Laptop for Business School
Attending Stern UG this summer. What is the best all around laptop for both finance internships and school?
A lot of people are saying they are getting Macs, but I feel like I've heard that Macs are not the best for finance jobs, but amazing for school. I've had Macs before, so I'm familiar with them in daily use and really like them, not sure how limiting they are though. I've also looked at Lenovo, but not entirely sure about those.
Lenovo X1 Carbon
I like the X1 Carbon. If you have it, can you give a quick review on it? Is the battery life good? I feel like 10 hours might be short for constant use at school. Idk
Don't worry about a 10 hour battery life.
10 hours? are you freaking crazy? average battery life for laptops is maximum 5 hours
I think Dell is also best option.
I have the new Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Yoga. Great specs of the Thinkpad X1 series with the flexibility and utility of the Yoga series. It's a bit pricey, even for the most basic model, but I personally think it's worth it.
I think windows is crucial. If you have a mac, just run boot camp
I used a macbook pro running windows through boot camp. Was just fine.
X1 Carbon is good. If you are concerned about battery life, go for X260 with the bigger battery. Can legitimately last a day.
Any thoughts on the T460 or T460s? Compared to the X1, it's only half a pound heavier, and with an arguably better keyboard with the same battery life, seems very attractive.
Why is the consensus that you need Windows? I've had the same Macbook that I bought before undergrad in 2008 and it runs like a dream. I'll definitely need a new one but hate to buy anything other than a Mac.
It's understandable that Windows is necessary for an actual job, when you need to be flying through Excel, but what percentage of business school work actually involves flying through Excel versus other stuff that is largely OS neutral?
A macbook won't be limiting. It will do everything you need. I'd decide on a price range and evaluate the options in that price range according to specs.
I used a MBP thought UG. Worked fine, except for hardcore VBA and modeling. I'd go to my university library and use the computer labs for that, because I could safely store large amounts of data (without running the risk of excel being overloaded). If you must have a Windows, HP, Dell (XPS), and now even Microsoft make great computers (surface).
Best Laptop (Originally Posted: 07/16/2013)
Hey guys I was wondering what your recommendations would be for a good laptop in college. I don't want a MAC because I know some how it will get ruined or messed up and dont want to spend that much money. Thanks for any insight, I would love to spend less than like $700
Just get an iPad.
This should be fine.
http://www.amazon.com/VivoBook-X202E-DH31T-11-6-Inch-Touch-Laptop/dp/B0…
http://gizmodo.com/now-is-a-horrible-time-to-buy-a-laptop-496028699
Lenovo has never failed in my experience and is priced reasonably. Just don't expect to watch full length videos on it.
I'll tell you why I spent ~$1200 on a Macbook Pro 4.5 years ago. I still use it to this day. I'm nowhere near being a fedora-wearing, barista boasting, Apple-fanboy; but, their stuff lasts a long time. My iPod nano is also from several generations ago. I also suggest you purchase their Applecare insurance, only because you can keep using it after it expires. The few times my Macbook has had a problem, I'll take it to the store, and the conversation with one of their "Genius Bar" clerks goes like this: Me: "Hey, something's wrong with my Mac. I really have no idea what's wrong but I need it fixed as soon as possible." Genius: "Looks like there's a problem with your X. Do you have Applecare?" Me: "Yes" Genius: (moments later) "Looks like your Applecare expired two years ago... It's okay, I'll run it as (blah blah) and we'll have it fixed for you anyways, for free."
Everytime. It's really the only reason why I've been able to justify throwing that much money on an overpriced, piece of computing aluminum. There's nothing wrong with buying one of those laptops that cost $500 or so; just be careful the way you treat it.
I'd purchase a Lenovo Think Pad. The computers are indestructable - nearly. I have seen some still running from a decade ago, so if you take care of it, it will take care of you.
Just a caveat, I am not a big fan of WIN8 on desktops, so I would opt for WIN7 until MSFT releases a suitable update.
