New Laptop for College (appreciate the help)

J

josh b.

New Member
I really do not know much in the way of computers, what is good/bad, etc. All my knowledge has pretty much been with macs at school, and using imovie for video editing. So, I am seeking some help for a laptop to purchase for college. Here are the specs and I appreciate all the help anyone can offer:

Budget: $1500 or less

Used for: Video editing (primarily)
Microsoft Word
Mild use of internet (e-mail/facebook/youtube)
Would like to be able to access and watch TV
Lots of photos, videos, music
Would like screen dimentions to be 13"-15" (roughly)

I would like this Laptop to be my tv, dvd player, webchat, hold music, photos, and creat movies for my digital portfolio (underwater photographer/videographer) The tv part is expendible if need be

I have looked at the Macbook and Dell Inspiration as options, and just cannot decide between the two. I would also like the bluetooth keyboard and mouse that Dell offers but that is an expendible option as well.

I appreciate all the help.

Josh
 
COHEN: Why pro? a Normal MacBook will do iMovie just fine!

Josh B. Get a 1,299$ MacBook (Black) and it has bluetooth 2.0 And EDR built in so no need for dell and if you want white get the middle class one but just make sure it has a super drive so you can burn DVDS.
 
I've not been impressed with the recent Dell's. They seem to be plagued with many problems. Perhaps they have improved since, but the screen on my friends has become almost too dark to use. On top of that it's needed a new keyboard and makes funny noises. I believe one of my other friends with a fairly new Dell had some battery issues.

As for iMovie; I used that on my Mini and I must say it's one of the worst editing programs I've ever used. It was quick to render and all, but it was very limited and restricted what I could do. I'd try to do little things only to have my video's cuts and all screwed up in the process. I wouldn't lean towards a Mac just because it comes with iMovie (not to say Windows Movie Maker is any better :P)

For what you do, you could get a sub-$1000 laptop and be just fine. I do much the same as you with my Fujitsu, and it was only $700. Though it's rather clunky compared to most 15.4" laptops today, it's proven to be very sturdy and perform excellent; much faster than my HP with a C2D T5300. BTW, I got mine from Costco, who extends the warrenty of their laptops an additional year and offers a 90-day return policy. VERY nice.

If I were you, I'd look around at reviews and see which models seem to have the least problems and complaints. Aside from that, you'd probably want to lean towards a mid-range to higher end intel Core 2 duo processor, at least 2GB RAM, and a 5200RPM hard drive.
 
cohen said:
pro are better from my POV (Point of view)
Click to expand...

Not for iMovie. Any Mac computer runs iMovie fine even the old iBook G3 Clamshells would run it. The MBP is for using Final Cut ETC. (I use Express 4 and FX Home) But if you want to go final cut get a macbook pro as some features isnt supported by GMA.
 
The_Other_One said:
I've not been impressed with the recent Dell's. They seem to be plagued with many problems. Perhaps they have improved since, but the screen on my friends has become almost too dark to use. On top of that it's needed a new keyboard and makes funny noises. I believe one of my other friends with a fairly new Dell had some battery issues.

As for iMovie; I used that on my Mini and I must say it's one of the worst editing programs I've ever used. It was quick to render and all, but it was very limited and restricted what I could do. I'd try to do little things only to have my video's cuts and all screwed up in the process. I wouldn't lean towards a Mac just because it comes with iMovie (not to say Windows Movie Maker is any better :P)

For what you do, you could get a sub-$1000 laptop and be just fine. I do much the same as you with my Fujitsu, and it was only $700. Though it's rather clunky compared to most 15.4" laptops today, it's proven to be very sturdy and perform excellent; much faster than my HP with a C2D T5300. BTW, I got mine from Costco, who extends the warrenty of their laptops an additional year and offers a 90-day return policy. VERY nice.

If I were you, I'd look around at reviews and see which models seem to have the least problems and complaints. Aside from that, you'd probably want to lean towards a mid-range to higher end intel Core 2 duo processor, at least 2GB RAM, and a 5200RPM hard drive.
Click to expand...
I couldn't agree more (except I think you meant 5400rpm drive), I'm glad to know that it really isn't just me that's having troubles with Dell.
 
my best mate just got and XPS M1330. fastest laptop ive ever used...and i although i hate dell, i gotta say, their laptops are pretty nice.
 
If I were you I'd get a macbook especially since you use that already in class and you'll be able to use your student discount to save $100 and get a free ipod if you want one. I personally am debating between windows and mac but I must say the guys on here really convinced me a mac is probably the better way to go and I'd recommend it to you. As far as the RAM goes, I personally would upgrade it to 4gb myself because apple is charging a ridiculous price for it and you can get better ram off newegg 4gb for $100.
 
OK thanks for the help.

I think I'll end up going with the Macbook, then purchasing 4GB ram on newegg eventually and final cut express 4 off of newegg because it is $20 cheaper and I don't need final cut right now for what I am doing.
 
josh b. said:
OK thanks for the help.

I think I'll end up going with the Macbook, then purchasing 4GB ram on newegg eventually and final cut express 4 off of newegg because it is $20 cheaper and I don't need final cut right now for what I am doing.
Click to expand...

Thats the way. But get one with a super drive.
 
Jhow said:
If I were you I'd get a macbook especially since you use that already in class and you'll be able to use your student discount to save $100 and get a free ipod if you want one. I personally am debating between windows and mac but I must say the guys on here really convinced me a mac is probably the better way to go and I'd recommend it to you. As far as the RAM goes, I personally would upgrade it to 4gb myself because apple is charging a ridiculous price for it and you can get better ram off newegg 4gb for $100.
Click to expand...

agree

josh b. said:
OK thanks for the help.

I think I'll end up going with the Macbook, then purchasing 4GB ram on newegg eventually and final cut express 4 off of newegg because it is $20 cheaper and I don't need final cut right now for what I am doing.
Click to expand...

That is the way to go.

Kill Bill said:
Thats the way. But get one with a super drive.
Click to expand...

Agree!
 
Enjoihcky24/7 said:
I couldn't agree more (except I think you meant 5400rpm drive), I'm glad to know that it really isn't just me that's having troubles with Dell.
Click to expand...

Haha...you know, I stopped to think... "There's 4200, and 5200...is that right...?" :rolleyes: Give me a break, it was 5AM!

Anyway, Macbooks are nice. All macs are well built and over-all nice machines. I heard of some problems with cooling on some previous models, but I'd guess that's resolved by now. If not, most laptops to get pretty toasty now-of-days. I know my Fujitsu pumps out some pretty warm air from the primary vent.
 
The_Other_One said:
Anyway, Macbooks are nice. All macs are well built and over-all nice machines. I heard of some problems with cooling on some previous models, but I'd guess that's resolved by now. If not, most laptops to get pretty toasty now-of-days. I know my Fujitsu pumps out some pretty warm air from the primary vent.
Click to expand...

Totally agree!!! I don't see why other people don't see it. :cool:
 
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