College Computer

dougland

dougland

New Member
Hey everyone. I'll be heading off to college this coming fall in August and would like to know what you would do for a computer? Would you guys go with a laptop or desktop? I really don't want a laptop and i am going to a really small college Illinois Wesleyan at about 2,200 students. I would like to build my own desktop but want to know what your thoughts are. I will probably end up making a thread like this closer to college as things in the computer world may change, but i just would like to get thinking early on. Thanks guys
 
Would you be playing games at all, or just typical college computer stuff?

If you like playing games and do not want to build a computer (..you have more than enough time to learn), I like DELL for premade computers. If you do not play computer games, laptops in college can be very handy. Mobile and small, convenient for many things.
 
I'm no gamer at all so no graphics intense programs would be used. I really just use internet, AIM, and may run some business applications but nothing intense so i would be able to spend money elsewhere instead of on a graphics card. Also im pretty tech savy and can builld my own computer i have done many things except build my own, i meen i've got a custom one right now i've built halfway, but no worries on that i can do it.
 
Well if you dont game or use and graphics applications, you would probably love a laptop in college. Its great for taking to the library and group projects and stuff. I suggest that. Get a nice DELL or Sony VIAO.
 
unless you're going to carry around the laptop to class a lot, i would go with a desktop. i personally hate laptops because you cant customize it as much as a desktop. there are fewer parts selection, more expensive parts (since they are compact in size), performs lower for the amount you'll be spending, and colling is one of the restrictions. the only thing i see a laptop would win in is the compact size. if you don't plan on carrying a computer everywhere, then get a desktop.
 
WhiteFireDragon said:
unless you're going to carry around the laptop to class a lot, i would go with a desktop. i personally hate laptops because you cant customize it as much as a desktop. there are fewer parts selection, more expensive parts (since they are compact in size), performs lower for the amount you'll be spending, and colling is one of the restrictions. the only thing i see a laptop would win in is the compact size. if you don't plan on carrying a computer everywhere, then get a desktop.
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Thats what i was thinking. I hate laptops as well unless its my Dad's Macbook Pro but im not getting one of those because i would much rather have a desktop. Any other thoughts?
 
He isnt going to be running any applications where performance or customability would be an advantage. Being able to toat you computer around in college is great, you wont regret it.
 
No i just really would rather have a desktop because i like upgrading it and i like to toy with things. I meen a laptop would be alright for taking to class. As i have not yet been to college, how many of you had a laptop and how often did you take it places, and how many of you had a desktop?
I also was thinking of using my computer if it were a desktop as my tv/ dvd player and get a bigger screen so i could watch movies and such.
 
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I would say 75% of people in college have laptops but if you ask people that question on CF they are all going to say "get a desktop"
 
dougland said:
No i just really would rather have a desktop because i like upgrading it and i like to toy with things. I meen a laptop would be alright for taking to class. As i have not yet been to college, how many of you had a laptop and how often did you take it places, and how many of you had a desktop?
I also was thinking of using my computer if it were a desktop as my tv/ dvd player and get a bigger screen so i could watch movies and such.
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i have both a laptop and desktop, but rarely take my laptop or class or the library. most the time it just sits in my apartment. i find that it's easier, faster, and more organized to take notes in an actual notebook. i tried on a laptop already, but that didn't work out for me. it's just extra weight in your backpack. i usually have 2-3 lectures a day (3-5 hours in class) so that is not long enough for my laptop to last on batteries, so i had to carry the power plug, which was even more weight. iono... it just seems not as convenient, so i just leave it at my apartment when i got to class.

i also have a custom built desktop and have a PCI tv tuner card in there. whenever i watch tv, it's also from my desktop.
 
WhiteFireDragon said:
i have both a laptop and desktop, but rarely take my laptop or class or the library. most the time it just sits in my apartment. i find that it's easier, faster, and more organized to take notes in an actual notebook. i tried on a laptop already, but that didn't work out for me. it's just extra weight in your backpack. i usually have 2-3 lectures a day (3-5 hours in class) so that is not long enough for my laptop to last on batteries, so i had to carry the power plug, which was even more weight. iono... it just seems not as convenient, so i just leave it at my apartment when i got to class.

i also have a custom built desktop and have a PCI tv tuner card in there. whenever i watch tv, it's also from my desktop.
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Good point about the battery not lasting that many classes. I too am one for taking good notes in a notebook as it is easy, wont delete, and is just easy to access. I really think im leaning towards a desktop. So with teh PCI tv tuner card i would just hook my cable up to my computer and it would work like a tv? Would the PCI card come with software or would i need to download it? Also do you think by the time i build my computer (july 08) there will be either a better version of Vista out or will i still be able to get XP? THanks
 
What do you mean better version, like SP1? Cause that should be out by then if the dates havent gotten changed since I last looked.
 
no dude trust me get a laptop, you really wouldnt want to upgrade if all you need is a pentium 2.8 to do that work, and new things are comming out so fast that your gonna have to basicly build a new whole one , like new socket ddr3 came out and alot of many things, and laptops are pretty fast with the new core 2 duo or solo's in them, trust me your gonna regret building a desktop, i would either buy a nice laptop or buy a cheap laptop and build a low end desktop (celeron)
 
xxxalpinexxx80 said:
dont get vista lol i think it is still buggy and alot of programs don't respond and close such as ie
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HP laptops are amazing, plus you can get a 15 or 16 cell battery in it to make them last for hours upon hours at a time in power saver mode. regarding desktops, build them yourself, because not only is it cheaper, but it also gives you a good sense of accomplishment.
 
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