Ask Engadget: Subnote or full-sized laptop for university use?

We know, the vast majority of you either graduated or got past one more wave of exams this past week, but there's no better time to buy a lappie for school than when you actually have time to enjoy it, right?

"I'm looking to buy a laptop before I head off to college in a few months. I know there's too many choices out there in each category to ask for specific recommendations, but I'm wondering how current students feel about their machines. Is a subnote potent enough for university use? Is an ultraportable a better alternative? Or should I get a full-blown 15- to 17-incher as an all-purpose rig? My future GPA is hinging on your responses."

Let's hear it, bookworms. Is that CloudBook / Eee / 2133 Mini-Note treating you alright? Or would this poor freshman-to-be be better off with something larger? Toss out your opinions below -- friends don't let friends buy the wrong computer. If you'd like our readers to study a question of yours, send us an inquiry at ask at engadget dawt com, capiche?

[Ross @ May 15th 2008 6:34PM]

I have way too many laptops but I just got my 2133 the other day and its been really nice.

[gabe @ May 15th 2008 8:26PM]

more value with a standard issued notebook.

mininotes are interesting - give it a few years and they'll be great.

[Nick @ May 15th 2008 8:44PM]

Thinkpad T61, perfect size lots of power

[Jordan @ May 15th 2008 8:54PM]

def full size laptop. my 13 in macbook is perfect at college. i carry it every day. plus it's the most common laptop on college campuses, so i'm not the only one.

love my macbook

[Marc @ May 15th 2008 9:30PM]

well i'm just finishin up my first year at oregon state university, and my hp 11 incher is great. note it is speced pretty nice, but mostly my lappie is used to type class notes and papers, not much gaming besides the casual stuff like addictinggames.com to kill time in boring lectures. but seriously avoid full sized, i wouldn't go bigger than 12 or 13 maybe 15. but i know a couple kids who are so jealous of mine because they got a beastly 17" and hate to carry it around. so thats my opinion.

[Josh @ May 15th 2008 9:46PM]

I am getting a macbook pro - seems like a 15" should be good enough to replace a desktop while on campus and when home i can look forward to plugging into my 22" monitor..

Of course - i am also a photographer and need the power for photoshop/bridge so a bit different needs.

[JHalls @ May 15th 2008 10:12PM]

I definitely say a full sized laptop, windows or mac.

[Del Hass @ May 15th 2008 10:32PM]

I WOULD ASSUME YOU HAVE ABOUT $1000.
you CAN BUY 2 Lappys

#1 15" DORMBound JerkOff Machine
Keep lurking in slickdeals.net type of websites to get a regular 15" value laptop, they turn out to be the cheapest. or get a REFURB one from DELLOUTLET.

#2 10" productive Carry around machine

Don't take my word for this one. but wait untill mid June at least to see the MSI WIND. it is an amazing 10" UMPC, that actually has a usable keyboard. it's lighter than your regular textbook/notebook.
and it's Darn CHEAP. 399 to start with. maybe an extra $50 for a non sticking out 6 cell battery that will last you over 7HOURS. these same small laptops such as VAIO usually run you $2000.

if you follow this you'll end up with two lappys under $1000

[Del Hass @ May 15th 2008 10:48PM]

I went over the comments, and I know this is a free society and all, but Please, BE SMART and don't fall for the Peer Pressure of These MACHEADS.

Why would one get a OverPriced Macbook. just think how much money goes into Steve Job's pocket from yours.

There is Trendy and there is outright Stupid.

KNOW this, just because you have a white notebook with an apple logo, doesn't mean you are cool.

[tofupunk @ May 15th 2008 11:07PM]

@Del Hass

"just because you have a white notebook with an apple logo, doesn't mean you are cool."

Too true, but it does mean that it hasn't crashed ever for me so far. Not many other notebooks would be as reliable for taking notes in class. I have had a Gateway and a Dell, and they both were way too unreliable. I loved them to death for games, but they crashed ALL THE TIME!!!

So in short- don't get your undies in a bunch, I won't respond to peer pressure, especially yours.

[shadghost @ May 16th 2008 12:55AM]

I would recommend one of 2 configurations (guessing 1.4k or avrage price of a lappy)
1, A eeepc (or simmular) ~ 400 and a 1k desktop for gameing and number crunshing
2, a tablet pc

option one is what i have, i take all notes in class on the eeepc, and game, serf the web, type some papers on my desktop (the papers are about 50/50 desktop vs eeepc)
option two i see a few people with, it translates all notes into electronical forms so you never loose em.

bothe options have there advantages, but just a plain laptop will be a waste, i see so many people who have one laptop, and they would love to take it places but it is just too bulky and heavy for every day use at school, and if it is just going to be a desktop, you loose the power that you could have for spending the money on a desktop

ps sorry for the spelling

[Stacey @ May 16th 2008 1:19AM]

I have a 15" widescreen Dell and a 7" Eee, which I just got. It's nice because I have the full-size to actually work on (you wouldn't want to work all the time on an ultraportable without an external monitor), and the Eee to just toss in my backpack.

