What do I want for graduation?

Apr 16, 2007 at 4:25 AM Post #31 of 47
Laptops (real laptops, not luggables) were barely on the market when I started undergrad in the fall of 1990. They were screamingly expensive, as well. Only a handful of students had them.

Not to go into crusty old coot mode, but I think you can get through college just fine without one. A desktop and printer are necessary (I had a Mac Classic) for papers, etc., but, honestly, I would not want to haul a laptop around. It's a target for thieves and they're easily broken. Not worth it when you can get by with a legal pad and a pen. Those, some 3 ring binders, and 3x5" cards, got me through undergrad and two more degrees. For the record, I *love* my PowerBook, but if I were going back to school today, it would stay at home.

As for a gift, a nice fountain pen would be a good start. You'll be taking lots of notes, so an excellent writer you can refill is heaven. It'll last the rest of your life, as well. What about a nice bookbag? How about a halfway decent bicycle? Or maybe an Aeron chair for your desk? You'd get a ton of use from that.
 
Apr 16, 2007 at 5:45 AM Post #32 of 47
Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Erik /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Laptops (real laptops, not luggables) were barely on the market when I started undergrad in the fall of 1990. They were screamingly expensive, as well. Only a handful of students had them.

Not to go into crusty old coot mode, but I think you can get through college just fine without one. A desktop and printer are necessary (I had a Mac Classic) for papers, etc., but, honestly, I would not want to haul a laptop around. It's a target for thieves and they're easily broken. Not worth it when you can get by with a legal pad and a pen. Those, some 3 ring binders, and 3x5" cards, got me through undergrad and two more degrees. For the record, I *love* my PowerBook, but if I were going back to school today, it would stay at home.

As for a gift, a nice fountain pen would be a good start. You'll be taking lots of notes, so an excellent writer you can refill is heaven. It'll last the rest of your life, as well. What about a nice bookbag? How about a halfway decent bicycle? Or maybe an Aeron chair for your desk? You'd get a ton of use from that.


Don't worry you're not that old.
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I just graduated college in '04 and I didn't feel the need to have a laptop either. I didn't even have a printer and I some how got by.
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Right now I'm in grad school and I got a laptop only because writing a 3 hour exam by hand would probably break my wrist. I don't even bother to bring my laptop to class to take notes. It's just too much of a hassle when all I need is a notebook and pen.

And I agree that even if you don't buy a watch, get something that will last a long time. Laptops (and technology in general) make bad long term gifts. I'm not saying don't get a laptop at all, but as a graduation present I would recommend something that will last long enough to make you feel nostalgic in the future.
 
Apr 16, 2007 at 5:55 AM Post #33 of 47
I get by without a printer as well. I just print stuff out at school.

And for a laptop, get one that weighs less than three pounds. Again, thats the dell d420. There is a sager that is extremely light and even has a built in dvd burner. http://www.pctorque.com/sager-6260-gaming-computers.php

It is within your budget and weighs about half as much as a macbook. BTW, alienwares are just rebranded sagers. the company that manufactures them, clevo is one of the worlds largest laptop manufacturers so this isnt some no-name thing.
 
Apr 16, 2007 at 2:59 PM Post #34 of 47
I'd say get a nice pair of closed headphones for dorm use.

That or save your money for college, you'll need it!
 
Apr 16, 2007 at 3:21 PM Post #36 of 47
for myself, i bought a mapletree ear purist HD, and my i almost have enough for my RS-1's.

but from my parents, they said they are going to buy me a laptop for school, sad thing is though, that my desktop will probably own the laptop
 
Apr 16, 2007 at 11:48 PM Post #39 of 47
I'm thinking about building a dell notebook pc for about the same price as a macbook but with a 17" monitor and a bigger HD with a way better gfx card. same dual core possessor and 1 gb of ram though. (ram I may upgrade later on)

The monitor should be a huge factor when working in photoshop (i'm always wanting more work space). and this computer will replace my current crappy desktop so it's really a nice upgrade for me.

and thanks Shizelbs
smily_headphones1.gif
 
Apr 17, 2007 at 12:00 AM Post #40 of 47
Quote:

Originally Posted by Shizelbs /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Guidance, direction, and good luck as you start your adult life.


To this I would add, ask not for something for yourself, but what you can give your parents for all that they have done to make your education a success. It's not an entitlement.

All the best for your further education and a good career. Remember, your parents have paid their dues and will probably continue to do so, now it's time for you to pay yours.
 
Apr 17, 2007 at 1:31 AM Post #42 of 47
Quote:

Originally Posted by xnothingpoetic /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I'm thinking about building a dell notebook pc for about the same price as a macbook but with a 17" monitor and a bigger HD with a way better gfx card. same dual core possessor and 1 gb of ram though. (ram I may upgrade later on)

The monitor should be a huge factor when working in photoshop (i'm always wanting more work space). and this computer will replace my current crappy desktop so it's really a nice upgrade for me.

and thanks Shizelbs
smily_headphones1.gif



Dont do it. I have a 17" dell laptop that i am typing on right now. It is very nice but if you already have a desktop dont bother. Get the Sager I linked to or the dell d420. A tiny laptop is way better for class, i never move my 17". Buy a 19" LCD for $180 and connect it to your laptop. It will look better than the 17" dell and give you a lot more freedom.
 
Apr 17, 2007 at 1:37 AM Post #43 of 47
only get a laptop once you get to college and feel the need for one. i thought i needed one, but when after a year in the dorms and a year living off campus, i find that i would have no real use for a laptop except for the occasional light gaming during weekend trips back home. and even then, my old 500mhz desktop works "OK"
 
Apr 17, 2007 at 1:38 AM Post #44 of 47
If you're into graphic design and/or your major calls for a lot of formulas (mathematics, physics, etc.), I'd recommend a tablet PC. I plan on purchasing one when I go off to college in the fall.
 
Apr 17, 2007 at 1:57 AM Post #45 of 47
Quote:

Originally Posted by drizek /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Dont do it. I have a 17" dell laptop that i am typing on right now. It is very nice but if you already have a desktop dont bother. Get the Sager I linked to or the dell d420. A tiny laptop is way better for class, i never move my 17". Buy a 19" LCD for $180 and connect it to your laptop. It will look better than the 17" dell and give you a lot more freedom.


The one you linked me doesn't offer enough cpu (looking for almost 2.00GHz). And I don't know If I mentioned this before but I am going to an Art School. So that basically means no lecture classes for the most part. Maybe that also means less need for a laptop?

But the 19" monitor idea sounds pretty good. I could then do a dual screen, could I not?
 
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