Laptop Versus Desktop in college

Ok, so I have been thinking a lot, and I am definatly going to get a laptop for college. (Most likely w3j). I feel the 14.1" widescreen will be the perfect match of portability and functionality. I would be able to take it to class and use it at my leisure.


Granted, it is a laptop, (eliminating the need for a desktop) but I am quite used to the feel of a PC for extended periods of time. The main problem for me is: my school is far away, and it will be near impossible for me to transport my desktop back and forth (and have both).

For those of you who have college dorm experience, or just use a laptop as your only computer, do you feel uncomfortable looking at a smaller size screen (14.1") and or using a smaller keyboard while writing a long term paper. Does it feel natural, or is it just a little less convienient.

I was thinking that I would possibly buy an LCD screen and external keyboard and leave them in my dorm for when I plug in after classes / on weekends.

I have delt with many laptops, but they were always in junction with a desktop, so I have never really used them as my primary machine.

Any opinions would be help, suggestions are most welcome.

I am posting in the ASUS Forum because you guys know best when it comes to comparing an asus product to a desktop.

 

for a college machine a laptop is better no doubt. 14in screen is the smallest screen i would say is comfortable as a main screen. but i would still get a desktop lcd and keyboard mouse speakers for it with a nice docking station. def the best bet.

 

I think you'll be fine with the W3j as a full time monitor. Since the resolution isn't super high, you shouldn't have to strain to see. It's really not THAT much smaller than a 15" standard so...

Def. the laptop for college - you'll find taking it to the library is key for when you need to "get away" for dorm antics. It also makes it easy for cozying up with the honey and watching movies (desktops may hurt a bit on the chest).

If you have the money to spend on a nice keyboard and external montior - it won't hurt, but I don't think you're going to need it.

EDIT: One other thought - you MAY actually like to have the second monitor to extend your desktop while working on a paper...etc - I find the second screen to be great for referencing material, pulling up a resource, that sort of thing. I find it makes me more efficient than minimizing/maximizing and shuffling windows.

 

14" screens to me seem small and uncomfortable for long periods of time. i would definitely get an external monitor. if afterwards u feel the 14" is adequate for a main monitor then u can always use the external monitor as a dual display which is awesome. i doubt u'll need an external keyboard tho as u'll get used to the one on the laptop fairly quickly.

 

I graduated from Uni 3 years ago. Before I left, I had similar ideas of having a desktop, maybe built myself, a big LCD monitor and speakers, etc.

The reality is, A) you will want a laptop. period. you will probably find yourself doing most of your research/writing in places other than your room. And B) you will find yourself putting off computers (yes even CS majors) in favor of having a balance between work and social activities. There will always be something going on, and you won't want to waste your time in front of a computer. Go out, make friends, meet girls, drink a beer or two...because when its over and the real world starts...it sucks

 

Postmodernists is absolutely right - The library, cafetorium, lounge rooms, or even in the hallway are better places to work in.

 

14 inch is fine to have as a primary monitor. I remember when I used a 15 inch monitors back in the mid 90's. Having a laptop for college is much better than having a desktop for a few reasons:
1. size: a laptop take very little space compared to a desktop. I've never been in a dorm but I know how small it be.
2. portability: you can take the laptop to your class and library which would come in very handy when you're doing research.

 

Personally, I can't imagine not having both. The laptop is essential if you'll bring it to class and take notes on it. If you're not going to bring it to class, don't waste your money on a laptop. They are far more expensive than desktops. I use my laptop for taking notes and homework and my desktop for internet and gaming. It works out well that way. And, yes, I lug my desktop home every break. Personally, I think getting an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse kind of defeat the purpose in having a laptop... but, I'm overopinionated in some of these matters.

 

I agree, to me 14" is the PERFECT size. Portability without sacrificing too much screen real estate, plus power to boot.

15.4" is great too if you don't mind the extra weight and size, but I still say 14" is the perfect size.

Go for it. For college it is better to have a notebook than to have a desktop. This way you can plop down anywhere there's a place to sit and use your notebook.

Also if your campus has wireless, which I'm sure it does, you can really do anything almost anywhere on your campus without having to worry or deal with going all the way back to your res' or home to get any work done.

I hate waiting to use computers at school, so having a notebook is great.

You should see the lineups to use computers at York University. We have several computing areas, but they all fill up fast.

You will become much more productive, assuming you stay away from browsing and gaming.

Cheers and goodluck,
Mike

 

This is exactly what I plan to do next year. Get a cheap(er) notebook for notes and light travel\elsewhere gaming, and keep my desktop w\ 20" widescreen, AMD X2 and X1800 in the dorm for TV, DVD, research and gaming. I've got a nice and small (14"H x 10"D x 7"W) homemade acrylic case, so it shouldnt be much of a problem space wise. For the cost of a new W3j, I could have a desktop which is more powerful than it PLUS a light notebook for class\travel.

