn't bother me at all. I guess you just need the right bag.

 

[geoffreak]

I have a 15" MBP but I don't feel it at all when it is on my back. I really don't think I would want to get a 17" even if it is more powerful and longer life battery just because of the size. The problem is more of that there really isn't enough space to put a 17" laptop in some classrooms at my school. In fact, my 15" sometimes barely fits.

 

[sehnsucht77]

Thanks God. I am not alone

The first thing I learnt from my professor was, listen carefully to what he is saying, not taking notes! How can you take notes with a notebook and listen to him at the same time?

Also, as one member said that how can you take enginerring formula and also graphic with a notebook?

Is this photo true? This is what's going on in the USA classroom?


PS: I was an old fashion UK student in the 80's!

The way I take notes is based on a bullet point system which references major points in the discussion which I then go through that same evening and add my own notes and references. I try and avoid wasted note taking by deriving only the main ideas and then expand those points in my review outside class. Flowcharts and small drawings are done on a small pad right alongside my notebook - nothing fancy, a safeway brand pad or something. I only have 2 things on my desk, the computer and the small pad, that is it. Each graphic on the pad is referenced in the computer bulletpoint list as Figure 1, 2..whatever and the references are done in bold so it is easy for me to keep track.

No, that photo is an exaggeration and not representative of all, even most, US classrooms. There are a lot of pen and paper people out there still, myself included and apple's market share in the collegiate environment is heavily rivaled by other, more affordable, computing alternatives.

@Trekster: I only use MS Word to take notes and everything is saved as a plain .doc file. At the end of each day, all the notes are integrated with scanned graphics and backed up for my immediate reference.

 

[Abstract]

Are you serious?

1. The thing is, if they're going to be spending tens of thousands (some hundreds) on university, what's another couple thousand on something that will facilitate your life incredibly? Not to mention sometimes the university pays for it, or the parents.

That's the answer someone without serious financial worries would say. I have friends who never have more than $50 of spending money in the bank. They'll have more sometimes, but it gets used to pay bills.

Nothing wrong with people who have no money problems, or have richer parents. That's reality. I've never had a huge financial issue at uni. However, to say what you said simply indicates to me that you don't have a strong grasp of what people actually go through financially to go through uni, or perhaps how uni (and cost, payment) works in other cultures and countries.

In lots of other countries, students rarely accumulate as much debt as they do in the US. However, they also don't look at this as an opportunity to buy a really expensive laptop, either. Perhaps it's the common way to think about debt in the US (with regards to education), but it would seem completely foolish to say that in other countries I've lived in.

Then again, taking a year off after high school to work and travel would seem unfathomable for some people in the US, while it's VERY normal in some countries.

2. ... Are you kidding me. No, we don't. I don't know about everyone, but I can type literally four times quicker than I can print. Not to mention my notes won't wrinkle, get lost, etc., they're distributable, backed up, and with me everywhere organized completely and all in one source. When technology is part of life today, why WOULDN'T it be used?

I just finished my Ph.D., and I use pen.

 

[afallnstar]

I am an International Business & Entrepreneurship student, so I am constantly taking notes, and doing presentations. I don't mind carrying my 17" MBP around campus, but then I am also 6'3 270 lbs.

I travel a ton though (I am on the track & field team at my university), and this thing is an absolute headache to try and use on the plane, I sure wish Apple would release a reasonably prices netbook.

 

[steve2112]

I am an International Business & Entrepreneurship student, so I am constantly taking notes, and doing presentations. I don't mind carrying my 17" MBP around campus, but then I am also 6'3 270 lbs.

I travel a ton though (I am on the track & field team at my university), and this thing is an absolute headache to try and use on the plane, I sure wish Apple would release a reasonably prices netbook.

This was always my biggest problem with my 17" PowerBook. It's not really all that heavy, especially compared to some of the 17" models from other manufacturers, but it is bulky. It is a hassle trying to squeeze down the aisle in a plane with it, much less open it up while sitting in that cramped little seat.

I once had a 17" notebook from HP, and it was so big, it had a full number pad by the keyboard. It was also twice as thick as my PB. That thing was huge. It felt like lugging around a boat anchor!

 

[alphaod]

OMG .........after reading this thread, I've discovered 2 things:

1. Students are rich! 17" MacBook Pro for taking notes

2. You guys don't use pencil and paper any more?

1) College is like $60k a year; $3k for computer is like buying a few textbooks.

2) That's what a tablet computer is for!

 

[Freyqq]

1) College is like $60k a year; $3k for computer is like buying a few textbooks.

Lol..for 3k i could buy every textbook for all 4 years of college.

 

[kennyli]

Lol..for 3k i could buy every textbook for all 4 years of college.

Obviously, 3K is for telling his parants only

 

[sehnsucht77]

That's the answer someone without serious financial worries would say. I have friends who never have more than $50 of spending money in the bank. They'll have more sometimes, but it gets used to pay bills.

Nothing wrong with people who have no money problems, or have richer parents. That's reality. I've never had a huge financial issue at uni. However, to say what you said simply indicates to me that you don't have a strong grasp of what people actually go through financially to go through uni, or perhaps how uni (and cost, payment) works in other cultures and countries.

In lots of other countries, students rarely accumulate as much debt as they do in the US. However, they also don't look at this as an opportunity to buy a really expensive laptop, either. Perhaps it's the common way to think about debt in the US (with regards to education), but it would seem completely foolish to say that in other countries I've lived in.

Then again, taking a year off after high school to work and travel would seem unfathomable for some people in the US, while it's VERY normal in some countries.



I just finished my Ph.D., and I use pen.

i can empathize. congrats on finishing grad school. you gotta realize that the kid that says what is 3K in addition to tuition has never felt the torment of living on a stipend (PhD or MD/PhD student) and maximizing your spending on every little piece of dough you can get your hands on, OR just has parents that he can mooch off of all throughout undergrad. i've seen some of these folk and i personally knew some as an undergrad. point is, some people will always think that they "need" to have certain things to do better..a large laptop, a new iPhone, a large secondary monitor...whatever. whether they really do is a subjective matter and there will always be folks who choose to do fine with the minimum possible items required to study such as having a pen and paper. i use both and I am happy with using minimal media to do my work. academics are a funny bunch though..i know just as many techno-whore academics who salivate at the mention of a new gizmo...

 

[Kennedy]

If you're in college you should be able to carry around just about any laptop on the market. Just get a backpack that'll fit it, and carry that everywhere around campus. I suggest a Camelbak, they rock (not only because of the water thing).

 

[emt1]

I have used a 13" and a 15" on campus, both for over a year. The 13" was a great size, but when I upgraded to the 15", I really enjoyed the extra screen space. I wouldn't go back to a 13" now. I would think that the 17" could be too big in some situations, especially when you don't have a lot of room between you and the seat in front of you. The laptop might be positioned uncomfortably close to your body and your wrists would get uncomfortable.