Mac Cost Break-Down

Okay, so after consulting with many people...I'm pretty much sold on the 1899.99 Mac Book Pro...Here is the cost break down...

MacBook Pro - $1899.99
Apple Remote - $19
Canon Pixma iP4500 - $99.95
16GB iPod Touch - $419.00
Subtotal - $2436.95
After Taxes - $2729.39

Rebates
iPod Touch - $319.00
Canon Printer - $99.95

Mac Related Software
VMWare - $44.95
XP - $130.00
After Taxes - $195.95

Grand Total - $2506.39

Actual Cost of the Laptop
$2506.39 / 1.12 = $2237.85
Minus the value of iPod - $369.99 (@Future Shop)
Minus the value of Printer - $99.95
Actual Cost of Laptop = $1767.90

If I can transfer that old XP license over that would save me another $130.00 (or $145.60 after taxes)! I would feel really ripped off buying another XP license if there is one that I bought that is not in use. I'll place my order next weekend as it is the long weekend.

Visit to University

Today was by far the best day of summer! The clear blue skies and warm temperatures made my trip to the university very pleasant. I've never seen the campus look this way before when the trees and shrubs are fully leafed and the walkways are clear of any debris. Perhaps during that school I am too busy to notice it, but today I had the chance to take it in. I felt like just sitting on the park bench and reading a book.
So I went to the bookstore today...and asked the sales associate about the various Intel processors...he was the forth person to tell me that the difference between the 2.4, 2.5, and 2.6 processors is minimal, so I'm not concerned about that anymore...As for the graphics card, a friend told me that it may be worth it to get the 512 card in the Mac for 2399, but that is bringing the cost way to high. The bookstore associate also said that spending several grand for a laptop is senseless, so I'm sticking with the base model. Ram is not a concern for me as Futureshop is(was) selling 2GB modules for $35 online. I did a very detailed comparison between the Dell and the Mac, both have the exact same graphics card. However, there are several places where the Mac exceeds the Dell. The display on the Mac is a high def (1440x900) LED LCD, which is a $200 upgrade on the Dell. The battery life is estimated to be 5 hours. The battery life of the six cell battery will be 3 hours, the extended battery (9 cell) is a $100 upgrade. With those upgrades the price of the Dell exceeds $2000 before taxes, so there is value in getting a Mac (rebate and ipod touch). There are places where the Dell does exceed the Mac; the Hard drive is larger 320 GB vs 200 GB, but I have a 500 GB external so that isn't a concern. Of course there are the Mac related expenses but it is XP and I've heard that I can get the license on one of my old computers transferred over I wouldn't have to buy it.


I think the only way I will get the Dell (Windows) is if they decide to upgrade their processors to the ones found on the new sony's. They support up to 8GB of RAM which is guaranteed to last a while. There is a new HP model at Future shop with this new processor but it is only a 2.0 GHz, but I suspect that many companies will follow. However, for the time being I'm really leaning towards the Mac now. Still I'll give myself another week or so to make up my mind.

Laptop Decision....pretty close...

Seeing that I would dread hauling around a 16.4" screen. I'm really leaning towards the MAC Book Pro...Here is the run down...

• $1899.00 - Cost of Laptop
• $279.00 - Cost of Warranty
• $19.00 - Remote
• $124. 95 - Windows XP
• Optional ($44.95 - VMWARE Fusion)

Subtotals = $2321.95 ($2366.90)
After Taxes = $2600.58 ($2650.93)

• Free Ipod Touch - $319 value = $38.28 taxes
• Free Canon Printer - $100 value = $12.00 taxes

Grand Totals = $2650.86 ($2700.21)

I'm not going to spend the extra money to get Vista because rumour has it that MS will be releasing a new OS in the near future. I could use a new printer, the ink tanks are low (once again) on my current printer ($60 value) and though FS and BB has the Touch for only $279, I'm still saving a further $339...Subtract that from the grand total...and the laptop is only going to cost me $2311.86 (or $2064.16 before taxes).

So the price is acceptable but I'm still a little bit concerned about the processor because I know first hand that they aren't upgradeable...so I'll have to get someone's opinion on that...Chad on Friday? and perhaps the Computer guys at the store.

Course List

Fall 2008

• EVAR 3004 Arhcitectural Technology 1 (14843)
• EVAR 3008 Architecture Design Studio 1 (14844)
• EVAR 3014 Drawing: Freehand/Digital (15442)
• EVAR 4000 Modern Architectural History and Theory 1 (14854)

Winter 2009

• EVAR 3006 Architectural Technology 2 (24654)
• EVAR 3010 Architectural Design Studio 2 (24655)
• EVAR 4006 Modern Architectural History and Theory 2 (24659)
• Elective - EVDS 3250 Advanced Computing in Environmental Design (20694)
• Elective - EVDS 3740 Introduction to AutoCAD (20695)

Laptop Requirements 2008-2009

Apparently we got this "Architecture Order Form" from the University of Manitoba Bookstore Computer Centre in the mail...though I haven't received mine...however, I did receive an email about corrects and a link http://umanitoba.ca/bookstore/pdf/Architecture_Order_Form_2008_web.pdf was provided to view this form. It seems to be directed at both ED2 and ED3 students in the faculty. By the new curiculum, ED2 students are students that have been successfully admitted into the program and I would be an ED3. Now I feel ripped off and screwed over because the ED2 this year will be in a much more competent position than we are.

