Computer Science Canada

Desktop PC Vs Laptop For Computer Engineer /or Computer Programmer
Author:  hallowon [ Fri Jan 01, 2010 2:16 am ]
Post subject:  Desktop PC Vs Laptop For Computer Engineer /or Computer Programmer
So after shedding more than $1800 on a new gaming computer, I decide to bring my desktop PC to university next year. Now after having dinner with my university friend, she tells me all this university stuff that they expect you to have a laptop. Now, she is in humanities, while I am going into computer programming/engineer(undecided). My question is:
Does university really expect you to have one?
Personally, how did a laptop help you?
For computer programming majors can i get by with pen, and paper during lecteurs? What time will i need some sort of computer?


I have about 790 dollars left of spending money, and I would rather save that ,but if i must i can shed about 400-500.

I am also aware of the sticky above this forum, and would like more input.
Author:  jbking [ Fri Jan 01, 2010 2:42 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Desktop PC Vs Laptop For Computer Engineer /or Computer Programmer
This could depend on which school you are planning on attending, so stating that would help. However, to answer your specific questions:
It wasn't expected when I went but those were the years 1993-1997. Laptops back then were rather bulky and not common as well as network connections not being the same as they are now.

I got by with pen and paper for lectures, though in some cases the professor may make the slides they use in lectures available or there may be course notes that you may be told to read before class as the idea may be to go beyond what is in the notes.
Author:  Tony [ Fri Jan 01, 2010 2:56 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Desktop PC Vs Laptop For Computer Engineer /or Computer Programmer
hallowon @ Fri Jan 01, 2010 2:16 am wrote:

Does university really expect you to have one?

No.
Quote:

Personally, how did a laptop help you?

Useful if you want to carry a computer to different places, and work outside of your room or computer labs.
Quote:

For computer programming majors can i get by with pen, and paper during lecteurs?

I was not aware that there existed a major in "computer programming", but if it's anything like Computer Science, then it will be mostly Math, in which case one is better off with pen and paper. In just about all of my classes, the majority doesn't bother with laptops, there is simply no need. This might be different for liberal arts, but I find that a lot of courses either provide printed course notes, or make the slides available online -- greatly reducing the need to copy material (after all, we are there to learn the material, not just transcribe the professor).
Quote:

What time will i need some sort of computer?

There will be some programming assignments in CS. You'd need to type up reports in CE.
Author:  hallowon [ Fri Jan 01, 2010 3:04 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Desktop PC Vs Laptop For Computer Engineer /or Computer Programmer
hmm you are write about the pen and paper thing for math for CS.
So i might just go full on desktop pc then, or i could buy a netbook for a cheap price. Been searching around i do agree mobility is good.
Author:  Dan [ Fri Jan 01, 2010 3:29 am ]
Post subject:  RE:Desktop PC Vs Laptop For Computer Engineer /or Computer Programmer
One plus of having a laptop that is not normally considered is for giving presentations. Most of the class rooms here at Lakehead have a PC and projector however if you are giving a demo it can help to have your own hardware.

Most universities have 24 hour computer labs, so even if you did not have a computer at all you could write up reports/papers and do programing assignments.

If you don't care about gaming, 3d graphics or anything that needs high system resources i would get a laptop (so you can take notes and class and for presentations). If you want it for other applications i would get a desktop as you will get more for your money.

If you are going to get a netbook, make sure you can type on it. Alot of them have very small keyboards or odd mouse layouts that can make them hard to take notes on. Also as tony pointed out alot of lectures contain content that would be easier to write out on paper.


Personally i went with a desktop replacement style laptop (very low mobility but lots of power and a big screen and keyboard). It's had it's ups and downs. Lakehead has outlets for laptops in most class rooms so battery power is not an issue (i get about 1 hour to 3 hours depending on the cpu, gpu and other power settings) however it's size and wegth have been made it a pain to move around and unuseable in class rooms that have cheap plastic notebook tables attached to the chairs. On the plus side i only need A laptop and not a PC for all my needs and i can use it any where there is a power outlet (the battery is relay more of a very good UPS). In terms of usefulness to the academic side of things, it has helps a lot for running servers, high graphics programs and simulations during presentations and demos.
Author:  rdrake [ Fri Jan 01, 2010 4:42 am ]
Post subject:  RE:Desktop PC Vs Laptop For Computer Engineer /or Computer Programmer
I use mine mostly for working on assignments and projects. In the first couple of years I had to take more general science courses which didn't really require a laptop. That and math like Tony said.

