Question:
cheap college laptop for school only
1) What is your budget?
<1000
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
small. Definitely not the huge one and probably not the super small one, but small is important.
b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Writing papers, using programs for class, researching on the internet.
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
Taking it places
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
no
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
indifferent, although I'll be enrolled at the University of Oklahoma, which has a Dell 12% off thing I think. www.dell.com/ou
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
I guess the more the better.
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
no
9) What country are you buying this in?
U.S.
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
standard
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
I don't know :\
Standard
a. XGA -1024x768 - Large and easy to read text + graphics icons, but you fit less stuff on the screen.
b. SXGA - 1400x1050 - Compromise resolution between XGA and UXGA.
c. UXGA - 1600x1200 - Very small text and graphics icons, you can fit lots of stuff on the screen.
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Doesn't matter, whatever is cheapest.
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
no.
14) How long do you want this laptop to last?
3+ years
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB?
<40gb, and I would prefer a faster hard drive than a bigger one. (If I could get a 20gb 10,000 rpm hard drive, that would be ideal.)
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
CD rom/DVD player is all, no writable is necessary
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I already blew 1300 on a built PC that I will use for music storage/games etc.. I want my laptop to be quick but simple as I will try to set the precedence that when I am using the laptop, it is 100% work time. No goofing off. Thanks for any comments, this site is great!
Answer:
Re: (yet another) laptop for colleg!
you should consider the dell e1405 or for something better built, the dell d620.
Answer:
Re: (yet another) laptop for colleg!
The Dell e1405 is a great option for you; low-priced with decent quality and a nice keyboard. The 14" form factor is easy to transport.
The Latitude D620 is more expensive, but has signifigantly improved durability and better overall quality. Service is also better with a Latitude.
Answer:
Re: (yet another) laptop for colleg!
Does anybody else think the Lenovo Thinkpad R52 might be a good choice? It has all the essentials and coming from the business section of Lenovo, is built to last.
Good luck,
Brett
Answer:
Re: (yet another) laptop for colleg!
Thanks for the replies! The thinkpad looks good, but does it offer the same in terms of rebates? I should get the 12% rebate thing from college from dell, but can't figure out how to work it. Is it nullified if Dell auto-slashes $150 or something? Thnx for any help for a comp n00b. :D
Answer:
Re: (yet another) laptop for colleg!
I actually think the Dell e1405 is a better option and better value than the ThinkPad. The D520 is a also a possiblity but the D620 is also a great choice.
~ Brett