Welcome to the MacNN Forums.

Sakino · Sep 7, 2003, 11:07 PM

Alright my order is in when the new powerbook comes out, if it doesnt then I will probably just order the current line up.

How do you get your powerbook around campus? I prefer not getting a I strapped bag. I would like to get a normal backpack, and maybe just get a good protective sleeve for the powerbook. I was thinking about just picking up a northface packpack for around campus, and just put the pb in there with my books. What is your idea on this.

Also what kind of software do you use for note taking? Currently I am majoring in microbiology, so i deal a lot of with scientific ****. Any suggestions on good note taking programs that can aid me with all the damn symbols?
Also I am in italian, is their an easy way for using a word processor to take notes in italian?

Anything else I should need to know and get to help me get around campus? I'm basically just looking for input here.

PowerTower Fan · Sep 7, 2003, 11:27 PM

I use the Apple Saddlebag for carrying around my TiBook. Cool part is it can be used just like a regular backpack, or instead with a shoulder strap. As far as notetaking, I'll pretty much just use TextEdit. I really don't take notes though too much with my laptop because my major is CS and for most of my stuff, its just too hard trying to type out algorithms, proofs, math, etc. Gen Ed classes such as Psychology, Film, and Writing were the only ones a laptop proved really useful.

ae86_16v · Sep 7, 2003, 11:37 PM

I use the MarWare Sportfolio sleeve/bag. And I usually just dump it in my backpack.

In term of taking notes, I usually just write it on paper.

Sakino · Sep 7, 2003, 11:38 PM

What kind of packpacks are you guys using then?

Lertsiri · Sep 7, 2003, 11:54 PM

Zero Halliburton to fit my Powerbook 17" snuggly, or to be less covert (hehe) use my saddle bag from apple/kennsington

Highly recommend the Zero Halliburton Z5 in alluminum or gun metalmy homepage with Pics

alpha rays max · Sep 7, 2003, 11:55 PM

I just have a basic backpack from Mountain Equipment Co-op [mec.ca] and a small, thin neoprene sleeve called "THE POUCH". I got it a few years ago from a Mac reseller in town but I think that's the actual name of the company and can be found on the Internet.

It's worked pretty well - slim enough to let the PB fit with my other books and not need its own real bag with strap. It's also got a pocket for throwing in extra junk like the power adapter and Ethernet cable for those few places on campus that don't have wireless yet.

As far as note-taking, I just use Word. But, I'm an economics major so the most complicated things to transcribe tend to be rather basic algebraic equations, not many weird symbols or what have you. I'd probably just take notes on paper if that were the case...

Luca Rescigno · Sep 8, 2003, 12:14 AM

I have a RadTech (www.radtech.us) sleeve for protection against scratches, and the laptop goes into a compartment of my Jansport backpack. Just a cheap thing I picked up at Galyans, but it works great.

As far as notetaking, I never take notes on the computer in any of my classes. I prefer handwritten notes because I can draw pictures and stuff. My notes are very sloppy but I can read them at least.

CrazedVW · Sep 8, 2003, 02:07 AM

I've got a regular Jansport backpack to carry around all my stuff. Plenty of pockets and whatnot. I have to carry around a binder and a couple notebooks in addition to paperback books mostly. My backpack has a seperate compartment that I use for my 15" PB. I've got a Spire Boot, http://www.spireusa.com/products/BT3.html to slip it into. Really nice case, velcro flap, plenty of protection. Had a MacCase slipcase for my iBook. They've got one for the Powerbook too and they're pretty nice. The flap is nice for extra protection if it's raining like the other day and my bag got soaked. PB was fine tho.
All in all, between all that and my AC adaptor, cables, etc, its rather hefty but I'm used to it.

CrazedVW · Sep 8, 2003, 02:09 AM

Aye, I prefer writing my notes out and then typing them up later. Gives me a chance to review the material again and then clean it up so I can print them out and actually be able to read it easier later.