Seconding picking a laptop with portability. You don't want to be lugging around an extra 10 lbs in addition to textbooks and everything else. A netbook would be great if you can stand the small screen and keyboard. Just use your desktop for any assignments that require the extra horsepower.
Author:  x30Jx [ Mon Jan 04, 2010 10:52 am ]
Post subject:  RE:Desktop PC Vs Laptop For Computer Engineer /or Computer Programmer
Realistically, how feasible is using a notepad/pen for CompSci Classes rather than a laptop? This is what my big brother suggested but I think this sounds a little unhandy.


And to the people saying stuf like "10 pounds on top of all of your books..." ...just make pdfs out of your text books.
Author:  Superskull85 [ Mon Jan 04, 2010 11:43 am ]
Post subject:  RE:Desktop PC Vs Laptop For Computer Engineer /or Computer Programmer
Personally I carry around a HP Pavilion with Windows 7. It has plenty of hard drive space if I need to dual boot and/or install special hardware and it has enough power to do any task I need a computer to do.

Yes it's a little heavy, but if you put your laptop in a backpack with any required textbooks for class (it's my experience that you rarely need to bring textbooks to a lot of classes; just make sure you are aware of the material before class). If the material is in my backpack, and on my back, I barely notice I am carry much.
Author:  Vermette [ Mon Jan 04, 2010 12:00 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Desktop PC Vs Laptop For Computer Engineer /or Computer Programmer
If a CS course says you're required to have a laptop, I would think it's an intensive practical course that involves doing work in class (but why not in a lab?) or giving presentations. The only rationale for bringing a laptop to a lecture is that you're much faster at typing notes than writing them down. Unless you have a wicked shorthand Pen&Paper still rules if you are writing down math and diagrams. If you plan on doing anythig else in class with your laptop (including writing code) you are being a distraction.

Outside of the class, laptop vs PC is a completely personal preference but I understand a lot of people in dorms prefer the laptop to deal with lack of space.
Author:  wtd [ Mon Jan 04, 2010 12:53 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Desktop PC Vs Laptop For Computer Engineer /or Computer Programmer
As a reminder...

Good, fast, cheap. Pick two.

Whether a desktop or a laptop, you will have to make this choice. My suggestion is to make "good" a priority. You will not want to waste time futzing with your broken computer while at school. A broken computer right when you need to write a paper might mean the difference between passing a class or not.
Author:  Dan [ Mon Jan 04, 2010 2:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: RE:Desktop PC Vs Laptop For Computer Engineer /or Computer Programmer
x30Jx @ 4th January 2010, 10:52 am wrote:
Realistically, how feasible is using a notepad/pen for CompSci Classes rather than a laptop? This is what my big brother suggested but I think this sounds a little unhandy.


In some cases i would say it is more feasible since it is easier to draw the diagrams and math equations on paper then with a laptop.

Quote:

And to the people saying stuf like "10 pounds on top of all of your books..." ...just make pdfs out of your text books.


Personally i just did not take my textbooks to lectures, there is normally no point. Some labs and tutorials however require you to bring the text which can be a pain.
Author:  x30Jx [ Mon Jan 04, 2010 4:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: RE:Desktop PC Vs Laptop For Computer Engineer /or Computer Programmer
[quote="Dan @ Mon Jan 04, 2010 2:34 pm"]*selfsnip*

In some cases i would say it is more feasible since it is easier to draw the diagrams and math equations on paper then with a laptop.

What would be wrong with, for example, wolfram alphaing the graphs/equations and importing them into the document you were working with, or using another software that you could create the diagrams and equations in and then just import them?

Quote:

*selfsnip*

Personally i just did not take my textbooks to lectures, there is normally no point. Some labs and tutorials however require you to bring the text which can be a pain.


Exactly.

Not to mention that there are these glorius inventions called BAGS which let you carry stuff without your hands Cool. It would be pretty easy just to stuff a macbook, a text book (MAYBE two) and y'know, a meal in a bag/messenger bag and be off.
Author:  chrisbrown [ Mon Jan 04, 2010 6:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: RE:Desktop PC Vs Laptop For Computer Engineer /or Computer Programmer
x30Jx @ Mon Jan 04, 2010 4:57 pm wrote:
What would be wrong with, for example, wolfram alphaing the graphs/equations and importing them into the document you were working with, or using another software that you could create the diagrams and equations in and then just import them?

