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The back to school rush... You probably can’t avoid this…Jan 22 '01 (Updated Jan 28 '01) Write an essay on this topic.
Popular Products in PC Laptops
The Bottom Line Laptop’s CAN do everything a desktop machine can, only more expensively.
It's back to school time at, well, wherever you may be in America, and your kids are clamoring for a computer, period. They say it's time to hunker down and buy one, because there is just SO much work that has got to be done with a computer. Rule Number one: They are correct. Your kids aren't fooling you. There are things every student should have these days, and every single one is considered an "office product". Pens, paper, pencils, Pentiums, that sort of thing... :) "Productivity" is what it is called. The ability to write documents with a word processor, crunch numbers with a spreadsheet, and surf the internet for research projects and to communicate with you, the loving parent from afar are the top 3 reasons for a college student owning a PC these days. But the big question is what the heck makes a PC "college" ready anyway? How $much$ do you love me...? Ah, the almighty dollar. How often have you associated this item with the concept of a reliable "love" meter? You might be tempted to think that the amount of money you put into your college kid's potential PC means they will get more out of it. You're not entirely wrong, more money=better PC, but you don't have to spend all that precious money on the wrong aspects of that PC... Computer type 1: The laptop... This is THE most expensive style of computer. Not the best mind you, just the most expensive. Laptop's are ALWAYS more expensive than their desktop (the tower, monitor, keyboard & mouse units) counterparts because they are smaller, period. The technology involved in "shrinking" that into a box that can fit on (most) people's laps is quite a pricey process. The chief benefit (to a student) of a Laptop computer is, in essence, portability. A laptop can just about replace the need for paper in a classroom setting. A student can crank up their laptop, word processor, and take all the class notes their little computers can desire (Which are more notes than have ever been taken in perpetuity throughout the concept of 'college'). Because the laptop is portable, it allows the owner of the item to do computing oriented tasks on the go. Be it research, writing, communication or studying, a lap top computer can always do it everywhere. The function of a laptop computer is EXACTLY the same as a desktop. There are NO functional differences between the two. If you can do it on the desktop computer, you can do it on the laptop... But there are some exceptions to the rule. Surfing the Internet is a top priority for any student, period. It's the 21st century and you have little choice in deciding if an Internet connection is required for your eager learner to get his/her work done. Today, some laptop computers don't usually have the native ability to connect to the Internet. Let me explain: Desktop computers use "expansion cards" (like MODEMS). These "cards" are literal circuit boards with special style connectors at the bottom of them to connect to the computers "motherboard" in order to become powered, and transfer data. Laptop's are much smaller, and as such require a slightly different method to attach such "expansion" devices. P.C.M.I.C.A. is the de facto standard for a laptop computer. PCMICA is the name of the standard used to describe the "wafer card" devices that are placed into the side of laptop's to provide them with "Extra functionality". The big difference here is price. A modem is usually required to connect to the Internet (details of this covered later). A modem for a desktop, which is "card shaped" is substantial cheaper (usually $19-39 depending on name brand desire. The exact same device, only in a different shape (PCMICA) is $89-159 for the exact same device. This is just a modem mind you. If your student lives on campus, and the dorm facilities have "Ethernet" access to the Internet, then your laptop computer will not be requiring a "modem" but a different device called an "Ethernet card". This device is also made for laptop's in PCMICA format, and are even MORE expensive than modems ($119-199+). None of those are really a problem when you have enough cash stowed away for the investment of a college education (like having an extra $3,000 to "channel" for this purchase). But if a laptop computer is the desire, and just getting the laptop itself is a major strain on finances, extra peripherals, as necessary as they may be, are just not in the budget. Laptop computers are also not the most durable things in the universe. Hell, computers aren't meant to take physical punishment, they are meant to sit on your desk, and be tapped on repeatedly. Not dropped, kicked, thrown, tossed and shaken. Now, laptops may sound like they should be designed for day-to-day use, and the occasional, but accidental abuse. Some laptop's ARE rugged enough to survive a college life, but if your looking at a laptop for a student, the better priced unit may in fact have some pretty soft components on it, that make physical "usage" take it's toll. Remember, your spending $3,000 for FOUR YEARS (or more!) of lifetime, at least. This thing is NOT being replaced under your own