Originally posted by Luca Rescigno:
As far as notetaking, I never take notes on the computer in any of my classes. I prefer handwritten notes because I can draw pictures and stuff. My notes are very sloppy but I can read them at least.

dreamBweaver · Sep 8, 2003, 06:39 PM

I have a PB12. I carry it in a TimBuk2 Commute messenger bag. Inside the PB is in a padded compartment but I also secured it by buying a WaterField sleeve...so even the chances of damaging my PB with a bump, etc. are minimized. I bring my PB to every class. The bag + computer is very portable, but it can get heavy if you carry a big textbook too (i usually leave mine at my dorm). The PB12 is the only PB in the line that I could see fitting some of my cramped lecture hall spaces but if you get a different model, you may be able to work out a system.
I keep the system on my lap and type notes. I prefer to use the computer for notetaking because I can type much faster than I can write, I can edit what I write easily, and I feel much more organized with computer files. I so far have used OmniOutliner. OS X comes with a limited shareware version. It is compact and can help you take notes efficiently. Can do bulleted lists, rich text, and is generally good for keeping things organized. I bought it after my first week using it. I don't have a foriegn language class but I suppose that you could type out accents manually (with ALT+W+X+Y+Z combos) or find a specific program. You would have to worry about spelling things right too unless you found a specifc app for your language. Also consider OmniGraffle which lets you draw and make diagrams. A full version comes with OS X I believe. I haven't found much of a use for drawing diagrams yet and haven't mastered the app.
Hope that helps.

rocheb · Sep 8, 2003, 09:15 PM

I think the Timbuk2 bag is the only way to go if you want the over-the-shoulder style. You can customize a thousand different ways, and they make laptop sleeves specifically for powerbooks.

www.timbuk2.com

Macfreak7 · Sep 8, 2003, 10:30 PM

Just bought one of these for my 12" and it's great. Doesn't hold too much, but it's enough for a couple of my notebooks, computer, ipod, and uh.. yeah.

As for notes, you could use TextEdit. I prefer to take notes on paper for the sciences, but i've been using TextEdit for my English class and it's great.

nobitacu · Sep 8, 2003, 11:00 PM

I've been using a Brenthaven 17inch backpack since the first day I have my Powerbook. I love everything about it, very very strong, and protects my beloved Powerbook like there's no tomorrow. I can fit a lot of books/stuff in it, sometimes well over 40 pounds maybe even 50. The zipper has never break or failed me to zip it all the way up, even if I have to use some force to close it with the zipper, it has never failed me or break. Very very well made and worth every penny I've spend on it, trust me, I abuse it like crazy.

Ming

Synchilla · Sep 8, 2003, 11:14 PM

I have had a spire bag for 5 years and it has taken me through two laptops. It still looks brand new. Check out www.spireusa.com.

C

ae86_16v · Sep 9, 2003, 12:59 AM

Originally posted by Sakino:
What kind of packpacks are you guys using then?

JanSport.

beefstu01 · Sep 9, 2003, 01:47 AM

I use the JanSport Optimizer... I haven't ordered my laptop yet, but that's the backpack I got. If you scout around, you should be able to pick one up for around $80. One word of caution... it can be uncomfortable, but that's easily fixed. It's got it's own compartment for the laptop which has a shock shield, but unfortunately the dimwits at JanSport forgot that a hard thing on the bottom and no support over it means it's uncomfortable as hell. I remedied this by folding a fleece, or hoodie, and tucking it into the compartment. MUCH more comfortable, and if/when the lappy gets here, it'll be nice and protected from scratches, dents and dings.

crouchingtiger · Sep 9, 2003, 02:58 AM

Backpacks designed with Macs in mind...

http://www.spireusa.com

LfGrdMike · Sep 9, 2003, 09:54 AM

I use a Brenthaven messenger bag. You cant get this on eon the Apple site as far as I know. I got mine at compUSA for 86 bucks its real nice.

dreilly1 · Sep 9, 2003, 10:07 AM

It's been a while since I've been on campus, but here goes:

If you are generally a careful person, and you aren't carrying multiple big textbooks around at once, you can get away with a normal backpack with a sleeve. Otherwise, spend the money for one of the backpacks people have referenced here, with a built-in laptop pouch. I found that mine protected my laptop better than a sleeve, and had no chance of compressing the laptop between heavy textbooks. I've seen TiBooks with dents in the top of the screen (the side with the big Apple logo). I don't think a sleeve would protect against this.

As for notetaking, I was in school for Engineering, and I never took notes on my laptop. And I don't think I'd ever recommend it, unless someone comes up with a decent Tablet computer for note-taking. No one has, yet.