Splurge on a laptop? Forum

[BVest]

I have a 2010 15" MacBook Pro i7 that I used through undergrad and is still in descent condition. I have really just been using it for photo editing since I've been out of school. My only problem with it is that it is quite heavy and also doesn't have the best battery life (~3-4 hours). I have been considering investing in a 13 inch MacBook Air for law school, but I can't decide if it's worth it. Thoughts?

Don't replace it until it's in trouble. I started two years ago with a 13" 5,5 that I got back in mid 2009 and it was fine for me, up until early this spring when I got 5-6

GSOD

in a few days. After trying a few cheap fixes I went ahead and upgraded while it was still early in the semester.

As far as the battery life goes, yeah, that tends to fade, but just carry your charger with you. Unless you're somewhere with TTTT facilities, you'll always be near power (class or library) on campus.

BTW, with Macs, if you find the right reseller, you can start low on them and upgrade for cheaper than the Apple upgrades and still maintain your warranty and get value for the parts removed (because they're still new when removed by the reseller, who can then use them in repairs). I tend to go lower on the processor and upgrade HDD and RAM. Obviously Apple doesn't cover those with their warranty, but the HDD and RAM come with their own warranties.

[Fiero85]

I ordered a Lenovo T440s last week. 14" screen, i5, 8G RAM, 180G SSD. Spent about $1500 (including Office and 3 years of Norton).

I wanted a large enough screen while still easy to carry around, a comfortable keyboard, and I don't want to worry about the reliability of the machine over the next three years. My current laptop is a $650 Vaio from about four years ago. I was willing to pay a little more this time around so that it just won't be something I worry about during school.

Idk if you havent gotten it yet but I've heard that t440's are the shit productivity and durability wise, in a perfect world where im rich gorgeous and white i would buy a lenovo carbon x1

I've been a longtime fan of the Thinkpad series so I was going to get T440s but the reviews scared me away. The fact that they revamped the trackpad and the keyboard for the WORSE was a big turn-off. I may actually end up getting a T430s, the previous model.

Yeah. Wouldn't blame you. I'm not too concerned, because I'm coming from a Vaio with the worst keyboard/trackpad ever. Biggest concerns are reliability and longevity.

^Yeah gonna use my mouse a lot and I'm used to a lower quality notebook anyway. Wanted dat battery life and SSD.

[redsox]

Took your advice, thanks. After negotiating the price was right. We're now laptop twins pretty much lol.

A) After making $100m decisions at the job I quit in October, should I be excited that someone listened to my advice on a $1500 laptop? Because I kind of am.

B) Mine shipped today.

[Fiero85]

Took your advice, thanks. After negotiating the price was right. We're now laptop twins pretty much lol.

A) After making $100m decisions at the job I quit in October, should I be excited that someone listened to my advice on a $1500 laptop? Because I kind of am.

B) Mine shipped today.

haha even less than 1500 my friend but I'm glad my small potatoes transaction made you proud!

Post your first thoughts after a few weeks!

[yot11]

Thanks for the info! I've read sidenotes about this issue, but figured it had mostly been resolved by now since the resolutions keep going higher. Do you think this will still impact me if I have very basic computer needs?

It depends on how sensitive you are to the issue of tiny fonts and how sensitive you are to price. I can virtually guarantee that somewhere along the lines, you will bump into an application that doesn't render well with HD+ on Windows 8.1. So if you can deal with the risk that some of your applications will appear tiny, then go for the (presumably) cheaper windows machine. If you don't want to deal with that / if you don't want to wait for Microsoft to address this in an update, you should spring for the Mac.

I would go to a physical store to check out a Windows laptop with an HD+ screen and open the critical applications (ie Office, browser) and see how well they render on HD+. Then play around with some less common applications to see if you can find one/some that don't render well.

**Side note: I don't think that a HD+ screen will reduce eye strain. Eye strain from electronics typically comes because of the screen constantly refreshing (along the order of 60 times per second). This is why your eyes get more tired looking at a screen than reading a book. E-readers work along the same principles: they physically move "ink" beneath the screen so that once the page is loaded, it is physically set (like a book), rather than constantly refreshing.

As far as I'm aware, eye strain is not a function of pixel density, but I haven't seen anything to suggest that it is or otherwise.

[girlmonster]

Thanks for the info! I've read sidenotes about this issue, but figured it had mostly been resolved by now since the resolutions keep going higher. Do you think this will still impact me if I have very basic computer needs?

It depends on how sensitive you are to the issue of tiny fonts and how sensitive you are to price. I can virtually guarantee that somewhere along the lines, you will bump into an application that doesn't render well with HD+ on Windows 8.1. So if you can deal with the risk that some of your applications will appear tiny, then go for the (presumably) cheaper windows machine. If you don't want to deal with that / if you don't want to wait for Microsoft to address this in an update, you should spring for the Mac.

