Resolved What should I get for college?

[JesseW6889]

MacBook Air Jordan

I am a current college student, I've never used a MBP, but I've owned both the 13" and 11" MBA's and I LOVE them both!

The 11" makes more sense for that kind of setting, also the instant on and being able to close the lid and pickup and go at anytime is priceless.

On top of that, I just cary my 11" with me between classes, and if I'm taking a lunch break or whatever, I'm usually on it anyways. I can't imagine carrying around a MPB all day... nor could I imagine having to put one away and take it out regularly.

Clear winner by far, for your situation, is the MBA. I would strongly suggest the base model, which go refurbished by Apple for $850. If your school is anything like mine, you're always online anyways.

If you're going to use it for media while at school, I'd suggest a NAS and configure it for remote access so that you can get everything on your large home hard drive from school. (I believe there is a post with instructions how to do this on here somewhere)

As for diagrams, I just copy them on paper and go back later and add them to my notes with illustrator or pixelmator, but I am very particular about my notes, so that may not be an option for you!

 

[iPhysicist]

It took 2-3 Seconds for my MBP to wake up when I opened it I do not need NAS because my HD is big enough and exchangeable. If I need more than 4GB Ram I can upgrade it without hassle. I have the 2009 13" MBP.

Boy best is you just act like a real student and go second hand. Get the MBP of your choice and learn how to answer questions on your own. Become independent.

 

[callison]

Trust me, you will want the backlit keyboard. Many late-nights writing papers while others' were sleeping. It is key if you will be sharing a room.

 

[motulist]

Trust me, you will want the backlit keyboard. Many late-nights writing papers while others' were sleeping. It is key if you will be sharing a room.

In the reality as it stands now, I agree. On my old powerbook that had silver colored keys instead of black colored keys, you were able to perfectly read the keyboard in a totally dark room just by light coming off of the screen, even when screen brightness was set to its dimmest. But the black colored keys that Apple keyboards are currently using definitely requires a backlight to use when there's little room light.

 

[combataran]

I am a current college student, I've never used a MBP, but I've owned both the 13" and 11" MBA's and I LOVE them both!

The 11" makes more sense for that kind of setting, also the instant on and being able to close the lid and pickup and go at anytime is priceless.

On top of that, I just cary my 11" with me between classes, and if I'm taking a lunch break or whatever, I'm usually on it anyways. I can't imagine carrying around a MPB all day... nor could I imagine having to put one away and take it out regularly.

Clear winner by far, for your situation, is the MBA. I would strongly suggest the base model, which go refurbished by Apple for $850. If your school is anything like mine, you're always online anyways.

Oh, and about the NAS thing, can't seem to find it.
If you're going to use it for media while at school, I'd suggest a NAS and configure it for remote access so that you can get everything on your large home hard drive from school. (I believe there is a post with instructions how to do this on here somewhere)

As for diagrams, I just copy them on paper and go back later and add them to my notes with illustrator or pixelmator, but I am very particular about my notes, so that may not be an option for you!

Thanks for sharing. I have a question though, don't you think the 11" is a bit small for typing notes on/writing a paper for 4 hours straight? No excessive vertical scrolling done? Lovin' the Air by the way.

Oh, and about the NAS thing, can't seem to find it.

 

[TheSideshow]

I am a current college student, I've never used a MBP, but I've owned both the 13" and 11" MBA's and I LOVE them both!

The 11" makes more sense for that kind of setting, also the instant on and being able to close the lid and pickup and go at anytime is priceless.

On top of that, I just cary my 11" with me between classes, and if I'm taking a lunch break or whatever, I'm usually on it anyways. I can't imagine carrying around a MPB all day... nor could I imagine having to put one away and take it out regularly.

Clear winner by far, for your situation, is the MBA. I would strongly suggest the base model, which go refurbished by Apple for $850. If your school is anything like mine, you're always online anyways.

If you're going to use it for media while at school, I'd suggest a NAS and configure it for remote access so that you can get everything on your large home hard drive from school. (I believe there is a post with instructions how to do this on here somewhere)

As for diagrams, I just copy them on paper and go back later and add them to my notes with illustrator or pixelmator, but I am very particular about my notes, so that may not be an option for you!

Why do people think "Instant On" is some revolutionary feature of the Macbook Air? I really have very little faith in the human race.

 

[combataran]

It kinda feels like instant on, but if matched with the MBP side by side, the wake speed is just about the same.

 

[mrockm01]

I am entering college and will be getting a new mac. A MBP

Whatever you do, don't get anything now. Apple usually has an educational offer for a free ipod touch which you can use to solve the phone problem. I have an iPhone and LOVE it, but campus is wifi so you can use it for pretty much anything you can with a phone including texting and calling (many free options).

