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College Computer Usage

Stick with one laptop or one desktop--you won't have the time to continually transfer files between the two of them. As they say about college life: There are only three things you can do in college: study, party, and sleep. Unfortunately, you can really only do two of them. You don't want to add "synchronizing your computers" to that list. ;)

Anyhow, I suggest you go with the laptop: portability is a real plus if you plan to work outside of your dorm room. Unless you have a single or are really anti-social, you won't get anything productive done in your dorm room.

As for the choice of laptop, that will depend on your needs. The 17-inch PB is way to big to be used in class, and will probably be a hassle to lug around. I personally have a 15-inch PB, and I think it's pretty portable: it doesn't weigh that much and it's powerful enough for tasks on the road (i.e. programming, word-processing, even some spreadsheet crunching). If you don't care too much for power or screen size and place a big premium on mobility, get the 12-inch TiBook or iBook.
 
notebooks in class

I found that I used paper and pen in undergrad and that it was the norm (back in the mid-90s. Or the "What's the Internet / Netscape Era"). In law school, I was a pen and paper guy in a sea of win-tel notebooks (recall that scene from legally blond - the sea of IBM thinkpads? Yeah - just like that). At that point I bought a heavy Toshiba 12 inch screen P133 and found it made all of the difference in the world - I could type as fast as the lecture happened - and skip around. At the end of the semester, I could produce study outlines more easily. Critical when there is only one grade per class.

Looking back, it might have been nice to have a laptop in undergrad as a history major (music/french minor - but not so helpful there. I had a Mac II Si in undergrad that was great for using with Coda. Of course I wanted a Quadra so bad when they came out!) If you're going into History, Political Sci., Economics or some other major where lectures are the order of the day - It seems a laptop would be a nice tool to have.

It also depends on the school though. My undergrad just had standalone desks or those fixed lecure hall seats and some long tables. Law school had long fixed long tables most of the time with outlets under the table in front of every chair - in other words - designed for laptops.
 
There are different conditions that could determine which fits best, the desktop, or the laptop. If you're taking classes that require you to use computer labs to do your class work, then I'd say go with the desktop, since you don't need to carry around a laptop...

If you're using it to take notes, and aren't required to use a certain lab, then go with the laptop...

I'm only a highschool senior, but having my iBook in some classes can be a life saver. As far as the 12"-15"-17" dilema, just ask yourself these questions:

Can I live with a small screen?

Does portability matter that much?

Is cost a factor?

If you answered yes to all three, go with the 12" PowerBook. If you answered yes to 1-2 out of 3, go with the 15", and if you answered no to all three, go for the 17" PowerBook. I personally love my 12" iBook. The screen doesn't bother me at all, the battery life is great when taking notes and surfing the web, and it's small enough that it fits easily into my backpack.

In college, though, I imagine it'll be chained to a desk when I'm not using it, and I'll keep it in my backpack when I have to carry it around and am not using it, but to me, portability counts. I prefer using my own computer to check my e-mail, and do stuff like that. Right now, I have online homework in my Physics class from the University of Texas online homework system. (I know I'll be using the same system in college :cool: ) I can download the problems as a PDF, and save them on my computer, instead of printing them out. Then, I just open them, open up my physics notebook, and work out the problems on paper with my TI-89. When I'm done, I go online, whether it be a wireless network, or plugged into via ethernet, and input my answers. While it can be done on a desktop computer, and I can print out the work, doing it with the laptop is much easier for me. Besides, I can't stand being cramped up at my own desk, which is full of papers and junk. I can easily work on my bed with my iBook no problem.

For college, I plan to get a 12" PowerBook. It seems to fit my needs the best, and offers the best bang for my buck... Besides, I'm going into computer science in college, and they use mainly unix boxes, so I imagine if I'm not using them, I'll be using my laptop. It would be easier to transfer files from a lab computer to a laptop, in my opinion, since you don't have to worry about one computer being on, and what ever else can happen to them. I also might end up getting a cheap desktop PC (build it myself for less than $300!) running linux or unix, just for my major, but since OS X runs on UNIX, I don't think I'll have any problems...

The choice is up to you, but be sure to consider all these things when decididing what to get.
 
welll...i would say unless portability is REALLY important to you go with the 15.2 TiBook. im a law student and i find that i can use it for taking notes and it isnt unportable at all but its also my main computer so its nice when i get home to have the screen real estate.

that and while im taking notes in class its nice to have room for some iChat boxes as i type my notes....you gotta be able to use the wireless network to comment on stupid questions and such :D
 
thanks a lot for all the input guys, it's helping a lot!

as far as a major goes, I'm looking towards either Computer Engineering or Industrial Engineering. The 17" is def. out of the question in my opinion, and I guess I'll just use the laptop solo (whichever model I end up choosing.)

