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In my life, my family has owned at least six PCs and each of them has had viruses, hardware and software problems, severe aging issues, and the problems go on and on. I had my first MacBook for four years and had no problems with it except I needed to reinstall OSX once. I upgraded out of choice, not necessity.

PC manufacturers compete so much to get the best bargain out there that they compromise quality. And there are real reasons that Microsoft loses market share to Apple every single year.

Halibut6 wrote:In my life, my family has owned at least six PCs and each of them has had viruses, hardware and software problems, severe aging issues, and the problems go on and on. I had my first MacBook for four years and had no problems with it except I needed to reinstall OSX once. I upgraded out of choice, not necessity.

personally i had 3 PCs but i also choose to upgrade out of choice. i never installed an anti-Virus program on any of them and managed it efficiently. it really depends on the user. most people arent good with computers and most have PCs. thats why peoples perception of PCs are so bad. its not the computer its the user. true Macs might have a better operating system that is less vulnerable to user malfunction and/or viruses but the prices are still insanely high when compared with a dell in terms of specifications.

Halibut6 wrote:PC manufacturers compete so much to get the best bargain out there that they compromise quality. And there are real reasons that Microsoft loses market share to Apple every single year.

Microsoft? microsoft is a software company not a PC manufacturer. whose the number on PC manufacturer in the world. HP.

the list goes something like HP, Dell, Acer, Lenova, Apple, etc...

If you have the computer savvy to run a Windows machine, pick up a good 10.1 inch netbook for <400 dollars. You'll thank yourself for the light weight. You're not in very much money, and it'll do everything you need it to do. It won't run games. That's a bonus. I have a quite light Dell XPS 1330, which I would recommend, but if I were doing it again I'd just get a Dell Mini 10 for half the price.

Mac caters to an entirely different market though. Something like 9 out of every 10 dollars in systems over 1000$ goes to Mac. Obviously, this is shaped a lot by public perception. There's literally no need for a windows machine to exceed 500$ if it's not being used for gaming, because it works perfectly fine if you're not an idiot. If gaming's your goal, then you should have done research and not bought a Dell (think Falcon NW).

In my life, my family has owned at least six PCs and each of them has had viruses, hardware and software problems, severe aging issues, and the problems go on and on.

Had 6+ PCs too, never had a problem. 4 of them are still in my house working fine and the others found homes with other people.

PC manufacturers compete so much to get the best bargain out there that they compromise quality.

I'd like to see some evidence. When you're buying a computer, it's not hard to find the personal specifications on a machine, and then look at the reputation of the company. Show me an nVidia or ATi card that is of poor quality. Half the mobo problems people report are because they're morons and let the one or two fans on a laptop get fed up with dust from keeping it on their bed, and then it overheats and fries a NIC or something.

The vast majority of computer problems are user created. Most people, even some on these boards probably, don't know much about computers. However, if you're somewhat computer saavy, you can build a PC that will annihilate a Mac. The same applies to laptops (custom makers, etc). I'm not saying Macs are bad, I'm just saying they're unnecessarily overpriced.

If you're computer illiterate, or just feel like being a "Mac" guy, then pay the extra markup for a Mac I guess. Although, with everyone on this forum whining about debt, job prospects, and the like... forking over an extra 600$ for a computer unnecessarily is an odd thing to advocate. Yeah, 600$ isn't a lot... but it's still 600$ that I'd rather have in my pocket.

beach_terror wrote:Mac caters to an entirely different market though. Something like 9 out of every 10 dollars in systems over 1000$ goes to Mac. Obviously, this is shaped a lot by public perception. There's literally no need for a windows machine to exceed 500$ if it's not being used for gaming, because it works perfectly fine if you're not an idiot. If gaming's your goal, then you should have done research and not bought a Dell (think Falcon NW).

In my life, my family has owned at least six PCs and each of them has had viruses, hardware and software problems, severe aging issues, and the problems go on and on.

Had 6+ PCs too, never had a problem. 4 of them are still in my house working fine and the others found homes with other people.