The MBA scares me because of the hard drive space and tech specs are lower. Personally, I want my music and photos on my computer and not have to run to an external drive or the cloud to get those basic personal things.

I would recommend the MBP, but whatever you do wait and get the iPod touch, why not? usually late may or june.

Good Luck!

 

[combataran]

@mrockm01 Thanks for the edu-promo tip!

 

[TheSideshow]

It kinda feels like instant on, but if matched with the MBP side by side, the wake speed is just about the same.

If matched with any properly set up computer the wake time difference will be minimal. There isn't some magical hardware or software in the air that makes it revolutionary.

Typed on a Tiny Keyboard

 

[combataran]

Same as before, I would love to hear about your experiences with the MB Airs.

Just keep em' comin' guys.

 

[gmans46]

Alright just make a decision already your acting like your about to name your first child you've already had 50 responses so far no one cares afterna certain point. I'm going to college and I'm getting the high end 15 did not take me 30000 posts t figure it out either

 

[combataran]

Alright just make a decision already your acting like your about to name your first child you've already had 50 responses so far no one cares afterna certain point. I'm going to college and I'm getting the high end 15 did not take me 30000 posts t figure it out either

Dude, this is called RESEARCH. Ever heard of it? Guess not.

 

[combataran]

I am a current college student, I've never used a MBP, but I've owned both the 13" and 11" MBA's and I LOVE them both!

The 11" makes more sense for that kind of setting, also the instant on and being able to close the lid and pickup and go at anytime is priceless.

On top of that, I just cary my 11" with me between classes, and if I'm taking a lunch break or whatever, I'm usually on it anyways. I can't imagine carrying around a MPB all day... nor could I imagine having to put one away and take it out regularly.

Clear winner by far, for your situation, is the MBA. I would strongly suggest the base model, which go refurbished by Apple for $850. If your school is anything like mine, you're always online anyways.

If you're going to use it for media while at school, I'd suggest a NAS and configure it for remote access so that you can get everything on your large home hard drive from school. (I believe there is a post with instructions how to do this on here somewhere)

As for diagrams, I just copy them on paper and go back later and add them to my notes with illustrator or pixelmator, but I am very particular about my notes, so that may not be an option for you!

Just curious, what do you use your 13" for?

Oh, and do you need to use an iPhone in college?

 

[JesseW6889]

Thanks for sharing. I have a question though, don't you think the 11" is a bit small for typing notes on/writing a paper for 4 hours straight? No excessive vertical scrolling done? Lovin' the Air by the way.

Oh, and about the NAS thing, can't seem to find it.

As far as the 4 hours goes: no, I honestly don't. Because the 11" resolution is comparable to other 13" laptops, thats kind of how I think of it, and I consider the 13" MBA as a 15" laptop. I have 2 x 2 hour classes, back to back and I use it constantly for both (not always for notes, sometimes extra curricular activities! x

The scrolling, when it does happen, isn't an issue bc of the mousepad I think, but I don't do a whole lot of back and forth rearranging from page to page, but I do often have 2 windows of pages open (or textedit for assignments). When I did first switch from the 13 to the 11, it immediately felt too small to use. After a while, I got used to it and realized it really wasn't bad, it was just new to me. Now that I've switched, I'll be honest in saying that I like both the 11 and 13" models. It really is as simple as: one is smaller, and one is bigger!


NAS stands for Network Attached Storage, Apple makes one called a Time Capsule that wirelessly backs up your computer via Time Machine and acts as a wireless, online hard drive. Only needed if you have media stuff (movies, etc) that you want access to at all times.

Just curious, what do you use your 13" for?

Oh, and do you need to use an iPhone in college?

Edit: I used my 13" for iOS development, school and as my main home computer. I play SC2, Left 4 Dead 2, Team Fortress 2 and OnLive for gaming (all on medium settings, all run fluidly on both the 13 and 11 inch)

I will say that I absolutely LOVED the 13", and the only reason I switched to the 11" was 1. because I WANTED to try the 11"! and 2. because it felt like, while I was at my desk or in between classes, the 13" didn't feel convenient to have out for a few minutes, or in your lap, etc.

If you're going to use this as your main computer, I'd fully suggest the 13". If your main purpose is school, then I'd do the 11". The weight difference between either the 13 or the 11 and the MacBook Pros is ridiculous.

Also, I will say that, if you think a MacBook Air is a compromise of any sort, I consider it an upgrade for myself. I originally bought my Air as a secondary computer, for school etc. I planned on using my custom built pc w/ 22" lcd but found myself using only the 13" Air.

If the computer is going to be in your house, but sometimes (once a week - once a day) you might want to move it and its going to be your main computer, get a macbook pro.

IF you plan on using this as your main computer and/or for hours a day and are going to be moving around frequently (2-4 times a day) and plan on carrying it in a case, I'd say 13" Air

If you are going to be unexpectedly moving around (5+ times a day) or using the laptop for just a few minutes at a time when you need it, and want it in your hand for the portability and instant on, I'd recommend the 11".