Because in the time it takes you to do that for one formula, you will have missed the rest of the example. Instructors move very quickly and usually won't wait for you to keep up.

Get a laptop for written notes, but don't bother trying to trick yourself into thinking a computer will help you take math notes.
Author:  x30Jx [ Mon Jan 04, 2010 9:09 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Desktop PC Vs Laptop For Computer Engineer /or Computer Programmer
that's valid. UNLESS JOO HAVE A TABLET!!!

Very Happy
Author:  Dan [ Mon Jan 04, 2010 9:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: RE:Desktop PC Vs Laptop For Computer Engineer /or Computer Programmer
x30Jx @ 4th January 2010, 9:09 pm wrote:
that's valid. UNLESS JOO HAVE A TABLET!!!

Very Happy


I have tried using an HP laptop tablet for taking notes and was very unimpressed. It could just be that model had a crappy touch screen but it felt rather unresponsive and i could never get the handwriting recognition to work.

If you do want to go the tablet way, make sure you test it out in the store first to make sure you could aucataly see your self taking notes on it.
Author:  Superskull85 [ Mon Jan 04, 2010 10:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: RE:Desktop PC Vs Laptop For Computer Engineer /or Computer Programmer
methodoxx @ Mon Jan 04, 2010 6:49 pm wrote:
x30Jx @ Mon Jan 04, 2010 4:57 pm wrote:
What would be wrong with, for example, wolfram alphaing the graphs/equations and importing them into the document you were working with, or using another software that you could create the diagrams and equations in and then just import them?

Because in the time it takes you to do that for one formula, you will have missed the rest of the example. Instructors move very quickly and usually won't wait for you to keep up.

Get a laptop for written notes, but don't bother trying to trick yourself into thinking a computer will help you take math notes.


You can use a laptop to take math notes (I do). You just have to approach the material a little bit differently.

You can enter equations and such in a word processor quite easily if you make use of some programming skills and convert them to more visual equations after class. You can most likely find similar diagrams in your textbook(s), and, after class, you can either add in a reference to that diagram or a replica of the diagram into your notes. You also need to read the textbook before and/or after class to stay on top of the material.

So far I am able to use a laptop in every class at university (McMaster). Also, for me, there are a lot of advantages (and of course some disadvantages) of using a laptop to take notes and bring to class.

Pros:
    You do not have to worry about not having paper, your pencil breaking (or your pen running of ink) nor having to worry about where to place your notes when you binder/clipboard gets full.
    If you lose your physical copy you are able to print another copy easily (assuming you have a printer, or you are willing to pay)
    You are able to produce well organized and legible notes. Because your notes are digital you could upload your notes to your friends or back them up in the cloud.
    If you need to look up something fast, you can easily connect to a hotspot and find the information (may not be usable for essays or similar, but you are able to find answers to questions that you may have quickly). This pro doesn't really help in fast paced classes though.
Cons:
    Depending on your laptop it may be a bit heavy to carry around and/or may not fit well on your lap/desk. I would get a 15-17 inch notebook (or any netbook) as they fit reasonably well on your lap and on most desks. Anything bigger than that will be a pain.
    You may actually type slower than you can handwrite.
    Depending on where you sit within your lecture hall/classroom you may not be able to use external power sources, though if you only have 1 hour classes you should be able to go through the entire class on minimal power. My HP Pavilion stays about 50 % battery live on minimal power during my hour lectures. In between classes (if you have time) try to plug in your laptop so that you can charge your battery a bit. Also try to sit in seats near walls so that your can plug in your laptop during a class.
    You will most likely have to operate on minimal power during class, which, depending on the class, you may need more than to run applications (though you usually only have to do this in tutorials).
When I go to class I always bring two things: my laptop to type notes, and a clipboard with paper, a pen and a pencil if I really need to handwrite notes, or my laptop stops working for some unusual reason and cannot fix it during class (or do not have time to do so). I will also carry any textbooks that I really need to bring to class (usually slower classes require you to bring a textbook to class to do exercises).