Brian

 

something else to consider about laptops is that they are VERY easily stolen, so remember to invest in locks and that sort of thing and a good laptop bag to protect it as most are worth 1grand and upwards

 

I've got a similar setup with a twist. I originally bought a laptop when I came to school (3 years ago, only 2 left!) and although the laptop was a piece of junk, it was the right decision. Portability to take to class for notes, take to the library to do research and compile a paper, take to the labs to get projects done faster (compiling vhdl on a junky P3-600MHz lab computer or my P4-2.4GHz, if you've ever tried, you'll know what I mean).
My school is wirelessly enabled just about everywhere, so with the recent onset of spring I've been able to take it outside and enjoy the nice weather while remaining somewhat productive.
Then when I get home I hook up the 19" widescreen and external kb/mouse and I'm as comfortable as can be.
Recently, I added a second-hand desktop to my arsenal. Second-hand because it's purpose is to be my linux box and act as my server for everything servable. Mostly a torrent server and file server, but it's also hosting my webpage (still under construction, I don't have all the time in the world) and all kinds of other jazz.
Now that I'm upgrading to the W3J, I'll have a solid piece of machinery instead of a moderately unreliable one.
My experience is that having a laptop is better than having a desktop, but having both is better if it's possible. If I had to make a choice, I'd get a laptop over a desktop.

Jay

 

Jay I totally agree with you.

Oh and hey wanna give access to the torrents you have on your server to us?

 

I guess I should clarify... I'm not running a tracker. It's got torrentflux http://www.torrentflux.com and sits and downloads for me without me sitting at the console. So I can't really give you access to anything but the interface, and that's unlikely.
But yes, I really like my setup at the moment, and it will only get better when the W3J replaces the clunky, hot, old Dell in the corner of my desk.

 

I say keep the Dell and use it as a heater in the winter to warm your feet or bum.

Really, it's great~!

I have an old, old, OOOOOOLD, IBM notebook, if you can call it that, that is about 5 inches thick and runs as hot as a heater, so I use it for that.

 

I've never trusted laptops in terms of reliability. What if some component goes bad? you'd have to send it back to Asus to have it repaired. THat's my only issue about using laptops as your primary computer. I've seen countless number of times where my friends' laptop would fail and they'd be out of luck.

For school, I think if you chose to have a laptop, you ought to also get an external hard drive and possibly a LCD. A 14" screen is kinda small IMO. And 17" LCDs can be had for pretty cheap and are also more pleasing to the eye for extended periods. Plus the laptop is plenty powerful so even if you chose to not bring it to class, it's easy to carry when you go home to visit family

 

I have to agree on the external drive comment. 30GB locally isn't enough. I have 200GB in two drives on my server and an external USB 300GB drive for the laptop.
That said, upgrading from the 30GB to 100GB will be a nice growth spurt for me.

Jay

 

It's not only for space, but also for cases when you need to backup documents

 

True, the first 80GB external drive I bought was for that purpose alone. It's now residing inside my linux box.

Jay

 

Wow. Great responses. I am definatly considering an external LCD and a few other possible peripherals.

BTW. I already have an external hard drive that plugs in via USB. However, I cant figure out how to boot from it, I can only use it as an external storage device. I tried playing with my bios, and setting it to boot from the external HD, but it didnt work.

 

I've never felt the need to boot from an external drive. The problem with this is that if you were to pull the plug (accidentally or intentionally) then you may be fubaring your install, not to mention leaving your computer without the OS files (and swap drive, depending on your config) it needs to function. That said, in some BIOSs I have seen the option to boot from USB peripheral, but it's not something I'd try. Even installing programs is questionable. I've had desktop shortcuts to externally-installed programs screw up while running the computer without the external hdd hooked up (ie mobile). I just use mine for storage. My music library, my movies, document backups, stuff like that.

Jay

 

What would you guys say is a good size for viewing DVDs and editing? I'm saving up for a laptop to edit with Adobe Premiere Pro and watch DVDs on the go. The thought of a 12 inch laptop is great, and a 13.3 inch W7J sounds even better, but from what I'm seeing anything less than 14 is unbearable.

Something less than 4.5 pounds also sounds good, but I wouldn't sacrifice performance for portability. What are your opinions?

 

If you need to edit with Adobe Premiere on the go, you may want a larger screen. I've used monitors at 1280x1024 for that and not had as much real estate as I wanted. Granted, maybe I like to have more clutter around the workspace than some. However, if your Premiere editing will mostly be staying at home, you could easily get ahold of a cheap 17" or 19" lcd for use when you're at your desk.
DVD viewing should be fine from up close on a smaller screen. Get more than a couple feet away, though and it's like watching a 15" TV (which I was subjected to for a while after our TV died at home, but I don't watch TV anymore anyways) albeit a little clearer.
Of course, this is all just my opinion. You'll have to consider what works for you.

