smartdollars The Computer Savvy Weblog

EPD 54: Fan Mail Friday’s (08/12/2011)

Posted: 12 Aug 2011 06:56 PM PDT

Dear Computer Savvy Weblog Team,

I was wondering if you guys could help me decide what type of computer to buy for college ?

Sent in By "Nothing But Glenn"

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I was wondering if you guys could help me decide what type of computer to buy for college ?

Reply: Well that is a very hard question to answer. Since I am not really sure what your studying and how far you will be traveling.

Well I my as well just go in and give my best answer I can with what little information I have. I generally would advise against a Netbook even with its small size and generally large hard-drives. Often with build in Wi-fi cards or 3G/4G compatible for high speed Internet.

I know no matter what I say people will disagree with me. I say buy a good but light Laptop. Unless of course you are in a dorm and don't like or care for the portability aspects. I personally bought a high end Windows 7 desktop Media Center.

But I know I am not the core college student who goes for a medium to high end laptop or netbook. I have actually asked around preparing for this Fan mail Friday.

The answer I got go like this……

Netbooks – are generally cheap lightweight and often start at $150 CAD/USD on the very low end. So if it gets stolen your not to heart broken.

Laptops – are still pretty light weight and are often under $500 CAD/USD and can be both a school computer and a gaming platform. But in this case most people like the form and portability factor.

Desktops – are generally the more expensive option $299 – $5000 CAD/USD and you can't carry them around with you. But they can be bought at a good price if you wait for a sale. Also Mac's and PC media centers can be a G-d sent if you are in any kind of media related studies.

Of course I don't want to forget the tablet….

Tablets – are very portable but are still very limited in usefulness as compared to the other option. Some can not even do as much as some of the better smart phones. Which is very sad. Tablets can be anywhere from free with purchase of a desktop, TV , Video game console and so on. But also can cost $199 and up. Often you still will need a desktop or laptop anyways to update the firmware or if you wish to print, save data or if you wish to use a USB power station/charger.

So it really depends on the person the course and your budget.

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Till Next Friday,

Danny

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