If I could go back though, I'd probably compromise with a nice 13" or 14" Thinkpad or Macbook... with a good resolution, it's BOTH usable on a long-term basis and portable.

[Sandra @ May 20th 2008 5:56PM]

My personal method is to have a desktop with the power I want, and a small laptop (tablet, actually) for class. However, I have back problems, so weight was a HUGE issue for me in selecting a device I'd want to carry around, more so than it is for most people.

Other people I know have done great with a full (but not huge) size laptop, 13-15", with a monitor and keyboard for in-dorm.

[Kevin @ May 17th 2008 12:21AM]

@Del Hass

"Why would one get a OverPriced Macbook. just think how much money goes into Steve Job's pocket from yours."

It’s always the people who know nothing about Mac’s that make stupid comments like the one Del Hass made. Yes Mac’s cost more than the average craptop laptop (Win PC) but you don’t get all the problems that come with those cheap lappies (i.e. crap ware, constant crashes, copious operating system problems, the constant threat of viruses, Trojans, worms and the like…)

There is a time when spending more is actually a better buy. Purchasing two cheap Dell’s and one cheaper HP in the same time frame is a hard lesson to learn and more stupid than buying one Mac or a more costly and better quality PC.

[coffee @ May 16th 2008 10:58AM]

If you're a gamer, go ahead with a 15.4" with a good GPU, it comes in handy when not studying.

Otherwise, I'd suggest a 13.3" full notebook system, small enough to carry around all the time but big enough to work on comfortably for hours.

The subnotes will frustrate you if it's your only system, especially if you do more than email/surf/write on it.

[Chuckles McGee @ May 16th 2008 12:23PM]

Really just depends what you want to do. If you plan on taking your notebook to class, definitely go with an ultraportable. Ultraportables don't come with the huge sacrifice in speed and power they once did. I carry a Lenovo X61t to class, gets about 5+ hours of battery, 1.8 ghz core 2 duo, 4 gigs of ram, 7200 rpm drive- handles like a dream. You can keep a big external monitor in your dorm and plug it in for some ultra-high res goodness.

[techk8 @ May 15th 2008 6:34PM]

A full-sized laptop. I mean, students are bound to get bored and play some games, and I'm pretty sure you can't play big games on the EEE or some sort. Unless you want to play emulators.

[Mike Cerm @ May 15th 2008 6:40PM]

I think if you're going to keep a separate desktop for things like gaming and serious number crunching, then a ultra-portable is fine. If you can only have one system, get a portable with more power.

[jn25e @ May 15th 2008 7:01PM]

I vote a sub notebook and a desktop. I have the eee 900 and the keyboard probably isn't big enough to write long papers on. I graduated in 2007 and only had a desktop, but if i had to do it over again i would get a $600 - 700 cheap dell desktop for working on long papers / playing games / burning cd / downloading and playing music and movies. Then have a $550 eee pc 900 for taking notes in class and bringing to library to do work, and $20-40 mouse keyboard for working on long papers in the library. Would prob run you the same amount as a laptop that did all those things not as well.

[adam @ May 15th 2008 7:01PM]

i feel like the person asking really isn't going to play games that require any special computer. if you want to take your computer to class, get a subnotebook, just something with a full keyboard. oh and probably nix the linux, as that's just going to be a little bit of a hassle to deal with all the file formats and such.

everyone i know with little lenovo's or macbooks likes their computers just fine. if you're not gonna be doing "fun"/intense stuff with your computer it doesn't really make sense to waste your time on a bigass laptop

[Shaan Gurnani @ May 15th 2008 7:11PM]

im with jn25e

[Peter @ May 15th 2008 7:39PM]

I bought a Macbook in the Spring before heading off for my freshman year, and then got bored at school and wanted to play some games, but the gma950 just couldn't cut it for what I wanted to do, so instead I hit the blogs, tech sites, and wikipedia, taught myself about systems and built a desktop over winter break to bring back with me for the spring semester. It didn't cost too much, and the Macbook is still much nicer to use than the desktop.

If I could do it all over again, though, I'd probably just get a Macbook Pro instead of the Macbook, but the new ones with the x3100 should be better, if you wouldn't be doing much gaming or aren't planning on doing any video-intensive work. If you will, though, either take a Macbook pro or grab a desktop. Either laptop ends up being portable enough. I know that the eee style machines or the Macbook Air are in now, but nobody is going to call my Macbook a behemoth. THe Macbook Pro is a little bigger, but my roommate had it, and he was fine taking it to class as well. I'm not as sure about the PC side, but as long as you're not grabbing an Alienware or XPS machine or one of those HP HDX's, then most anything should be portable enough.