Jay

 

I'd like to give you another perspective... I work for my college's computer store, which is entirely student-run. I've been both a service tech and a manager there. Let me say this: if you run into problems with your computer and have to bring it to your school's computer store, prepare to get screwed. Unless of course you work there. Otherwise... lots of problems ensue with student techs who work part-time between classes. If nothing else, that's a reason to have two computers.

 

Yeah the get both idea might not be too bad. Invest a couple hundred more and get a cheap SFF PC like one of those shuttles ones. It'll be a good backup if anything. Hook it up to a LCD/TV combo and you're got yourself a cheap entertainment system for your room too however big it may be.

As for the laptop accessories, defintely get a good wireless mouse. The keyboard on the W3 aint too bad. But using the touchpad for too long makes my wrist sore.

 

I would just make friends with your local computer expert ... i was one of those university dorm computer consultants where everyone knew who i was and always asked me to help them with their computer stuff. About 90% of the time i was able to fix their problems. im sure some of ur friends are also knowledgeable as well.

 

I wonder if I could do that and get away with charging for it ^.~

Did you?

 

I would go for the laptop. I currently have a nice gaming desktop in my dorm, but it is often too loud and you are so easily distracted by other things that keep you from doing work. Therefore I often go to the library to get work done and use the computers there. But I have been looking at asus laptops the last 2 years and the w3j looks very promising. Till now I actually haven;t had the need to have a laptop but I'll probably get one soon. Another thing, I also thought that I will definately need a laptop to take to class etc. when I go to college but seriously no one takes their laptops to class except 2 guys with tablets. (laptops not pills hehe). Everybody still uses pen and paper and that's also the way to go.

 

I actually worked in for the university doing computer consulting.. so the university paid me

 

Personally, I could fix it myself (I have had computer jobs before), but it would void the warrenty.

If I voided the warrenty by opening it up, and then somthing gets fried and needs to be replaced, then i'm screwed.

 

Not in college yet but have used mine in highschool for a few years I definetly recommend a bag and also some sort of locking device (I have both)

 

i don't live on residence but i do find having your laptop on you the entire day very useful, not only in taking notes if you have atrocious penmanship, but also for killing time between classes. also good for any group work settings in which you don't want everyone crowded into one room. wireless internet on campus is also great.

i, personally, have no issue with 14.1" screens. it strikes the perfect balance between portability and functionality.

it all depends on your needs and your habits.

plus, the W3J is a great conversation starter.
"hey, slick notebook!"
"yeah! it's the asus w3j, core duo, dedicated graphics, i got it at..."

 

i simply do not understand why pen and paper notetaking is still the preference, despite the majority of students owning laptops. i mean, wtf. typing is faster than writing by hand, much more neat, organized, and because its faster you don't need to abreviate things.

 

i used paper and pen for much of this year (until very recently) and still do for most of my classes. pen and paper allows for doodling, if you are so inclined. yes, typing is generally faster, but organization takes a bit of forethought if taking notes with either MSword or notepad (is there free/software with notetakers in mind? especially speedy equation editing for the maths/sciences?).

i would guess that the main reason people still use paper and pen is because:
paper/spiral-bound notebook + pens - < $10 and < 1lb
laptop - $799 to $2200 and 4 to 7 lbs.

 

i used to still prefer pen and paper when i was in college,
mainly cause one, i doodle a lot and need to do it to illustrate some of my notes. and two, typing is fast, but abbreviated/illustrated notes are just faster. my handwriting is not much to look at though.

if it were 5 years ago, i'd say desktop right away -espec with budget constraints. but nowadays, notebooks are generally more affordable and more powerful and with wireless access everywhere, they are also more practical to get info from just about anywhere.

i had a desktop in college, and it's still w me now, but i think it's time to say goodbye cause all the wires are starting to bug me and i been needing to use something portable more n more these days. then -voila- something like the asus w3j comes along...

probably repeating a few points but that was 2 cents with a discount.

 

I always had the problem in high school, where i'd make up abbreviations on the fly while taking notes in class, then I'd go to study them later and not be able to reliable figure out what I meant. Not to mention I have horrible handwriting... holding a pen/pencil makes my hand cramp up, so my writing goes to hell quickly. Typing doesn't do that for me.

With a program like MS OneNote, organization doesn't take much forethought. It's very simple to move around text, format lists, etc. I <3 it.