expense, that's what a job (and a decent one as a college grad) is for. A cheap laptop may LOOK like it has a nice, solid design, but don't be tempted to ignore obvious quality problems for a cheaper retail cost, because although there IS technical support, replacement plans and repair service if something (physical) breaks, let me assure you that the IRS has a more liberal policy toward returns than the manufacturer of your laptop. This is why initial care is KEY. Finally, laptop computers aren't typically upgradeable. Your endeavoring student is eventually going to wish to get a faster processor, more memory, a bigger hard drive, or even try out another operating system. If you have a CS Major student, you can BET they are going to want to perform ALL of those tasks (especially the third option). Sadly, the investment you have made in this particular unit and its components are probably what you will end up tossing the unit out with. Most laptops don't offer the "ability" to upgrade. You CAN change the processor, but that MIGHT void any service agreement you have with, well, whoever (company, or retailer). The absolute best thing you can do to prevent such a snafu from occurring in the future is to ask the manufacturer of a laptop questions about upgradeablity. How it is done (are there panels that can be opened, or does the keyboard have to be unscrewed and removed?) Will it void the warrantee if it IS done? Get the facts first, but there is also the possibility that they will not wish to upgrade, but you would have to get a pretty good system for that... You're probably now asking, "What IS a 'GOOD' system?" I can't give you names, sorry. This isn't a forum for a particular brand, (but e-pinions other laptop categories are!) This is a general advice column. A great laptop is one that can... 1. Surf the net-Comes out of the box WITH a modem or Ethernet card, or both! 2. Is durable: doesn't feel light, flimsy or shoddy. Screen is attached firmly, and moves easily, but firmly. 3. Keyboard keys aren't hideously small, ridiculously tight spaced and they feel solid when pressed, or typed on. 4. Comes With Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition, or Microsoft's Windows 2000 operating systems already. 5. Is new... 6. Features a Pentium III 700 processor, at least. 7. Features 128 megabytes of computer memory 8. Comes with 15 GIGABYTES of hard disk space. 9. Has crisp sound coming from its built in STEREO speakers 10. Has a built in mousing device (either track pad, trackball, or "eraser") that FEELS comfortable, period. It MUST feel good, and that is that. 11. Have a USB port 12. Come with a productivity suite of software: Microsoft Works suite 2001, Microsoft Office 2000, Microsoft Word... An acceptable (the minimum definition of 'acceptable...') laptop is one that... 1. A screen, that works, period. Size is unimportant. 2. The screen must move firmly, and close down upon the laptop surface with a "click" and require the slide of a manual switch to be released from the "down" position. 3. MUST have at least an Intel Celeron Processor 4. MUST have at least 42 megabytes of computer memory 5. MUST have at least 5 gigabytes of hard drive space... 6. MUST be Refurbished or INSPECTED IF used, and bought from a long-standing LOCAL retailer. Take note: This system has no specification for sound, USB, Internet capability, or an OS. Why? Because this major cost cutting system is capable of the previous system's functions, it is not pre-configured to do so. This system is optimal for a CS student, whose parents are on a budget. The student can add their own OS, the software THEY will need THEY can either download or buy (or you can get them a productivity program for their computer, like Microsoft Office, Microsoft Works, or Sun Microsystems StarOffice 5.2...) The unit CAN also be USED. Why? Because if it's inspected, or refurbished than the unit is probably good, again (if anything was wrong.) I say to get from a long-existing local retailer so if something does go wrong, the laptop can go back and you can get your money back without too much hassle. But chances are there was just some idiotic software defect (that SOFT, not HARD) and the previous owner was not willing to deal with "it". But this is why hardware inspection is so critical, because used units (where sold) CAN have hardware problems (and they often do), and a hardware inspection can detect the defective part, be replaced and the unit could very well be "good as new". But if your kid isn't a computer science person, doesn't wish to be, and only wants a laptop AND is on a budget, this next system might work out better. But keep in mind; knowing how to add SOME hardware to Microsoft Windows is key to getting something done with the "happy medium" system. Happy medium systems should include: 1. Features a 12" (approximate) screen, at least. 2. Has Windows 98 (at least) preinstalled on it. 3. COMES With a modem, OR Ethernet card, or both (not likely) 4. Has an Intel Celeron Processor, at just about any speed. 5. Has at least 32megabytes of computer memory. 6. Has a 5-gigabyte drive. 7. Is NEW, or just not selling (old stock machine) 8. CAN be demonstration/floor model. 