I never knew so few people took notes with laptops in class, I thought it was "the norm," but according to all your replies it sounds to be the opp. I was REALLY looking forward to being able to type my notes as opposed to writing (at least twice the speed) but I'll probably do it anyways.

Thanks again!
 
Originally posted by eyeluvmyimac
thanks a lot for all the input guys, it's helping a lot!

as far as a major goes, I'm looking towards either Computer Engineering or Industrial Engineering. The 17" is def. out of the question in my opinion, and I guess I'll just use the laptop solo (whichever model I end up choosing.)

I never knew so few people took notes with laptops in class, I thought it was "the norm," but according to all your replies it sounds to be the opp. I was REALLY looking forward to being able to type my notes as opposed to writing (at least twice the speed) but I'll probably do it anyways.

Thanks again!
Click to expand...

Yeah, I think while taking notes is nice in certain cases, it might attract some unwanted attention. Besides the gawkers who are going to marvel at your TiBook/iBook ( :D ), showing it off more than necessary will also attract the attention of theives. While many laptops are stolen by non-students, a disappointing and alarming number of thieves are fellow students.

BTW, if you plan on majoring in computer science, an Apple laptop is a good choice. OS X is equipped with Project Builder to compile your Java, Perl, C, C++, etc. code. You can also download some Unix and Linux software and run them almost seemlessly on your Mac. The only type of programming you can't do is, of course, Microsoft's .Net. :rolleyes:
 
College Computers

I love having my Powerbook in college. I am currently a Freshman at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. It is great, it seemlessly integrated into the network with no problems. I also work for Kellogg School of Management in KIS [Kellogg Information Systems] and my mac works great there also.

With a lot of people telling you that they don't their computers to class to take notes i guess my opinion would differ than this "norm" they have established for you. In some of my classes so far i have see a large amount of computers in the classes. In my history course, about 100 to 125 used their computers to take notes (class was about 350-450 in size). And in my Poli Sci course last quarter almost all of the 300 students had computers in the lecture.

Oh by the way, in most of my classes the students owned mac, powerbooks to be exact, and for all the so-called attention you will recieve is just bs. People, well at least not at my univesity, don't pay attention to computers in classes.

I own a Powerbook g4, 1gig ram, airport.
 
if I could chime in -

I'm a college student/filmmaker/writer.............and I own a Ti 1 ghz as well as an iBook 800 (my backup)

I use my computers ALL DAY - I take them to class for notes, I burn DVD's and CD's, I edit video, write papers.....etc etc

Here is what I have to say regarding college use, and any kind of use, for a laptop:

1. if you are picky about screen size, then go with at least the 15" Ti.........12" is too small for everyday use (in my opinion)

2. iBooks and G3's can run AOL, Safari, AppleWorks and most other smaller applications just fine..........if you are a film student who is going to use Final Cut Pro or iMovie, or an art student that's going to using iPhoto and Photoshop, or even a writer that will be using Final Draft or Microsoft Word A LOT, then you HAVE TO GET A G4.........the G3 is simply becoming outdated FAST!!!

3. The 12" will be VERY portable........so if you are going to stick with your iMac, then I think the combination of a 12" and an iMac would be cool......and I say this mainly because my iBook is much more portable and durable than my 15" Ti

4. if you are getting rid of the iMac, then go with a 15" or 17"

5. The 17" honestly isn't TOO BIG........it only weighs a pound more than the 15"........on the other hand, if you are planning on taking it to class, then the 15" or 12" will fit nicely on any desk....

MY ULTIMATE RECOMMENDATIONs -----

1. Keep your iMac and grab a laptop thats going to be VERY portable ---- the 12" G4..........you already have a desktop, with a good screen, so take advantage of that and GO LIGHT with your portable

2. WAIT!!! Wait to buy. Its obvious that the 17" will have dual processors, maybe even by this summer..........and the 15" is going to be heavily upgraded very soon.......if you can hold off on the portable, and you need a GOOD laptop, then wait at least until this summer to see what updates are introduced for these laptops

FINAL WORDS----

I have an iBook for a backup mainly because I cannot afford to be without a computer............with that said, I think having two computers (a laptop and desktop) is very desirable.....so keep your setup and go with a 12".........you're gonna enjoy the benefits of DESKTOP POWER at home.......and you'll enjoy the ULTIMATE benefits of a VERY portable and durable laptop on the road ;)
 
i still asy 15" TiPB...but its really not that uncommon to see people taking notes on a computer. we all have laptops at the law center. This is 1) so the lazy asses who charge us about 350$ a semester in computer fees really only maintain a wireless network and our outlook server 2) for note taking and test taking (trust me, writing out 18hours of essay tests is hard on the hand) and 3) because so much of our research is online these days that we bounce around the library while useing westlaw/LN.

of course...they force most of the students to get these horrible little 14" dells. *shrug* but almost everyone uses them daily
 
If you're gonna be studying programming or a computer science related field, I would recommend several machines, so that you can run compiles on one while writing on the other, and cover as many OS bases as possible.