The laptop I use is the HP Pavilion DV7-3060CA. Pretty cheap laptop (under $1000), 500 GB hard drive space, 4 GB of memory, 2.40 GHz AMD dual-core processor, 17 inch display, Windows 7 Home Premium and about 7.69lbs. Little bit on the heavier side, but the job. You can get the laptop here: http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=&webid=830067&affixedcode=WW
Author:  Alexmula [ Mon Jan 04, 2010 10:56 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Desktop PC Vs Laptop For Computer Engineer /or Computer Programmer
i use a laptop (lenovo t400.. very durable.. 6+ hours of battery life.. 14 inch screen) for all my university classes aswell

for my history classes i typed pretty much everything since it was very fast paced

for math classes i used a wacom tablet (costs about $60-80) very accurate handwriting. onenote is pretty good in terms of organizing all your notes

for CS classes i used both the tablet or just typed the notes. most of the time we were given PDFs, so i just copied them over to onenote

if you have a question, you can just google it real quick Very Happy wolfram alpha for math classes

some of the cons of using a tablet is that your hands might get tired faster because youre not used to it. you also have to write on the tablet while looking directly at the screen Laughing
Author:  wtd [ Mon Jan 04, 2010 11:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: RE:Desktop PC Vs Laptop For Computer Engineer /or Computer Programmer
Superskull85 @ Tue Jan 05, 2010 11:22 am wrote:
The laptop I use is the HP Pavilion DV7-3060CA. Pretty cheap laptop (under $1000), 500 GB hard drive space, 4 GB of memory, 2.40 GHz AMD dual-core processor, 17 inch display, Windows 7 Home Premium and about 7.69lbs. Little bit on the heavier side, but the job.


With the exception of the DanBook, I cannot think of another laptop more poorly suited to life at school.

Poorly built, heavy, terrible battery life...
Author:  syntax_error [ Tue Jan 05, 2010 2:31 am ]
Post subject:  RE:Desktop PC Vs Laptop For Computer Engineer /or Computer Programmer
Call me old fashion, but man I love my pen (ink) with thick quality paper.

It works.

If needed for you to have a digital copy have no fear, Evernote is there.
Author:  Brightguy [ Tue Jan 05, 2010 6:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: RE:Desktop PC Vs Laptop For Computer Engineer /or Computer Programmer
Superskull85 @ Mon Jan 04, 2010 10:22 pm wrote:
You can enter equations and such in a word processor

Do yourself a favour and look into LaTeX. Very Happy
Author:  Vermette [ Tue Jan 05, 2010 11:39 am ]
Post subject:  RE:Desktop PC Vs Laptop For Computer Engineer /or Computer Programmer
I tried writing latex notes in one class (Computational geometry). It was fine for the proofs, but I still had to go back later and revise it after the class to make it readable... and I was making enough doodles off the blackboard that I still needed a sheet of paper. I started doing \ref{paper3} in the latex notes and numbering the drawings on the paper. Razz

I DO however fully endore using LaTeX+XFig for written assignments.

I found the best system to be a 5-subject notebook. If the course is using lecture notes I also print them out and write in the margins.
Author:  chrisbrown [ Tue Jan 05, 2010 4:28 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Desktop PC Vs Laptop For Computer Engineer /or Computer Programmer
Off-topic, but DanBook? Now I'm curious...
Author:  andrew. [ Tue Jan 05, 2010 7:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: RE:Desktop PC Vs Laptop For Computer Engineer /or Computer Programmer
methodoxx wrote:

Off-topic, but DanBook? Now I'm curious...


DanBook:
Dan @ Fri Jan 01, 2010 3:29 am wrote:
Personally i went with a desktop replacement style laptop (very low mobility but lots of power and a big screen and keyboard). It's had it's ups and downs. Lakehead has outlets for laptops in most class rooms so battery power is not an issue (i get about 1 hour to 3 hours depending on the cpu, gpu and other power settings) however it's size and wegth have been made it a pain to move around and unuseable in class rooms that have cheap plastic notebook tables attached to the chairs. On the plus side i only need A laptop and not a PC for all my needs and i can use it any where there is a power outlet (the battery is relay more of a very good UPS). In terms of usefulness to the academic side of things, it has helps a lot for running servers, high graphics programs and simulations during presentations and demos.
Author:  [Gandalf] [ Wed Jan 06, 2010 7:02 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Desktop PC Vs Laptop For Computer Engineer /or Computer Programmer
I highly recommend against taking notes in any math related course (this applies to almost all theoretical computer science) with a laptop. It's slower, you'll spend more time tinkering with the tools than with understanding the material while you write, you don't gain the muscle memory you do when writing stuff out (which is after all what you do during tests), you're more prone to distractions from an IM or whatnot, etc. But, if you don't believe me, gain your own insight by trying, I won't stop you. Razz

