Laptop for College, (Mac and Windows File Conflicts?) Help!

by Tlonon May 8, 2009 4:30AM PDT

I'm looking at potential laptops for college, and I would really like to stick with Windows, as I am way too proficient at the Windows Operating System to be able to switch to Apple, but I could settle for an Apple, if absolutely necessary. The only concern I have is the difference in the Operating Systems, as the college that I am attending, TAMU - Commerce, does not seem to side towards Windows. The Computer Labs and Digital Dark Rooms were entirely composed of Apple computers. If I am using Windows, will I have any trouble communicating and sharing my files with teachers, peers, etc? Are there any problems, at all, that you can think of, that would arise from me using a Windows Computer?

I'm majoring in Digital Photography, and I plan on using cross-medium digital media files(JPEGs, Camera Raw, 1080p HD Video, Flash, AIs (Adobe Illustrator Files), PSD's, BMPs, DNGs, etc. I currently have both CS3 and CS4 Master Collections, as well as Adobe Lightroom 2, and I use them frequently. It is normal for me to be running iTunes, Adobe Bridge, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Lightroom 2, Internet Explorer(With 5-6 active tabs), Microsoft Word,Back-Up Software, and 1-2 additional side-programs at once. I'm currently using a Gateway Tablet PC,(OS is Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition) and it simply cannot handle that kind of memory usage.

Here's the current Laptop and Configuration that I am looking at purchasing: http://shopping.hp.com/view_configuration

Any recommendations?

I really appreciate the help, because I would hate to make that large of an investment and then get to School to find out that it was a mistake.

Discussion is locked

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I get an error

by 1shado1 May 8, 2009 8:57AM PDT

Your link isn't working (at least for me).

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Configuration

by Tlonon May 8, 2009 9:47AM PDT

HP HDX16t Premium Series customizable Notebook PC
NK606AV
? Upgrade to Genuine Windows Vista Ultimate with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
? Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor T9800 (2.93GHz)
? 8GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
? FREE Upgrade to 320GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive from 250GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive
? 1GB Nvidia GeForce GT 130M
? 16.0" diagonal High Definition HP Ultra BrightView Infinity Display (1920x1080p)
? Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW Double Layer
? Webcam + Fingerprint Reader with HP Imprint Finish (Fluid)
? Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card with Bluetooth
? No TV Tuner w/remote control
? Full Size Backlit Keyboard
? 12 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
? System Recovery DVD with Genuine Windows Vista Ultimate (64-bit)
? No Productivity Software
? Computrace LoJack for Laptops, Four Years
? HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

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Many programmes running

by deniceels May 9, 2009 12:17AM PDT

As my heading suggest, too many programmes are running simultaneously in which is why XP will struggle. More so since you're running IE with a few tabs as each tabs is like running each instances of IE programme itself (it's a memory hog).

I used to run Ill and PS alongside, but will experience major slowdown as both of them are also major memory users, thus, 8GB of memory will help t run them all. File type-wise, not an issue as since the programmes you've listed are used on both Mac and Win, just ensure that the VERSION that you saved in is able to be opened by the other side (especially office which if you saved in Office 2007, attempt to open in 2003 will give some weird formatting if it's new in 2007).

I've used both platforms as well, as I've both Mac and Win at home, and using Mac n Win in school, so no issue there.

Laptop for College, (Mac and Windows File Conflicts?) Help!

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