How often do you take your laptop to school/class??

Question

I keep seeing portability as a major consideration, but unless you're looking into 7-8lb laptops, I'm not understanding why this is so high? In the classes I've sat in, at least 70% of the attendees didn't have computers on them, hell, most weren't even taking notes. I would assume you bring it if there's something you feel you have to do before making it back home or if you're headed to a study group session?

nink · Answer

That would depend on your own preference and needs.

For example, I carry the laptop in my bag at all times, whether I take it out in class to use it or not. In some classes, professors prefer not to see laptops out because it is more discussion and participation based and note-taking and other activities are not necessary. In other cases, I find the laptop distracting so I choose not to use it.

Then there are classes where I use the laptop to take notes. I used to like taking notes on paper but I realized that if I take the notes on Google Doc or Microsoft Office, I can transfer them to other electronic devices and access them (iPod Touch for example).

Some people use the laptop 90% of the time and others don't use much at all. This has to do with the user's preference, and in some cases people leave behind the laptop because it's too clunky to carry it around. Even when the laptop is only 5.5lb, it feels like 7+ lb when you have AC Adapter in the bag with the laptop.

But in most cases, people carry a laptop or other mobile devices to stay connected (and to do some school work). Portability is an issue only if you like to travel light or if you are female, you carry 2+ bags to class. Many people also use school issued laptops which tend to weight around 5.5lb. They do just fine.

refurb · Answer

My laptop comes EVERYWHERE with me. I might not use it in a lot of classes, but I used it every single day when I'm in study groups, working on assignments, doing recruiting research, just killing 5 min by surfing the web, etc.

I went with the 3lb laptop and it was definitively the smart move. I've often walked to school and thought I left my laptop behind because it's so light.

RF

coaks · Answer

Related question -- how often are you able to access an outlet when you're using your laptop outside of class? I realize this differs by school and location on/off campus, flexibility of study partners, etc., etc. but I was just looking to get a realistic idea of how often you're plugged and how often you end up needing to use your battery.

I like my current laptop and it's less than 5 lbs with battery and charger, but I only get about 60-70 minutes to a charge (terrible, obviously)... Not opposed to getting a new one but I like everything about my current one, save the battery life.

nink · Answer

At most bschools (especially the ones with newer buildings), you should have an outlet in front of you to charge laptop in class. Therefore, if you have a laptop with relatively short battery life, you can charge it in class and use it outside the class on battery. Outside the classroom, there aren't that many outlets unless you go to the library, lounge, computer room, study halls, cafeterias, etc. That's why a lot of us stress portability and long battery life as key features when purchasing a laptop because they do matter when it comes to practicality, compared to extra processing power, and etc. But you don't necessarily have t buy a new laptop in bschool. You can go with your current one and see how it affects your day to day activities. If you realize that you are going to need a new one, it's never too late to buy one after you start school in the Fall.

Av · Answer

I guess I've never looked at the price of new batteries, but wouldn't that solve your problem rather inexpensively?

coaks · Answer

I only briefly looked into getting a battery for my laptop on the manufacturer's website but the impression I got was that I already had the highest capacity "manufacturer-supported" battery. And it's always only gotten 60-70 minutes to charge. But perhaps if it's an issue in the fall, I can dig around on Google for more information about off-brand laptop batteries.

YourDreamTheater · Answer

Yep! Many laptops support an extra battery pack on the main joint. Although they may not be made by the same manufacturer as the laptop, they can often work just as well

Posted from my mobile device

atomjuggler · Answer

Most importantly, how do you subtly watch the World Cup during class using said laptop? I perfected that one today.

VeritasPrepMike · Answer

You probably take your laptop to school every day. I think what you are really asking is how often do you need to take it out during class. I would say very rarely. Many professors don't like people having laptops open during class. It can be quite distracting to other people around you. Even if you are doing it to "take notes," the keys tapping constantly can be very loud and annoying. Keep it in the bag unless otherwise instructed.

How often do you take your laptop to school/class??

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