You may not use your computer for memory-eating gaming or need it for its high-power computing capabilities, so when it comes to watching videos on our computers, chances are, we don’t put much thought into just how powerful our laptop is. But, we’re in college! You can’t say you don’t use YouTube, play an online game here or there…or at the very least, appreciate some good graphics.

Like many of us,  your computer was probably your graduation present so it won’t be you forking over your hard-earned cash (lucky!) for an upgrade. But if a brand new PC wasn’t waiting for you on graduation day or you just need something a little smaller/faster/better, it’s time to start thinking about what you need in a laptop. (There is more to them than Facebook and AIM.)

When you watch videos you probably take for granted what it takes to get them there so allow us to break it down for you:

Every computer has a video card which determines the quality and capabilities the machine has to display images. So, why should you care? Because even if you’re not editing feature-length films on your PC, you’re going to want a decent video card to do the regular stuff (like a DVD or YouTube or Hulu…)

Take the Dell Mini 10v Notebook, for instance. It’s low price ($349!), portability (it’s so little and cute!), and color options (almost any color of the rainbow) make it a definite contender if you’re looking to upgrade for next semester. The graphics card is an Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 which is standard and fine if you’re looking for the basics…and I mean BASIC.

Not a PC gal? The 80 GB Macbook Air is SUPER portable (.76 inches thick!), but at $1799, it’s expensive for what it is. It boasts an 80 gig hard drive and the same integrated Intel graphics card as the Dell mini (meh)…but only one USB port and no FireWire, Ethernet, or mobile broadband connection, which may not work well for a collegiate user or anyone who uses a mouse…or a keyboard…or a thumbdrive…

The Fujitsu LifeBook U810 starts at $999, which is a deal for its 40GB hard drive and ultra-portable 5.6 inch screen. But, it’s diminutive size sometimes works against itself, as some have said it’s controls are, at times, difficult to use compared to larger computers. With a laptop this size you can’t argue with 1GB of memory, but in terms of graphics, its integrated Mobile Intel Express 945GM is only okay. This is designed for if you want to be the quirky one with the 5 inch laptop – it looks cute and will fit in your purse, but not extremely practical.

The Asus Eee PC 1000 has the largest screen you can get in a netbook at 10 inches and since it’s a totally reasonable $599, it won’t break the bank. Like the other options, it’s 1GB of memory and 40GB hard drive seems to be standard, but what may throw you off is its use of Linux instead of Windows. Its integrated Intel 915GM graphics card is decent as well.

Finally, after checking out these other netbooks, the HP dv2 is definitely your best bet, especially if you’re looking to get the most for your money. It’s 12 inch screen is large enough to not give you a migraine if you’re writing a term paper and it’s 320GB hard drive blows it’s competitors out of the water. And at the end of the day, we ARE talking about graphics here, right?

Well the dv2 totally delivers with an ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3410 graphics card, which, in non geeky tech terms, means you can watch blu-ray movies and play games in amazing quality. It runs Windows Vista (has gotten a bum rap and I never have problems) and has a 6-cell battery which is awesome because, with a computer this size, the life of the battery will last longer than ever. The dv2 is really walking the line between ultra-compact, portable and powerful. And with a price tag of $799 you really won’t find a better deal.

1. The Dark Knight.

It’s a sad irony that Heath Ledger steals the show, after the film got so much publicity following the young actor’s death. Heath Ledger’s death made millions of people flock to the movie, but the truth is, it’s actually effing good. Ledger looks like a lock for a posthumous Oscar as well. Only time will tell.

2. Wall-E

Tell me you weren’t rooting for Wall-E and Eve, and I’ll tell you you have no soul. This cute, witty, futuristic animated tale was a favorite among audiences of all ages.

3. Cloverfield

With an innovative marketing strategy – remember those bizarre commercials guised as pleading cable interruptions? Cloverfield kept us on the edge of our seats and brought the “monster movie” genre to another level with its documentary-style cinematic techniques. Think Godzilla meets Blair Witch.

4. Gone Baby Gone

Ben Affleck’s latest screenplay, starring brother Casey Affleck, Morgan Freeman and Ed Harris has all the makings of a blockbuster: A-list author, lustworthy lead, and two powerhouse Hollywood phenoms. Did I mention the suspense and the action?

