Laptop needed for college

DoctorMedicine

Hello there!:)

I will be starting Medicine in September(all things going well). I need a laptop, however. Ideally, my budget would stand at around 450-500€. However, if ye were to recommend me a very good laptop I would stretch my budget a lot further, if needs be. So, forget my budget and recommend me a laptop you think would suit my course!

I heard that in RCSI you get a laptop from the college when you start. I intend on going to NUIG, but if the HP laptop they get for Medical students in RCSI is appropriate fror them, I'm sure it will suffice in NUIG. However, I do not know the model number of HP they use-would anybody be able to help in this regard?:)

I have heard a lot about the MacBooks, and if a lot of people recommend them on this thread, I would consider it, despite the high price.

I suppose that ye are the experts, and I, the IT minion, need your help!:)

Thank you very much!

DoctorMedicine

DoctorMedicine wrote: »

Hello there!:)

I will be starting Medicine in September(all things going well). I need a laptop, however. Ideally, my budget would stand at around 450-500€. However, if ye were to recommend me a very good laptop I would stretch my budget a lot further, if needs be. So, forget my budget and recommend me a laptop you think would suit my course!

I heard that in RCSI you get a laptop from the college when you start. I intend on going to NUIG, but if the HP laptop they get for Medical students in RCSI is appropriate fror them, I'm sure it will suffice in NUIG. However, I do not know the model number of HP they use-would anybody be able to help in this regard?:)

I have heard a lot about the MacBooks, and if a lot of people recommend them on this thread, I would consider it, despite the high price.

I suppose that ye are the experts, and I, the IT minion, need your help!:)

Thank you very much!

this is a good laptop at a good price. linked in another thread originally by another boards poster.

nice size - 13.3 inch screen, for college as it's fairly light.
powerful enough for your needs - maybe spend the £30 extra to get 4gb ram.

The Agogo

I don't know what to go for, but I know, through experience, to stay WELL away from HP and Delll (funny how these are always around campuses). No matter how much money you have stay away from these two manufacturers.

DoctorMedicine

Glasso, thank you so much for your help! Now, I apologise in advance for my complete lack of computer knowledge but, is that a laptop or the type of computer that is designed like the iPad? I can't seem to see a picture of it(:o). Sorry about this! Now you know you're dealing with a clueless customer!!:p

TheAgogo, thank you for your advice! I was actually stuck between HP or Apple. My Dad got a HP laptop from his work, but never used it and so gave it to us. It worked well but the charger was a problem for some reason. I don't think I'd go for a Dell anyway, but neither a Samsung/Sony/Acer would really interest me as I'd like to keep with the more common computer brands. I would really appreciate any help, TheAgogo, because you seem to know your computers-indeed both of you!

Many thanks!:)

DoctorMedicine

DoctorMedicine wrote: »

Glasso, thank you so much for your help! Now, I apologise in advance for my complete lack of computer knowledge but, is that a laptop or the type of computer that is designed like the iPad? I can't seem to see a picture of it(:o). Sorry about this! Now you know you're dealing with a clueless customer!!:p

TheAgogo, thank you for your advice! I was actually stuck between HP or Apple. My Dad got a HP laptop from his work, but never used it and so gave it to us. It worked well but the charger was a problem for some reason. I don't think I'd go for a Dell anyway, but neither a Samsung/Sony/Acer would really interest me as I'd like to keep with the more common computer brands. I would really appreciate any help, TheAgogo, because you seem to know your computers-indeed both of you!

Many thanks!:)

hi, that's a laptop, running windows. A laptop running windows is what you will need for college. Macs are good but run a different operating system and software that you may need for college - maybe specific medicine stuff may not be available on mac - just a point to note. Macs are also more expensive.
the one that I linked to is Lenovo which is a quality brand.

Here is a picture of the laptop. use the ecoupon on this page to get the cheaper price - £362. thinking of upgrading to this myself - great deal. more than powerful for you for college. As I said it's light and nice size too. If you have a bigger screen e.g. 15.6 inch or 17 the laptop will be heavier and you'll get sick of lugging it around in and out of college. This weighs 1.8kg - light.

The Agogo

glasso wrote: »

hi, that's a laptop, running windows. A laptop running windows is what you will need for college. Macs are good but run a different operating system and software that you may need for college - maybe specific medicine stuff may not be available on mac - just a point to note. Macs are also more expensive.
the one that I linked to is Lenovo which is a quality brand.

