What kind of computer is best for LS? Forum

[GettingReady2010]

Not an idiot, but I don't know anything about computers. All I know is how to use the things that I need - Microsoft Word and the Internet.

I meant idiot as lack of computer knowledge. If all you are doing is surfing the internet and word processing, why pay for the premium of a Mac unless you prefer OS X?


If you like OS X get a Mac, if you like Windows, get a Windows machine. If you are worried about the law school software problem, get a Windows machine.

Like I said before, the two main things I look for in a computer is reliability and durability. I don't want my computer to crap out on me right before exams the way many Dell users and the like have experienced. I want a super fast computer that will have as few problems as possible. I've heard Lenovo's are good, but again, I know nothing about computers. I don't even know which anti-virus software I should use.

And it's hard to do research on good PCs, because everyone has a different opinion. Almost everyone says that Macs are high quality. Disagreement only seems to come in when discussing the price of Macs.

[beach_terror]

And it's hard to do research on good PCs, because everyone has a different opinion. Almost everyone says that Macs are high quality. Disagreement only seems to come in when discussing the price of Macs.

Mac's are made of the same hardware components as PCs. The only "difference" is that OSX is not as popular as Windows, so it's targeted by viruses less. However, common-sense and/or anti-virus software eliminate this difference. Therefore, it comes down to price difference, which OS you feel more comfortable with, and whether or not you want to be a mac-hipster.

[bk1]

Mac's are made of the same hardware components as PCs. The only "difference" is that OSX is not as popular as Windows, so it's targeted by viruses less. However, common-sense and/or anti-virus software eliminate this difference. Therefore, it comes down to price difference, which OS you feel more comfortable with, and whether or not you want to be a mac-hipster.

This.

[GettingReady2010]

Mac's are made of the same hardware components as PCs. The only "difference" is that OSX is not as popular as Windows, so it's targeted by viruses less. However, common-sense and/or anti-virus software eliminate this difference. Therefore, it comes down to price difference, which OS you feel more comfortable with, and whether or not you want to be a mac-hipster.

This.

What exactly did you mean by Macs are "idiot-proof?"

[bk1]

What exactly did you mean by Macs are "idiot-proof?"

They require less common-sense to use. You don't have to worry about viruses as much. Anti-virus comes preloaded. It's much harder to install random crap that will bog your machine. You don't have to uninstall all the bloatware. Etc, etc.

Of course all that comes at the cost of having limited options.

[arklogic]

What exactly did you mean by Macs are "idiot-proof?"

They require less common-sense to use. You don't have to worry about viruses as much. Anti-virus comes preloaded. It's much harder to install random crap that will bog your machine. You don't have to uninstall all the bloatware. Etc, etc.

Of course all that comes at the cost of having limited options.

That's only because the Mac OS is build upon Unix. I personally prefer Linux, but then it wouldn't be idiot-proof and recommending it would be preaching to the choir.

[r6_philly]

Mac's are made of the same hardware components as PCs. The only "difference" is that OSX is not as popular as Windows, so it's targeted by viruses less. However, common-sense and/or anti-virus software eliminate this difference. Therefore, it comes down to price difference, which OS you feel more comfortable with, and whether or not you want to be a mac-hipster.

This.

That's not completely correct. Mac controls the hardware they use by only allowing hardware that they approve to work with their OS. Many people have tried to install Mac OS on PC hardware (google "hackintosh"). While doable in some cases, most of PC hardware are barred from working with Mac OS. Stability comes with the price of less options.

I work with Mac, PC and Linux. Right now I have computers with OSX Leopard, snow Leopard, Windows XP, XP Pro, Vista and 7, Linux in Fedora, CentOS, and Ubuntu. I would probably prefer Ubuntu the most, but Mac is the least worrysome and PC is the most flexible in terms of productivity and software.

I am buying a Mac Book Pro 15 with a SSH, and I will probably run XP Pro on parrallel desktop and dual boot with Ubuntu, that way I have everything at once.

[r6_philly]

I see that most people voted mac book 13. Here are the reasons to choose the 15 over the 13

i5 is faster than core 2 (only available on 15+)
the option to have SSH is cheaper (much faster, use less power, produces less heat, more durable than HDD hard drives)

[2ofspades]

I see that most people voted mac book 13. Here are the reasons to choose the 15 over the 13

i5 is faster than core 2 (only available on 15+)
the option to have SSH is cheaper (much faster, use less power, produces less heat, more durable than HDD hard drives)

I am short, skinny, and diminutive. The MBP 13 is 4.5 pounds; the MBP 15 is 5.6. I fantasize about the Macbook Air going on clearance.