I would go to a physical store to check out a Windows laptop with an HD+ screen and open the critical applications (ie Office, browser) and see how well they render on HD+. Then play around with some less common applications to see if you can find one/sothatdon't render well

**Side note: I don't think that a HD+ screen will reduce eye strain. Eye strain from electronics typically comes because of the screen constantly refreshing (along the order of 60 times per second). This is why your eyes get more tired looking at a screen than reading a book. E-readers work along the same principles: they physically move "ink" beneath the screen so that once the page is loaded, it is physically set (like a book), rather than constantly refreshing.

As far as I'm aware, eye strain is not a function of pixel density, but I haven't seen anything to suggest that it is or otherwise.

Thanks for the thorough and thoughtful response! I haven't found empirical studies stating that higher resolution reduces eye strain; just picked up on it from articles interviewing Iindividuals. I definitely need to do more hands-on research in terms of actually trying the computers out. If I decide to forego the HD+, do you have any recommendations for a solid, thin and light, 15" notebook?

[yot11]

Thanks for the thorough and thoughtful response! I haven't found empirical studies stating that higher resolution reduces eye strain; just picked up on it from articles interviewing Iindividuals. I definitely need to do more hands-on research in terms of actually trying the computers out. If I decide to forego the HD+, do you have any recommendations for a solid, thin and light, 15" notebook?

There's typically a tradeoff between "solid" and "thin and light". Your "thin and light" laptops are (generally) more prone to failure because of heat dissipation issues, pushing more hardware limits, etc.

That being said, I think that the thinkpad T440 is a great balance. Thin enough and built like a tank. They redesigned the keyboard and trackpad for the latest version, so you will want to check it out in person (always do this when possible!). I personally love the redesign, but some don't.

[mt2165]

Thanks for the thorough and thoughtful response! I haven't found empirical studies stating that higher resolution reduces eye strain; just picked up on it from articles interviewing Iindividuals. I definitely need to do more hands-on research in terms of actually trying the computers out. If I decide to forego the HD+, do you have any recommendations for a solid, thin and light, 15" notebook?

There's typically a tradeoff between "solid" and "thin and light". Your "thin and light" laptops are (generally) more prone to failure because of heat dissipation issues, pushing more hardware limits, etc.

That being said, I think that the thinkpad T440 is a great balance. Thin enough and built like a tank. They redesigned the keyboard and trackpad for the latest version, so you will want to check it out in person (always do this when possible!). I personally love the redesign, but some don't.

I agree with yot I think it really comes down to the build materials, the best/newest ultrabooks have bodies composed of aluminum, carbon fiber, and gorilla glass. Ones on the lower they're usually made of a mix of aluminum and plastic. Really depends on the degree of plastic, I think. But yeah generally it'll be hard to beat the t440

[mt2165]

Not gunna lie kinda tempted to buy the new acer chromebook with the i3, I remember someone saying there is a specific test taking software you're required to download?

[igo2northwestern]

Not gunna lie kinda tempted to buy the new acer chromebook with the i3, I remember someone saying there is a specific test taking software you're required to download?

Depends on your school. Mine didn't require any exam software download, but I am aware of others that do.

[haus]

Not gunna lie kinda tempted to buy the new acer chromebook with the i3, I remember someone saying there is a specific test taking software you're required to download?

Check your schools web site, they should have details on exam software (or other required software) and from their you can make an educated choice. Many schools seem to require software which is only supported by somewhat recent Win or Mac OSes.

ETA: scooped

[BVest]

Not gunna lie kinda tempted to buy the new acer chromebook with the i3, I remember someone saying there is a specific test taking software you're required to download?

Depends on your school. Mine didn't require any exam software download, but I am aware of others that do.

Is there anyone besides NU who doesn't require testing software (for those who choose to type)?

[heythatslife]

After days of looking around on various online retailers, I'm leaning towards buying this when it's released in August (I don't know why the page shows $1045 first, but if you pre-order with Amazon directly it's $895):
http://www.amazon.com/Zenbook-UX303LA-D ... us+zenbook

The specs look good on paper. Not gonna run games, but I do intend to use Lightroom and maybe Photoshop.
The only thing I'm concerned about is that I have no experience with Asus laptops, so I don't know what their quality control and customer service is like. Opinions, please?

[YYZ]

After days of looking around on various online retailers, I'm leaning towards buying this when it's released in August (I don't know why the page shows $1045 first, but if you pre-order with Amazon directly it's $895):
http://www.amazon.com/Zenbook-UX303LA-D ... us+zenbook

The specs look good on paper. Not gonna run games, but I do intend to use Lightroom and maybe Photoshop.
The only thing I'm concerned about is that I have no experience with Asus laptops, so I don't know what their quality control and customer service is like. Opinions, please?

