In the market for a laptop

iankim · 11-17-05, 06:43 PM

So, comming next winter quarter, I plan on getting a laptop. I have researched for many hours on different kinds of laptop brands, models, specs, etc.... and came to the conclusion that many, if not all, the features I want come in the apple powerbook. Now, I am a 3rd year Electrical Engineering student, and have concerns for the compatability between the programs used in this major and mac laptops.

Is there anybody in here, who is an EE major, who uses apple machines? If so, what programs are you using as alternatives? Or, are you just running Virtual PC, and running the programs that way? In general, can it be done w/o the headaches I'm afraid of being involved?

If anybody can jump in here and give me some insight, it would greatly help.

-Ian

Giants8307 · 11-17-05, 06:54 PM

Well, I'm a bio major who just got an ibook in september, and i love this thing. Really portable and the interface is unbelievable compared to XP. I don't do any bio stuff on here, so i couldn't really tell you about that, but overall apple makes exceptional laptops. Maybe you should get the 'book after they switch to intel. That will most probably solve your compatability problems.

Keng · 11-17-05, 07:40 PM

Why not a Dell?

***Admin*** · 11-17-05, 09:52 PM

From my personal experience, I regret purchasing an Apple iBook few years ago. It is quite a machine and runs great ever since the first day. The only downside was the incompatibility with Windows only softwares. In my case, it would have made more sense convenient wise if my Windows softwares were able to run in the notebook computer so I can do my work away from my desk. And installing Virtual PC software was not a favorable option. Additional cost ($100?) and the system will lag on the iBook because of its limited power.

iankim, your case would not be very different at all. Although the Powerbook will be powerful to work along with Virtual PC, does the pros outweight the cons of owning an Apple Powerbook as to getting a PC notebook?
I'd personally opt for a PC notebook based on the major and I assume Electrical Engineers use various PC only softwares for assignments. Stick with a PC. You can never go wrong with an IBM Thinkpad T-series. Similar price or might be a bit cheaper than the Apple Powerbook pricetag.

Keng · 11-18-05, 01:57 AM

Get Acer Ferrari series! Can't beat that lol

iankim · 11-18-05, 08:41 AM

^ haha i would, but that shit is like 2 g's

iankim · 11-18-05, 08:42 AM

and kwak, i've been telling myself that for a long time now. but i was just wishing it wasn't so

11-17-05, 06:43 PM	#1 (permalink)
iankim Newcomer Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 4	In the market for a laptop So, comming next winter quarter, I plan on getting a laptop. I have researched for many hours on different kinds of laptop brands, models, specs, etc.... and came to the conclusion that many, if not all, the features I want come in the apple powerbook. Now, I am a 3rd year Electrical Engineering student, and have concerns for the compatability between the programs used in this major and mac laptops. Is there anybody in here, who is an EE major, who uses apple machines? If so, what programs are you using as alternatives? Or, are you just running Virtual PC, and running the programs that way? In general, can it be done w/o the headaches I'm afraid of being involved? If anybody can jump in here and give me some insight, it would greatly help. -Ian

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11-17-05, 06:54 PM	#2 (permalink)
Giants8307 Active Member Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 60	Well, I'm a bio major who just got an ibook in september, and i love this thing. Really portable and the interface is unbelievable compared to XP. I don't do any bio stuff on here, so i couldn't really tell you about that, but overall apple makes exceptional laptops. Maybe you should get the 'book after they switch to intel. That will most probably solve your compatability problems.

11-17-05, 07:40 PM	#3 (permalink)
Keng Guru Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 597	Why not a Dell?

11-17-05, 09:52 PM	#4 (permalink)
*Admin* Think About It Joined: Sep 2003 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 4,948	From my personal experience, I regret purchasing an Apple iBook few years ago. It is quite a machine and runs great ever since the first day. The only downside was the incompatibility with Windows only softwares. In my case, it would have made more sense convenient wise if my Windows softwares were able to run in the notebook computer so I can do my work away from my desk. And installing Virtual PC software was not a favorable option. Additional cost ($100?) and the system will lag on the iBook because of its limited power. iankim, your case would not be very different at all. Although the Powerbook will be powerful to work along with Virtual PC, does the pros outweight the cons of owning an Apple Powerbook as to getting a PC notebook? I'd personally opt for a PC notebook based on the major and I assume Electrical Engineers use various PC only softwares for assignments. Stick with a PC. You can never go wrong with an IBM Thinkpad T-series. Similar price or might be a bit cheaper than the Apple Powerbook pricetag.

11-18-05, 01:57 AM	#5 (permalink)
Keng Guru Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 597	Get Acer Ferrari series! Can't beat that lol

11-18-05, 08:41 AM	#6 (permalink)
iankim Newcomer Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 4	^ haha i would, but that shit is like 2 g's

11-18-05, 08:42 AM	#7 (permalink)
iankim Newcomer Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 4	and kwak, i've been telling myself that for a long time now. but i was just wishing it wasn't so