[domymel]

Hi together,
even though there is probably already a dozen threads about this question, I would appreciate very much personal opinions of people with relevant experience.
I am about to enter law school and will be living in a dorm (-->PB is gonna be my main and only machine). For that reason I always thought the 15" was a must, especially for the screen size. But I am not so sure anymore- mainly because I wonder if the 15" is too big to carry around all the time and open it during lectures, where the tables are relatively small anyways. As I said, it is gonna be law school, so main use is word, internet and stuff like that, so I am sure one of the new 12" PB would be more than sufficient.
Maybe there are even people that have gone from a 15" to a 12" that can share their opinion on screen size with me.

Many thx in advance already.

[spalding12]

how big is your college?

seriously.... you can get used to any notebook over time. the 15" would be perfect for you because after hours of doing real work on a 12" screen... i think you will regret not having bought the 15"

greg

[domymel]

it is a british college, and you know that everything is build a bit smaller in old Europe

[spalding12]

the only problem is that i suppose you couldn't get ivy to grow on aluminum to really give it that old, distiguished look.

[domymel]

this one cracked me up- excellent sense of humour

[pantalaimon]

i'm a student also, however i'm studying graphic design and a 15" screen is almost a must. Its not only the screen, the 15" has much better features, 2GB max ram, 64MB video ram etc...

I can't wait to turn up at college and put this baby on the desk, the whole class will be so jealous

[Eug]

The 17" is too big IMO. The 12" or 15" is perfect, depending on the intended usage.

[spalding12]

i agree with you about the 17".... but i just can't seem to take my eyes off of her in the store....

maybe it's because i'm only 5' 6" and i want to be OUTDONE by my powerbook...

greg

[neill]

Tough question!
I'd say 12" in class and 15" at home ;-). Well, base your choice on what the "typical" usage of the machine will be. The 12" can be used with an external monitor at home � if you can afford one and have room for it (dorm rooms tend to be quite small).

/waiting for my 15"

[domymel]

yep, isn�t really easy to come to a definite answer (I guess both machines would be fine in the end). Anyways, I have decided to go with the 15". Even though it is going to be a bit heavier and bigger while being on the road, I think it is much more of a pleasure to use as ones main machine. The order is out- waiting for delivery...
Thx for all the answers and thoughts.

[Amorya]

I chose the 12. Cost reasons, mainly. If the screen really is too small, I can get an external monitor... (I'll probably take one for watching DVDs). But I've lived with 1024x768 for many years now, so it won't be any worse than what I'm used to...

Amorya

[ymmit]

I own the 12"PB combo 867mhz. I'm a computing student from Singapore.

After using it for the last 5 months or so, I miss having a Superdrive, and I miss having a bigger screen.

I use the 12"pb with an external monitor now. if only I had a 15" screen.

Moreover, price bracket between 12" and 15" is now much much less.

My choice: 15"

[Riemann Zeta]

For graduate school, the 15" has been the best possible choice. The screen is large enough to see an entire page in Word and have all of the formating options available--on the 12", all of the options will be confined to drop-menus. Also, the ATi Radeon 9000 (now 9600) chipset really helps OpenGL (which in my case is essential for displaying protein structures).

1024*768 is really way too small. I have a 1024*768 LCD as a second display, and for that purpose, it is ideal, but a primary display should be larger.

[Amorya]

Originally posted by domymel:
it is a british college, and you know that everything is build a bit smaller in old Europe

Which uni are you going to?

Amorya

[AssassyN]

If you plan on taking notes in class on your laptop, get a 12" PB. I originally had the 17" PB for college...no way. The 12" PB is perfect, I couldn't even see myself w/ a 15" PB in those crowded lecture halls...and with the new 12" PBs having DVI-out, you can connect it to any external display you want when you get back to the dorm if you need extra screen space for your work. 12" PB all the way, if you need more screen area, just connect it to a display!

[cobra27]

If you are going to use the laptop computer as your only machine for college, get the 15". Get the 12" only if you value portability more than anything else (like me ). In that case, use an external monitor when in dorm, the 12" screen is indeed a bit small for lengthy work.

I am a grad business student and have to do papers/presentation all the time. I think the 15" is ideal for these types of things. The students at my university carry those huge and thick 14"/15" Windows laptop around all the time .