CS
Oh boy...prepare yourselves fellow monkeys I can just see the questions that'll be on here. "wut laptop will get me into ibanking" "which car will get me into GS"
Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga is pretty cool...
Deleted
I had a poor experience with both Lenovo and Dell. Switched to an HP Envy and can't say enough good things about it. You can easily price one out below $700.
Laptop for Business School. (Originally Posted: 03/27/2013)
I am in the process of getting a new laptop that will last me throughout business school. Is it essential to get a laptop with a number pad? I commute and do not live on campus, therefore, my primary computer will be at home.
No. You can buy USB number pads (not sure why currently out of stock; just bought mine a few months ago):
http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Wireless-Number-Pad-N305/dp/B0034XRDU0p
You are either a troll or a remarkably inept person. Just ask the school. And no, you don't need a number pad.
number pad or not, make sure its Acer's (one guy said its cheap and good).
Just don't buy a a Mac. Don't be that guy that holds up the entire class because your Mac version of MS Excel is not working properly. I hated this in school.
You can buy a Mac...just make sure you have a copy of Windows on Bootcamp :P
Agreed. My wife has a Mac and it is awful. Powerpoint and Word crash all the time. I don't understand paying extra to have a machine that doesn't work with anything else.
Laptop for College? (Originally Posted: 06/12/2013)
Hey guys, I'm about to start college. I like Macbooks a lot. I'm pretty familiar with excel from internships and I really want to break into IBD. I understand that the excel on Macs is pretty crappy. Will having one hamstring me learning excel more? If not, please explain why and if it will what laptop (that's as cool as the macbook pro) do you suggest?
Dell XPS 15z.
The answer to your question is Bootcamp. It's very easy to install Windows and use the native, fully functional version of Excel. Mac is always a good choice, in my opinion - I have owned a MacBook Pro for 5 years, and it was perfect for any task I threw at it. Only swapped to Air since my MBP was really too bulky to carry. Have been using the Air for 2 years now - it's as new and still does everything I want perfectly (including scientific simulations/research and other pretty intensive shit).
Student discount is handy too, I think I saved quite a bit of money with that.
As long as it can process Excel, internet, streaming, etc, you should be good. I got an Acer for $400, and it's done everything I've needed it to. Don't pay for an overpriced Mac
Why, again, do so many college kids buy absurdly overpriced notebooks (i.e. MacBooks)? Forgive me, but having used both systems, there's hardly a difference between Windows 7 and OSX besides a big hole in your wallet.
I guess? My MacBook Pro died completely after only 3 years of regular use. My Lenovo has easily lasted just as long, is just as fast and was a fraction of the cost.
I own a macbook and a cheap ass windows laptop with full keyboard (to use excel). The macbook is better by far and for personal use, is honestly the best computer I've ever used.
Thinkpad X230 or X1 Carbon if you want to spend. They are easy to carry, good looking and functional.
For B-School I'm going with an x230, also, SSD is a must if you're going to spend.
If you can, wait a few months, a few more models using the haswell chipset will be coming out
Mac for aesthetics and ease, PC for functionality and cost. In other words, the question you really have to ask yourself is, do you aspire to be a bearded hipster with skinny jeans, thick black plastic glasses, and a fixed gear bike...or do you aspire to be a normal person.
+1 for macbook, I bought mine back in early 2008 and the battery finally died last year (still works when it's plugged in though) My girl bought her Dell laptop around the same time, and it died in about 2.5 years after that. You get what you pay for....
But if I were to get a non-mac, I'd spring for a Lenovo Thinkpad.
Except for the fact that your girl paid half as much for her computer, and so had a 2x as fast, newer computer for half of the time between 2008 and now for the same cost of ownership. Can't speak for Dell, but Lenovos last just as long as Macs.
check out asus, possibly the zenbook
Windows is King for OS everywhere outside the bay area. Go with the Lenovo ThinkPad T430 or ThinkPad X1 Carbon.
