There are some awesome dirt cheap laptops about, you just need to scout them out among the crap. So I'd go with Hodapp's plan A.
I bought a dell studio laptop with a Core i7 Processor 4GB ram 320Gb HD ATI 512 MB HD 4570 (Not the best graphics card, but handles most of what I throw at it) Backlit keyboard Custom graphics on the lid Win 7 all for $1100 I like macs but waaaay overpriced for what you get...
I do thank you for your advice, so don't think I'm trying to argue with you or anything. Here is what I think about plan A. I do not think that the Acer Aspire http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834115656 Is underpowered. This laptop bridges the gap between laptop and netbook. It is dual core and is able to stream HD youtube videos with no problems. It can even play half life 1 and a little half life 2. It also features a FULL SIZE keyboard so there will be no problems typing on it. File synchronization - Just set up dropbox for all my school files. I believe this is not a con, but actually a PRO, because all my school files will be backed up on the other computer if the other one fails. Let me know your thoughts. Again, I'm not trying to argue, but I really believe I'll be happy with this setup.
If you're so obsessed with the Acer Aspire then why not buy it instead of asking for suggestiosn you won't take? And trust me, it's gonna suck when you realize Hodapp was right (it's happened to me before )
Definitely don't get a Mac I don't see how anyone can justify that price, especially when most software isn't even made for Macs.
I'm not obsessed with anything. I'm taking suggestions from everyone. What is going to suck though? He's not right about the laptop not running HD youtube, so I'll have a blast around campus. Video proof: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4e3Go41qFc And the file synchronization won't be an issue for me. So yes, while he may be right about most netbooks, he is not right about this one.
I'm getting kind of sick of that argument since anybody who knows anything about computers knows how to avoid viruses and keep the computer up to speed. I've never gotten a virus or the BSOD and it's not like I'm some computer wizard.
Ahhh Why does everything turn into a mac vs pc debate! Create a separate thread for that... I'm a PC, just like some of you are MACs. There shouldn't be a problem with that. I'm mainly looking for PC consultation here.
You asked for computer help, and we recommend Mac's because they're good computers. If you don't want a Mac you should have said that in the beginning.
Hodapp and Dannys95 are both mac fanboys... Me personally I don't see the sense in spending $2k on a macbook pro when i can get better specs in a PC laptop for half of that price, yes half! you should buy 2 $1000 core 2 duo laptops and keep one in the box, in 3 years when the first one goes you have another in the closet you could pull out and use for another 2-3 years.
Really?... My brothers had 3 replacements in the past 2 years (Battery exploded on the first one, Video card failure on the second, and the third actually gave what would be the equivalent of a blue screen of death repeatedly) ... Hmmm... Also what you get in a $2k MBP you could get the exact same equivalent in a PC for half the price... the only thing missing would be the Mac OS
I hate you Danny. I really do. I had to come and vocalize my opinion here. I know that you're set in your ways, but in every way, a Mac is the best PC you can buy. You can Boot Camp, and run Windows (the ultimate Apple fanboy sin IMO, but whatever), and run Windows on your new Macbook (Pro). I bought a Macbook, and have never looked back, and I can guarantee that you won't either. I had intent to leave TA and never come back, but alas. Regardless, once you go Mac, you never go back. I encourage you to try a Macbook in your local Apple Store or Best Buy, before you rule it out. Otherwise, get an Alienware 15 pound notebook computer, or find some other compromise. Often, if you follow the advise of a forum community, you'll get screwed. I advise you to read reviews and make a decision for yourself, not based on the polar opinions you've seen in this thread. When you're on an iPhone forum, the population of Mac fanboys (myself included) is going to be higher. Should be a hint to not ask. Decide for yourself, not based on what is said here.