PC manufacturers compete so much to get the best bargain out there that they compromise quality.

I'd like to see some evidence. When you're buying a computer, it's not hard to find the personal specifications on a machine, and then look at the reputation of the company. Show me an nVidia or ATi card that is of poor quality. Half the mobo problems people report are because they're morons and let the one or two fans on a laptop get fed up with dust from keeping it on their bed, and then it overheats and fries a NIC or something.

The vast majority of computer problems are user created. Most people, even some on these boards probably, don't know much about computers. However, if you're somewhat computer saavy, you can build a PC that will annihilate a Mac. The same applies to laptops (custom makers, etc). I'm not saying Macs are bad, I'm just saying they're unnecessarily overpriced.

If you're computer illiterate, or just feel like being a "Mac" guy, then pay the extra markup for a Mac I guess. Although, with everyone on this forum whining about debt, job prospects, and the like... forking over an extra 600$ for a computer unnecessarily is an odd thing to advocate. Yeah, 600$ isn't a lot... but it's still 600$ that I'd rather have in my pocket.

+1000000000

am060459 wrote:go with dell. stay away from hp (lots of motherboard issues). macs are too overrated (if you spend the same amount of money on a dell you can customize it and have it at optimal performance). others simply suk (acer, toshiba, etc use cheap parts).

Your delusional to think Dell doesnt use cheap parts. They are the worst abusers in this regard and when their computers hit the year mark, shit goes to hell.

MACs seem to be the best computers, but at some schools there are numerous issues that come up during exam time cuz of the software required. At some schools you have to PAY for special software if you have a mac. I have a SONY VAIO that gets the job done pretty well and only cost about $600 (plus $300 for a complete 4 year warranty, even covering accidental damage that's my fault). My recommendation is you get something with a core two due processor and 4 gigabytes of ram (crucial) or better. DO NOT GET A NETBOOK - in my opinion they are really uncomfortable to type on due to not having a full size keyboard. My friend had one but went out and bought a real laptop before finals cuz he couldn't take doing a whole exam on it. I think they keyboard is an underrated factor in which laptop you choose - all are not the same and some are more comfortable than others (the sony vaio's is great imo).

I would get a macbook if money is no issue, but if it is, get a bargain PC w/4 gigs of ram and a comfortable keyboard.

Lenovo just released some new, sexier, thinkpads. Check them out!

--ImageRemoved--

You might need to push a few desks together, but this one is nice.

I have a Sony Vaio that I bought in January 2008, so it is 2 years old. I keep hearing that the expected lifespan of a laptop these days is 2-3 years, which bums me out. So far it has treated me well and it still feels brand new to me! If anything I am consdering a netbook instead of a full sized laptop but I haven't decided yet.

The kicker? - my laptop is pink. I know, I know - that is so cheesy, but I really liked it when I bought it. I do worry that I won't be taken seriously with a pink laptop. I am already irritated by the Elle Woods references due to the fact that I am a woman *gasp* who is going to law school.

Halibut6 wrote:In my life, my family has owned at least six PCs and each of them has had viruses, hardware and software problems, severe aging issues, and the problems go on and on. I had my first MacBook for four years and had no problems with it except I needed to reinstall OSX once. I upgraded out of choice, not necessity.

Macbook's and Dells run pretty much the same hardware. Dell's Western Digital hard drive isn't any better than Apple's Western Digital Hard drive.

Computer makers aren't like car makers. They don't design or manufacture the parts. They order them and put them in a box, then add software.

I have a netbook that I bought when I broke my laptop I had from undergrad (dropped it). It is great; perfect for notetaking, and browsing the net.

You can get them with 93% keyboards (took me a week to get used to but now type 80+ wpm pretty easy).

My wife's Mac randomly shuts down on her at maybe 3 years old. Never had a PC do that on me. Also, as a long-time PC user, I haven't found the OS on the Mac to be overwhlemingly intuitive. I feel like I need to take a class or research it online to know how to use it - pretty much the same things needed to operate a PC.