Tablets are a different story.
Author:  Brightguy [ Wed Jan 06, 2010 9:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Desktop PC Vs Laptop For Computer Engineer /or Computer Programmer
Personally I don't think you are being fair, Gandalf. Typeset notes are simply more useful overall. The biggest downsides I've found are recording diagrams and that you have to compile the notes before studying them.
Author:  Superskull85 [ Wed Jan 06, 2010 10:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: RE:Desktop PC Vs Laptop For Computer Engineer /or Computer Programmer
Brightguy @ Tue Jan 05, 2010 6:40 am wrote:
Superskull85 @ Mon Jan 04, 2010 10:22 pm wrote:
You can enter equations and such in a word processor

Do yourself a favour and look into LaTeX. Very Happy


For me it's a lot easier to simply use Microsoft Word and type equations as if they were an expression in programming code.

I also find it faster to type as I pay attention to the lecture more actively and type more passively (instead of focusing a lot on the paper to make sure I am writing on the lines). As for diagrams, I find it easier to use words over diagrams, and if I do need to find a diagram my textbook provides the resources I need. Also I do not do math exercises using my laptop as it is faster for me to work out answers that way.

To avoid the distractions simply do not launch any programs that may distract you; just a word processor and/or a web browser if you need to obtain quick answers.

You can use a laptop to take any kind of notes, for any class, as long as you know the software you use, its shortcuts and anything that will make your input to the computer fast and understandable. Also instead of typing word for word, take bigger chunks of material and type that out at once. You will be able to type faster if you already know what you need to type. Another skill to have is being able to type without looking at the screen or the keyboard (I find that this really helps).

Each person has their own needs and likes, but you should be able to use a laptop to take notes effectively, you just need to find a way that works for you. Smile
Author:  Brightguy [ Thu Jan 07, 2010 12:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Desktop PC Vs Laptop For Computer Engineer /or Computer Programmer
It may be easier, but Word is really not a good tool for dealing with complex equations.

Incidentally, I moved from Word to LaTeX because of Word's poor mathematical formatting, but now I think LaTeX is more logical and useful even for documents with no math. Instead of typing into a rich text box, you open a text editor and type programming commands. This might seem obtuse to those who have never used a programming language, but those who know and love programming languages probably see the power and flexibility that this offers (and complexity, which is probably the main reason LaTeX isn't as popular as it should be).
Author:  jdubzisyahweh [ Thu Mar 04, 2010 9:01 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Desktop PC Vs Laptop For Computer Engineer /or Computer Programmer
get a Sweet gaming desktop and a net book, much better idea than getting a crappy gaming laptop that would be less powerful than a desktop.
AMD based desktop can handle motherboards and ram with 2.6 ghz of front side bus, lapttops and intel based systems handle only 1.3ghz.
Want power( though is WAY OVERPRICED) get intel, want blinding speed and more powwer than what u need anyways, GET AMD!!
AMD's best vprocessor is their 3.2ghz black edition quad (wich is overclockable) and has a fsb of 2.6ghz, most new motherboards handle this.
Author:  DemonWasp [ Thu Mar 04, 2010 9:54 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Desktop PC Vs Laptop For Computer Engineer /or Computer Programmer
Front Side Bus speed is not everything. Nor is CPU clock rate. Neither actually tells you much about the speed of the device (there are 1.6Ghz CPUs that outperform 2.2GHz CPUs, and so forth).

The memory architecture for AMD is very different from Intel's. Blindly comparing a single number is lies, damned lies. There are a lot of factors that make 1.3GHz vs 2.6GHz mean less than nothing.

