Three PCs for College Kids (and Their Parents)

The kids and I have learned to agree on the middle ground when it comes to their college PCs. I'm interested in warranties and bang for the buck; they're interested in it doubling as a friend magnet/entertainment center.

This year the middle ground gets easier with PCs like these three from Dell, HP, and Apple. While the gamers might find these choices a bit lacking, kids and their parents will appreciate both the capabilities and the cost.

Dell Inspiron E1505: The compact size (6.5 pounds) is just right for laptop-toting students and the dual core processor (optional) means it's fast. The 15-inch screen is a good size for tired-eyed students and a full size keyboard is important for those long papers.

But it's the addition of Media Center OS and Dell's Media Direct One-Button access that will make it easy to get at music, pictures, and videos from the PC or its remote control. Read more from PC World and PC Mag where the reviewers found it perfect for frugal shoppers with discerning tastes.

MacBook Pro: The Mac may be this generation's jeans equivalent—standard dress code. Apple has made it abundantly clear that it is the machine for college students, and it's hard to argue with their marketing savvy. As if the MacBook couldn't stand on its own merit, there's a killer education rebate where you can usually get a free iPod with your Mac purchase. Visit the Apple Store for Education, type in your school's name, and see what discounts are available.

The MacBook is mouthwatering. Parents will stop agonizing over Mac vs. PC because it runs Microsoft Office and has an Intel Core Duo processor. It's also got fast FireWire, a nice 13-inch screen, a built-in camera (now you can see them when you talk to them), and is lightweight. The iLife software suite, Apple's world class set of productivity tools, gives them instant state-of-the-art publishing tools. And one of my favorite touches is the new magsafe power adapter that attaches to this laptop with a magnetic, not physical, connection. Trip on the cable and it breaks away without taking your computer with it. Prices start at $1,099.

HP Pavilion dv2000t Entertainment Notebook PC: This newest Pavilion is loaded with appeal for parents and kids. It's available with either Intel (dv2000t) or AMD (dv2000) dual core processors and it's got an ample 14-inch screen. Kid appeal comes from things like the rather unusual PC Skins from SkinIt—decorative sheaths to personalize your PC. Skins are available in hundreds of different designs, including your college logo and Greek letters. You can even design your own skin. An integrated webcam and omnidirectional mic make it a creative station and a great way to stay connected with friends, family, and even professors. A Quickplay feature lets you listen to music or watch a movie without booting up the PC, and it's got those nice single button controls for accessing music, video, volume, and more. It comes with a digital card reader attachment and dual headphone jacks; even CD labeling is built-in via the LightScribe technology. Prices start at $1,099. Check out CNet's very favorable review.