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GMATLA
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2012-13 Laptop Discussion 25 Jul 2012, 20:51
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2012-13 Laptop and Software Discussion

The laptop is the single most important tool that you will have while in business school. It will be your best friend or your worst enemy. This is a thread for everyone to discuss the best laptops, notebooks, netbooks, tablets, apps, and accessories for their MBA electronic needs!

Example:

Hardware configuration:
- Model: netbook, notebook, tablet, other
- Screen size: 10" - 17"
- Hard disk space: SSD or HDD?
- Ram: 4-16 GB
- etc...

Accesories
- External hd/pendrive
- Big monitor/s at home
- etc...

Online Applications/Programs
- Office 2010
- Dropbox account
- etc...

Apps
- Note taking apps
- Angry Birds (haha)
- etc...

Consider Making Suggestions Such as:
1. Weight/size/screen size
2. Battery life (longer with smaller screen, assuming the same battery capacity)
3. Fits better on airplanes (may not be a factor for you)
4. I use a dual 24" monitor setup at work/home, so I am satisfying my need for large screens.


Previous discussions:

2011 Laptop Discussion:
laptop-suggestion-113516.html

2010 Laptop Discussion:
2010-laptop-discussion-91450.html
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goblue04
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2012-13 Laptop Discussion 01 Aug 2012, 08:42
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Anyone have any experience with the Thinkpad X230 or T430s?

I think im set on the Lenovo. I like the ease of upgrades (plan to upgrade to 8gb ram and SSD post purchase) and the reliability and build quality im just not sure if I can work on a 12.5" screen when away from home (assuming a dock setup with monitors at home).

Any suggestions would be apprecaited.
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2012-13 Laptop Discussion 08 Aug 2012, 00:01
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I prefer MacBook pro. Don't worry about the office 2010, since Office has the latest version for mac, even they are more user-friendly and the user-interface is fantastic.
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2012-13 Laptop Discussion 22 Aug 2012, 17:19
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I got the retina display macbook pro and I love it.
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NonYankee
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2012-13 Laptop Discussion 23 Aug 2012, 14:22
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goblue04
Anyone have any experience with the Thinkpad X230 or T430s?

I think im set on the Lenovo. I like the ease of upgrades (plan to upgrade to 8gb ram and SSD post purchase) and the reliability and build quality im just not sure if I can work on a 12.5" screen when away from home (assuming a dock setup with monitors at home).

Any suggestions would be apprecaited.
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For the past two years I've been using a Thinkpad X201 (12.5" size, like the one you're considering) and it's great. The keyboard is full-size and comfortable to type on. The size of the trackpad might be something you want to think about, unless you use the signature Thinkpad trackpoint like I do. The screen is big enough to comfortably look at two documents side-by-side, yet small enough to use easily in any situation, even on planes. Plus you get the benefit of great battery life (and light weight) with the 12.5" screen.
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2012-13 Laptop Discussion 28 Aug 2012, 21:13
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I use a MacBook air and it gets the job done fine. Also great for carrying around.
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2012-13 Laptop Discussion 05 Oct 2012, 03:28
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HP Pavilion DV6-7012TX laptop is powered by 2nd generation Intel Core i5-2450M Processor which has 3.10 GHz speed. HP Pavilion DV6-7012TX laptop is featured with 6 GB DDR3 RAM and 640 GB Hard disk drive. HP Pavilion DV6-7012TX laptop is perfect to watch the movies and is also soothing for eyes as it comes equipped with 15.6 Inch Widescreen BrightView LED-backlit Display offering 1366 x 768 Pixels Resolution. HP Pavilion DV6-7012TX laptop runs on Window 7 Home Premium Operating System. HP Pavilion DV6-7012TX laptop has Integrated 2 GB gDDR3 NVIDIA GeForce 630M graphics card.
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2012-13 Laptop Discussion 16 Oct 2012, 03:09
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I use a MacBook air now and it runs great. Awesome!
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2012-13 Laptop Discussion 23 Oct 2012, 11:13
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I have a quick question concerning the usage of MacBookPro (which I have and would like to use):
- How does it work with excel? Do you have to substitute the analysis kit or is it included in the new office version?
- How about data transfer from mac to pc. Does the data not get mixed up sometimes? You probably have to do it a lot between your class mates so I just want to ensure that my mac does not become a burden.
- Same for powerpoint presentations, does it work in practice without bad surprises?
- Is there anything else I have to keep in mind?