5. Milk

2008 was truly a time for change. Though we elected our first black president, we also lost a few steps of progress when California retracted the rights of gays to marry. What better time to release a film about Cali’s first openly gay elected official, Harvey Milk? This powerful piece, starring Sean Penn, depicts the tragic assassination of San Fran’s first gay mayor by none other than a former city supervisor.

6. Sweeney Todd

Maybe I’m biased, because Johnny Depp could do a film version of Blake Fielder-Civil’s time in jail, and I’d still pay to see it. But the musical Sweeney was a ground-breaking effort by Stephen Sondheim, and a great excuse to put the equally eccentric Depp and Helena Bonham Carter together to recreate the story of “The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.”

7. High School Musical 3

All good things come in threes. And you know you wanted another chance to see Zach Effron, Vanessa Hudgens, and “The Tiz” on the silver screen one last time. Who cares if we’re in college? High school musical is the stuff that girl’s nights out are made of. Extra butter on the popcorn, please.

8. Quantum of Solace

The highly anticipated, newest installment of the James Bond chronicles features hottie Daniel Craig and takes off only days after the shocking ending of Casino Royale, in which notorious ladies’ man Bond lost his lover. No time for tears, though, as this film immediately thrusts our hero into another jampacked ride to fight consipiracy.

9. Sex and the City

Well it took ten years, but Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha finally made it to the big screen. And it only took 300 pieces of H Stern jewelry for us to find out Big’s full name, and to see Carrie finally get her glass slipper (or, rather, blue Manolo) and live happily ever after.

10. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

A freaky-deaky plot involving a baby who was born as an old man, ages in reverse, and finds love somewhere in the middle is at least a creative diversion from the cliche’d spectacle we usually see in the cinemas. Plus, it’s Brad Pitt. Think of this film as a fantasy version of The Notebook, and go see it. NOW.

Sure, it seems overwhelming; sure, sometimes you want to break down and cry; but at the end of the day, you love what you do, and you’re proud of the fact that you can accomplish an exponential amount more than most mortals. And you know that everything you do will benefit you in the long run.

I love to feel useful, so it’s always been hard for me to say “no” to picking up an extra shift, or doing an extra project. When I was in high school, I worked part time, was active in drama club, cheerleading, amnesty international, gay/straight alliance, dance classes, and, senior year, I edited the yearbook. And I did it all while making honor roll each semester. In college, I wasn’t so active in extra-curriculars, but I held down two restaurant jobs, took a full course load, and partied my face off, while making Dean’s List. You can call me a nerd; I just think I have a severe case of ADHD that’s never been officially diagnosed.

That said, Wonder Woman, I know the meaning of stress, and I know the importance of staying organized. Here are some of my own personal life-saving tips.

1. Write everything down.

In fact, write everything down multiple times. I feel relaxed just by rifling through my brain and coming up with a list of what needs to get done, and when. Carry a planner, so you don’t have to rack your brain if someone asks what you’re doing Saturday, November 15 at 3:30 p.m. Tape a list of upcoming homework assignments next to your bed, and cross off each completed task when you’re finished. Instead of doodling during a boring lecture, write the list over again, and come to grips with what projects are the most urgent (eg. you need to start them NOW).

2. Use every minute of free time.

Have a half-hour break between classes? Email your professor while you scarf that bagel. Do that “busy-work” assignment that’s been in the back of your head – the one that’s so simple you can’t bring yourself to start it. Lunch break at work? Bring your English book and read a chapter instead of gossiping in the smoking lounge (and by smoking lounge, I obviously mean that obscure space outside the back door where everyone huddles around a butt can). You’d be surprised how much you can get done in little intervals… and you might even find that you’ve suddenly got a large interval of time to spare.