The form mentions the minimum computer requirements...

• 2.0 Intel Core 2 Duo processor
• RAM - 2GB
• Hard Disk - 120 GB
• Optical Drive - DVD Read/Write
• Screen Size - 13.3" @ 1280x800 resolution
• Wireless Networking (ISO 802.11 b/g or 802.11b/g/n)
• 3 year manufacturer's warranty

Software Requirements include...

• Adobe CS3 Premium - $369.95 ($30 cheaper than what I last saw at the store)
• MS Office 2007
• AutoCAD 2009 SV (Student Version?) - 13 month license - $179.95 (a recurring cost?)

Since the ED2's will be required AutoCAD, I'm thinking that they will be taught it in there Visual Media course...We seriously had WAY too many watercolouring classes! Drafting should have been 2.5 months, Drawing/Watercolour at only 2.5 months and then AutoCAD for 2.5 months and we could have had the choice whether to hand draft OR us CAD for our final studio projects. That was what we should have done. Maybe then I could have gotten a job in Infrastructure at CBSA and use the skills. I could have been an ATS officer rather than just Security. We certainly don't have an AutoCAD course in our course list. Will we be taught the ED2s? Will be taught at all? Either way, I'm not too pleased...unless my friend Jay got into the program, then that would be okay to have a class with him but if he still hasn't heard from them yet chances are he didn't make the list. He really should have taken more than the course he failed to try to boost up his GPA especially if he wasn't working. Perhaps computer usage or something like that but as a friend I can only advise...

New Sony Laptops

Sony is releasing new sleek looking laptops...but unfortunately they aren't the perfect ones...The ideal screen size in my view is 14.1", but they only offer 13.1", 13.3", and 16.4" (and that is not a typo, it is 16.4" and it is wide screen)...It is also available in white on white which is what I prefer but I couldn't find a picture of. It is customizable and everything and I think they feature the lastest intel processors operating up to 2.8 GHz with a front side bus speed of 1066 MHz and up to 6 MB cache. The model that fits my budget is a 2.5 GHz with 6 MB cache. The prices are from the USA site since the Canadian site does not have customize feature yet...

2.5 GHz Core 2 Duo Processor

Windows Vista Ultimate

2 GB RAM

250 GB @ 5400 rpm

DVD read/write

ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 3470 (256 MB of Video RAM)

Price....$1559.99 US

I suspect that the Canadian model will not exceed $1700. All that looks good on paper and on my wallet until I factor in the size of a 16.4" screen...compared to my existing laptop, the height and depth are very close but the width is more than a inch wider and it is slightly heavier...I'll have to wait to see it in stores before making my decision...

The 15.4" Mac is slimmer, lighter and smaller than my existing laptop...oh...choices...

Winter 2009 Courses

EVAR 4002 - Modern Architectural History and Theory 2

• Wednesdays from 1:30 pm - 4:20 pm

EVAR 3008 - Architectural Technology 2 - Building Construction, Structures and Envelopes

• Wednesdays from 9:00 am - 11:50 am

EVAR 3010 - Architecture Design Studio 2

• Mondays and Thursday from 1:30 pm - 04:20 pm
• Mondays from 8:30 am - 12:20 pm
• Thursdays from 8:30 am - 11:20 am

I don't know why Studio 2 is shorter than Studio 1...perhaps Studio 1 will change...it has happened before...

Fall 2008 Courses

EVAR 4000 - Modern Architecture History and Theory 1

• Wednesdays from 1:30 pm - 4:20 pm

EVAR 3004 - Architectural Technology 1- Structural and Sustainable Use of Materials

• Wednesdays from 9:00 am - 11:50 am

EVAR 3008 - Architecture Design Studio 1

• Mondays and Thursday from 8:30 am - 12:20 pm (Lunch) 1:30 pm - 5:20 pm

Elective (3 credit hours)

• I'm not even sure what to take or what I CAN take. Most university courses run MonWedFri or TueThur. Since studio is basically ALL DAY on Mondays and Thursdays, it rules out most courses. Any course I take would have to be a night class, once a week from 7-10...that is dumb!
• I thought of taking Computer Usage, Math in Art, Chinese...Chinese is a 6 credit hour course so that is not what. Math in Art I believe has drawing in it and I think I would have had enough in studio. Computer Usage may be a good choice.
• Also I'm wondering if the faculty has elective courses or a list of recommended courses.
• I may end up taking summer courses next summer to full fill my electives. I have to take another 3 credit hours in my 4th year so I may just take 6 credit hours in the summer.

