University laptop

[f0rked]

I'm going to be going off to university in September (exciting stuff) and I'm thinking about getting a notebook, for taking to lectures instead of having to take paper notes which, if the past is anything to go by, would end up in a disorganised heap somewhere in my room. Also the ability to play movies/browse the web etc is a plus.

I'm really looking for a notebook thats got a fair battery life, is quite powerful (but im not looking for 3d gaming on the go or anything), and also one that won't break the bank. So far I'm thinking about a Toshiba Tecra A5, as its available through a discount program for students.

The specs are:

Intel Celeron M 370 (1.5Ghz) 256Mb RAM, 60GB hard disk, CD-RW/DVD ROM combo drive, 14.1'' XGA TFT Widescreen, 1280 x 768 pixels, 16.7 million colours, 4 x USB 2.0 Ports, WiFi, Wireless 802.11 g/b, LAN/Modem, Windows XP Professional, 2.26kg, 3 Years Warranty.

£565.00 + VAT (£663.88 inc VAT)

Don't know about the graphics accelerator or anything else though. I've sent an email off asking for the detailed specs.

I was wondering if people thought this would be a good purchase, or if anyone else could suggest a better alternative?

 

[StardogChampion]

http://www.laptopshop.co.uk/new-lap...ordsmatch=&submit2=Click+to+Search&search=yes

That should do a search for laptops with a maximum price of £664.

 

[duffers20]

Although they might be slightly more expensive, you could have alook at any deals that dell are offering. You sometimes get double the memory for free or a HD upgrade. I think at the moment, the PentiumM is the one to go for since it doesn't demand alot of power, it runs pretty cool and its pretty powerful too.

Edit: Just had a look at the link Stardog provided, and this looks like a good deal. Its been reduced and it would be pretty powerful. Here is the link: http://www.laptopshop.co.uk/acer-aspire_1682_wlmi_wcs-laptop-1-n2.htm its £645 inc VAT too, i think it was reduced.

 

[jonbob]

Don't bother with a laptop if you just want to take it to lectures. Save your money and keep the notes organised properly.

 

[duffers20]

Just out of interest, what uni are you going to? I kinda agree with jonbob on thinking about it, save your money and use paper notes.

Edit: From personal experience I also agree with the post below me made by Murray. It does annoy people and the lecturers get annoyed with you if it causes a distraction.

Just a quick kinda funny comment, I was in a lecture on the basics of linux, and some guy started up his laptop (He used it about 4 times in 5 months of lectures) and it made the windows start up music. Was funny, maybe you had to be there.... :S

 

[Murray_H]

Better alternative - pen and paper.

Seriously, one person in all my lectures used a laptop about twice. Then he went back to a notepad. You'll annoy everyone with the typing sound, plus you can quickly add things unless you type as fast as you write.

Plus the distraction of a computer in lectures.

 

[JellyWorld]

I use a PocketPC in class, to plan my schedule and record down homework. It isn't mine, it belongs to my dad's office but I "borrowed" it and never got around to returning it.

 

[jonbob]

Get a laptop for the library, maybe. But quite useless in lectures. Quite enjoy a quick cuppa in Starbucks with my laptop - a bit expensive if done with any regularity.

 

[f0rked]

I'm gonna be going to Edinburgh University to study chemical engineering, which could be.. interesting.
Actually I find that I type faster than I can write, plus my handwriting isnt too legible at the best of times. However the general concensus seems to be that pen and paper is more practical for lectures and such. I think I might just stick to that then, and type the notes up on my desktop machine at the end of the day. That way I wouldn't have to worry about notes getting disorganised/lost/accidentaly torn or spilt on.
I'll just need to see how it goes when I get there.
Thanks for all the advice everyone :cheers:

 

[duffers20]

Yeh good plan. I mean if you want, then you can always get a laptop later on if you find that you would use one.

Good luck with teh course when you start in september/october(?)