+1 I went to UCD and most Mac users ran into problems re: printing, enotes etc. Macs are good, but pricey (and not typically medicine, more for graphic design, photos, etc)

Here is what I'd look at in laptops now (from price low to high):

1. Lenovo Essential G575

- 1.3 GHz processor (not great for gaming, more than adequate for everything else)
-6GB RAM (More than enough for the average user IMO)
- 320GB Hard Drive (again, this is plenty for your college years, you can also always buy external (50e) if you need to!)
- Screen 15.6" LED (this is quite large, your own preference here - think about lugging this 2.5KG machine into college everyday)
-Extras: 4XUSB ports, DVD RW, 6000+ graphics card, adequate webcam for skype, SD slots, audio, WIFI etc)
-Favourite aspect: VERY nice keyboard buttons and is VERY cheap
-Things to note: probably a little noisy with the fan

2. Toshiba Satellite C660D-1GR

- 1. Again, 1.3GHz processor, 6GB RAM, 320GB, 15.6" LED blah blah
-It's pretty much the same, with a little higher price. I mention it because it is a business (rather than home) laptop and with that might be more reliable than the previously mentioned Lenovo (more life, less repairs)
- note however, that the keyboard buttons aren't as sexy as the Lenovo

3. Asus A54 C-SX1465 (about 30e more expensive)

- 2.2GHz processor/ (good for gaming - although I'm not an expert in this area)
- 6GB RAM (again, good for multiple-use of applications)
- 320GB hard drive (grand for college)
- Again, everthing else is similar with the previous mentioned laptops
- Biggest bonus: It is MUCH faster, and most importantly is the MOST QUIET laptop. This is very important for university (specially in the library - my old HP sounded like a jet engine, very distracting)
- Least favourite aspect: Is big and heavy like the other two, and I never liked Asus' keyboard

As you can see, for college especially, don't forget that the noise-levels and keyboard are very important factors (you'll be using them a lot in quiet places, everyone'll hear TAP-TAP-TAP WHIIIIIIIIIIIIIRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

Finally:

4. Lenovo Thinkpad E320

Just as good specs as the first two, but with the benefit of being smaller (lugging it around will be easier).

When buying a laptop, good points to keep in mind are:

i) RAM - is it more than 4GB?
ii) Harddrive - is it more than 300GB?
iii) CPU - Is it around the 2GHz mark?
iv) Does it have more than 2 USB ports?
v) Is it DVD RW?
vi) Is the graphic card higher than 6000?
vii) Do I want big (15") or small (12") screen? LED or LCD?
viii) Has it got WIFI and Bluetooth?
ix) Webcam? audio? SD slot?
x) and most importantly IMO: Is the keypad nice? Does the fan sound like a burst waterpipe?

Also, avoid these Gimmicks, because you'll NEVER use them:

- touchscreen laptops (learned that the hardway, example: someone points on your screen, and clicks something)
- miniature remote controls: you'll never use them
- tablets: you'll never use this function
- external DVD/movie buttons (they ALWAYS startup when you don't want them to)
-VERY IMPORTANT: Ensure that the fan is at the side, not under the belly. HP especially build their laptops like this and it causes the laptop to reach volcanic temperatures.

I have a HP laptop where the NVidia graphics cards actually melted onto the motherboard, causing a premature break.

Happy laptop hunting!

DoctorMedicine

Glasso, thank you so much for that! I will look into the info you have given me-I'm really grateful!:)

TheAgogo, Wow!! Seriously, I am in awe of your response! You have no idea how much I appreciate the time and effort you put into that post!:) The tips you have given me are very useful-I would never have thought of the loudness of the fans, or the fact that a noisy keyboard would be a consideration too! I must admit that I have never heard of Lenavo before, so I will look further into it.

I have decided against the MacBook Glasso and TheAgogo, because like you have said, it may not be fully compatible with the college system etc. Besides, I took a quick look at the price-€1200!!! €1800 if you want a bigger screen:eek: I would never ever spend that amount on a laptop, particularly as you can get a laptop just as good for half the price.

The thing about HP is that all my family use it, I am used to working it, we have a HP desktop and a family member is high up in HP so if anything goes wrong, he is our first port of call! Out of the HP range, which do ye think is the best? I must admit that I have no idea what even a dual core processor is:o

Thank you all so much!:)

DoctorMedicine

DoctorMedicine wrote: »

Glasso, thank you so much for that! I will look into the info you have given me-I'm really grateful!:)

TheAgogo, Wow!! Seriously, I am in awe of your response! You have no idea how much I appreciate the time and effort you put into that post!:) The tips you have given me are very useful-I would never have thought of the loudness of the fans, or the fact that a noisy keyboard would be a consideration too! I must admit that I have never heard of Lenavo before, so I will look further into it.

I have decided against the MacBook Glasso and TheAgogo, because like you have said, it may not be fully compatible with the college system etc. Besides, I took a quick look at the price-€1200!!! €1800 if you want a bigger screen:eek: I would never ever spend that amount on a laptop, particularly as you can get a laptop just as good for half the price.

