Best Laptop
hey guys I need to buy a new laptop and I was wondering what the best laptop to bring to notts was? as in what works for you guys? 
a mac maybe?
a mac maybe?
You can go through Uni without needing a laptop! Its not required, as there are computer suites over campus. But it is recommended to have your own laptop for convenience 
. Apple macs are expensive. If you really want one, its worth waiting until the new release of the macbook pro/air. http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/.
It depends on your computing activities. Surfing the net, and watching youtube does not require high-end or expensive laptops.
However if your activities are resource intensive, such as video and image editing, video encoding, gaming, watching 1080p etc, then you will need to invest in some quality specs.
Check if your course requires you to use some specialist software, which may have some spec requirements.
. Apple macs are expensive. If you really want one, its worth waiting until the new release of the macbook pro/air. http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/.It depends on your computing activities. Surfing the net, and watching youtube does not require high-end or expensive laptops.
However if your activities are resource intensive, such as video and image editing, video encoding, gaming, watching 1080p etc, then you will need to invest in some quality specs.
Check if your course requires you to use some specialist software, which may have some spec requirements.
Original post by ggurl3
does the uni have any specifications or things like that? I'm pretty laptop illiterate
Highly doubt it unless you're on a particular course and even then I doubt they'd do more than recommend.
I'll always sell Macs to others even though I use both Windows and OS X...from personal experience I'd just always go for something glossy, good looking and easy to use with just the same functionality in some areas and more in others.
A lot of loyal Mac users are extremely unhappy with the latest OS and the direction Apple seem to be focused on but it's still all good and I'm sure there's way to get older software onto a new Mac...though it might be tricky.
As for specs. in general, if you go for a Mac then most will generally say get what you can afford. I say pick the one you really like for whatever reasons you have and stick with it...an Apple Retail employee will try and sell you the cheaper option with extras like AppleCare, especially with you being a student.
Take a look at the buyer's guide dsinghdahiya257 has linked to as it's generally the best going anywhere. It'll tell you what's best for what and whether it's a good time to buy or not. Also, just check the Apple website and have a browse...just don't buy an iPad for God's sake! lol
Original post by scbond
just don't buy an iPad for God's sake! lol
I have an iPad - it is a lifesaver sometimes!
If you are going to buy a Mac wait until you get your confirmation letter from the uni/UCAS as you then get a 15% student discount in store and online! (On Macs this can be a saving of up to £300!)
Personally, I'm waiting until September to get the latest MacBook Pro/Air that's rumoured to be released soon. That way I can get the student discount, and go to uni with a nice shiny new laptop.
Also, if you use a program called Bootcamp (which is standard on all macs) you can install Windows onto the Mac, so you don't need to worry about Windows only programs if your course has them.
Just a little tip, but like it's been said before go for Macs always! They keep their value if you look after them (I've got a unibody Mac from late 2008 that I'll be selling and hopefully get around £500 for it) and buying a new MacBook Pro in September will mean the machine will last me my the four years of my course!
Windows laptops (unless you get the very high end ones) are clunky, get viruses, don't hold their value and don't last as long.
Once you go Mac, you never go back!
Personally, I'm waiting until September to get the latest MacBook Pro/Air that's rumoured to be released soon. That way I can get the student discount, and go to uni with a nice shiny new laptop.
Also, if you use a program called Bootcamp (which is standard on all macs) you can install Windows onto the Mac, so you don't need to worry about Windows only programs if your course has them.
Just a little tip, but like it's been said before go for Macs always! They keep their value if you look after them (I've got a unibody Mac from late 2008 that I'll be selling and hopefully get around £500 for it) and buying a new MacBook Pro in September will mean the machine will last me my the four years of my course!
Windows laptops (unless you get the very high end ones) are clunky, get viruses, don't hold their value and don't last as long.
Once you go Mac, you never go back!
I just ordered a Macbook pro and love it but I found when you buy a Mac you do pay alot extra. I payed 1800 usd. Then when I looked around I saw that the HP DV6 has the same specs as my mac and even better in some areas, but only costs around 550-1000.(the expensive model has better specs then my 15 inch mac) You can check the link here and see for yourself. Although I cannot tell you if that HP has had any problems with it like battery, I'm afraid u'll have to do that yourself. 
There is also a DV7 btw.