Thanks for your help
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2012-13 Laptop Discussion 12 Nov 2012, 21:28
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LasseSchmid
I have a quick question concerning the usage of MacBookPro (which I have and would like to use):
- How does it work with excel? Do you have to substitute the analysis kit or is it included in the new office version?
- How about data transfer from mac to pc. Does the data not get mixed up sometimes? You probably have to do it a lot between your class mates so I just want to ensure that my mac does not become a burden.
- Same for powerpoint presentations, does it work in practice without bad surprises?
- Is there anything else I have to keep in mind?

Thanks for your help
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bump.

curious about these questions as well, as I am currently in the hunt for a laptop
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2012-13 Laptop Discussion 21 Nov 2012, 10:52
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I would wait to purchase a laptop until after you've committed to a school. Certain schools have "suggested" laptop requirements that will make your life a lot easier. For instance, although I love Macs, transferring Microsoft Office files from Mac to PC can cause a headache because formatting can change during the transfer. Moreover, certain schools require you to install software on your laptop that might not be compatible with Mac (without the use of something like Parallels).

Best of luck!
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2012-13 Laptop Discussion 09 Dec 2012, 21:48
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i have dell notebook, i.e Dell "CORE i7" really a nice feeling with it...
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2012-13 Laptop Discussion 10 Jan 2013, 10:53
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I'm thinking a thinkpad, but not sure which series yet. Just to note, do not spend the money on Office 2010, it looks like most schools offer the student version, or a free version through their stores.
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2012-13 Laptop Discussion 17 Jan 2013, 14:56
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I've been using Windows PCs for ages, and switched to a Mac Air about 6 months ago. TBH, while the battery life and weight of the machine are phenomenal, I have missed the easy compatibility options of Windows (and knowing where everything is!). For example, writing to external hard drives from the Mac isn't always possible, unless you download other software to overcome this limitation.

Office for Mac is a great package, but it doesn't always have the features that the Windows version does. I think you can get around most limitations, but I really don't want to have to do that while working late on an assignment at Business School.
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2012-13 Laptop Discussion 18 Jan 2013, 15:36
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goblue04
Anyone have any experience with the Thinkpad X230 or T430s?

I think im set on the Lenovo. I like the ease of upgrades (plan to upgrade to 8gb ram and SSD post purchase) and the reliability and build quality im just not sure if I can work on a 12.5" screen when away from home (assuming a dock setup with monitors at home).

Any suggestions would be apprecaited.
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The X230 is a fantastic machine, based off my experience with the X220. The IPS screen and keyboard are very good. The only problem is that the fan gives an error from time to time during boot - a quick shot of air from a duster fixes it though. The small screen and lack of HDMI-out were undesirable, but on the other hand it's very portable. I'd either go with Lenovo or get an Asus ultrabook.

On the other hand, any people use a tablet exclusively when not at home for b-school?
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travisz
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2012-13 Laptop Discussion 23 Jan 2013, 20:18
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twist is on sale at staples for 699...

so tempting
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2012-13 Laptop Discussion 27 Jan 2013, 02:06
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Sort of piggybacking on prior posts, but not entirely -- has anyone "gone against" a school's suggested laptop? What were the results? In particular, has anyone stuck with a Macbook Pro in the face of PC recommendations? I'm strictly Mac and I'd really rather not purchase a PC if it's not absolutely essential...
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2012-13 Laptop Discussion 27 Jan 2013, 19:11
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I'm absolutely a PC guy (i.e. never used a Mac besides making a fool of myself on my friends' Macs), but I'm considering getting a MacBook Air or something more portable. Not sure if it's the right move considering how much we would need to use MS Office though.
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2012-13 Laptop Discussion 29 Jan 2013, 16:57
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I mean, you can totally use MS Office on a Mac... and the Air is amazing... Just sayin'... ;-)
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2012-13 Laptop Discussion 29 Jan 2013, 16:58
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If you're strictly PC, would also consider a tablet or an iPad with a separate bluetooth keyboard, btw...
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