2 ms·

That's correct - the first thing I would do with the Thinkpad is install Ubuntu, so it's more of a hardware question for me.

etal 19y ago
If you're open to different operating systems, and a student, it sounds like you could tolerate a not-so-premium setup if it came to that. I'm guessing you're not really a gamer, and probably not doing extreme graphics or video work. In that case, a Thinkpad or MBP might be overkill. Alternatives: 1. Look for cheaper Linux laptops from Dell or HP. I get the feeling that the laptop as we know it is going to change significantly within the next couple of years, at the very least with solid-state hard drives, so why bother with a top-of-the-line machine right now? And, you'll probably be making a lot more money once you're out of school, so you'll be tempted to splurge then anyway. 2. Get one of these newfangled ultra-portables like the Asus eeePC or Everex Cloudbook. (I've been eying the Cloudbook myself.) If this programming thing becomes a habit for you then you might also develop the habit of collecting computers. In that case you could have a "serious" (but still semi-cheap) desktop computer at home, with a decent-sized display and hard drive, do most of your work on it, and also use it as a server of some sort in your home. The ultra-portable would be for, ya know, laptop stuff. (Disclaimer: I'm laughably frugal, and my company also supplies me with a real laptop -- a Thinkpad R61 -- which I like.)
- Zak 19y ago
  Unless you plan on replacing your laptop regularly or not taking it places, buying an HP or Dell may not be the most frugal decision. Apples and Thinkpads have metal frames that keep internal components from flexing and breaking solder joints[0]. Dells, HPs and most other cheaper laptops don't. I don't have any hard data for it, but I think laptops with frames last longer. I know several people who's computational needs aren't demanding who are still using iBooks and Thinkpads made in 2000. [0] iBooks seem to break the BGAs on their video chips a lot anyway, but I don't think any new Apples have that problem.

etal 19y ago

If you're open to different operating systems, and a student, it sounds like you could tolerate a not-so-premium setup if it came to that. I'm guessing you're not really a gamer, and probably not doing extreme graphics or video work. In that case, a Thinkpad or MBP might be overkill. Alternatives: 1. Look for cheaper Linux laptops from Dell or HP. I get the feeling that the laptop as we know it is going to change significantly within the next couple of years, at the very least with solid-state hard drives, so why bother with a top-of-the-line machine right now? And, you'll probably be making a lot more money once you're out of school, so you'll be tempted to splurge then anyway. 2. Get one of these newfangled ultra-portables like the Asus eeePC or Everex Cloudbook. (I've been eying the Cloudbook myself.) If this programming thing becomes a habit for you then you might also develop the habit of collecting computers. In that case you could have a "serious" (but still semi-cheap) desktop computer at home, with a decent-sized display and hard drive, do most of your work on it, and also use it as a server of some sort in your home. The ultra-portable would be for, ya know, laptop stuff. (Disclaimer: I'm laughably frugal, and my company also supplies me with a real laptop -- a Thinkpad R61 -- which I like.)

Zak 19y ago
Unless you plan on replacing your laptop regularly or not taking it places, buying an HP or Dell may not be the most frugal decision. Apples and Thinkpads have metal frames that keep internal components from flexing and breaking solder joints[0]. Dells, HPs and most other cheaper laptops don't. I don't have any hard data for it, but I think laptops with frames last longer. I know several people who's computational needs aren't demanding who are still using iBooks and Thinkpads made in 2000. [0] iBooks seem to break the BGAs on their video chips a lot anyway, but I don't think any new Apples have that problem.