The thing about HP is that all my family use it, I am used to working it, we have a HP desktop and a family member is high up in HP so if anything goes wrong, he is our first port of call! Out of the HP range, which do ye think is the best? I must admit that I have no idea what even a dual core processor is:o

Thank you all so much!:)

well all windows based laptops are similar so I wouldn't be afraid of trying out a different brand. there won't be much difference as you know the operating system already. also you're unlikely to have an issue with a modern laptop from a good brand. don't know many of the hp models to be honest. I've seen the "HP Folio 13" but don't know if that's available here yet and it's probably above your budget. Personally I think the Lenovo (formerly IBM) laptop that I linked you to is perfect for your needs!

Jarren

OP

Grab that Lenovo linked by Glasso, install SSD and you are ready to go.

http://www.ebuyer.com/318423-samsung-256gb-830-series-ssd-mz-7pc256n-eu

Good Luck

The Agogo

Also, if you must go with HP, at least do yourself the favour of going with a HP BUSINESS model laptop. In fairness, the business machines last much longer.

(BTW I'm typing this on a refurbished IBM (Lenovo) T42 that is 7 years old and still running strong!)

just 'cos you have a relative in HP wouldn't be a compelling reason to buy a HP laptop - if you have a problem then the normal process will apply for fixing something... you might get it done a day or two earlier if you have a contact but HP is a massive organisation not a 20 person company!

avalon68

I wouldn't completely disregard a Mac book pro yet . . . . . They really aren't as in compatible as people generally think. For printing etc, they just need to be configured properly. The IT people can take care of that. Even though they are more expensive upfront, they last a LOT longer than any windows laptop I've ever had. My current one is almost 3 yrs old and is heavily used every day.....has never missed a beat, one blue screen in 3 yrs, and still as fast as the day it came out of the box. I wouldn't worry about the small screen size if you will be carrying it around college, you can plug in a large second monitor when at home and have use of 2 screens. Plus, you can run windows if there are any programmes needed that you absolutely can't find for Mac.

Brods

I'm in 4th med in Trinity, have a windows laptop but maybe a fifth of the class have Macs and are clearly having no problems. Printing isn't an issue and there aren't really any medicine specific programs. Dunno about surgeons but it seems like you "have to" buy their laptops if you go there... maybe check that out...

If you're planning to take notes on your computer make sure its small enough for your bag. Also, a SSD would probably be better too cos you'll end up accidentally going from the library to the pub to Coppers so your laptop might come with you on a few adventures!

Good luck in the exams.

DoctorMedicine

Brods wrote: »

I'm in 4th med in Trinity, have a windows laptop but maybe a fifth of the class have Macs and are clearly having no problems. Printing isn't an issue and there aren't really any medicine specific programs. Dunno about surgeons but it seems like you "have to" buy their laptops if you go there... maybe check that out...

If you're planning to take notes on your computer make sure its small enough for your bag. Also, a SSD would probably be better too cos you'll end up accidentally going from the library to the pub to Coppers so your laptop might come with you on a few adventures!

Good luck in the exams.

Thank you so much, Brods! I have just noticed that Currys have reduced their Apple laptops, and they're now more affordable so I am considering those! However, I am just wondering if it is wise to buy a laptop that isn't the updated one which is coming out soon from Apple?

Also, what model of laptop do you use?

Thanks a million for your help!

Occono

DoctorMedicine wrote: »

Thank you so much, Brods! I have just noticed that Currys have reduced their Apple laptops, and they're now more affordable so I am considering those! However, I am just wondering if it is wise to buy a laptop that isn't the updated one which is coming out soon from Apple?

Also, what model of laptop do you use?

Thanks a million for your help!

Don't worry about not buying the newest one. The resolution will probably make things look bad most of the time anyway.

avalon68

Occono wrote: »

Don't worry about not buying the newest one. The resolution will probably make things look bad most of the time anyway.

Have no idea what you mean by this, I have a 2010 13 inch mbp and the resolution is just fine....better than any other laptop Ive had. I have also never had any resolution problems when attaching to a 2nd larger monitor to use 2 screens. To say that a laptop like a macbook pro has poor resolution is a bit ridiculous in my opinion. Not everyone needs a retina screen

Occono

avalon68 wrote: »

Have no idea what you mean by this, I have a 2010 13 inch mbp and the resolution is just fine....better than any other laptop Ive had. I have also never had any resolution problems when attaching to a 2nd larger monitor to use 2 screens. To say that a laptop like a macbook pro has poor resolution is a bit ridiculous in my opinion. Not everyone needs a retina screen

I mean the Retina Screen will make things look worse, that aren't designed for (and can't scale to) it.