[r6_philly]

I am short, skinny, and diminutive. The MBP 13 is 4.5 pounds; the MBP 15 is 5.6. I fantasize about the Macbook Air going on clearance.

Haha I never really thought about that... My bookbag probably weigh 30lbs. I don't really like macbook air because to make things light and small, power consumption has to be curbed, which means less power and less performance (to produce less heat).

[bk1]

This made me lol:

[dextermorgan]

This made me lol:

I'd lol at a Ninja too.

[r6_philly]

That's exactly the bike I rode to a national victory, and I bought a mac today. What does that mean? Logical paradox? End of universe?

[Chupavida]

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[Chupavida]

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[bk1]

The only thing more annoying than a mac evangelist is the twit who insists on pissing on macs.

If having a dangerous laptop with an alien (or whatever) on it makes you feel like a ninja, then more power to you.

Macs are fine computers. I personally can't stand the limitations that all of Apple's products come with. I just hate the people that think they are god's gift to computing.

[Chupavida]

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[bk1]

What sort of limitations are you talking about?

I meant that as "they all come with limitations" not "they all come with the same limitation." For their computers it's mainly software related, i.e. minor things that I prefer like OneNote. On their other devices it is more pronounced and absolutely fucking retarded (i.e. not being able to change the battery out of an iPhone, the first generation not having 3G, iPad not having a USB port, Flash on both, etc).

Also, I just prefer Windows as an OS due to my familiarity with it. I get a bit defensive when people say dumb shit like "Macs never have problems," "lol Windows blue screens," and the like. The reality is that it comes down to a personal preference, but if you want the absolute cheapest option in relation to what a law student needs, I highly doubt Macs will ever win that one.

[Chupavida]

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[bk1]

I meant that as "they all come with limitations" not "they all come with the same limitation." For their computers it's mainly software related, i.e. minor things that I prefer like OneNote. On their other devices it is more pronounced and absolutely fucking retarded (i.e. not being able to change the battery out of an iPhone, the first generation not having 3G, iPad not having a USB port, Flash on both, etc).

Also, I just prefer Windows as an OS due to my familiarity with it. I get a bit defensive when people say dumb shit like "Macs never have problems," "lol Windows blue screens," and the like. The reality is that it comes down to a personal preference, but if you want the absolute cheapest option in relation to what a law student needs, I highly doubt Macs will ever win that one.

Of course they won't. The windows world has the "shitty HP I got for $300 after rebates" segment on lockdown.

At the end of the day, a mac is a well-engineered tool for those who can afford one. I'm quite sure I'm more familiar with windows than you are (using your objective standard), but in choosing a laptop for law school I eschewed the wide world of PC options in favor of my MBP because interestingly enough, I didn't like missing out on the significant perks that OSX brings to the table. I'll also let you in on a secret:
my mac runs windows too...

The real benefits of PCs just don't come into play when you're talking about laptops.

And your complaints about iEverythingelse reek of: "No wireless. Less space than a nomad. Lame."[/quote]

I'm not talking about the absolute trash bin PC's. Something in between high end and the dumpster is where you can likely find a PC that meets the needs of your average law student for cheaper than a Mac can with no real difference in reliability.

My complaints about the other stuff are gripes about the fact that they have fantastically solid products that are easily better than almost any alternative and yet they purposefully lock down things that other manufacturers do not for no legitimate reason. I dislike them as a company for doing that.

I understand that Mac's can run Windows. I'm curious though, what about OSX did you really want?

For me, if I were to buy a new laptop, something I haven't done in years, I would probably get a PC after researching how law school software works in regards to Windows on a Mac versus a PC. I've been told that if you have a problem with exam software on a Mac you are sol, but if you are on a PC they will make allowances for it. I have heard that said on TLS but haven't researched it at all. If it were true then, even for the million in one chance that it would happen during an exam, I would heavily consider a PC just for that reason.

[r6_philly]

You shouldn't make posts referencing both your extensive computer experience, and the "SSH" that your "Mac Book" will come with. The latter precludes the former.

I failed to see the humor, please enlighten me.

[r6_philly]

And I'll let you in on a secret:
my mac runs windows too...

How is it a secret if it's on Apple's website as like the 2nd feature mentioned for Macs.

[Chupavida]

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[Chupavida]

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[Chupavida]

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