Lenovo ThinkPads are great. I am writing this from one of them.
ThinkPads are great but a tad bit overpriced. You can get an IdeaPad with more power for less.
They are a bit overpriced, but you can usually find good deals. Also, check out lenovo's outlet for some nicely priced machines...
Also... they're easy to upgrade down the line
In the end it's not a big deal and you will learn the Windows version of excel quick enough on the job. I got a mac before I started college and am still using it today (almost 6 years later).
Maybe the new macair with Windows on Parallels and Bootcamp? It's lighter than all heck, and the new battery is supposed to last 12 hours... not too shabby. Just wait till you are enrolled though, so you can get those educational discounts.
high end ultra book running windos 8 with touch screen is the way to go... lenovo and asus machines are pretty solid. mac just too expensive.
it is true that you get what you pay for. but for the same price, i can buy a way faster pc with bullet proof quality and beautiful design
13" Macbook Air + bootcamp Windows 7 = awesome. The New Macbook Airs that came out yesterday can last 12+ hours on a single charge.
Perfect if you want to pay $1,300 for a laptop with less processing power than my cell phone. You can get a comparably spec-ed PC for $400. Sure, it will be a POS, but you could replace it every year of college and still pay less than you would for an Air. Does not compute.
bootcamp is shite on a macbook. It's definitely much better suited for an Imac (the mac desktop) as opposed to the laptop. I would just get the macbook and then purchase a cheap, used windows with a full keyboard for programming, finance, etc. If you ever plan on getting a mac desktop though, then get bootcamp because the mac hardware is far superior to Windows's hardware.
If you're getting a desktop, just build it yourself. You'll save several hundred dollars and you can spec it out with whatever components you want. I assure you that my custom desktop runs 2x fast as Mac desktops at 1/2 the cost.
Also worth noting that I have nothing against the Mac OS. I think it's a perfectly good operating system with many upsides and downsides to Windows. But when you factor in the ludicrous expense of Mac computers, it just doesn't make sense.
NorthSider, for a second year analyst, you sure have a lot of time to spend arguing with random people about an operating system.
Who cares? Both Windows and Mac will suffice for anything that you do in college. I went with Mac because I had a bad experience with Vista, but plan on going back to Windows next time for Excel functionality.
Samsung Series 7 Chronos-all the benefits of Windows (compatibility), but no "Windows update" but Samsung's own, and no HP-nonquality
How long does it take you to type 200 characters?
I agree with you.
As someone mentioned above, try and wait until the new Haswell chips start to be churned out. I know people can make the argument that there is always something better right around the corner, but this time it's not just marketing. True there is a Haswell succesor in the works already that will be better, but this processor isn't a step forward in technology, it's more akin to a leap.
This is Intel's first processor designed to work in low powered mobile devices, whereas previous processors, even Ivy Bridge, were simply pared down versions of previous iterations tweaked to consume less power, etc.
If you can't wait and are looking for an all-in-one device, check out the Lenovo ThinkPad Helix. It's a pretty sweet idea and that design is probably where a lot of notebook manufacturers will be heading with some of their product lines because it provides you with a tablet as powerful as a laptop and the battery life of a tablet.
I'm actually waiting to see two devices...(1) the second iteration of the Window's Surface Pro, likely called the Surface Pro 2, which should contain a Haswell i7 and potentially be fanless and (2) the next version of the ThinkPad Helix. As I was mentioning above, this is a pretty functional device with a great screen and lots of functionality. The form factor is suffering because of the constraints of the last processor, so thinks should be a bit better with Haswell...which should give it all day battery, better graphics, etc.
Regards
I just bought a new Lenovo ThinkPad, absolutely love it
Same here, just received my x230. FYI, Lenovo refurbs are solid, check out outlet.lenovo.com if you're looking for a good deal. You may need to upgrade something here or there, but it'll save you a couple hundred. (more money to spend on beer in B-School)
Actually undergrad. But I'll buy beer anyway
I wish I saw this earlier.