Very smart purchase. Solid State Storage is the way to go. I've heard good things about Asus. In my opinion, with SSS, much less can go wrong.

[09042014]

After days of looking around on various online retailers, I'm leaning towards buying this when it's released in August (I don't know why the page shows $1045 first, but if you pre-order with Amazon directly it's $895):
http://www.amazon.com/Zenbook-UX303LA-D ... us+zenbook

The specs look good on paper. Not gonna run games, but I do intend to use Lightroom and maybe Photoshop.
The only thing I'm concerned about is that I have no experience with Asus laptops, so I don't know what their quality control and customer service is like. Opinions, please?

Very smart purchase. Solid State Storage is the way to go. I've heard good things about Asus. In my opinion, with SSS, much less can go wrong.

A few years back someone did a study and Asus laptops were the most reliable, higher than Apple. I'm not sure if it's still true but I've had great luck with them. Solid, not issues, looks nice

[YYZ]

This is an obvious thing to say, but remember to back up all of your data, continuously, from the first day of law school. I've seen too many people have a computer crash with no backup. I use Skydrive. Every OneNote file, excel file or word file I create is automatically saved to Skydrive from the beginning.

In the worst case scenario, if your computer crashes, at least you can retrieve your data very quickly with your new computer.

[redsox]

The fact that they revamped the trackpad and the keyboard for the WORSE was a big turn-off. I may actually end up getting a T430s, the previous model.

Just turned mine on for the first time today. It appears that the trackpad was not made for human beings. Or maybe I just haven't figured it out yet. The keyboard is nice.

[Fiero85]

The fact that they revamped the trackpad and the keyboard for the WORSE was a big turn-off. I may actually end up getting a T430s, the previous model.

Just turned mine on for the first time today. It appears that the trackpad was not made for human beings. Or maybe I just haven't figured it out yet. The keyboard is nice.

My T440s arrived in the mail, and I love it so far. Size and weight are awesome, the whole thing is sleeker than I imagined. Feels sturdy as can be too. The trackpad clicks kind of loudly but I don't mind it too much, and the cursor movement has been fine. My first Lenovo so I can't speak to whether the old trackpads were better. The trackpad scrolling is a little clumsy but I use the keys or mouse to scroll most often anyway. It's better in general than my first gen HP ENVY's trackpad.

As far as law school based priorities, I'm really digging the keyboard, and the battery set up is a champ. Looking forward to leaving my charger at home for the first time in years.

In terms of sexiness it's never gonna match a MB Air, but I think it's the way to go over a MBP for anyone like me with no heavy graphics or artsy needs, and a craving for battery life and a good balance of portability and durability. At least for the 1-1.5k price range (cheaper than MBP and some other high end PCs), it seems like a front runner.

Fingers crossed I survive 1L without laptop issues. I managed to avoid them entirely in UG. To the general topic of the thread: I think dropping some $$$ is worth it if you have practical goals in mind - not just MOAR POWER specs like a gaming laptop or something for no reason. I chose to prioritize battery life, keyboard, an SSD, durability, portability etc. Those actually have a purpose, and I'll hopefully be glad I went for it with this one.

[mt2165]

The fact that they revamped the trackpad and the keyboard for the WORSE was a big turn-off. I may actually end up getting a T430s, the previous model.

Just turned mine on for the first time today. It appears that the trackpad was not made for human beings. Or maybe I just haven't figured it out yet. The keyboard is nice.

My T440s arrived in the mail, and I love it so far. Size and weight are awesome, the whole thing is sleeker than I imagined. Feels sturdy as can be too. The trackpad clicks kind of loudly but I don't mind it too much, and the cursor movement has been fine. My first Lenovo so I can't speak to whether the old trackpads were better. The trackpad scrolling is a little clumsy but I use the keys or mouse to scroll most often anyway. It's better in general than my first gen HP ENVY's trackpad.

As far as law school based priorities, I'm really digging the keyboard, and the battery set up is a champ. Looking forward to leaving my charger at home for the first time in years.

In terms of sexiness it's never gonna match a MB Air, but I think it's the way to go over a MBP for anyone like me with no heavy graphics or artsy needs, and a craving for battery life and a good balance of portability and durability. At least for the 1-1.5k price range (cheaper than MBP and some other high end PCs), it seems like a front runner.

Fingers crossed I survive 1L without laptop issues. I managed to avoid them entirely in UG. To the general topic of the thread: I think dropping some $$$ is worth it if you have practical goals in mind - not just MOAR POWER specs like a gaming laptop or something for no reason. I chose to prioritize battery life, keyboard, an SSD, durability, portability etc. Those actually have a purpose, and I'll hopefully be glad I went for it with this one.