[domymel]

going to Durham University (considering the fact that I am not from the UK, I have only heard horror stories about the weather in the North of England!) I guess I shouldn�t worry about the portables size- the real challenge will be to find a water proof bag

[s0litude]

I'd say go with the 15. I got my 15 from the apple store as soon as the new ones came out, and I have been using it in my classes since. I typically use it for notes, programming in java, and surfing the net (wirelessly). I know that you can get away with doing these things on a 12, but seriously, you're going to find yourself using it for a lot more than that. Games (Warcraft 3 plays great on this new 15), and watching dvd's when you are bored look better on the 15. All in all, the 15 allows for more flexibility in terms of what you can do. Have fun either way!

[s0litude]

...

[cdhostage]

Wha? The limit is the size of your bag and the ability of your eyes to focus. I can't read text on the teeny tiny screen of the 12" at the end of the day - some people are OK with that. If I had my druthers and ten thousand dollars, I'd max out a 17".

[Arkham_c]

Topic: 15" too big for college?

When I saw this topic my first thought was "With a 15" you'll be very popular with the ladies".

Then I realized that you were talking about a laptop.

[MrK]

I was using a 15" Ti before my 12" and I find I take my computer with me more often. Between the weight diff of the comp and the very small Willow Design bag vs the larger bag I had before (also Willow, but 15" size) I notice a huge diff. If you are carrying law books, etc, it would help to have a lighter comp. Of course, obnce you are carrying 20 lbs, what is 5 more? The screen is a HUGE diff. If you think that matters AT ALL go with the 15...

[DZimmerman]

I bought a new 15" which I love, however, in one of my classes in the auditorium the 15" is really to big to comfortable resk of the mini desk. So my suggestion would be to go with the 15" if you have the desk space in the classroom.

[riboflavin]

I just received a 15" Al PowerBook which I intend to use at university very soon. I'm studying in the UK also (at the University of York), and will be taking this computer overseas. I was originally going to purchase a 12" (if the new Al 15" didn't show up before I left), but now that I have the new 15", I realize that I made the right decision. Although not as portable, the screen size is wonderful. Very bright, very crisp. I think it will come in very handy when running multiple applications, and when I need to do formatting work in Word. Although it weighs more, I do not find it much of a burden.

I, however, do not intend on moving it around much. To the library, on the airplane, but that's about it. I prefer to take notes by hand, and not by computer, so I won't be using it in a classroom setting.

I also think it will be great for watching movies, as I most likely will not purchase a computer (due to budget constraints, and the fact that you have to purchase a TV license - which I'm not accustomed to).

[Augie50]

I'm planning on buying the 12" PB for law school this spring. However, the only huge negative is that my school uses a program called ExamSoft to administer tests--and ExamSoft only runs on Windows. Yes, I could run it via VirtualPC but the entire point of ExamSoft is to lockout the user from any other part of their computer so they can't cheat, if I used ExamSoft I could just switch out of Windows and access my notes, the internet, etc. So, unless I want to write out multiple multi-page 4 hour exams by hand, I'm forced to buy two laptops. A crappy $200 used one off eBay simply to take tests with and my PowerBook. The minimum requirements are a 200Mhz processor, 32MB of RAM, 30MB Hard drive space, a floppy drive and anything from Windows 95 to XP. How much can I get a POS laptop with the above specs for?

[kooshXIII]

I don't think you will have a problem with the PowerBook size. XBOX, however, has been outlawed in England due to space restrictions, though I have heard that there is an XBOX controller hidden in a large warehouse somewhere.

[nobitacu]

Heck no! this size would be the ideal size for college. I'm using the 17" in college, and it's working fine for me so far.

Ming

[Bruck]

I know plenty of people who enjoy the 15 at college, perfect size!

[Shaddim]

Originally posted by Arkham_c:
When I saw this topic my first thought was "With a 15" you'll be very popular with the ladies".

Then I realized that you were talking about a laptop.

Uh, no. Not even with the ladies of "questionable morals" that I used to hang out with. That kinda thang would terrify any mere mortal... `cept porn stars and gals into getting sutures in sensitive places.


Anyway, on topic, I'd get the 12. Mine has served me well in grad school (small desks and crowded lecture halls), and with an external 18" LCD it made for a nice dual display home system too. I wrote my Doctoral Thesis and two books on my 12" Powerbook, it's an awesome machine.