Both AMD and Intel produce powerful CPUs that will be able to handle pretty well all your computing needs at reasonable prices. As always, don't buy the super high-end stuff, buy something that's about 6-12 months old and you'll get a vastly better deal.
Author:  Dan [ Thu Mar 04, 2010 10:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: RE:Desktop PC Vs Laptop For Computer Engineer /or Computer Programmer
jdubzisyahweh @ 4th March 2010, 9:01 pm wrote:
get a Sweet gaming desktop and a net book, much better idea than getting a crappy gaming laptop that would be less powerful than a desktop.
AMD based desktop can handle motherboards and ram with 2.6 ghz of front side bus, lapttops and intel based systems handle only 1.3ghz.
Want power( though is WAY OVERPRICED) get intel, want blinding speed and more powwer than what u need anyways, GET AMD!!
AMD's best vprocessor is their 3.2ghz black edition quad (wich is overclockable) and has a fsb of 2.6ghz, most new motherboards handle this.



The new intel CPUs are 3.2GHz (3.46GHz Trubo): http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=37151

Also the new intel motherboard's FSB is acuataly clocked closer to 3.2GHz however intel is mesuring FSB is transer rather then clock, eg. GT/S (gigatransfers per second).



Gaming laptops can offer simular specs to desktops however the cost is singificantly higher, they are rather large and have almost no batterly life. Persoanly i like the desktop replacment style laptop as i can bring my main computer with me to the office, class and home as well as use it for games, servers and other CPU or graphics intensive tasks (which is usefull if you need to do a persentation that invloes a protype of a server, game or visualization of some kind).
Author:  jdubzisyahweh [ Fri Mar 05, 2010 11:17 am ]
Post subject:  RE:Desktop PC Vs Laptop For Computer Engineer /or Computer Programmer
LAPTOPS DONT COME CLOSE TO THE POWER OF A top end DESKTOP($1300-5000)!!!!
THEY ONLY DID 20 YEARS AGO
how does gt/s compare to ghz??????
GOOD MOTHERBOARDS for the i1366 socket in the $100-200 are WAY MORE EXPENSIVE and lower performing than amd compatible mobo's
LASTLY
Intel TURBO IS A WASTE!!!!!
its better to manually overclock a cpu cuz then you get higher ghz than you would with TURBO
TURBO though is great for laptops being that they get limited cooling and there are few with bios ocing.
the I7 would be better liked without the turbo function and at a 50% lower price
+amd is coming out with a new hex core
Author:  Dan [ Fri Mar 05, 2010 12:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: RE:Desktop PC Vs Laptop For Computer Engineer /or Computer Programmer
jdubzisyahweh @ 5th March 2010, 11:17 am wrote:
LAPTOPS DONT COME CLOSE TO THE POWER OF A top end DESKTOP($1300-5000)!!!!


You may want to check out eurocom, they make "mobile workstations" which are laptops that basicly use PC CPUs. For example there "EUROCOM D900F Panther Workstation" can be costmized with a 3.33GHz 4 core i7-975 (top of the line intel cpu) or an 3.33GHz Xeon Processor. It can hold up to 4 hard drives, up to 12GB of ram (DDR3). May of eurocom's models support the newest Nvidia chips inlcuding SLI (laptops with mutiple video cards working togther).


Also please don't use ALL CAPS so much.
Author:  chrisbrown [ Fri Mar 05, 2010 12:19 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Desktop PC Vs Laptop For Computer Engineer /or Computer Programmer
First, please stop using caps lock, you're only making yourself look bad.

Second, if you're going to make claims like that, at least provide some source. There's no evidence to back any of them. Your opinions typed in capitals don't count, btw.

Thirdly, are you suggesting that an i7 without Turbo would be priced around $150? Turbo is just a safety net for those who want to overclock but have no idea what they're doing. It's not a $150 feature by any stretch.
Author:  Turing_Gamer [ Fri Mar 05, 2010 12:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Desktop PC Vs Laptop For Computer Engineer /or Computer Programmer
Desktop is better in performance and graphics (if you have the necessary cards) but isn't at all portable.
Laptops, on the other hand, can be carried around but don't run as powerful as the desktop.
Author:  andrew. [ Fri Mar 05, 2010 5:08 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Desktop PC Vs Laptop For Computer Engineer /or Computer Programmer
I think it's safer to say that in general, laptops don't deliver as much performance as a desktop for the same price.
Author:  Turing_Gamer [ Fri Mar 05, 2010 5:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Desktop PC Vs Laptop For Computer Engineer /or Computer Programmer
Agreed
Author:  USEC_OFFICER [ Fri Mar 05, 2010 5:23 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Desktop PC Vs Laptop For Computer Engineer /or Computer Programmer
WAIT! If you are going to post anything inane, add a random fact, then it is not inane anymore. (Right?)

