COMPLETELY OT: computer recommendations

[Steve]

--- In HPFGU-OTChatter at yahoogroups.com, "Scott" <insanus_scottus at y...>
wrote:
> I'm looking to buy a laptop because I'll be a freshman in college in 
> the fall, ...
> 
> My school suggest that I buy one through their store which means 
> deciding between an IBM, a Dell, and an Apple. ...  So basically I'm
> asking should I go for a Mac or stick with Windows?  I've had advice 
> leaning both ways.
>
> ...edited...
> 
> Thanks...
> 
> Thanks in advance!
> 
> Grazie!
> Scott

>From the last two issues of 'Computer Shopper' magazine -

Rating
 8.5 .... Acer TravelMate 803LCi (Editor's Choice)
 8.4 .... IBM ThinkPad T40 (E.C.)
 8.0 .... Fujitsu LifeBook S Series (E.C.)

 8.1 .... Dell Latitude D600 (only 4hr battery life)
 7.5 .... IBM ThinkPad R40

There are several sites on the internet that will compare and review
Laptops & Notebooks. The best place is to go to ZDNET.com which is the
gateway to all the Ziff-Davis Publishing computer magazines. 

Another good on-line source of reviews and best price information is
CNET.com.

As far as, Mac vs PC, I've alway thought the Mac was generally a
better computer and operating system, but they are also more expensive
and are a closed system; you are very limited in your upgrade
abilities. Although the 'closed system' aspect applies more to desktop
computers. 

On the other hand, like it or not, we live in a Windows PC world. This
computer format dominates the world of desktop and laptop computing,
and accounts for more than 80% or possible 90% of the computers out their.

If you have a basic set of common software that you plan to use for
standard applications, or your computing needs lean more toward
desktop publishing, which Mac seems to dominate, then go with Mac.

But if you need a wide selection of software, or you tend to 'play' on
your computer, or you need to interchange data with other people, then
you should go with a PC. [Re: File interchange- while some native file
formats may not be compatable between Mac and PC, there are Standard
file formats that allow interchange of data between virtually all
computers.]

Despite Windows drawbacks, and my general dislike for Microsoft, I
usually recommend that people go with a PC. They are less expensive,
both software and hardware, and do represent the defacto standard in
computing worldwide. 

If you like Macs and they serve your needs and you can afford one then
certainly consider it. But lacking any special desire for a Mac, I say
go with a PC.

Just a thought.

bboy_mn