If you're moving constantly and not sitting much, or only for brief periods, I'd say get an iPad.


Speed-wise, I can tell no difference between the 13" and the 11".


For the iPhone part of the question, I have an iPod Touch that I use as my phone, but I don't use it for academic purposes at all.


I also have an ipad that I was taking with me to school, but I wasn't using it for anything with the 11'' so I stopped and plan on returning it.


You said something about loving the Air, did you get one? I haven't read through the entire thread.

 

[combataran]

That's a lot of words, but I managed to get through most of it. I'm planning to get either a 11/13" MBA for college, and this thread is to ask questions regarding my choices, and people's experiences with it. Your reply seemed to be the most informative to me, and I'd gladly take your word when choosing between the two. I wish I could get both, but I have a budget, so choosing between the two would be kinda tough for me.

There's a guy above that wants me to end this thread, however I still feel like there are some unanswered questions floating around in my head, I'll post them when they pop out.

Oh, and thanks for the fast reply.

 

[combataran]

If you're going to use this as your main computer, I'd fully suggest the 13". If your main purpose is school, then I'd do the 11".

I do have an i5 desktop at home, don't know if I need to pass it down to my brother. Does that count as a main computer?

 

[jboy12]

If you are going to college ask yourself this do you really need a laptop. One you will stop bringing it to class after a year. Carrying around a laptop vs a spiral bound with a freshman schedule bares a hard load on you.

Laptops Especially apple brands make great targets. If you live in the dorms and you leave your door open by accident you may come back to find your macbook had a feature apple never told you about...Legs.

I suggest an Imac. You will have tons of computers all over the campus to use if you ever need a computer on campus. You also get more for your buck when you buy a desktop. For the most part students by their second year quit bringing laptops to class. Many of them become a permanent fixture in their rooms by junior year. Laptops don't last very long. They get dropped they get drinks spilled on them they go through computer hell. Buy a desktop and save you money and your back for some collage fun

 

[JesseW6889]

I think you'll use whatever you get as your main computer. It just doesn't seem to make sense to switch between a laptop and a desktop when your laptop does everything you need.

Sorry for writing for so long, I just remember trying to figure out the same thing for myself and everyone I asked for advice about it treated it like it was only an issue of mobility.

Good luck figuring out which one you want, I still can't decide!

 

[mrockm01]

Also, I will say that, if you think a MacBook Air is a compromise of any sort, I consider it an upgrade for myself.

The biggest reason I have to not get a MBA is the storage. If this is indeed your main computer, how do you manage with only 64GM of memory?

 

[palpatine]

Here's my advice, for what it's worth (I am a graduate student).

1) Take extensive notes with pen and paper.
Make sure to try and get as much detail as possible. Don't insert yourself into the notes, except to maybe write comments in the margins. Scan all the notes into PDF form when you get back to your room that night (I recommend Fujistu's Scan Snap). When you save them, name them with the date and class (110513biology) in order to keep everything automatically organized. Throw the paper away, because you don't need it! Copy the PDF files from your MBP to your iPad (see below).

2) Type your notes up when you are reviewing later in the week.
If you have good handwriting, the OCR (optical character recognition) will be able to turn it into text for you, but even if the OCR worked for your handwriting, you need to make this information yours by putting a bit of work into it. Display the notes on the iPad, and type them on the computer. Arrange the notes in a way that makes sense to you. In the process of doing this, you will internalize most of the information, and you can leave out the stuff you have already mastered. If you need to go back and look at the detailed originals, you always can, because you have them in PDF form.

3) Scan all of your textbooks into PDF files.
If you don't have access to a nice scanner (not the slow flatbed you have at home, but an office type one at Kinkos or at your school), copy the textbooks and scan them using your Fujitsu Scansnap. Copy the PDF files into your iPad. This is probably the best thing I have done, because no matter where I am, I have my entire library on hand. Remember, many instructors will also provide copious electronic materials online as well (PDFs, power point presentations, etc.). So, you have a ton of material available to you on this little device.

4) Get an iPad 1 (or 2) and carry that to class with you every day.
I wouldn't worry about a data plan. In between classes you can surf the net, relax, connect with friends, and most importantly READ. You scanned all of your textbooks and notes, so now you have everything you need in the palm of your hand. In general, iPads can be really clunky for content creation (it is a pain to edit without a mouse), but fabulous for absorbing the information. You'll have it in bed, in the bathroom, at lunch, everywhere you go, so by reading and reviewing a little bit at a time throughout the day, you'll quickly master the material. Don't think you can read extensively on the MBA (or any other computer screen). Reading on the iPad is totally different, not least because you can manipulate the screen easily (landscape/portrait/zoom). Also, you can read for longer periods of time on it, because you can adjust your position more (laying down, sitting up, working out on a treadmill, slouching, etc.).