Fact: Fance has 200,000 homeless people.

Also I believe a programming laptop is good if you don't need much power and get inspritation throughout the day and you need to program now. Else I would go with the desktop. You can upgrade it as needed.
Author:  SNIPERDUDE [ Sat Mar 13, 2010 10:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: RE:Desktop PC Vs Laptop For Computer Engineer /or Computer Programmer
USEC_OFFICER @ March 5th 2010 wrote:
Fact: Fance has 200,000 homeless people.


That's a pretty precise number. So for every homeless person that dies in France, another person is made homeless?
Author:  revangrey [ Sat Mar 13, 2010 11:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Desktop PC Vs Laptop For Computer Engineer /or Computer Programmer
@USEC_Officer: if the fact isnt relevant than I don't think so... (but I am sure you know this deep down)

@SNIPERDUDE: I think you know what he meant Very Happy

On topic:

I was just wondering at the number of desktop vs laptop users in university...

Could anyone who is in university currently tell me what the majority goes with?

...and this might be too late to ask but could someone make a poll of desktop vs laptop users at the top?
Author:  BigBear [ Sun Mar 14, 2010 5:41 am ]
Post subject:  RE:Desktop PC Vs Laptop For Computer Engineer /or Computer Programmer
From reading all of your opinions I don't think I will be buying a laptop for university next year. I will be bringing my fairly new 2 year old computer with me.

One thing I am wondering though is when your not in a math course but actually a programming course wouldn't having a computer be helpful so you can try out things as you are being taught?

Are most classes like this in computer laps and thus laptops are not needed again?

Also to me I understand why desktops have higher specs for cost but the unless you are doing graphics design or other system intensive programs your average laptop should be fine. With about 2.0 dual core, 2 -3 gigs RAM.

Then again my previous computer was a 300 mHz CPU 128 mb RAM which I still use from time to time.

I still think brand new computers are like race cars for street roads.

Another possibility is tablet which would save having to fix your notes after class, which might also be a good refresher.
Author:  yoursecretninja [ Thu Mar 18, 2010 9:53 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Desktop PC Vs Laptop For Computer Engineer /or Computer Programmer
Quote:
One thing I am wondering though is when your not in a math course but actually a programming course wouldn't having a computer be helpful so you can try out things as you are being taught?


That seems like a logical conclusion to reach. However, the code is actually not really important. It's the concepts, programming patterns, and algorithms that matter. You'd be better off paying attention to what is going on conceptually (listening and taking notes while the professor teaches), than monkeying around with how things work mechanically (i.e. analyzing and executing programs while the professor teaches). Professors generally post code that was reviewed in class on the web anyway, so you can check it out after class if you're interested.

As contrary to logic as it may seem, I use pen and paper for my math and programming classes (except assignments of course). In fact, the only class I actually use a computer in the classroom, funny enough, is my technical writing class, but that's because we share a lot of documents electronically and do a lot of in class writing and peer review sessions.

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Are most classes like this in computer laps and thus laptops are not needed again?


Obviously, this depends on your school. But at Brock most computer science classes are taught in classrooms lecture style and generally have a seminar component for discussion and a lab component (in a computer lab) for hands on work (not teaching). I'd imagine things are similar elsewhere. Can anyone else confirm?

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Also to me I understand why desktops have higher specs for cost but the unless you are doing graphics design or other system intensive programs your average laptop should be fine. With about 2.0 dual core, 2 -3 gigs RAM.


This is a matter of preference. It's a tradeoff between price-performance-reliability-convenience. But an important thing to consider is reliability. Laptops are more prone to failure (e.g. overheating due to poorer ventilation or mechanical failure due to wear and tear). A desktop is more likely to be sit on your desk and keep working.

Here's a little personal story for you. I had four computers: two desktops, a laptop and a netbook. My laptop died about a year ago when the logic board failed. I used to use it all the time and considered replacing it. However, after a couple weeks, I didn't miss it at all. In fact, I also have not even used my netbook over the past year either. I do my school work on my desktops or in computer labs where I can work at a desk and without distraction. When I'm out and about at campus and need to access the web to check email or facebook or whatever, I just use the iPod Touch in my pocket - and that's a lot easier to carry around than a laptop was. Moral of the story, when I had a laptop, "I needed a laptop;" When I had no laptop, "I did not need a laptop." For me, I realized it was not worth the expense over a desktop.

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