laptop or PC+netbook Forum

[lsatClay]

I was looking for a good laptop, but I've noticed that desktops are generally cheaper. I've been thinking about buying a desktop+ a netbook, which would only be marginally more expensive than a laptop. I'm probably going to split my study time equally with home/library. I don't really know a lot about computers, never owned a netbook or a laptop, but is this a good idea?

[StrictlyLiable]

Macbook pro 15 with external display.

[HBK]

One thing you have to consider about netbooks: You'll be taking your exams on them.

If you're cool with the keyboard and screen sizes, go for it. If not, laptops aren't that expensive. And aside from macs, you can add a PC screen for a little over $100.

[Miniver]

...

[apropos]

You might also consider the small but often occurring annoyance of having files on one computer and having to transfer them when you need them.

Macbook, 13 inch (so it's still very portable), and get a display for home if you end up wanting one.

[Connelly]

Netbooks are so small and terribly gimped--even just for running bare-bones applications.

I would have to disagree. I have an Acer Aspire One running Windows 7 on 2 GB of RAM that does everything needed for law school very well.

I would just get a laptop. I highly recommend the ASUS UL series, as an owner of one of the models myself.

However, I totally agree with this. I'm currently running a netbook + desktop setup that cost around $700, but you could get an Asus that has the benefits of a netbook and desktop combined for a similar price or less.

You might also consider the small but often occurring annoyance of having files on one computer and having to transfer them when you need them.

I actually see this as a benefit of a multiple machine setup. There are several applications that do this, but I use Windows Live Mesh to automatically sync up to 5 GB of files across all of my machines as well as a repository on the web. I use this for all of my law school files, so there will always be 3+ copies of every file I use for law school, and I can access the files from anywhere else I need to as well. It even works great with OneNote.

[beach_terror]

Macbook pro 15 with external display.

To those that enjoy throwing money away on shitty macs, this is an option. The best, however, is to not be an idiot and own a windows machine.

[kalvano]

Netbooks have a keyboard Frodo would struggle to type on. You're going to be typing pages at a time.

[Notor]

Just get a 15" Dell Inspiron with barebones features (like no Office suite), and then when you get to school buy Office through the school's IT department for a huge discount.

This should cost you no more than $600.

[Cavalier]

If you're a gamer, getting a netbook+PC isn't a bad idea - I sort of wish I had done that instead of opting for a laptop that can run games. But if you don't want to run anything beyond Office and the Internet on your computer, getting a laptop is a better choice, in my opinion.

[lsatClay]

Thank you guys for the advice. I think I will just go with the laptop. (A Dell)

[sundance95]

One thing you have to consider about netbooks: You'll be taking your exams on them.

This. I own a netbook and love it, but the thing to always remember about them is that they are not to be used for critical functions. When it comes to exams, you want absolute confidence that everything is going to work perfectly. A netbook is not going to give you that.

[Bosque]

Netbooks have a keyboard Frodo would struggle to type on. You're going to be typing pages at a time.

Actually, I know Frodo. He has a laptop, but he leaves it at home and takes all his notes by hand. I don't know if he has ever tried a Netbook, but I imagine he would not be a fan.

[kalvano]

Netbooks have a keyboard Frodo would struggle to type on. You're going to be typing pages at a time.

Actually, I know Frodo. He has a laptop, but he leaves it at home and takes all his notes by hand. I don't know if he has ever tried a Netbook, but I imagine he would not be a fan.

Samwise hates them.

[Fast_Fingers]

Thank you guys for the advice. I think I will just go with the laptop. (A Dell)

Cool. If you can get an affordable monitor, you can run a dual monitor setup, which would be best complimented with a decent mouse (Logitech MX518) and keyboard (Ergonomic or Unicomp with the buckling springs).

[Bosque]

Netbooks have a keyboard Frodo would struggle to type on. You're going to be typing pages at a time.

Actually, I know Frodo. He has a laptop, but he leaves it at home and takes all his notes by hand. I don't know if he has ever tried a Netbook, but I imagine he would not be a fan.

Samwise hates them.

Samwise was my roommate in undergrad actually. He was a graphic design major, so you are right. He cannot stand working on the tiny screen.

[Baylan]

One thing you have to consider about netbooks: You'll be taking your exams on them.

This. I own a netbook and love it, but the thing to always remember about them is that they are not to be used for critical functions. When it comes to exams, you want absolute confidence that everything is going to work perfectly. A netbook is not going to give you that.

Why aren't they to be used for critical functions? I fail to see how any computer is any more or less reliable than any other.

I have 100% confidence in my netbook to handle absolutely everything that I need it to do.

[napolnic]

I had no problem with the netbook/desktop combo. I used dropbox to sync files. I had no problems with my keyboard (it's something like 98% of normal size) and it gave me no problems at any point, including during exams.

[stj2013]

I think people just haven't used anything past a first gen netbook. The one I recently bought can play HD video and has a full-size keyboard.

[pleasetryagain]

I think people just haven't used anything past a first gen netbook. The one I recently bought can play HD video and has a full-size keyboard.

word.

[kalvano]

I think people just haven't used anything past a first gen netbook. The one I recently bought can play HD video and has a full-size keyboard.

Really? Because I went and tried one with a 97% keyboard (as full-size as they get, really) and it was still way too small. Plus, trying to type tons of pages on a 10.1" screen? No thanks.

[stj2013]

I think people just haven't used anything past a first gen netbook. The one I recently bought can play HD video and has a full-size keyboard.

Really? Because I went and tried one with a 97% keyboard (as full-size as they get, really) and it was still way too small. Plus, trying to type tons of pages on a 10.1" screen? No thanks.

Its personal preference I guess. There are some netbook keyboards I can't type on for crap, but the one I have I get about 70 wpm. The 10.1 inch screen size doesn't bother me, but I'm used to browsing the web on tiny little phone screens. Acer has some netbooks with 12 inch screens out now, but thats getting in to the territory where you might as well just buy a fullsize one. But yeah, the important thing is to get whatever you are comfortable using on exams. Go to your nearest Microcenter/Best Buy and try everything that catches your eye.

[artichoke]

Buy a Mac, they are so so so much better. And I've been using both a windows and a mac since I was 6 years old, so I'm a pretty good authority on the matter

But seriously, you will be so much happier with a mac.