University Laptop needed

jad594

Hey guys,

So thanks to my Computer science class and my English class :

*EDIT: The computer science class is only one introductory class to programming (only requires Microsoft office - I am a business student so I do not need anything to program or code - just office).

I need a new laptop.

My budget for a regular laptop is $750 but I REALLY REALLY like the Microsoft surface pro and I am willing to pay $1000 for it - but It does not come out until April?!

The real question is : What do you guys think? Do you think I should buy a laptop for $750 and disregard the Surface Pro? Or should I wait until the surface pro is out.

I really like the surface pro because of its tablet like features (it has a lock button - so I dont need to turn it on and off every time) which is very ideal because for example if I am In English class or CMPS I can easily continue my essay or jot notes down for CMPS.

What do you guys think would be more ideal for me?

*Edit: Many people told me to buy an Ipad and buy a seperate keyboard attachement - I know this is a noob question but can I install microsoft word/excell on the Ipad? I'm sorry but I really do not know anything about Mac.

Thanks a ton!

Metalloy

Ipad is not really professional, get a real computer OS machince, wether OSX or widows is up to you.
Now fo computer science maybe your better off with a windows machines, because of the availability of the softwared you'll need, even between your friends.
Now laptop or surface pro:
surface pro is a really nice peice of hardware, but a regular laptop still feels much more practical, for it has a bigger screen, and with the same price you get much better specs; If I were i would stick with a regular laptop.

jad594

Thanks for your reply - I have edited my post just to make things more clear D:

Joe

Microsoft Office

MS Office is not available on iOS, and you're not likely to see this happening any time soon (as in, very unlikely in 2013). However you still have a few alternatives:

Microsoft Office has a web version where you can read documents and do light editing from a browser.
Check out One Note that allows you to take quick notes on your iPad (you can always format them into a document later at home).
Microsoft is not releasing MS Office on iOS to gain competitive advantage for their tablets. There are other office suites you can consider for iOS, the most obvious one is Apple's iWork. Keep in mind it's not the only ones. There are several suites you can (should!) consider, no matter which platform you're working on.

Other than the Office Suite
It won't matter much. Whether you get an iPad, a Windows PC or a Raspberry Pi, it doesn't matter. The most important thing you need is a comfortable keyboard. English courses and programming courses will make you type constantly. A comfortable keyboard makes a major difference.

It could be a good idea to look ahead if you need any specific software. For instance if you professor is teaching a .NET course, avoid the iPad (and vice versa, if you're taking an iOS programming course, get an Apple product). However, if you're a bit geeky, there's nothing that cannot be done with one that can't be done with the other.

And if you're planning on majoring in CS, get your hands on a Linux system at some point. You'll thank me later.

Conclusion
Get whatever you want, it's fine, but get a kick-ass keyboard.

jad594

Thank you for the cool reply Rahmu - your post really gave me insight on the whole view :D

I called Class and they told me they would install Microsoft on the Ipad for $20 - so I can conclude from your words that I cannot type just read documents right?

Leonedes

As a Surface Pro owner, I can assure you it is extremeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeely practical. After using it, you begin to realize that you really don't need a bigger screen for normal day use. A week later, I turned on my 15 inch laptop and felt that its screen was HUGE!

As to when it comes out, it has already been released on the 9th of February in the US and Canada. It isn't expected to reach global markets any time soon. Although I heard there is a place in Ain el Remmene selling them. In the US, it costs 1130$ excluding tax. (The 128GB version + Type Cover).

Now if you ONLY need Microsoft office, you can always buy the Surface RT. In simple terms, the Surface RT runs Windows RT, which cannot run normal Windows Applications, as in anything that you used to run on Windows 7. However, it does run office! And there is a shy app store for other apps. It's advantages are an increased battery life, and it is slimmer as well! Virgin is selling them by the way, and for a really good price compared to the US. I don't remember exactly how much, I think it was 750$ for the 64GB version + Touch Cover.

In conclusion, if you want to only run Office on a computer that's extremely portable in a tablet form, get the Surface RT. If you want that same portability with more powerful specs that can run all your regular Windows Applications, get the Pro! Otherwise, I'd honestly recommend you to go for Mac, but your budget doesn't permit this.

Joe

they told me they would install Microsoft on the Ipad for $20

I don't know what this means. As far as I know, there is no version of Microsoft Office for iOS. The web version (you access it through a web browser) will allow you to do light editing, but don't expect to have nearly as many options.

As I said earlier, these are not your only options. You can check other Office suites, or other note taking tools.

Metalloy

I guess there's 3rd party office apps but not microsoft's own.

Now please remember no matter what major you are, you'll end up making powerpoint presentations, so again I don't feel like IPad is the best thing for you but it can work.
I will second leonedes, if you can put your hand on a surface RT, it will suit you perfectly, if not maybe a good quality laptop with basic specs? I can recommend a toshiba L850 or s850 based on my experience, both have really good keyboard layout.
If you really want an Ipad get it, you can make it work.

Leonedes

Concerning an ipad, it really isn't feasible at all for office-related (word, ppt...) work. Trust me on this as I have suffered a lot with the ipad to do this stuff. You simply can't connect a USB, then you must find either a cloud-based storage app and a file explorer for ipad, then some office-like app and you will spend your time switching between these apps, its just truly disgusting.