Question:
Computer for 1st year of college
I need to buy a computer for my first year of college. My college has an expensive laptop program for sophomore year (it's an art school, and our major will determine the kind of computer and types of programs needed), but I don't think I can go a year without a personal computer. I need to be able to store a lot of music, play games, and do normal computer tasks. What are the specs that will support this?
1) What is your budget?
My mother is ridiculous and thinks that we can get a used laptop that will suit my needs for around $300. I'm willing to offer up $400 of my money to pay for it, so basic budget is $800-1000, or less if possible. I'm looking at the refurbished macs at the apple store.
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Storing music... I have around 4000 songs, plus videos, etc. Also, I want to play The Sims 2 + expansion packs, and do everything else that computers are supposed to do (iLife.)
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?
The Sims 2 + expansion packs
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
Preferably, apple, if that is not possible with the budget, then anything but gateway.
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
at least 3.
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
no.
9) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in?
US
Screen Specifics
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
I don't know.
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
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.
Widescreen
d. WXGA or WXGA+ - 1280x768/800 or 1440x900; Wider viewing version of XGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
e. WSXGA+ - 1680x1050; Wider viewing version of SXGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
f. WUXGA - 1920x1200; Wider viewing version of UXGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
I don't know.
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
don't care.
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
I'm into macs, and I'm going to art school, so aesthetics are important to me.
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
Within the next month, and I need it to last a school year + however many years as a home computer.
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB?
I don't know how much I need.
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
DVD-CD/RW
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Answer:
Re: Computer for 1st year of college
Hmm...I'm not exactly an expert, but you might want to take a look at the refurbished Dell Latitude D620 at the dell outlet for around $750. And i'm pretty sure the Quadro NVS 110m can handle sims and it covers the battery life you want...basically it meets most of you're requirements and its within you're price range
Answer:
Re: Computer for 1st year of college
This is a great deal
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellsto...=en&oc=D80711F
i think this is what im getting and considering the specs you cant beat the price for the technology.
Answer:
Re: Computer for 1st year of college
I personally think HP's inexpensive notebooks are better than Dells. Perhaps something like the Compaq V3000 or HP dv2000. The noted D620 will be better built, but the battery life performance reports have shown some wide variances. Plus you can customize one at Costco and get a six month return policy should things not work out.
Answer:
Re: Computer for 1st year of college
what is the least amount of RAM I could get?
Answer:
Re: Computer for 1st year of college
For gaming you should consider 1Gig RAM, and at least 80GB HDD for storing lots of your music collection.
Answer:
Re: Computer for 1st year of college
I personally would get the 512MB. You can then upgrade to 1GB if PC5300 for the same amount HP will charge you for the upgrade. Plus you'll have an open slot for upgrades.
Answer:
Re: Computer for 1st year of college
Well, I didn't end up getting a PC... I'm more of a mac person, and a found an amazing deal on ebay. This is what I got:
9 month old iBook
with PowerPC G4 Processer @ 1.42 GHz
1 GB RAM
100 GB Hard Drive
Mac OS 10.4, Tiger
iLife '05, iWork '05
DVD/CD-RW Superdrive
14 inch screen
Airport extreme
bluetooth
6 hr battery, etc...
I got it for $900, which is awesome.