Laptop or Desktop Mac for School?

[zodraz]

Well one benefit of having my daughter go off to college is that I get to shop for a new Mac for her.

Unfortunately, there is a raging debate on the best "solution".

The background is that we can afford to spend around $1500. This affords us an iMac, an eMac or an iBook.

I favor a 12" iBook with a low cost CRT screen for the dorm. (Highly portable, possibly stronger since the case is smaller - less twisting whilst in a backpack).

Daughter favors a 14" iBook (likes bigger display and doesn't want the CRT) and wants a mouse and keyboard for the dorm.

Mom thinks the iMac will technologically last her longer since it is available in a faster G4 (and possibly is more upgradeable). She wants the one computer to last her the whole 4 years. Also thinks adding the keyboard and mouse "makes" the laptop a desktop anyway - which items you get with the iMac.

She's going to Chicago University which is totally wired as well as "wireless" in many locations. They support Macs and Airport networking. Her current thoughts for a major is Comparative Liturature.

Daughter is dead against an eMac, although I think it's the most "bang-for-the-buck".

   Soooooo...

Any opinions?

I'd love to here some real-life stories.

And if anyone knows of any websites that discuss this, I'd like those URLs please!

Thanks

     

[Bruce_F]

I have to go along with your daughter's decision to go portable. The  iBook may not be as upgradable, but it should handle the workload for school use.

[RNKIII]

Youngest son just graduated from U of Chi...   Had/has an older Powerbook for his time there and had great success with it.  
Now if he could just find a job

Bob K.

[jwboyd]

My vote is for the iBook, plus keyboard and mouse for the dorm. If you have a choice for the "free" printer, go wih HP. Be parepared to wait 3 months for the rebates, which may come only after two or three phone calls.

[zodraz]

Thanks for the replies.

Any opinions on the 12" vs the 14" in terms of viewable area vs portability?

     

[Gregg]

z, I voted for a desktop when my son was looking. After one year using my desktop, I capitulated and he went with a new 14" iBook, with mouse. I don't know why you'd want another keyboard. I bought him a laptop stand that you set it on at a comfortable incline, which takes up the same "footprint" as the laptop. but I digress.

The issue in favor of the laptop, IMHO is not portability, but size. Dorm rooms are small, physical desktop space is at a premium. My vote is get the laptop and leave it in the dorm, connected to the printer.

Obviously, with a desktop, you also need a monitor, whether built-in or a component. Either way, it takes up more space. The laptop can be folded down and set aside for more writing surface on the desk.

[jwboyd]

14" iBook for sure, to get more viewing area. My reasoning in favor of a keyboard is so you will have the numeric keypad, and because my large clumsy hands don't get along well with laptop keyboards.

[Mayo]

When I was considering my first portable purchase 1 1/2 years ago I spent a fair amount of time with both the 12" and 14" iBooks.  While the 14" has more screen real estate than the 12", it is not as sharp because it has the same resolution as the 12".

The 12" wins the portability race hands-down, and it is less expensive than the 14".  After a short time period I found that I don't miss my 17" monitor one bit...

The portability of the iBook means it can be used anywhere...on a desk, bed, at the library, outside under the stars.  I would invest in a security cable since it is so portable and keep it tethered in the dorm room when not in use.

A combo drive means music via headphones or speakers, and it is a pretty decent DVD player that can also be connected to a TV.

I was also concerned about typing on the 12", but I have found it be quite pleasant to use-a real surprise!

Another option to consider is the 12" Powerbook.  For a little more money you get a G4 CPU...

To make a long story short, the iBook has become my primary Mac, even though I have plenty of office space, as well as a CRT iMac and a Powermac.  When it comes time to upgrade I anticipate getting another portable, and maybe a nice LCD monitor if I need a larger monitor.  I doubt that I will ever buy another desktop Mac; the portables are just so versatile.

[giantmike]

I have livedi n the dorms for the past two years, and I really don't know how I could get by without BOTH a laptop and desktop. The iBook does most of the web surfing, emailing, chatting, and the G3 (which will be replaced with a dual 2GHz G5) was used more for games and what ever else needed a little more oompf.

Of course, I'm a special case, as not many people have two computers at college, but for me, it works out perfect.

And I would like to put another vote towards the 12" iBook. Get some speakers, a mouse (no need for an extra keyboard, the built in one works GREAT), a security cable, and a printer. She should then be all set to do whatever she wants.

[zodraz]

Thanks again eveyone!

Maybe my daughter needs to spend more time with the different ibooks. Too bad you can't test drive one.  

My daughter's no "gamer" so she'll be fine with just one computer. My son - well....

I've seen those laptop "lifts" - do they really help?

     

[Mayo]

I use the Traveler Coolpad every day and it works well for me.  The "lazy Susan" feature is a must for two or more people sharing the same portable Mac.  The Traveler is thin and small, which makes it ideal for, well, traveling!

Find it here: http://www.roadtools.com/  I bought mine at Staples.

[JohnKentucky]

Out of those selections, the 12inch iBook gets my vote.


But...considering your daughter is now a student, you would qualify to get the discount, which makes the 12inch Powerbook priced at: $1399

[Mayo]

John, with the $200 student discount that 12" Powerbook seems to be the most bang for the buck, hands-down.

[ljocampo]

zodraz:

I am a mac freak, but for the price you have to spend and her intended major, I'd recommend a Windows PC. You get a 15" LCD model for that price you quoted at most school computer schools.  If you insist on a mac then spend the money and get G4 laptop and stay away from the G3 for longivity.

I just bought an USB HP multi-function (copy, scan, print) at Sam's club for $88.  It's a 1200 dpi and prints better than my professional series HP printer.  Plus you get a color scanner and copier.  All this in a very small foot-print design. It comes with software that works great on windows or mac.

[Epaminondas]

<< I favor a 12" iBook with a low cost CRT screen for the dorm. (Highly portable, possibly stronger since the case is smaller - less twisting whilst in a backpack).
 
Daughter favors a 14" iBook (likes bigger display and doesn't want the CRT) and wants a mouse and keyboard for the dorm.
 
Mom thinks the iMac will technologically last her longer since it is available in a faster G4 (and possibly is more upgradeable). She wants the one computer to last her the whole 4 years. Also thinks adding the keyboard and mouse "makes" the laptop a desktop anyway - which items you get with the iMac. >>
 
 
Who will be using the computer - you, your daughter, or Mom?
 
 
Get your daughter what your daughter wants you to get her. Then she will be happier.
 
And she will study on the computer SHE chose, not the one her parents chose for her.
 
And while fellow students are putting down their controlling parents and rejecting their own parents' values over this slight or that, imagined or real, your daughter will be saying corny things like:  "My parents are swell" (or todays equivalent idiom).
 
"They listen to me."
 
 
Instead of saying "my Dad is a real jerk."
 
 
College is about becoming independent.
 
Back her play
 
 
Now she needs your help.
 
One day you will need hers.
 
 
Invest wisely -
 
Epaminondas