[lawgeek]

I see plenty of 15" TiBooks at my law school. Most of the people there carry large bulky Dells, so I don't think a 15" Powerbook would be too big.

[cing2x]

Originally posted by Augie50:
I'm planning on buying the 12" PB for law school this spring. However, the only huge negative is that my school uses a program called ExamSoft to administer tests--and ExamSoft only runs on Windows. Yes, I could run it via VirtualPC but the entire point of ExamSoft is to lockout the user from any other part of their computer so they can't cheat, if I used ExamSoft I could just switch out of Windows and access my notes, the internet, etc. So, unless I want to write out multiple multi-page 4 hour exams by hand, I'm forced to buy two laptops. A crappy $200 used one off eBay simply to take tests with and my PowerBook. The minimum requirements are a 200Mhz processor, 32MB of RAM, 30MB Hard drive space, a floppy drive and anything from Windows 95 to XP. How much can I get a POS laptop with the above specs for?

examsoft does not work with VirtualPC

[urban]

Riemann Zeta, having to memorize the 20 amino acids has got my head spinning. I cant imagine having to study proteins that require a fast and big screen computer ..


U got my scared!!

[cobra27]

Originally posted by Augie50:
I'm planning on buying the 12" PB for law school this spring. However, the only huge negative is that my school uses a program called ExamSoft to administer tests--and ExamSoft only runs on Windows. Yes, I could run it via VirtualPC but the entire point of ExamSoft is to lockout the user from any other part of their computer so they can't cheat, if I used ExamSoft I could just switch out of Windows and access my notes, the internet, etc. So, unless I want to write out multiple multi-page 4 hour exams by hand, I'm forced to buy two laptops. A crappy $200 used one off eBay simply to take tests with and my PowerBook. The minimum requirements are a 200Mhz processor, 32MB of RAM, 30MB Hard drive space, a floppy drive and anything from Windows 95 to XP. How much can I get a POS laptop with the above specs for?

If you are going to take exams on a laptop for the next few years, wouldn't it be better to get one that you are comfortable and familiar with? That would help you concentrate on the exam, rather than fiddle with the computer, right?

I would suggest getting one that you like, and not a cheapo "throwaway" one. Get one that you will use often and is "future proof" for the next few years in college, at least.

If you really want a mac laptop (in addition to the PC one), I would suggest an ibook in this case.

[kelesh]

for the "cheapo" laptop, i suggest a Thinkpad 570. You can get one on ebay for $250 now.

I had one, it ran win2k beautifully once I ut 192mb of pc100 ram in there:

14+" screen
1024x768
very thin 1"
light 3.5 lbs
192mb ram max
6gb hard drive


This was my first laptop, it ran win2k great and then later ran Debian wonderfully as well. Its no powerbook, but its a good bang for the buck.

[Fellow2000]

Originally posted by kelesh:
for the "cheapo" laptop, i suggest a Thinkpad 570. You can get one on ebay for $250 now.

I had one, it ran win2k beautifully once I ut 192mb of pc100 ram in there:

14+" screen
1024x768
very thin 1"
light 3.5 lbs
192mb ram max
6gb hard drive


This was my first laptop, it ran win2k great and then later ran Debian wonderfully as well. Its no powerbook, but its a good bang for the buck.

wtf? What are you talking about?

[Nessie]

Why do you need the laptop in the classroom? If it's just for taking notes, may I suggest a Palm Vx and keyboard? I found both new, both brand name Palm, for a total of about $120 on eBay. Weighs olmost nothing, small footprint, keyboard is collapsable and works fine for notetaking and writing. I synch with the desktop using QuickOffice, so I can more editing and printing.

Also, if you're going to do a lot of reading--PDF legal documents, etc.--I'd go with the 15" PB. The screen's brighter in my opinion, and the text isn't as small as on the 12".

[kelesh]

Originally posted by Fellow2000:
wtf? What are you talking about?

hehe, read Augie50's post. My comment was in response to her request for a good but cheap windows laptop that she needed to run ExamSoft at her college. The Thinkpad 570 is a pretty sweat deal for a windows laptop imho.

[slffl]

I vote for a 12" with external Samsung monitor. Else get the 17".

[OwlBoy]

I find the 12'' to be good also, and I am a Graphic Design student too.

If you can swing an external monitor that is a bit bigger, that will be a huge plus. I wish I could afford one myself.

-Owl