I got a new work laptop a month ago. Originally I was getting a laptop akin to MacAir (Samsung has something that looks very similar but has a better keyboard/specs) because I wasn't sold on Windows8 and the touchscreen business. It was only after I tested and tried my options that I opted for the Vaio Duo 11 (sold out in most stores in HK as it's a pretty popular business option). The main downside to the laptop is the battery life is 4-5 hours.
The new Vaio Duo 13, with the Haswell processor, has twice the battery life. Anyway, for a business laptop I'd recommend the Vaio Duo series. It works well with Windows 8 since I only use a few programs on it - word, excel, folder shortcut to documents, outlook, etc.
laptop recommendations (Originally Posted: 04/16/2013)
I currently have a MacBook pro but I am starting my MBA program in the fall and obviously want to pursue a career in ibanking, so i feel like i need a PC. I am basically just going to use the PC for excel, word, etc.
Does anyone have recommendations for a cheap dependable laptop?
B Schools usually give a list of recommendations and you can usually get student discounts so I would check there.
Lenovo thinkpad. In my experience the school discounts are not worth it.
You can run windows on your Macbook Pro very easily, but it's slightly more comfortable to use a windows computer to run windows. I have a Lenovo ThinkPad in addition to my Macbook Pro and like that as well, so I will second that suggestion.
great, i will look into lenovo. Does anyone know anything about acer?
Dual boot your mac or run some virtualization software
My credibility: 3+ years work at my school computer repair shop.
Asus and Samsung make the best laptops in my opinion. Sony, Dell, and Toshiba make great laptops as well. Stay away from HP and Acer.
Of course, it all depends on the model laptop you buy. All manufacturers offer both high and low end. If you're looking at mid-range, stick to my above advice. It all depends on your budget and needs. I would highly recommend an Ultrabook for the portability and sleek looks, but again it differs based on preference. Before you buy any sort of laptop, I would recommend reading into the specific model you want for at least an hour or two. Since you'll be using Excel a lot, be sure to look into keyboard/trackpad quality because even some top end laptops have shitty keyboards that suck to type on.
Dual booting Windows on your Mac is NOT a very viable option - to be honest using Windows on a Mac is a painful experience. I have to work on this type of setup all the time at work, and I would not recommend it to anyone. Macs are for play, Windows machines are for real work.
If you give me a budget and some personal preferences I'll be happy to give you a few recommendations.
I'd have to disagree. I dual boot my mbp from a few years back and it runs well. So well in fact that I never really use osx anymore. You can use the bootcamp manager to change how your function keys work etc.
To the OP: If you're looking for a new laptop, wait until intel's haswell is released. It is their next big thing, smaller, runs cooler, longer battery life increased performance etc. I want to like ultra-books but the 'sleekness' doesn't justify the price given the lack of performance. I'd just stick with the mbp as apple switched to intel processors and nvidia gpus some time ago. Basically you're paying an extra grand for the laptop because it has an apple logo on the back of it. Internally, it is a 'pc.' You won't have any compatibility issues.
Also, go to tomshardware dot com and post in their forums. Someone their would be able to answer your questions better than anyone here. Threads like this posted on toms end up with someone building a custom laptop and linking it to the op in a matter of minutes. I like to read my tech related news there and anandtech - quality sites with quality forum members.
I bought a refurbished Dell XPS 13 last year with some coupon and right timing. Fan acts like a jet engine sometime, but otherwise pretty good deal with the SSD, ram, size and all that. Whatever you get, get something light but powerful.
pcarson92: ideally i'd like to stay under $500. $300-400 would be great. But if i can't get something dependable for that price i can go over. Like i said, i really just need it for excel/word/powerpoint/basic internet.
For that price get a dell refurb latitude (ultrabook model if you prefer). You can get one sub $500 and it should be pretty powerful.
http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/93302/dell-home-outlet-dell-outlet-30-o…
Plus I see latitudes all the time.
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