Recommend a Laptop For Training?
 

Just curious...do you guys reccommend a laptop for training? I don't own one and I been shopping around and they are pretty expensive, so I don't want to shell out the money if I don't need one...Oh by the way I'm going to Pinnacle...May 14th <--- I knew that question would come too.:D

The laptop is great for the internet, and since you're going to Pinnacle, I used it to review the walk around slides.

Thanks for the insight Silver...see you around

the laptop is also a great tool when you get really bored...:D

You won't need it in class, but if you want to check your e-mail, message boards, and/or are just an internet junkie, you'll want one to use at the hotel.

You can't get on anything other than the company site at work, and you don't get access to that until after your checkride anyway. I say get one if you can afford it.

Get a MAC. You'll never want to touch a PC again.

It was an invaluable tool in training for me, we have a flows CD trainer and they gave us all the slides on cd. Helped a ton when studying on my own. Thinkpads are nice. I've used them for work in previous jobs. I love em. They can be pricy but they are well put together, powerful and decent on battery life. Built in wi-fi, bluetooth, little keyboard light so you don't wake up your roommate while studying and they aren't honking ass big! Thats important for us being as were all over the place. Makes it easier to transport. I have a T60 and I love it. I used to have a toshiba Satellite, a MAC Powerbook, one of those Alienware gaming laptops and an off brand laptop. The Thinkpad is my favorite. the MAC was cool, but it lacked everything that I was already familiar with. I had one for about a year and gave it up for a Thinkpad. I think the MACs still have a long way to come in the software department. Things just aren't as readily available for them and there isn't much of a variety. Which sucks because I loved my MAC. They are damn solid machines.

Thanks guys...good comments

Keep and eye on Dell. Every now and then they have some great sales or have a computer on clearance. The one I'm using right now was over $2500 retail but I got it for less than $1200.

and someone said that pilots get discounts from Dell... hmm... i'll see if i can't find that thread and link it

http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/sh...=discount+Dell


http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/sh...=discount+Dell

Do not get a HP Pavilion dv6000. I have had one for 2 weeks and have had to replace 2 batteries already. In addition HP's customer service hotline is answered in India. Luckily I purchased the extended warranty from the store, and they have replaced the battery no questions asked.

I would also stay away from Vista for a while. I have programs occasionally crash, and the system locks up every now and then. However, the security is much better than any pc I have used.

My wife has a Mac, and we have never had ANY problem, spyware, or virus. If I didn't want to play games I would buy a MAC.

Some airlines give out training materials that are for computers don't they? I'm planning on getting a MAC but have been wondering if there will be any compatibility problems. I'm guessing they should be all negated now being able to run windows and all (just as a backup in case the product doesn't work in OSX), but I was just curious if anyone had any insight.

Think you should find out about the specific company first. At XJT for example they really didn't give us anything to put on our own computer (proprietary materials and what not) but there was a CBT lab for anything you were expected to know (FMS, walkaround program, etc). Some companies are the opposite. I believe Piedmont sends you a bunch of software and stuff to teach yourself the systems and what not before you even show up for training. Bottom line is this: don't buy a computer because you think some airline you might go to might give out training software. Most don't.

About the only thing I used mine for in training was watching DVDs, email, IMing and porn.

So yes, a laptop is VERY important for training. :p Keep in mind that some company websites will only run properly under IE. The Mac version of IE doesn't count unfortunately.

I would say Apple is the was to go especially since new windows emulators are incredible. Any windows software will run perfectly on Apple equipment (with the emulator), if you must use it. I may even say better. With my new MacBook (laptop) I got for $1049 I never have to run/buy anti-virus software and I have never received a pop-up in 6 months use. If your are unfamiliar will the operating system no worries. My advice can be summed up with these few terms; common sense, click and drag, and just as you move from one aircraft to another brain dump all knowledge of your past equipment (Windows).
Cheers,
Happy Mac user

I picked up the HP dv2000...hope it works fine. The Microsoft Vista is kinda cool though...but thanks for everyones input. Fly safe!

I went to Wal-Mart. For a total of $1300 a year ago I got a sony VAIO 15.4" widescreen with 2gb memory and a 6gb hd w/double layer dvd writer. Best part is a year later I still love this thing. Battery could be better but I very very rarely ever use it in a place I can't plug it in easily.

And it fits in the backpack, right?:D Sorry, couldnt resist.

I sold my thinkpad. I'm using a Smith Corona now.
http://www.hiandlomodern.com/IMAGES/...writercomp.jpg