If not, I would get the ONE which best fills your needs.
 
Re: Laptop

Originally posted by possible switch
I'm currently a college sophomore using a Dell Inspiron notebook. I bought a notebook thinking I'd take it places, but in reality, it has left my desk only to go home on breaks. I have never seen a student here use a laptop in class to take notes either. I'd recommend going the old paper/pencil route in regard to note taking. A computer won't give you any sort of advantage in my opinion. I actually wish I hadn't bought the laptop, and I'm hoping and praying that Apple will update the iMacs in the next week or so.
Click to expand...

Well, I was in college years ago, but I took all my notes on a PB180c, and later a 2400.

There are distinct advantages, if you do it religiously:
You can search your notes to help answer you questions quickly. I took notes in File Maker, but now indexing and searching doesn't require a database.
In computer sciences, you can show the example error to your prof/ta in realtime. This makes debugging simple.
You can collaborate/share notes with Copy/Paste/Email. This was hugely important to me as I did not attend 8AM classes on moral grounds.

Again, it requires religious dedication, and only the 12" Pbook or iBook are practical for taking EVERYWHERE, but it vastly improves the efficiency/workflow for those with the diligence. Also, you had better be able to touch type.
 
I use at the moment a 14" Wintel Laptop. I use it for taking notes in class but 3 out of 4 courses i take are computer orientated. However i study Media Studies and with that i do most of my note taking with it.

People will gawk because its different and something new, but thats natural. However that depends on the age of your class mates. In media studies they are all 16/17 years of age (i'm 22 so i am the oldest there besides the teacher) and its always the highlight of the lesson when i bring it out then i get pestered. However in my tech courses they don't mind, i might get educated questions as well about it but also the people i share class with are older students.

Anyway i'm selling this to a friend and i'm getting the 12" ibook. I want it for the mobility and the long battery life than anything else.

Hope this little insight into my situation helps.
 
eyeluvmyimac:

I've got a brand new 15" SuperDrive PowerBook that I purchase four weeks before MWSF that I'm thinking about selling so that I can swap up to the 17" AlBook. If you're interested in a beautiful machine for a decent price, let me know (drop me a Private Message). I don't trust eBay so I'm looking to sell this thing to someone in the Mac community.

Take it light.
Skan
 
I'm a 3rd year student with a Ti800. I couldn't imagine my life without it. I use for everything and take it to class everyday. I can do my research for my thesis at both the lab and at home. The only thing is, I wouldn't have used it if it hadn't moved off campus and the school hadn't put in a wireless internet. That situation waranted a laptop with me, because I needed quick access to all my information. Anyway, that's just my 2 cents.
 
Re: Re: Laptop

Originally posted by Nipsy


Well, I was in college years ago, but I took all my notes on a PB180c, and later a 2400.

There are distinct advantages, if you do it religiously:
You can search your notes to help answer you questions quickly. I took notes in File Maker, but now indexing and searching doesn't require a database.
In computer sciences, you can show the example error to your prof/ta in realtime. This makes debugging simple.
You can collaborate/share notes with Copy/Paste/Email. This was hugely important to me as I did not attend 8AM classes on moral grounds.

Again, it requires religious dedication, and only the 12" Pbook or iBook are practical for taking EVERYWHERE, but it vastly improves the efficiency/workflow for those with the diligence. Also, you had better be able to touch type.
Click to expand...

Does anyone have any good ideas for a note-taking program? Word is too big, slow, akward, and textedit jsut wouldn't do it for me, not enough features etc.
 
I had a laptop but then sold it for a iMac. It simply sat on my desk...it never moved. I could see how it would be useful, not for notetaking, but wireless access on campus...especially the library. As for taking notes in class on the computer...that is a waste of time. If it is a history class then maybe, but what about pictures, equations, that sort of stuff. What about when the teacher goes back to the beginning or skips a part, that sort of stuff. You don't want to be fussing...more importantly, you learn better by actually writing and using your hands. The process of converting your handwriten notes to computer or whatever will actually help you learn them...just like Bart Simpson.
 
Re: Re: Re: Laptop

Originally posted by eyeluvmyimac


Does anyone have any good ideas for a note-taking program? Word is too big, slow, akward, and textedit jsut wouldn't do it for me, not enough features etc.
Click to expand...

Whats wrong with AppleWorks? Just a thought...:)
 
to be honest, ive never used appleworks, well not enough to form an opinion on it. i just assumed it was just like word with a few less features and such....would it work well with recalling previous notes, saving new notes, formatting quickly, etc etc?
 
I would sell the iMac then buy the 17"PB, cause that will be nice for video editing...but then again that might be a little big to drag to class, so maybe wait for the 15"PB to be upgraded.
 
Apple Works is good and its definitely not as slow as word is

Personally though, I like taking notes on Word because of the way that it formats outlines automatically
 
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