17" PB for college?
I need a laptop for college, specifically an apple laptop. I can't decide whether or not to get the 17" or the 15". will the 17" really be too much of a hassle to carry around everywhere? I would like the extra screen space to work with, but I'm not sure if it's worth the cost of lugging around a massive notebook.
Comments
The three advantages that eventually pushed me toward the 17" were:
1: 1lb and an extra inch or so isn't very much to take on for an additional 195200 pixels.
2: Only a $100 difference between similarly configured 15" and 17" powerbooks.
3: The cool factor.
- Xidius
_thedustin
I know a couple PowerBook G4 users on campus, most of them own the 12" models due to the compact size and light weight. They bring their 12" PB to class everyday. One student I know of bought the previous version of 17" PB right after Apple released the 1.33Mhz model at a closeout deal, however he never brought his PB out of his apartment after sawing him using it in Starbucks once. He also scared someone will steal his PB, he bought 2 Kensington locks.
For your own benefit, get the loaded 15" model.
I often feel that the 15" is too big for using in class. I certainly wouldn't be able to deal with a 12" screen on my primary machine, but I really would like something smaller for taking notes. The 17" is simply too big to be putting on a desk.
It seems to me that the 15" is the happy medium. Maybe it doesn't have the biggest screen and maybe it's biggish for taking notes, but really it's just fine for essentially every situation.
Of course, someone else's experience might be totally different and it depends on how you use it and what the environment it.
I don't know, I guess if the 17 is for you then go for it. I'd just say to keep a tight grip on it everywhere you go, because an unusually large laptop like that will stand out in the eyes of thieves...even if it is only another inch or two larger.
A classmate in my tax law class got a 17-incher earlier this year, and appeared to be fine with it. I wouldn't have wanted to be her. She had to carry her 17-inch PB in a separate case, in addition to many more pounds of thick law casebooks. But that's just me.
Your choice will really depend on what you will use your PowerBook for. You need to tell us what your requirements and priorities are. My recommendation for the 12-inch PowerBook assumes that you won't do any video or audio work on the run with your PowerBook.
Escher
i hate you all.
-t
full disclosure: I've got a rev. a 12" and I wouldn't trade it for a 17".
Originally posted by soulcrusher
my 17" is gone.
i hate you all.
And your passport.
- Xidius
Originally posted by locke459
the reason i was leaning towards the 17" is because i'll be studying architecture and will be using programs such as photoshop, modeling, and CAD stuff a lot. Maybe i should just plug an extra monitor into the PB when i need the space?
Can't plug in an extra monitor when you're in studio, or at a Starbucks, or in a library, or anywhere else on campus usually.
Originally posted by Scott
I like my 12". Fits in my lap, about the size of a 8.5x11 sheet of paper and it doesn't scare off the ladies.
no, man, something else of yours scares off the ladies.
I am going to get a 15" for college (collage), i would like the 17" but I think that is too big for me.
Originally posted by Scott
I like my 12". Fits in my lap, about the size of a 8.5x11 sheet of paper and it doesn't scare off the ladies.
I always thought that Apple laptops GOT more girls than they lost
Originally posted by a_greer
I always thought that Apple laptops GOT more girls than they lost
Mine is attracting women like you wouldn't believe. I won't go out in public anymore with it
Seriously though, this chick was over at my house last night (one who doesn't like Apples, mind you) and she saw it, she seemed genuinely turned on. She called it "hot sex". Than I offered to show her my other 12", she fell in love with both.
8)
Originally posted by locke459
I need a laptop for college, specifically an apple laptop. I can't decide whether or not to get the 17" or the 15". will the 17" really be too much of a hassle to carry around everywhere? I would like the extra screen space to work with, but I'm not sure if it's worth the cost of lugging around a massive notebook.
I have the 15". Never seriously considered the 17" or 12" Powerbooks, although I *did* consider the 12" iBook. I firmly believe the 12" iBook and the low end 15" Powerbook give you the most bang for your buck. You have to pay far too much for what technology you get in the high end 15" PB, and that's exactly what you *have* to get in a 17" PB, you aren't given the option of lower specs. If the "remainder price" for the additional screen size seems small between the fully loaded 15" and the 17" (as someone remarked), that's only because you're paying through the nose in the first place.
Originally posted by locke459
the reason i was leaning towards the 17" is because i'll be studying architecture and will be using programs such as photoshop, modeling, and CAD stuff a lot. Maybe i should just plug an extra monitor into the PB when i need the space?
locke459: If you will be studying architecture, picking the 12-inch definitely makes little sense. Between the 15-inch and 17-inch, I think it's a tossup. Go to a store, handle both, and decide which one you are more comfortable with.
Finally, not having to rely on an external monitor for a large desktop (i.e. 12-inch plus external monitor) does have its advantages for anyone who does visual work in the field, or has limited personal space at home (i.e. a student living in a cramped dormitory). I know at leat one pro photographer who jumped onto the first 17-inch PowerBook when it came out and uses it exclusively for all of his work because he travels a lot.
Escher