9. Comes WITH ANY productivity program (probably Microsoft Works) The key to this system is at the cost of RAM, and perks (like USB support), this most likely quality system comes rock solid, and ready to "go" with the potential student just awaiting to get the item, and configure the internet on the thing. Although coming WITH an Internet device is unlikely, a good bargain hunt could find the required Internet access device (either Modem OR Ethernet PCMICA card) and the savvy parent could bundle the device in themselves. The thing about either of the three scenario systems is price. You aren't going to get away with paying $1,000 for a quality laptop. If you do, you had BETTER know exactly what that thing is made of (down to WHO made every single key on the keyboard of the thing) because I can just about guarantee that system is used, abused, and painfully outdated (to the point where "obsolete" isn't just a buzzword) The average price of a decent laptop computer is $1,550. That isn't pocket change (and if it is, frugality isn't in your vocabulary, is it?) But this IS the LAPTOP computer, it's a computer, it fits on your lap, and that IS it's only advantage. Its disadvantages are merely practical, not technological. You CAN do everything with it but it costs more money. That high-end laptop I was talking about? It'll run you nearly $3,000. Its average retail price is $2,600 and that will undoubtedly differ in your area (up or down, it's hard to tell from where I'm sitting if you catch my drift.) The lower end/minimal unit can cost anywhere from $300 to $1500 (that $300 might be a spare parts box if your not careful, so focus on that higher end, OK?) depending on how much your student knows. After all, if they are very computer knowledgeable (like a CS student is supposed to be) then a cheapo-depot laptop isn't a problem for them, they know how to cope (by changing the rules of how the thing works, but hey, whatever works, right?) The "happy medium" system is quite generic as laptops go. The average price of such a thing is $1,300 to $2,000, and CAN generally do everything needed. The future of such a unit (the happy-medium) is only as long as it is cared for, by the owner. Hardware upgrades are almost impossible, but software updates are definitely more practical, and will generally extend the life of such a unit until "professionalhood" (think childhood with good paycheck here). But laptop computers are the frills of college computing. A lot of students go to the dorm to crunch, on a regular, desktop machine located (somewhere) inside their living space. Such a system is WAY more "cost effective", even if such a machine isn't portable... The Desktop College PC... Just because portability is a great idea, doesn't mean that a fixture of computing (a desktop computer) is a bad choice. A desktop computer is just like every other computer, only (physically) larger. The desktop PC in a college environment is usually used at the dorm, after (or between classes), to do research and document processing (as well as playing the occasional video game). There are a lot more choices when it comes to buying a desktop computer, compared to a laptop, and no matter which option you choose, you are probably going to get off paying less for the desktop, than the laptop any day. A GOOD Desktop... A good desktop system is a very broad category, simply because there are more choices in what makes a good desktop than just the sum of it's processor, and memory. Some things to consider when buying a desktop. The power of name branding... When buying desktop, remember that you have choices. One is not to buy "Dell", or "Compaq", or "HP".... You CAN buy a system with less name branding, save money and even get a faster (and speed DOES count) system as well. But the lesser-known brand is lesser known for a reason. The average support policy for lesser brands is 90 days, including phone support. The store will always give you the narrowest timeframe to return the system if something is wrong, which is why company tech support is an important issue. Some people can live with supporting their own computers, but they are computer savvy, and not everyone (in fact most people) when something goes wrong, you will want to contact the manufacturer. Not really a comfortable option when you don't go brand name. The downside to a brand computer is upgrading. Most brand name PC's are pretty hard designed to take certain peripherals, and basically prevent others from functioning. Most computers you will find, you can upgrade the processor, add memory, replace the hard drive, add a CDRW drive, but god help you if you decide to upgrade the motherboard. Remember r, a lot of Pentium II systems can't take the Pentium III processor because of the motherboard. This may not be an issue NOW, but in the future, your eager little student may decide it's time for a new processor, and is outta luck because the motherboard can't support the newer, desired chip. Most non-brand PC's are considered "open-architecture", so you can change just about anything. The chips and bits... The logo on the outside of that PC isn’t always the sum of its parts. It what is inside that truly counts. Here are the styles of system you can expect to have available: BEST: Intel Pentium 4 (not III) Intel's new Pentium 4 processor is super powered at 1 GIGAHERT and above, and is best suited for the "well loved" power student with a rich mommy and daddy. This processor was engineered for video games, and multimedia. Watching MPEG compressed videos, maintaining