Note that most of you will be handed a PC by your firm on day one. Not only should you realize that there are reasons for that, but it might not hurt to actually get to know the technology you'll be screaming at for "not working right" in the future. It's amazing how few people take time to get to know the tools that they'll be working with and depending on every day.

Most people are spending play money (loans), and so they don't really consider the price difference between a $1000 and a $600 computer. Is it worth it in some cases? Sure, but people shouldn't feel that they have to spend a lot of money to get a machine that will do the job for them.

I've been using a Dell Latitude from work for law school so far, but I got a netbook over break that I will start taking to school instead. The weight difference won me over. $280, and it does everything I need it to, including twice the battery life of my Dell. I may still use the work laptop for exams, however. That will depend on how well typing goes and how much I miss the extra resolution. If I were going to law school full-time, I would probably get a slightly larger netbook (like the 11.6" Acer) and a good desktop for home. I think I could get both for $1000.

Let's not bicker and argue about who killed who...

Let's actually figure out good laptops for school. A netbook is out for me mainly because I don't like THAT tiny of a screen. I am looking for a 13-14 inch laptop, hopefully under 5 lbs., want 4gb RAM, expandable up to 8, and the right amount of processing power balanced with battery longevity. Any suggestions, especially on a good processor that balances power with not draining the battery in under 3 hours?

What price range? 4gbs of ram is a lot for a notebook if you're not playing games. I'm running 7 pro 64bit with 2gbs, and there's no lag at all. Why do you want 4? The reason I ask is because 4gb will be a decent price bump.

If you want cheap and light, look at the Dell Vostro 13. Very drab, boring, professional look, cheap price. Light and thin. You could get one fairly well equipped for around 5-600 bucks. It has an Ultra Low Voltage processor. If you want a good C2D with ULV processor and 4GB, then you're looking at a little more than that. Seriously, though, 4GB is probably overkill for a simple law school laptop.

lol @ teh dell hate

I've had a dell for going on 6 years and I've had zero problems with it.

chicoalto0649 wrote:

daesonesb wrote:Ok fine have your way.

What about the Macbook air? Sure the screen's small, but it's lighter than anything else if that's the criteria.

I dunno about that, I hear they really suck out on memory and other things unless you upgrade it but the upgrades would put the cost right up there with a mac book...

Note- I did get a 17'' mac book pro for christmas and I now know what kind of joy a parent feels when their first child is born....so I'm all mac book all the way

Signed-

Ex-PC user

macbook air looks cool but... well the battery life kind of sucks. what the heck's the point of having a little bitty skinny computer if you have to carry a power cord with it?

also, mac horror story (but I'm still planning on getting one next year): worked for days on an essay for that govt-funded program for lesser studied languages. Had people edit it. Had it nearly-rocking. Wrote final on mac and saved over first draft on flash drive. Tried to release the flash drive, mac had an error. Kept trying. Finally just pulled it out. Plugged into a PC. Whole damn essay was boxes and numbers. MEH. The IT kids tried to restore it for me, no go.

Also... do people in law school tend to use laptops in class? I never really got into that habit in college (partially because I'm easily distracted) and I'm not really looking forward to have to pick it up.

sibley wrote:Also... do people in law school tend to use laptops in class? I never really got into that habit in college (partially because I'm easily distracted) and I'm not really looking forward to have to pick it up.

Then don't.

Your grades won't suffer, they'll benefit.

Is there any way to create a poll and just have people vote on what computer they think is best, or which one they would want for law school, etc?

hans3n wrote:Is there any way to create a poll and just have people vote on what computer they think is best, or which one they would want for law school, etc?

No, people who need to make a post to discuss what computer they should buy for law school should take $500 and go to the nearest electronics store and buy the best their 500 can get them.

Lxw wrote:

hans3n wrote:Is there any way to create a poll and just have people vote on what computer they think is best, or which one they would want for law school, etc?

No, people who need to make a post to discuss what computer they should buy for law school should take $500 and go to the nearest electronics store and buy the best their 500 can get them.

I was more curious about the ability to make a poll than computers, but I'm glad you are on TLS to offer advice like that.