College: Laptop vs Desktop

[Second]

Ya, I think you have to fire up the browser which shall not be named to get it that way.

That was my guess as well, but since I started using my new laptop, I haven't opened it once and I'm trying to keep it that way. I know it's necessary for Windows Update but I doubt I will need anything from there (critical).

[noid]

I found it funny that I was told I was only "one click away" from being able to try it w/o a download. One click turned into three clicks, and ending in an error saying my browser wasn't supported

Ya, I think you have to fire up the browser which shall not be named to get it that way.

[Second]

As icky as it may make some people feel, check out Microsoft OneNote. Its actually pretty slick. Lets you organize your notes, turn them into actionable tasks, and schedule the tasks. You can also collect supporting files, graphics, etc and dump them there. Its basically the virtual equivilent of the notepad I carry with me.

I found it funny that I was told I was only "one click away" from being able to try it w/o a download. One click turned into three clicks, and ending in an error saying my browser wasn't supported

[noid]

Just a tip that worked for me: take notes on paper as a rough draft and then retype/redraw them into a digital format later. Not only do you get the benefits of quick note-taking in class and digital, searchable notes, but the act of copying serves as a very good method for studying.

As icky as it may make some people feel, check out Microsoft OneNote. Its actually pretty slick. Lets you organize your notes, turn them into actionable tasks, and schedule the tasks. You can also collect supporting files, graphics, etc and dump them there. Its basically the virtual equivilent of the notepad I carry with me.

[Voltage Spike]

You pay less attention in class

I can confirm this. My dilemma, however, was usually pay less attention in class (especially once they installed a wireless network) or fall asleep.

a whole hell of a lot of the notes you are taking are not easily placed into a text document.

Just a tip that worked for me: take notes on paper as a rough draft and then retype/redraw them into a digital format later. Not only do you get the benefits of quick note-taking in class and digital, searchable notes, but the act of copying serves as a very good method for studying.

your laptop WILL get stolen in a few months.

It might depend on your school, but I've never had a problem.

you look like a real douche being the laptop guy in your classes.

Again, it might depend on your school, but I don't find this to be the case. Laptops have become extremely common in computer-related classes, and both the students and the professors tend to appreciate the immediate availability of information for answering in-class questions.

[astcell]

Yup, backups, you need 'em. Mail stuff to your gmail account, that will help for backup and availability, as well as confidentiality.

[noid]

Laptops break easy, they walk off easy, they are easily forgotten places, and have a high resale value on the black market.

Desktops are cheap, you can chain it to your desk, and you can put super huge HDs in them

Regardless of what you go with one piece of advice I dont see anywhere in here: make backups. Back up often, store the backups securely. Remember, you're not just worried about people hacking your computer, you need to worry about your computer getting lost or stolen, or simply breaking down. Remember security can be broken down into confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Hackers seem to almost always focus on the confidentiality part, somewhat on the integrity part, and almost none on the availibility part. Having your HD crash and losing a semesters worth of research papers is just as bad as having someone rm -rf / your box.

[pr0zac0x2a]

I'll be starting college in August, and I plan to take both my laptop and desktop, but I've got lots of reasons for doing this. The laptop I can take to class for notetaking, easier organization, and if I feel couped up, I can get up and leave. The desktop provides me with more power, storage, and it also leaves me with a computer to experiment with programs on, without leaving me high and dry. Another reason is because I'm also going for a degree in Computer Science.

Couple things, speaking as a 4th year computer engineering major. Bringing the laptop to class is a bad idea in my opinion. You pay less attention in class, and a whole hell of a lot of the notes you are taking are not easily placed into a text document. Drawing a network diagram then making arrows to from your notes to the diagram is a heck of a lot easier on paper. Also, your laptop WILL get stolen in a few months. Yes I know you think you'll watch out for it, but trust me, its extremely likely. I met a guy at a party a couple years back who claimed he was putting himself through college stealing textbooks and laptops. Lastly, you look like a real douche being the laptop guy in your classes. Classes are better without the computer in front of you.

[alienSkull]

I'll be starting college in August, and I plan to take both my laptop and desktop, but I've got lots of reasons for doing this. The laptop I can take to class for notetaking, easier organization, and if I feel couped up, I can get up and leave. The desktop provides me with more power, storage, and it also leaves me with a computer to experiment with programs on, without leaving me high and dry. Another reason is because I'm also going for a degree in Computer Science.

I am planning on doing the exact same thing. I'm bringing this desktop that I have right now, minus 2 of the 3 monitors (space concerns) and I'm buying a new laptop in a few weeks. I am going to be bringing them both.

And if physical security is an issue for your laptop (it will be) I do believe that there already is a thread on the subject.

[Second]

Speaking of which, I just got a laptop as a "going to college now" gift from my parents. I'm really excited because now I actually have something of my own to experiment/test things on. Before it was risky because if i screwed up, my whole family was affected, now it's just a matter of losing unimportant stuff.

[supertechkid]

I believe that it all depends on your personal preference, what you want to do, your work/study habits, and what you can afford. That said, it's never a bad idea to ask the opinions of others to help get an outside perspective on the issue in order to come to a well rounded answer.

I'll be starting college in August, and I plan to take both my laptop and desktop, but I've got lots of reasons for doing this. The laptop I can take to class for notetaking, easier organization, and if I feel couped up, I can get up and leave. The desktop provides me with more power, storage, and it also leaves me with a computer to experiment with programs on, without leaving me high and dry. Another reason is because I'm also going for a degree in Computer Science.

Your best bet is to take your time, carefully, and meticulous, look at everything from the pros and cons of a desktop compared to a laptop, how it fits into your life, up to all of the other information/advice that you can muscle up, but you must not forget to include the college you plan on attending and its requirements, but don't jump the gun on making the decision until it's certain that you're accepted.

I hope I've been helpful.

[octalpus]

This might be a moot discussion. My school included a laptop as part of the tuition. There was no option to decline. Stop obsessing over the future and enjoy the next 2 years.

[bascule]

Get a (good) laptop if you can afford it. Otherwise get a desktop. Simple as that.

[TheCotMan]

Although I have 2 years before I make this decision (Plan on majoring in Chem so if anyone has info on that please do share), I'd like some insight now. Personally would you bring a laptop or a desktop to college?

Laptops are at greater risk for being broken because of use (transport), and their LCD only last [an average of about] 4 to 5 years before something forces a replacement (and replacement can be expensive.) [I've had some LCD that last 3 years, and one that has lasted 10]

When you buy a laptop, you often end up paying about 30-40% more than a similar desktop machine when you consider all of the pieces (memory size and speed, bus speed, CPU name/model and speed, media storage size and speed, as well as buffers, video card speed and model, etc.) So, you can either get about 30% more "stuff" in a Dekstop machine, or pay 30% more for a laptop when compared to a common base.

[allentrace]

Although I have 2 years before I make this decision (Plan on majoring in Chem so if anyone has info on that please do share), I'd like some insight now. Personally would you bring a laptop or a desktop to college?

Most colleges now require laptops if you are going for an engineering or science degree. A friend of mine attending Virginia Tech was required to purchase a laptop and the school also offered deals with vendors like Gateway and Dell, most schools have deals called Academic Discounts if you know where to look. Also I would recommend a Laptop because of the WiFi that laptops come automatically equipped with now a days. And while you are on campus you will be able to take advantage of the campuses High Speed Internet Access. ( Wishfull thinking but damn would I love to get my hands on an OC 3 line not even 12 or 24 just 3.)