a mega archive of MP3's, and even the occasional item of work, here and there. This processor is typically geared for video gaming, period. Not that this is a bad thing, after all, students require leisure time, or they go insane. Affordable BEST: AMD & Intel... This is where things get sticky. Intel's Pentium III and AMD's Thunderbird processors are nearly hand-in-hand in terms of efficiency. The two chips are quite competitive, but AMD makes the cheaper chips. AMD Thunderbird systems are fast, and cheaper than their Intel counterparts. Intel however, is simply more name brand. But, both of these processors are designed with again, video games in mind. Hardcore multimedia people will enjoy either one of the se chips "inside", but they are still higher priced then some "budget" oriented processors... Budget buy; Intel Celeron Intel's Celeron processor is quite the enigma from the maker of the Pentium III. This processor is the budget-oriented investment. Here's why: The clock speed on the Celeron line is typically slower than Pentium III counterparts. The average speed of this processor is 500 MHz to 650 MHz. The chips are also somewhat less performance oriented than their Pentium counterparts. The structure on the chips is physically cheaper than the structure of the Pentium II, III & 4. Coupled with the fact that a lot of manufactures are trying to "phase out" the Celeron line, prices on Celeron based systems. But, just because it's a more budget-oriented system, doesn't mean it's useless. The Celeron system is perfect for doing work, and light video gaming. Which is basically it. This is a processor that makes gaming unattractive (in this high-paced world of very high-end video games.) This processor is perfect for the budget conscious, who wish the ability to get work done, period. Sure, there are other processors available; but they have most likely been discontinued in favor of one of the previously mentioned processors. CPU power is not always the defining item in a desktop PC, so is the memory. The best... Is 256 megabytes of computer ram. Why? Because it goes SO well with the ungodly amount of processing power found in that Pentium 4 processor you just had to buy them. This is also a high requirement for computer graphics, because those graphics sit in uncompressed form, in active computer RAM. CG students who take their projects from the class computers to the dorm one will find this to be a great boost to their projects. The acceptable... Is 96-128 megabytes. This is usually just enough for gaming, and more than enough for productivity. This amount is great for all-purpose use, but high-end graphics work is out of the question (unless supplemented by a specially fast hard drive, not covered under this review). The budget amount... 64 megabytes. This is it folks, the lowest you can go before you sacrifice the intention of eventually getting work done. Sure, Windows itself will LOAD into a system with only 32 megabytes, but getting some work done means using the slower "virtual memory" resources of most hard drives, and this is inefficient, and painfully slow. It makes paper and pen seem high-tech. The combination of the memory, and the processor are what generally make a good system, but there are also software perks to look for... The bit's and bytes (software) Most retail PC's come with a software bundle, and most of the software is productivity oriented. As mentioned in the laptop section, productivity software is key to "doing things". Writing reports require a word processor. Crunching numbers for reports are sometimes best done by a spreadsheet. Eye catching graphics that "get the point across" are best accomplished with a basic "page layout tool" (like Microsoft Publisher, StarOffice's StarDraw component, Corel WordPerfect Office 2000's Word Perfect). But the outright most popular piece of productivity software is Microsoft's Works package. This program is everything most students will need in a productivity suite (which is what Works is). If you’re looking for a "perk" to define two similar systems, good software is always that factor. Especially if it's needed software (not some educational game for 3rd graders learning their multiplication tables.) Summary It's hard, I know. They are clamoring for a computer, you feel obligated to get them one. If you decide to bite the bullet, and shop outside popular retailers (like at independent e-tailers) be VERY wary of what you’re getting. Generic is cost-effective, but you or they (they being your student) had BETTER know how to fix somewhat advanced computer problems, because support doesn't exist when it (the computer) has more names inside it than a mental patient with multiple personalities. BIG retailers have a return policy, and don't sell anything that doesn't come with an 800 number for tech-support, product replacement and warrantee reception departments. This is good for the consumer when something goes wrong, but it's bad for your wallet. Laptop’s CAN do everything a desktop machine can, only more expensively. And do remember, video gaming on a college PC happens. Don't cater to the demand that you get them an entertainment system, but don't negate that such a thing might be appreciated between periods of "hard study" (just pretend to believe that one, Ok?)  |
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by seakins5100