Last thing, I promise, and it may seem obvious, but if you are at all interested in playing a game on the system from the past 3 years, make sure it has discrete graphics, because intel sucks for rendering.

[Mike MacCana @ May 15th 2008 8:13PM]

I'd get a subnote.

On a college budget, games are best served on a console that doesn't require upgrades every 6 months - they're also a lot more social.

Better yet, stop playing games and spent the time chasing women.

[justin.johnson3 @ May 15th 2008 7:58PM]

If you can, get both an ultra portable and a desktop replacement. I would love to have an eee or similar but sometimes it's nice to have some power (dvd rendering and such). If you get just an ultra portable there will probably come a time where if you had gone the other way some task would be significantly easier. That being said an ultra portable would be great for wandering around campus with.

[Juaquin @ May 15th 2008 8:00PM]

Agreed - I had a 15" gaming laptop (6 pounds, roughly equal to a MacBook Pro) that I took to class and I hated my life. I already had a gaming desktop, so it was really overkill. I got an Eee for taking to class (notes, web, email - does it all just fine) and I have my desktop for gaming, editing, and just having a large screen and full-size layout. I haven't touched the 15" laptop in months - don't need that much power in class, and I have my desktop in my room.

Your best bet is to get a low-priced desktop that meets your needs (if gaming/editing, $1000, if you just need a bigger screen and basic graphics to use as an all-purpose base station, $600) and then an Eee ($400-500) for your class needs.

If you do choose the MacBook route (or even big PC brands like Sony or Lenovo), check out your campus computer store - you can save an extra couple hundred off of Apple's "Academic" prices if your campus store sells enough volume.

[quomen @ May 15th 2008 8:16PM]

I have a 17 incher that I carry around, it's quite reasonable as long has you have a good backpack. It is my only computer so it's quite powerful (Dell M90). If you have a desktop then get something smaller, 13 inches is good. Anything smaller might not be practical because of the reduced keyboard and screen size. The best program that I can recommend to you as a fellow student is Microsoft OneNote. It is AMAZING. I'm not sure if it's available on the Mac OS but it is a fantastic note taking program.

[MrNonchalant @ May 15th 2008 8:52PM]

Most professors at my university frown on laptops in class and I go to a tech school, so don't base your purchase around the idea that you'll have it in class. Besides, a notepad is way better for notetaking until tablets fall in price and gain in utility. That said, there were many times when I wished my 15-incher wasn't quite so big or so heavy. So if you want to take it places, either a small and light 15-incher or something with a smaller display. Definitely not a 17-incher. The other option is to get a desktop replacement primarily for the apartment/dorm and a ultraportable/handheld for on the go. The solution that I have right now is my big 15-incher for my dorm and an iPod Touch for on the go. It's a compromise, but it works reasonably well.

[r3loaded @ May 16th 2008 3:21AM]

I personally have a Zepto 6625 15" laptop. It's powerful enough to play Crysis, but also not back-breakingly heavy to lug it to campus occasionally. The keyboard is also really comfortable to use.

However, if you don't need a machine that powerful, go for a 13-14" laptop as they're much lighter yet still pack plenty of power. Just make sure you get nVidia graphics if you want to play any games and get a high-spec model as laptops are more difficult to upgrade later.

[Sukhminder @ May 16th 2008 5:22AM]

I was in this same situation this past summer. Back at home I had a 360, so didn't really need a gaming machine, but being away from home I didn't even have a TV. I picked a gaming laptop (Asus G1S). It's great for gaming and watching TV (SlingBox & *cough* BitTorrent). The problem is that it is terrible to take to class. It's battery life is too short (~2 hours) and it's relatively heavy, annoying to carry every day.

I'm most likely going to pick up an eee PC or MSI Wind this summer. I would argue that this is a waste of money, but I've already invested in the first computer. For someone who doesn't already have a laptop, I'd recommend the two laptop solution (a cheap (non-gamer) 15" for your dorm room, and a portable one on the go).

[Howard @ May 16th 2008 9:27AM]

Mike MacCana - On a college budget, the availability of games on BitTorrent trumps any hardware savings you might get by buying a console. Also, most people aren't upgrading their PCs every six months...

[Venas Rotas @ May 15th 2008 6:35PM]

pen and paper...

[Venas Rotas @ May 15th 2008 6:36PM]

actually, i used an ibm x24. great portable laptop!

