A new laptop--but which one?

Question

I need a new computer and instead of buying a new desktop right now I'm looking for a laptop that I can tote around with me. I go between my apartment, school, my internship and my parents' so I need something I can bring with me to do work on.

I've used PCs my whole life and I'll admit I'm a lover of Dell computers. My step-father is the IT guy for UPMC and they run on Dell, I trust what he trusts and Pitt will trust, too.

But, I took a technology course for education and we worked with iMacs and I have to say I'm a fan of the Mac now, too.

Computer people--which should I get? My step-father says to stick with a PC, he knows PCs and it's what he works with incase I encounter a problem. But anymore, it seems like the Mac has more to offer.

I'm about to get my elementary education teaching certificate. I do a lot of book-keeping, but I also need to create a lot of documents, webpages, interactive things... Which do you think would be best?

1. It isn't a matter of what the stores sell in my area.
2. Apple does offer good educational discounts, but my step-dad could order the Dell laptop for me and he gets a pretty hefty discount being in charge of UPMC's computers...
3. I do need to use Microsoft Office tools like Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Publisher and Front Page. I like Windows because it's what I know the best--but I'm a teacher so I'm willing to learn other systems.

Let's add this to the question--Which is easier to use? Money is no issue, I know Macs tend to be pricey but I'm not concerned about the money. I'm concerned about the performance and what I can do and how easily and quickly I can do it.

Answer 1

I just recommended this one to my girlfriend who is in the same position as you (apartment, school, parents, etc.) Its a Dell Inspirion E1505, they have three different types on Dell.com dependant on screen size. It also has the new Intel Core2 Duo CPU as well (makes your computer run faster.) She purchased the one for $979 which worked out the best for her lifestyle.

As far as between a PC and iMAC goes, the documents/files you are going to be creating will be able to run fine on either. So it will be up to you...however I would recommend a PC.

Find the link to the Dell E1505 below.

Answer 2

I use a TC4200 tablet PC from HP. It's really pretty good and small. The TC4400's are even better. If you want a bigger laptop, the HP8230 etc are decent too. Make sure you get a portable pc with a system recovery cd. Portables are notorious for HD's going out - can't take too much banging around, and a system recovery cd will re-load windows on a replaced HD. Out of about 300 in use, I have 3 or 4 Portable PC HD's a month go out.
Mac vrs PC. Hmmm, how may stores in your area sell Mac's & how many sell PC's.

Answer 3

If you want ease of use, Speed, Reliability. An Intel based Macintosh is the best way to go. Apple has great tech support.
also I'm a school photographer and every school that i have been in in the past year have been using Apples. A couple Universities like Ball State University Require you to own an Apple for elementary Education.
But The Choice Is Yours

Answer 4

If you are just intending to use Windows on Mac, you are better off just buying a PC. You pay a premium for the Apple logo for the same equipment on a PC.

Answer 5

You need an HP Pavillion dv2000z. It's lightweight, and can do (almost) everything you want it to. You can find it here:
http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/computer_can_series.do?storeName=computer_store&category=notebooks&a1=Usage&v1=Travel%2Fmobility&series_name=dv2000z_series

Answer 6

if you are not a graphic person, then don't get mac.
get hp or dell, they have the most deals. I don't see many promotion with other brands.

Answer 7

go for a hp