What would you choose? And why?

[pingwing]

Get the laptop for uni, portability is much better to ensure you can work everywhere and anywhere.

No idea on the screen size debate, I got a 15" in a similar situation 2 years and have never looked back (I do want something sandybridge but its not essential), its really down to what you'd feel comfortable looking at (and if you can get a second screen as my old 20" screen helped loads for extra work space).

You can always add your own ssd if you want more speed....

 

[fez]

I lugged both a windows pc to and from uni and then in my last year I did the same with a 24" iMac. Its just not worth it. You don't want to be stuck at home when you could be anywhere you like and still work etc.

Get a 13" and a large monitor and you will be sorted. If you can plump up for an SSD if you don't go for the air then do it. Its just bizarre working on someones computer who doesn't have one now. Feels very sluggish and the truth is that very little of what we do on our computers couldn't be accomplished with a netbook from 3-4 years ago processing power wise.

 

[Margaret]

Feels very sluggish and the truth is that very little of what we do on our computers couldn't be accomplished with a netbook from 3-4 years ago processing power wise.

How do you mean? I still find netbooks sluggish, not tried a dual core Atom though but I used to have my single core clocked to 2.2Ghz, it was okay with an ion chipset but still felt sluggish from time to time.

With 2gb of ram too, fine for just browsing the net but would hate to work on one. The touchpad was terrible compared to my MacBook as well. I used to have to have a mouse in all the time, never feel that need with my trusty MacBook though. (well unless I want to play a game)

My network adapter on my PC died the day Portal 2 came out so I had to wait for a new one, installed it on my MacBook set it to high settings and just played that day on it instead. Always nice to have an emergency gaming solution.

 

[Xein]

Get the laptop for uni, portability is much better to ensure you can work everywhere and anywhere.

No idea on the screen size debate, I got a 15" in a similar situation 2 years and have never looked back (I do want something sandybridge but its not essential), its really down to what you'd feel comfortable looking at (and if you can get a second screen as my old 20" screen helped loads for extra work space).

You can always add your own ssd if you want more speed....

I think I'm going to I will miss having the 15" screen but the price different is massive for a few changes and in all honesty I don't really have almost £1500 But after I go to check out the MacBook and iMac at the store today I'll definitely know which one I want

I will probably be taking my TV / monitor (that I use at the moment) with me as I will take my PS3.

What did others take when started Uni (If you moved away)

I lugged both a windows pc to and from uni and then in my last year I did the same with a 24" iMac. Its just not worth it. You don't want to be stuck at home when you could be anywhere you like and still work etc.

Get a 13" and a large monitor and you will be sorted. If you can plump up for an SSD if you don't go for the air then do it. Its just bizarre working on someones computer who doesn't have one now. Feels very sluggish and the truth is that very little of what we do on our computers couldn't be accomplished with a netbook from 3-4 years ago processing power wise.

True, I was just thinking the iMac is good solution as its still the same price as the 13" MBP and has a higher spec is some aspecs.

I think after all the responses in this thread I'm going more towards the 13"MBP I just want to have a test with one and see how I get on.

Yeah, All the ones in-store would have been touched and mangled about but hopefully it should still perform well (That being its the current model)

Thanks for the help so far everyone

 

[pingwing]

What did others take when started Uni (If you moved away)

I moved to NI from England for uni so originally I just had my n64 and used the communal tv...

Second year I had everything in my flat which was more normal (so old crt tv, desktop pc and ps3) but hall's was all about having fun... (you'll find the work load to be light at best unless you are doing something like medicine)

It's a lot of fun

 

[Xein]

I moved to NI from England for uni so originally I just had my n64 and used the communal tv...

Second year I had everything in my flat which was more normal (so old crt tv, desktop pc and ps3) but hall's was all about having fun... (you'll find the work load to be light at best unless you are doing something like medicine)

It's a lot of fun

That's a big move

I just don't want to take lots of stuff if I don't need to but I'm thinking of taking my PS3 just for something to do

Yeah I'm not going to get wasted every night but I'll join in (Not much of a drinker)

 

[Ev0]

I love my MBP 13, but I'd be seriously tempted by a Sandybridge Air if it was on the table at the time.

Also remember that there will be a reasonable price difference between the Pro and Air still.

 

[Xein]

I love my MBP 13, but I'd be seriously tempted by a Sandybridge Air if it was on the table at the time.

Also remember that there will be a reasonable price difference between the Pro and Air still.

I've got to wait anyway as its not my birthday until July so hopefully by then it will be released and should be a good contender for the 13" MBP and if its better I think I might go for the MBA as its a lot more portable

 

[Xein]

(Sorry for double post)

Just went to the purple shirt store to have a look at the 13"MBP and I have to say I'm impressed although it was last years model it still fast quick and fast, and the track pad is amazing.

After having a little go I think its the way forward and it will suit Uni perfect and will be able to handle all of what I need it for albeit the one I used was last years model it still felt fast and quick to use.

So hopefully after my b-day (18th) I'll have almost enough and then I'll just need to decide between the 13"MBP and if the new MBA's have come out the 13" version of that.