Laptop Decision

tehMattheJ · 09-19-2005, 06:39 PM

I have a four-year-old Dell Inspiron and I think it is time to get a new one. I'm considering the Apple PowerBook, but I'm not sure if that's what's really right for me. Here is what I want to be able to do.

- Edit video and audio
- Gaming (not a must)
- Programming (mostly java and html)
- Surf the web/email/web page maintenance

I have heard that Apple is the standard for doing audio/video work, which is really my primary hardware concern. My classes involve a lot of programming and such, but I hear Java is a cross-platform language and I'll be alright on a Mac. Also, the gaming bit is optional. So, I ask for suggestions on the matter. Should I go with the PowerBook or is there a better choice.

Also, I know that Apple is soon to use Intel's chips. Should I wait for this to come out or will it be a while? Thanks all.

Cheers,
Matthew J

Thomas23 · 09-20-2005, 12:45 AM

Well if your used to a Apple, go with an apple. But considering you worked with a Dell, most likely a windows operation system, its up to you if you want to learn a new system.

spamdos · 09-20-2005, 01:57 AM

macs are generally more expensive for what u get but they are good at video and photo editing. programming can be done on any platform. games arent as good on a mac though because they are harder to get and the graphics in a mac arent usually as good as in an equivalently priced pc i would go for the pc but its really up to u

Qlutch · 09-20-2005, 02:02 AM

My brother just got a Powerbook G4 and he loves it. He uses it primarily for schoolwork (programming, writing papers and such), and he's found it to be very practical. Even though the price is a little steep, the aesthetics of the laptop and portability are very desireable characteristics.

X24 · 09-20-2005, 03:20 AM

i love the aluminum case thingy they are in, but i would really go for the pc if you want any games at all, also, although macs are better in editing, u won't experience a whole lot better preformance in those catagories.

sorry for spelling, i typed fast.

alanuofm · 09-20-2005, 05:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tehMattheJ

I have a four-year-old Dell Inspiron and I think it is time to get a new one. I'm considering the Apple PowerBook, but I'm not sure if that's what's really right for me. Here is what I want to be able to do.

- Edit video and audio
- Gaming (not a must)
- Programming (mostly java and html)
- Surf the web/email/web page maintenance

I have heard that Apple is the standard for doing audio/video work, which is really my primary hardware concern. My classes involve a lot of programming and such, but I hear Java is a cross-platform language and I'll be alright on a Mac. Also, the gaming bit is optional. So, I ask for suggestions on the matter. Should I go with the PowerBook or is there a better choice.

Also, I know that Apple is soon to use Intel's chips. Should I wait for this to come out or will it be a while? Thanks all.

Cheers,
Matthew J

it seems like gaming would be the primary reason to choose to a pc. other than that either platform would be fine. however i would not recommend a laptop solely for gaming purposes which is why they invented desktops. laptops should have fairly long battery life. with a 15.4 inch or 14.1 inch with a pentium M or turion, i would suggest atleast a 6 to 8 cell battery. anything bigger than that atleast a 12 cell.

one suggestion, at my university, the only OS that uses standardized coding is linux so we must do all our programs in linux. if its the same for you guys i wouldn't suggest an apple.

Qlutch · 09-20-2005, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alanuofm

one suggestion, at my university, the only OS that uses standardized coding is linux so we must do all our programs in linux. if its the same for you guys i wouldn't suggest an apple.

Well, if necessary, you can put Linux on an Apple just as easily as putting it on a PC.

spamdos · 09-20-2005, 07:52 AM

even considering this i think that a pc would be the best for all the things that you want to do.

alanuofm · 09-20-2005, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spamdos

even considering this i think that a pc would be the best for all the things that you want to do.

can't really take a desktop to class however

Advitiya Saxena · 09-20-2005, 01:51 PM

My dear frd MAC r fr filthy rich people who wants to look different. they r more coslty n will cost more fr upgrades. n dont ever think of repairing a MAc.

if u want to expermient then do it at ur own risk, I have faith in Apple products but u will have to compromise too much in case of OS n System.

Better go fr WinXP system, by a Ferrari speacial edition if u want looks or sony viao t+ series..

09-19-2005, 06:39 PM	#1 (permalink)
tehMattheJ New Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 1	Laptop Decision I have a four-year-old Dell Inspiron and I think it is time to get a new one. I'm considering the Apple PowerBook, but I'm not sure if that's what's really right for me. Here is what I want to be able to do. - Edit video and audio - Gaming (not a must) - Programming (mostly java and html) - Surf the web/email/web page maintenance I have heard that Apple is the standard for doing audio/video work, which is really my primary hardware concern. My classes involve a lot of programming and such, but I hear Java is a cross-platform language and I'll be alright on a Mac. Also, the gaming bit is optional. So, I ask for suggestions on the matter. Should I go with the PowerBook or is there a better choice. Also, I know that Apple is soon to use Intel's chips. Should I wait for this to come out or will it be a while? Thanks all. Cheers, Matthew J

09-20-2005, 02:02 AM	#4 (permalink)
Qlutch Silver Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Nebraska Age: 20 Posts: 213	My brother just got a Powerbook G4 and he loves it. He uses it primarily for schoolwork (programming, writing papers and such), and he's found it to be very practical. Even though the price is a little steep, the aesthetics of the laptop and portability are very desireable characteristics. __________________ AMD 64 3500+ Chaintech NF-CK804 2x512 G. Skill DDR400 Dual Channel eVGA PCI-e 6600GT 200GB Western Digital SATA 480W Power Supply 19" Flat CRT Windows XP Pro SP2

09-20-2005, 01:51 PM	#10 (permalink)
Advitiya Saxena Silver Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: INDIA Age: 27 Posts: 180	My dear frd MAC r fr filthy rich people who wants to look different. they r more coslty n will cost more fr upgrades. n dont ever think of repairing a MAc. if u want to expermient then do it at ur own risk, I have faith in Apple products but u will have to compromise too much in case of OS n System. Better go fr WinXP system, by a Ferrari speacial edition if u want looks or sony viao t+ series.. __________________ Toshiba Qosmio F20 Intel Centrino Tech. 1.74 Ghz 1 GB DDR RAM PC4200 533Mhz Nvidia 6600 80 GB HDD Super Drive DVD R/Rw Windows Media Centre Microsoft MiniMouse Sony DAV DZ120 5.1 Home theater

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

09-20-2005, 12:45 AM	#2 (permalink)
Thomas23 Bronze Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Boulder, Colorado Age: 20 Posts: 49	Well if your used to a Apple, go with an apple. But considering you worked with a Dell, most likely a windows operation system, its up to you if you want to learn a new system.

09-20-2005, 01:57 AM	#3 (permalink)
spamdos Diamond Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Canberra Australia Age: 19 Posts: 1,160	macs are generally more expensive for what u get but they are good at video and photo editing. programming can be done on any platform. games arent as good on a mac though because they are harder to get and the graphics in a mac arent usually as good as in an equivalently priced pc i would go for the pc but its really up to u

09-20-2005, 03:20 AM	#5 (permalink)
X24 Platinum Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 967	i love the aluminum case thingy they are in, but i would really go for the pc if you want any games at all, also, although macs are better in editing, u won't experience a whole lot better preformance in those catagories. sorry for spelling, i typed fast.

09-20-2005, 07:52 AM	#8 (permalink)
spamdos Diamond Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Canberra Australia Age: 19 Posts: 1,160	even considering this i think that a pc would be the best for all the things that you want to do.