Thanks for the update! Sounds really good. Also FYI best buy is having a special where MBA 11.6 inch is 700 and 13.3 is 750, and the lenovo yoga is 750 as well. Those are pretty damn good prices..

[03152016]

The fact that they revamped the trackpad and the keyboard for the WORSE was a big turn-off. I may actually end up getting a T430s, the previous model.

Just turned mine on for the first time today. It appears that the trackpad was not made for human beings. Or maybe I just haven't figured it out yet. The keyboard is nice.

My T440s arrived in the mail, and I love it so far. Size and weight are awesome, the whole thing is sleeker than I imagined. Feels sturdy as can be too. The trackpad clicks kind of loudly but I don't mind it too much, and the cursor movement has been fine. My first Lenovo so I can't speak to whether the old trackpads were better. The trackpad scrolling is a little clumsy but I use the keys or mouse to scroll most often anyway. It's better in general than my first gen HP ENVY's trackpad.

As far as law school based priorities, I'm really digging the keyboard, and the battery set up is a champ. Looking forward to leaving my charger at home for the first time in years.

In terms of sexiness it's never gonna match a MB Air, but I think it's the way to go over a MBP for anyone like me with no heavy graphics or artsy needs, and a craving for battery life and a good balance of portability and durability. At least for the 1-1.5k price range (cheaper than MBP and some other high end PCs), it seems like a front runner.

Fingers crossed I survive 1L without laptop issues. I managed to avoid them entirely in UG. To the general topic of the thread: I think dropping some $$$ is worth it if you have practical goals in mind - not just MOAR POWER specs like a gaming laptop or something for no reason. I chose to prioritize battery life, keyboard, an SSD, durability, portability etc. Those actually have a purpose, and I'll hopefully be glad I went for it with this one.

Thanks for the update! Sounds really good. Also FYI best buy is having a special where MBA 11.6 inch is 700 and 13.3 is 750, and the lenovo yoga is 750 as well. Those are pretty damn good prices..

fuck really
700
i'm totally happy w my laptop now
but that is so fucking tempting

where do u see that deal

[Serett]

They've been running various specials on them for quite awhile:

13.3" Air for $850:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/apple-macbo ... 31381135-2

11.6" Air for $800:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/apple-macbo ... &cp=1&lp=3

You should be able to get another $100 off each of those through Best Buy's student deals, bringing the respective prices to $750 and $700. I think one of the two deals ends around the beginning of August, so for those seriously interested or in need, you may want to pull the trigger.

[sundance95]

Not gunna lie kinda tempted to buy the new acer chromebook with the i3, I remember someone saying there is a specific test taking software you're required to download?

Depends on your school. Mine didn't require any exam software download, but I am aware of others that do.

Is there anyone besides NU who doesn't require testing software (for those who choose to type)?

Uva

[Fiero85]

Thanks for the update! Sounds really good. Also FYI best buy is having a special where MBA 11.6 inch is 700 and 13.3 is 750, and the lenovo yoga is 750 as well. Those are pretty damn good prices..

No prob, and wow that's pretty awesome. I couldn't handle an 11 inch, but a 13 for like 800 bucks or so is impressive. I didn't know those could break 1k. I'm happy to have a little more specs and sturdyness but that's a great option for many students.

[mt2165]

Thanks for the update! Sounds really good. Also FYI best buy is having a special where MBA 11.6 inch is 700 and 13.3 is 750, and the lenovo yoga is 750 as well. Those are pretty damn good prices..

No prob, and wow that's pretty awesome. I couldn't handle an 11 inch, but a 13 for like 800 bucks or so is impressive. I didn't know those could break 1k. I'm happy to have a little more specs and sturdyness but that's a great option for many students.

Fiero, hows the screen? Its obviously no MBA but does it feel like it would be a hassle to carry around at all?

[Fiero85]

Thanks for the update! Sounds really good. Also FYI best buy is having a special where MBA 11.6 inch is 700 and 13.3 is 750, and the lenovo yoga is 750 as well. Those are pretty damn good prices..

No prob, and wow that's pretty awesome. I couldn't handle an 11 inch, but a 13 for like 800 bucks or so is impressive. I didn't know those could break 1k. I'm happy to have a little more specs and sturdyness but that's a great option for many students.

Fiero, hows the screen? Its obviously no MBA but does it feel like it would be a hassle to carry around at all?

Screen is good, I don't do much artsy stuff but it has been clear/crisp in all my normal reading and online videos. I think there's various resolutions offered but I don't remember which one I selected. I did opt out of the touch screen though, just isn't necessary and adds a significant weight to the notebook. My 14 inch (w/out touch screen) is very portable, not a hassle at all.