3. Condense Your Tools.

When you’re on the go, forgetting one thing can ruin your day and cause a mega-meltdown. Instead of having a folder, a binder, and a notebook for each class, get a five-subject notebook and one of those accordion folders with dividers for handouts. You’ll only need to grab the same two things each day. Plus, instead of having an assignment book, a date book, and all that fancy shmancy stuff, grab a planner that has a section for everything you might need, all in one. Still not efficient enough? Try…

4. Using Technology to Your Advantage.

My favorite tool on my Macbook? The “Stickies” application. I have notes open (in all different colors, of course), for my banking and credit card info, upcoming assignments, important email addresses, etc. As long as you have your computer, you’ll never lose them or accidentally throw them out; they’re easier to manage than rifling through a hundred pages to find one reminder; and they can conveniently disappear behind your Microsoft Word or Firefox windows, OR you can set them as a “floating window” so they’re always visible. Blackberries, iPhones, and other digital instruments can work to your advantage, and send you preset reminders so you never forget.

5. Stay clean.

This is the most difficult for me, a self-proclaimed slob and packrat. But if your papers are all over your desk, you’re not going to find your Spanish notes before the exam. Hell, even if your clothes are scattered on the floor, you might freak out if you can’t find the blouse you just NEED to wear for your business class presentation. Knowing where everything is, and how to locate it will make things a thousand times easier for you, and, in a crunch, you can probably get help from your roommate, friend, or a family member (such as when you’re stuck in bumper to bumper traffic but have to hand in an essay in twenty minutes, and your dear, sweet, darling roommate agrees to find your USB stick, print your essay on her computer, and meet you outside your dorm to pass it off as you spring to your deadline).

6. Plan ahead.

Finished everything for today? It might be easy to crash on the couch and watch SoapNet reruns for hours, just so you don’t have to think. But then you might be stressed again tomorrow. Look at your calendar, and see if there’s anything you can get a jump start on, or anything you can work on now to give yourself time to party like a rockstar on Saturday. Forcing yourself to work when you’re beat might seem like cruel and unusual self-discipline, but as a fellow workaholic, I can affirm: we did this to ourselves.

7. Take Time to Recharge.

Sure, I just said to plan ahead. And you should, if you’re up for it. But if you can barely keep your eyes open, it’s time for a nap; even if you still have one more little thing to do today. Running yourself into the ground will have drastic consequences, including sloppy work and a bitchy attitude. Besides, if you are a stellar multi-tasker, you’ll learn to plan ahead your time to recharge. Look at your calendar- if you know you have back-to-back midterms, a twenty-page paper due, and a monthly meeting, it won’t kill you to take a shift off from work. Or, if you’re on top of your game in class, you can use your free skip day when you know you won’t be missing much, and rest up with little guilt. People as busy as we are can appreciate every minute of free time, so if you treat yourself to an unexpected break, even a half-day can feel like a million years.

These are my own personal tricks to staying collected even when I feel like I’m on the brink of erupting in a volcano of anxiety. On the bright side, the waves of stress come and go, I’m NEVER bored, and at the end of the day, I can sit back and see a variety of products that I made happen. People ask me if I’m on crack, and I’m not. Just a billion milligrams of caffeine. And I wouldn’t change my lifestyle for the world.

How do all the other supergirls of the world deal with their hectic schedules?

[Photo courtesy of www.crystalcreekproducts.com]

Let’s be honest: anyone can pop on a necklace, carry around a $500 hobo bag, and call it a day. To be a true pioneer of style, you should learn to strut your stuff in truly unique ways that no one will copy.

Regarding bags, why not go for one that is actually supposed to carry stuff rather than just look good? True, you can stuff an awful lot of crap into a hobo bag, but laptop bags are a great way to rock some style while keeping your computer safe. And if you’re going to walk all over town or lug your textbooks to class, you can customize a backpack for a really cool and personal look.

And have you ever thought about a beautiful umbrella? They say the greatest inventions are marriages of function and design—and if that’s true, an eye-catching umbrella is the equivalent of a couple that’s been happily married for at least 50 years.

As long as you’re out and about, why not pimp out your ride? No, I’m not talking about your car—gas prices are through the roof, and one great way to save is by buying a bike you love and adding personal touches until you love it even more. You don’t have to go as all out as this guy did, but just a little bit of style is never a bad thing.

Finally, remember when you were in third grade and you doodled on all of your notebooks? Well, now is the time to do the same thing, only in a more refined way. With the pennies it costs to buy a few craft supplies, you can really make a statement and be unique by personalizing your school (or work) stuff.

What are your best tips for accessorizing unusual things?

[Image courtesy of flickr.com.]