Heres the link
http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/series/category/notebooks/dv6t_series/3/computer_store
There is also a DV7 btw.Heres the link
http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/series/category/notebooks/dv6t_series/3/computer_store
Original post by pbsjohnz
I just ordered a Macbook pro and love it but I found when you buy a Mac you do pay alot extra. I payed 1800 usd. Then when I looked around I saw that the HP DV6 has the same specs as my mac and even better in some areas, but only costs around 550-1000.(the expensive model has better specs then my 15 inch mac) You can check the link here and see for yourself. Although I cannot tell you if that HP has had any problems with it like battery, I'm afraid u'll have to do that yourself. There is also a DV7 btw.
Heres the link
http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/series/category/notebooks/dv6t_series/3/computer_store
There is also a DV7 btw.Heres the link
http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/series/category/notebooks/dv6t_series/3/computer_store
You really do get what you pay for with a Mac!
Original post by scbond
just don't buy an iPad for God's sake! lol
Why not?
I own an iPad but I'm thinking of getting a macbook pro for uni as well...Original post by scbond
You really do get what you pay for with a Mac!
But you see when you buy a mac you need to buy Microsoft office for an extra 150 dollars, also since I'm doing engineering, some of the software programs I will use are going to require Windows, so now I have to spend another 100 dollars on that. However you are right it is an amazing laptop with amazing battery life, graphics and speed. Just a bit expensive that's all I'm saying in case GGURL3 is on a budget.
Original post by pbsjohnz
But you see when you buy a mac you need to buy Microsoft office for an extra 150 dollars, also since I'm doing engineering, some of the software programs I will use are going to require Windows, so now I have to spend another 100 dollars on that. However you are right it is an amazing laptop with amazing battery life, graphics and speed. Just a bit expensive that's all I'm saying in case GGURL3 is on a budget.
Oh what Engineering degree are you doing?
I'm starting Product Design and Manufacture in September so I'll be using a lot of design software which is why the MacBook Pro with it's graphics cards and high power will be great for running all those programs.
Original post by helen-a-ravenclaw
Oh what Engineering degree are you doing?
I'm starting Product Design and Manufacture in September so I'll be using a lot of design software which is why the MacBook Pro with it's graphics cards and high power will be great for running all those programs.
I'm starting Product Design and Manufacture in September so I'll be using a lot of design software which is why the MacBook Pro with it's graphics cards and high power will be great for running all those programs.
I'm doing Civil in September also but maybe at Exeter, I still dont know yet, anyways.. and yes I bought the mac for the same reason as you, but I saw on some websites that some versions of Auto CAD do not run on Mac software. Oh well lol ill just have to get it now.
Original post by pbsjohnz
I'm doing Civil in September also but maybe at Exeter, I still dont know yet, anyways.. and yes I bought the mac for the same reason as you, but I saw on some websites that some versions of Auto CAD do not run on Mac software. Oh well lol ill just have to get it now.
If the programs only run on Windows software, you can just use Bootcamp to install Windows on your Mac so you can start up with either operating system.
One of the great things about Macs!
Original post by pbsjohnz
But you see when you buy a mac you need to buy Microsoft office for an extra 150 dollars
No you don't, you just chose to. Pages works perfectly, isn't convoluted with useless crap and saves in Windows formats if you really need to do so.
Now, obviously there's specialised degrees where you need something very specific such as yourself when it comes to a computer, but in that case you know what you need.
And the only major AutoDesk application I can think of which is Windows only is 3DS Max...which is Mac as well now anyway.
(edited 12 years ago)
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- Help urgent computer science
- Computer science laptop
- Is this laptop worth the price for everyday use?
- Computers
- Chromebook vs laptop
- What laptop/ipad do you recommend me to get for university?
- University Note Taking
- Do you need a laptop for uni?
- Macbook vs Chromebook
- Budget uni laptop
- Laptop for sixth form
- Seeking Recommendations: Best Laptops for Graphic Design
- Should I get an iPad for uni or HP laptop
- Laptop and material for uni
- Laptops for university
- Equipment
- Do you need a laptop for the Computer Science foundation course?
- iPad for uni??
- Can I use an iPad for psychology degree at bath or do I need a windows laptop?
- Laptop for Optometry students?
Latest
Trending
Last reply 1 week ago
Official University of Nottingham Offer Holders Thread for 2024 entryLast reply 2 weeks ago
Opinions on Uni of Nottingham? Especially accommodation and cost of living wise!Trending
Last reply 1 week ago
Official University of Nottingham Offer Holders Thread for 2024 entryLast reply 2 weeks ago
Opinions on Uni of Nottingham? Especially accommodation and cost of living wise!
