This thread belongs in
IT Stuff, in my opinion.
Originally posted by sugared plum
are they useful for uni?
or should i just stick with good ol' note pad?
To be honest, I don't think laptops are all that useful for university - in terms of general notetaking. As many others have already pointed out, there is nothing that beats the old pen and paper, unless you're using a Tablet PC (writing notes using digital ink, which is a completely different matter altogether).
With notes however, unless you're a speedy typist, or would like to save time (that is, if you're the type of person who makes notes, then goes home and types them up on the computer), you'll be better off typing them in one hit, whilst saving yourself some time (and the effort) of having to do things 'twice' (writing them down neatly, typing them out when you get home, reading them about three times).
Originally posted by sugared plum
even those tiny little baby cute laptops?
(i saw them in dj's ahah)
For girls, although this isn't strictly for girls, "baby cute laptops" take no better form than the Apple iBooks (that is, if you are willing to learn a new operating system, other than the traditional Windows). (I bet the guys, and girls, in the
IT Stuff forum knew I'd say this
).
They're not cheap, but the entry-level notebooks are on par with any Windows laptop available today (you cannot compare Apple laptops with Windows laptops, spec for spec, although Windows laptops are more common, naturally).
I still think that you should try it out, or at least have a look at Apple's website, or visit an Apple Centre (there's one in the Sydney CBD). If you're not willing to part with Windows, or willing to move to OSX, then that's fine too.
Originally posted by dvse
While for taking notes you still can't beat pen and paper (but who takes notes anyway), having a light (1.5 kg max) laptop to carry around can be very useful.
Many unis should also have wireless internet access points.
If you don't have a laptop already look at EBAY, you can get a decent used machine for < 1k these days (may I recommend Thinkpad X series)
I agree. Wireless Internet Access is a convenience, but it's an added extra (in terms of cost) when deciding on which laptop to purchase, whether or not it comes with a built-in wireless network card, or otherwise (purchasing a standalone/expansion and having to upgrade the laptop, which isn't a big ordeal).
For Windows users, however, I couldn't agree more with the IBM Thinkpad series. They're easy to use and are reliable, in my opinion. As far as taking notes is concerned, nothing beats the pen and paper in terms of speed and efficiency (closely followed by the Tablet PCs, digital ink and the use of OneNote; but that is not what we're talking about).
You'll be beter off writing your notes out in a lecture (writing) pad, since it'll be faster and much more easier to edit/ammend (crossing something out, underlining, changing pens) - that is not to say, you can't do the same on a laptop or keyboard, you can be equally fast on a laptop, typing up university notes and formatting on-the-go.
Again, if you're the type of person who writes out their notes at school, then comes home to re-write/type their notes on the computer, then you may wish to consider buying a laptop, for the purposes of assignments, as dvse has noted during peak times, and of course, for making general purpose notes, without the extra task of re-typing.
Originally posted by Asquithian
i would like a laptop...sometimes u just cant write that fast...a laptop would be nice sometimes....specially when all the damn law computers are taken...
...so people like me wont have to run around uni trying to find a computer
This reminds me of all the Apple iBook purchasing (or rather, non-purchasing) decisions and threads, created in the
IT Stuff forum - not so long ago. I know you didn't end up buying the iBook, but I suppose that's where I'm heading now, thinking about buying one,
wanting one (who doesn't like the appeal of Apple hardware, if not the iBooks then certainly the Powerbooks or G5/iMac range - not to mention their LCDs).
In future, however, I'll probably end up with a 14.1" iBook G4, as the 12" (iBook and Pbook) are just not big enough in terms of screen real-estate.
My two cents,
