Monday, November 30, 2009

Things I would consider before buying a Laptop or PC for my course


The first thing I would consider when deciding on a computer for college is whether to buy a Desktop PC or a Laptop. I can’t imagine many students recommending a desktop, as laptops are so much more convenient and portable. It is however almost impossible to use them ergonomically.
The second thing to consider is which system you choose, Mac or windows. Mac would be better for a graphic design student as the software on Macs are generally of a higher standard, but for a course like Applied psychology, I think Windows is the best option. Having Microsoft Office is a great advantage, and although you can load office onto Macs, there can sometimes be compatibility issues.
Other important factors when buying a laptop are memory, the CPU, the hard drive, processing speed and battery life. Students often don’t have a lot of time, so when they get on their laptop they try to do many things at one time. There could be many application running at one time, such as internet explorer, iTunes, Powerpoint and many more. Also, devices may be plugged in via USB ports may be in use, such as digital cameras or mobile phones, so it may be a good idea to take the number of USB ports in a laptop into account.
I’d also recommend that some Anti-Virus software. Norton and McAfee are the the most popular but  they can be very expensive and sometimes restricting. There are many free downloadable programmes however, like AVG for example. 
Finally, price is an important factor, as many students will be on tight budgets! 
I looked at website like dell for some good dells on student-friendly laptops, but this one seems to be the best. Here are the specifications.
HP Compaq Mini 110c - €339 inc VAT

Slim and light, the Compaq Mini 110c is a fashionable mini you can carry anywhere at a price you can afford. If you're looking for a great value laptop for internet browsing, note-taking, and entertainment you should consider the Compaq Mini 110C . With a powerful Intel Atom N270 Processor, 1GB of memory and a massive 160GB hard drive it really is excellent value for money. The Compaq Mini 110c is ideal for surfing the web, checking emails, downloading music and films, watching YouTube and using MSN and Skype.
The Compaq Mini 110c features built in Wi-Fi connectivity offering web access whenever you're in a Wi-Fi hotspot. With it’s 10.1” screen, webcam and built-in speakers it’s great for enjoying multimedia.
Specifications :
* Intel Atom N270 1.6Ghz
* 1GB Ram
* 160GB HDD
* 10.1” TFT Screen

* Wi-Fi® Wireless 802.11 b/g
* Windows XP Home SP3
* 1 Year Warranty
* Weighs only 1.2



Sounds good to me.


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