Laptop

[Phoebecaulfield]

This fall I will (probably) be starting grad school in English/writing. My Mac OS has become so decrepit that sometimes the screen looks haunted like that TV from the movie Poltergeist. Must buy a new one before beginning grad school. I'm leaning towards a MacBook Air, but I'm worried this may be a bit too... well, flimsy. What laptop do you use for grad school? 

[toasterazzi]

I currently use a Macbook Pro. I'm pretty solidly in the Apple camp when it comes to computers. It's a matter of personal preference for me. I've had my current computer since 2011. I used to have some qualms about the Macbook Airs, but I think that if I were to get another Mac laptop in the future, I'd probably seriously consider an Air. They pretty much have everything I'd need for what I've been doing. I do love my Pro though. And it's held up quite nicely *knocks on wood.*

[bgguitarist]

Sony Vaio Ultrabook. I'm a writer and an academic, so my laptop never really leaves my side and I needed something both light and powerful to get the job done. Honestly, though, I think that as long as you are careful with the MacBook Air, you'll be fine. That said, I've dropped my Sony laptop several times and she's still going strong.

[Kamisha]

I love my iPad Air. It’s the perfect laptop for an academic and writer (just like all of us here). I am pretty rough on mine--I’ve dropped it about a dozen times in the last two years--and there still isn’t a dent on it. It’s easy to transport and functions perfectly. It also runs both pages and Microsoft word, so it is easy to take it to conferences and use PowerPoint and Keynote. 

[Ozymandias Melancholia]

Another company worth looking into is Asus. They make relatively inexpensive laptops that'll satisfy the lifestyle of an academic, i.e. portable and strong battery life. I recently purchased mine as my previous, super cheap Dell laptop had fan failure. I didn't want to invest any money in a laptop that I didn't find worth customizing, so I researched affordable laptops and stumbled across Asus's models. I've been happy with my laptop since I purchased it. 

[antecedent]

My HP Folio 13 got me through my masters degree just fine. It's light, fast, the hard drive is solid state, and the battery lasts for 6+  hours. The only problem was when it came to dissertation writing the screen was a bit too small/low, which I could have just fixed by plugging it in to one of the lab monitors. Which I just realized now 8 months later. I guess being a Master doesn't always mean your smart

[ProfLorax]

I had the same concerns about the Macbook Air, but I've had mine for almost four years now, and it's the furthest from flimsy. I've dropped it (on carpet, mind you) a few times, it comes with me everywhere, and it never really freezes or slows down. I can't imagine ever going back to a normal sized laptop again! 

[Tweedledumb]

I also have a MacBook Pro, and if I ever get another laptop I'd look into the Air. My Pro is kind of heavy for my meager muscles...but it's been very durable. I'm not exactly easy on it.

[CommPhD20]

A lot of variables here. If you want it just for browsing and research/writing, you don't have to drop a grand to get something that works for you.

 

MB Air will be substantial enough, so don't worry about flimsiness. Small, yes, but the aluminum unibody will be plenty sturdy. You don't necessarily need a computer that expensive, though, so it's up to you. It will work very well and last a while.

 

Something else you might think about, which you can do with Mac or Windows, is get a laptop with a decent graphics card and then connect it to a monitor when you are working at home. You can essentially have a desktop and laptop all in one. You'll need a laptop that has good enough internals to power a larger screen, though, so this is where a more expensive product will come in handy. You'll have some more expensive parts to get this to work on a Mac, but it shouldn't be a big deal.

[Phoebecaulfield]

Thank you for the input, everyone! It definitely eased my worries. I had my mind made up on an Air, but then I found a great deal on a Macbook Pro on Amazon, so I ordered that instead. Hope I don't regret it. Cheers!

[Gwendolyn]

I have a macbook pro and its overwhelmingly the preferred device in my department. In ALL of my courses I'd say 60-70% of people (including the instructor) use MBPs.

[perrykm2]

i love the macbook air because of its ssd which means you can drop it on the ground 1000 times and it never dies. i would recommend it.