What netbook?

[smokinghole]

I'm required to have a computer at school (they're all hi tech and stuff) and my laptop is an '06 model that I picked up in 2007. So as you can imagine it's a bit underpowered nowadays.

I'm looking at a netbook because they're more powerful than what I have now. I don't play games and I just want one with a decently comfortable keyboard. I don't need a large screen either. I'll be running standard office type programs. Of course it will be used to screw around on the web while between classes too.

So I'd either go with a netbook or a smaller laptop with a 13"ish screen size. I'm open to suggestions.

 

[theribdoctor]

Imho, the netbook won't necessarily be faster or more powerful than your current laptop. What do you have to spend? Also, your school may have computer discounts including on macs.

 

[danthebugman]

Not sure what kind of budget you're working with but I've been able to find some good deals at www.tigerdirect.com. I've bought a few computers and other electrical devices from them and have always been pleased. As for netbooks, I have not really been fond of them for the very reason that they do not have a cd/dvd drive. Some classes will have additional cd/dvd material and I've had professors hand out the lectures for the semester along with additional study material on cd. You can probably find a smaller laptop (14" or so) with a cd/dvd drive for about as much or maybe a little more than a netbook. Just a thought :dunno:.

Dan

 

[Greg]

Funny, I just bought a new one. http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php?t=43441

Go for the Macbook Pro, it is a badass machine. With the educational pricing you receive a 10% discount plus a free iPod Touch.

 

[njstone]

Honestly, I'd recommend sticking with your current computer until it either dies or drives you insane (slowness, whatever). Computers are outdated in 6 months these days (a year for the nicer ones), so if you can hold off even through this first year of school, you'd end up with a better computer.

But if you have the money and want a nice new one right now, I'd 2nd the new MacBook Pro. We just ordered a 13" MBP for our 2nd computer (my wife's/entertainment center hub). It's a lot of computer for the money, and Apple gives you a $100 discount if you're a student! The regular (white) MacBook would suite all your needs too, and is cheaper Under $1000).

PLUS, if you order a new MacBook/MacBook Pro by SEPTEMBER 7th you can get a FREE iPod Touch (older model, but nice) and a FREE printer! It's actually $100 off a printer, but they have some decent $100 printers too.

So between the awesome computer and the great freebies, if you want to buy now I suggest Apple. Apple is now the majority on most campuses, so compatibility isn't an issue. Besides, you can always load Windows on the MacBook if you need to.

You could also look into the iPad--ridiculously portable, under $500, and they will have Microsoft Office soon. Touch screen is awesome, but you'd have to get used to a touch-screen keyboard rather than the standard hard keys.

And just FYI--many of the small "netbooks" won't run Microsoft Office and other such programs (they are intended primarily for internet use).

 

[smokinghole]

See this is why I come on here.

I guess what I'll do is look into just getting a new battery. This one dies in like 30 min.

 

[Greg]

10 hours for the Macbook Pro 13"!

 

[danthebugman]

See this is why I come on here.

I guess what I'll do is look into just getting a new battery. This one dies in like 30 min.

I hear ya :waving:. I just keep mine plugged in while I'm using it, my battery stopped charging about a year and a half ago. I sucks cause sometimes I'd like to move to another room while I'm using it, but I'm too cheap to shell out the cash for a new battery (saving for a new laptop).

Dan

 

[theribdoctor]

ebad my friend.

 

[InspektorGadget]

My son and my aunt have both had bad luck with netbooks having had to send them back for repair. Honestly, in my opinion, you would be better off with the cheapest laptop that WalMart or Bestbuy sells over a netbook. I picked up my Compaq on sale for $279 plus tax at Bestbuy and it works fine for surfing the net, running MS Office and Adobe Pro. Good luck at school!