4) Get a 13" MBP.
You never know what kind of work you'll need to do, and the 13" can handle pretty much everything. The MBA is OK, but not if you end up in a class with intensive applications. The MBA also has very little memory. I carry my MBP around everyday, and it is not heavy at all. But, I also don't carry books! In fact, at most my bag contains my MBP, iPad, and some Bose noise canceling headphones. You could carry the MBP to campus when necessary (paper writing and so forth). And, you can leave it in your room when it is not. Most of the time, a tiny bag for the iPad and a notebook is all you will need (I recommend the SFWaterfield Vertigo).

5) Don't get a smart phone.
The data plan will cost a lot, the university probably already has wifi everywhere, and it will just be a distraction. Get an iPod instead.

**Make sure to get online backup! I recommend Sugarsync, but anything will do. Don't let a bad HDD, theft, or a spilled drink ruin everything.

 

[combataran]

Everything you said earlier.

With that, I officially have nothing to say anymore. Wait, here's something. What if, the MBA refreshes in the next few months, with an i5 processor, could it replace the MBP in the above scenario? Other things aside, I am SERIOUSLY considering your propostion.

i5 MBA(base model), iPad 2 base model, stick with old crappy feature phone.

Sounds good?

 

[palpatine]

With that, I officially have nothing to say anymore. Wait, let me say something first before I bask in my own thoughts. What if, the MBA refreshes in the next few months, with an i5 processor, could it replace the MBP in the above scenario? Other things aside, seriously considering your propostion.

i5 MBA(base model), iPad 2 base model, stick with old crappy feature phone.

Right?

1) Assuming the extra weight wouldn't bother you, I would still get the MBP.
You get more computer for your money. In my case, I went with a RAM upgrade to 8GB, because I do a lot of work with PDFs, and Adobe Acrobat Pro consumes a lot of resources. I can always upgrade the HDD or put in an SSD if I want to improve on what I have (I see no need at this point, but I like having the flexibility). It has an optical drive if you need to use it. And, it has Thunderbolt (potentially a great feature). My computer out-performs the current MBA (not by a whole lot, but it is significant in the informal tests we ran), and will probably out-perform the updated model (this is a guess, because I doubt it will have the 8GB RAM option). With my workflow (posted above) the weight gains I would get with an MBA are pretty much irrelevant. A lot of days, all I have is the iPad with me on campus anyhow.

HOWEVER, if you plan to carry it every day, weight is a priority for you, you can do without the memory (remember, it is pretty small), and you are sure that it will be able to handle your workload (probably no opportunity for major upgrades down the road), then the MBA is a good fit for you. They are truly incredible computers, and I love them, but even with my relatively modest needs, the current model isn't quite powerful enough, so you'll want to think carefully about it. For me, the 11" or 13" MBA would be a great second computer. I wouldn't want to rely on it (for my work) as a main computer.

2) If money is tight, get the iPad 1.
I got the iPad 1 because it is only $350. That is an incredible deal IF you use it like I do. I am not into games and I am not going to take any pictures with it. I want to read PDFs, and it is perfectly capable of doing that well. I have the base model and it has plenty of memory for me. But, if you think you'll be playing games, and you have a bit of extra money, I'd go for the base model of the iPad 2.

3) Phones are useless.
I see no point in owning a phone these days. I use Skype and Google voice for everything. Campus has wifi access. But, that is just me. You might want to carry a dumb phone around just in case. The iPod is phenomenal, and with the right programs (VoodooPad, Evernote, gFlash Pro) you can get a ton of studying done with it as well. I am also a big fan of portable wifi hotspots, because I work off campus a lot, and it means that everything (the iPad, iPod, and MBP) gets internet access no matter where I am in the country. But, as an undergraduate, this might not be so useful.

 

[palpatine]

LOL. I forgot to mention the most important benefit of all to my workflow (digitizing everything).

SEARCHING!

Once your textbooks and notes are in digital form (OCR'd, of course), you can use Finder to locate anything you need. It automatically indexes all of the files in your drive, so searches (on my MBP at least) are instantaneous.

The first semester, when you haven't got a whole lot of data yet, this might not seem like a big deal. However, once you have built up a nice library (I have literally thousands of books and journal articles in my computer--hence the need for a big HDD) you have a truly powerful tool.

LOL. I can't believe I forgot to mention this. I am searching for information in my personal database pretty much every hour of every day

 

[combataran]

I think we have a winner here.

I thank, everyone that has contributed to this thread, and indirectly to me, I really appreciate all of your replies and comments, the person I would like to thank the most would be palpatine, for his awesome advice on managing college workflow, as well as insightful views on tech choices.

And with that, I officially close this thread.