 

pen and paper would ultimately depend on one's writing style. I was able to write as fast as my teachers lectured, although it was unreadable to everyone else..and yes, it was a mild form of entertainment during long lectures as I doodled away.

when I finally got a laptop, I often ended up surfing the net instead of doodling to kill the time.. thank goodness for wireless connections! (although it can be distracting too). but either way it was still useful, especially during presentations when most people in class had difficulty working the machines and projectors. All I had to do was hook my laptop up to the projector and voila!

 

you must learn to control wireless internet impulses. oh and laptops are mighty handy for presentations.

 

For in-class purposes, it really depends on the class. I'm in engineering, and so most of my classes involve a lot of equations and derivations and plenty of plotting graphs and diagrams and such. I find that for most of those classes, having a laptop is useless because you just can't get the diagrams and equations in fast enough or properly. However, when I take my arts electives and there are just notes with words, the laptop takes plenty good notes. It also depends on your typing speed. I tend to peck type with four fingers, so my speed isn't 120wpm, and I have stubby fingers, so the small keyboard doesn't let me really get cruising.
Another trend that I have noticed over the course of my university career is the penchance for people to sit in class with their laptops and chat away on messenger while surfing useless sites. I've also seen people come into class, sit in the front row, and watch anime for the entire class. Nothing against anime, but I get really annoyed because it's distracting when I'm trying to concentrate on the prof and learn something.
Funny thing to add is that in first year, there was a guy with the fanciest Alienware laptop who always brought it to class and they would have network games of Worms during class. He was the first one to flunk out. He flunked a second time, too, and is currently in first year still. I'm in third.

I guess what I'm saying is that a laptop in class can be a beneficial tool if used properly, but there can be far too much temptation to abuse it. I don't usually bring it out in my classes because it just adds a distraction.

BTW, I'm currently getting *****ed out by my friend because I chose the W3J over the MacBook Pro, even though I'm getting a better laptop for cheaper, simply because it doesn't run OS-X. Bah.

Jay

 

good choice -- would hate to see that macbook set fire in the middle of class. haha.

i'm of the opinion that if you're in college, you should have cdeveloped enough self-control to be able to use the laptop properly for taking notes.

i'll also agree that for mathematical/equastion based-courses, a laptop isn't a very useful tool. for everything else, it's invaluable.

 

I graduated from engineering.. and to be honest you don't need a laptop in those classes. You probably only need a laptop if you ever go to the library to do homework/projects. And even then, a TI-89 was probably more handy :thumbs:

 

Heh .. the equations/etc notetaking problem has been solved: a tablet convertible is the answer. Several friends of mine have 'em, and they basically have no more use for paper notebooks.
Of course, well-spec'd tablet convertibles tend to be even more expensive than laptops, but hey, that's the breaks...

On the general problem, I'd definitely say laptop > desktop for school/college. It's just so much nicer to be able to bring your work with you wherever you are; particularly if you have group projects where you have to meet and collaborate with other students.

 

Handwritten is better, then convert it to a document later. Not only are you making a permament copy, as well as(for me) organized more(Papers = get lost easy), you are also revising and reviewing the notes, studying

 

wayyy too much effort/studiousness there cori. good for you though.

 

What if we're studying / writing the paper the night before it's due, so we don't have time to rewrite it, and it probably won't be needed after that?

Is this where you say, "THEN you have bigger problems?"

 

This is a good idea and one I've tried to get into, but I just don't have the patience. I know friends who do it and sell the electronic document in hardcopy form to others who couldn't be bothered or who take horrendous notes by themselves. Personally, I'm more of the shareware kind of guy in this regard.

Jay

 

I think the question now becomes what's the best note-taking software out there?
Can anyone contribute to that?

 

I never mentioned I do that. It's more of....lets call it, wishful thinking that I would do such a thing.

It's a good idea, but I doubt I have the patience and time to do that too hah. I'm a pretty organized person when it comes to notes as well

 

Notepad?

My buddy on his MAC used to just type everything in that mac textpad. In engineering lectures, it's kinda hard to take notes on a laptop when there's mathematical formulas and equations on the board. When i saw him format everythign, it still doesnt look as clean as if you just handwrite.

On the other hand if you are in a non calculation-based lecture, then i think typing out the lectures would be fine. My school also offered those notetaking services. Easy way to make money if you're into writing alot

 

Let me chime in on something here....... For a college kid... let's just say a freshmen who's going to be living in a dorm room with at LEAST one other roommate... Those rooms are getting smaller and smaller by the year it seems and yet all the cool kids are going to want a heavy duty gaming rig, a big tv and a stereo. What I've been telling people for a year now.. when the W2 came out, I thought it was the perfect laptop for that situation. On breaks you don't need to pull all that stuff home, and could just take a 17" W2 in a bag and really carry your life with you. It's too big to carry to class... but it's a lot easier than taking a stereo, a tv and a desktop computer home with you.