[Justin @ May 15th 2008 7:33PM]

Best option. Most people who take laptops to class don't use them for class (me included). Not to say some classes don't require constant attention.

I'd suggest a real laptop. Don't get one thats HUGE (ie "desktop replacement" ones). I've been fine with my IBM T40. If you're on a budget, you can pick up one in good condition on eBay for < $300.

[Greg @ May 15th 2008 8:01PM]

Nah, I'm far to unorganized for that.
My laptop keeps all my notes, homework, due dates, and assignments in order.
Get a portable laptop, but one that has some power behind it.

[Kasona @ May 15th 2008 11:37PM]

I'll be a junior computer science student next year. I had a full size notebook my freshman year and hated having to lug it around campus all the time. I bought a convertible Tablet PC last summer (got a last-gen HP for about $600 on ebay!!!!) and I think it is the best school purchase I've ever made!
You have the convenience of pen & paper to handwrite notes (just try drawing diagrams and charts on you laptop while keeping up with the prof.) with the power of a full laptop when you need it. Mine is about an inch thick and < 4 lb. so carrying it across campus isn't a problem at all and my battery life is just over 3 hours when I'm just notetaking - I have 2 batteries, so I can easily go all day of classes without a problem.

[MaGiXX @ May 15th 2008 6:35PM]

Full-size

[Elkin @ May 15th 2008 7:31PM]

if your going to a big campus U, better have a portable you can have with you all the time!

[ynx @ May 15th 2008 8:35PM]

A full-sized laptop will be the worst thing in the world if you have to carry it for more than 30 minutes a day. Stick with a 15" that's naround 5 lbs, do your back a favor (heck the lighter the better). Never buy something with integrated graphics, it won't handle games and you might be using that computer for around 4 years.

[vdogg89 @ May 16th 2008 12:17AM]

i have a 15" lappy and boy do i wish i had a 14" cuz its so heavy to lug around campus

[Sukhminder @ May 16th 2008 5:31AM]

I'm supposed to be going to the library now, but I need my computer and can't be asked to carry this beast along with 2 textbooks, so I'm studying from home instead.

From what I'm guessing, it does have an impact on your grades.

[Jaspreet Monga @ May 15th 2008 6:35PM]

Its good to go with something that packs a bit of power but not one that packs weight as well.

A 12.1"-14" laptop is perfect in my opinion.

Used to own an Alienware 12.1" Sentia and now use a Macbook 13.3" and its perfect for carrying around and using in lectures as well as in my room.

[mark @ May 15th 2008 6:55PM]

^ this. But also get a nice 19" monitor for your dorm. When pulling an all night essay session nothing beats having a nice size monitor to work on.

[Paul @ May 15th 2008 7:06PM]

Agreed, 12-14" is nice and get one that's not too heavy with good battery life.

[Ryan @ May 15th 2008 7:14PM]

I agree as well. Something in the lower end but still packing punch. MacBook is a great balance and a great school computer. Or something else that size.

[wesg @ May 15th 2008 7:19PM]

+1 for MacBook + large monitor

[Cameron @ May 15th 2008 8:00PM]

I agree, most people, especially college students do not want to go out and buy two computers, such as a desktop and a subnotebook of some sort. If you feel comfortable with a mac, then a 13 inch macbook is small but still has enough power to do what you need. If you want to stick with a pc, just about every computer company makes a cheap 14 inch, and some do have 12" and 13" options. If you can afford to buy an all out desktop and then an ultraportable to carry from class to class then more power to you, but most people do not have that option.

[Jesse S @ May 15th 2008 8:34PM]

Macbooks are a waste of money, especially if you're not in love with OS X.

They are still a waste of money when you consider how well Thinkpads can run OS X.

[Jason Collin @ May 16th 2008 12:43AM]

I agree, I have a MacBook connected to a 24" Dell and it's awesome to be able to look at two pages in a Word document side-by-side.

As far as MacBook's graphics power goes, I have the newest Penryn MacBook and it pumps out 1080p movies and trailers easily, either on my 24" Dell monitor or 32" Sharp AQUOS (720p) TV.

[Sukhminder @ May 16th 2008 5:26AM]

The problem with a Mac is that you can't play games, especially on a 13". This might be a non-issue if you have a TV and a 360, but many students don't. My flatmate has a Macbook and he loves it, but when it comes to playing games, it's either Risk or Monopoly (board game).

[GujuGuy67 @ May 15th 2008 6:36PM]

I say the best way to go is a full laptop. It doesn't have to be a Toshiba Quismo by any means, but something that will last for a couple of years until the next upgrade.

I recently got a MacBook Pro and found it to be overkill for my needs so take in to account exactly what you will be using it for. Any half decent Mac, Dell, or HP should do the trick though.