Existing Laptop Option

The third choice is of course just to use the laptop that I have until I absolutely cannot stand it any longer!

Specs of my Toshiba Machine

• 1.6 GHz Core Duo processor
• 2GB RAM (some sites say my model can support up to 4 GB, but I doubt it)
• 100 GB Hard Drive
• No discrete graphics card
• Age - 2 years old

Advantages

• Allows me to make my purchases in stages beginning with just the software
• I can see from my peers which is better Mac or Windows

Disadvantages

• Long start up time - between 3-5 minutes
• Freezes very frequently when I use CS3
• Slow to load CS3 (Photoshop and Indesign)

Windows Laptop

Advantages

• Cheaper than Macs (Price Range from $1500-$2000)
• More value
• Familiar
• Compatible

Disadvantages

• Vista (I hear Microsoft is releasing its replacment soon due to poor sales) - I would get Ultimate for the extra security features
• Viruses
• Slows down after time
• Requires frequent booting

Option #1 - Sony VGNFZ4000CTO

Advantages

• Brand
• Less Common
• Affordable Blu-ray
• Battery Life* (so they claim)

Disadvantages

• Not the greatest value
• Slow Hard Drive @ 4200 rpm (upgradable but for $$)
• Current Out of Stock
• Graphics Card

Option #2 - Dell XPS 1530

Advantages

• Microsoft Vista Ultimate Standard (or cheap add on)
• Best Value
• Affordable top notch performance based on specs
• 2.0 MP Webcam (1.3 is what the others have)
• Colour Choices
• Cheapest extended warranty - 'covers anything' option

Disadvantages

• Dell - not the best reputation
• Too common

MacBook Pro Option

Option #1 - $1899.00

• 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo with 3 MB Cache
• 2GB RAM
• 200 GB Hard Drive
• 256 MB Graphics Card

Option #2 - $2399.00

• 2.5 GHz Core 2 Duo with 6 MB Cache
• 2GB RAM
• 250 GB Hard Drive
• 512 MB Graphics Card

The Difference?

• Is the difference worth the $500? I see the use in the improvements in the processor and graphics card. The difference between the hard drives does not concern me, since the difference is merely capacity and I have a 500 GB external hard drive. The problem with the processor is that it can not be upgraded. I know that first hand, no matter how many GBs of RAM you put into your computer, the bottle neck will be the processor. That is the problem with the laptop I have right now...

Benefits of a Mac (This is what I've heard or seen)

• 'Free' 8 GB Ipod Touch - must pay taxes but still a $279 value
• Immune (or almost immune) to viruses and spyware
• Fewer (no) freezes
• Built to last (my friend drop his macbook out of his back pack and it crashed onto the sidewalk but survived)
• Well designed and easy to use
• What most ED students have

Disadvantages of a Mac

• Expensive - in a spec by spec comparison, it is the most expensive
• Unable to run AutoCAD - requires the use of Bootcamp and buying a windows OS - which exposes it to 'threats' and is an added cost of $150 to get Vista Basic (Windows stopped selling XP)
• No Card Reader - We take a lot of Pictures!
• Never used one before - can take some time to get used to
• Possible compatability issues?

Laptop for School

Well, I'm more than half way through summer and it is time to start thinking about school...I'll be studying architecture specifically this year and will require a laptop. The recommended specs for this year are not available yet (as usually our faculty is last when it comes to being up to date). Last year's specs were ... 2 GB RAM, 2.16 GHz Core 2 Processor, 100 GB Hard Drive and a discrete video graphics card. I would like my laptop to have at least a 2.4 GHz Core 2 Processor, 200 GB Hard Drive, and no less than 2 GB of RAM (I can always go to 4 GB when Best Buy or Future Shop has their 2GB modules for $40)....I'm budgeting no more than $3000 for everything (laptop + taxes + extended warranty), and that is not including the software as well. I need to get Adobe CS3, I'm thinking premium for $399 and AutoCAD for $199. I already have MS Office, I got the Ultimate Steal for $69.

"Designers" of Drama

It seems like the design career has made an appearance in many TV series lately...I can name three off the top of my head...

• (TVB) The Seventh Day - Kevin Cheng plays an interior designer
• (TVB) The Green Grass of Home - Christine Ng plays an interior designer
• (ATV) If the Moon had Eyes - Some guy (a lead) is an architect

It nice to see that the career of my choice (studying architecture) is getting so much publicity and it is something I can relate to at another level when I'm watching them. Designers have been featured as positive characters in these recent series but many years ago I've noticed that designers were given a bad image, perhaps they were stereotypically self-centered or homosexual....after a year of design school, of course that is isn't true...designers must meet the needs of the client and the budget making it a very challenging career.

My Personal Website

For the most part, my personal webpage is complete and can be found at http://home.cc.umanitoba.ca/~umchianr I'm much more please at this site than my first personal page