Question:
Future college student looking for a good laptop
I will be attending college this fall and am looking for a laptop to purchase. I would consider myself pretty experienced as far as computers go, but it never hurts to get a few other opinions especially when dealing with a purchase like this. So, here is the information:
General Questions
1) What is your budget?
I'm looking at around $1000, but if it went a little higher, I'd be alright.
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
3) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in.
Done.
4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
I am open to any brands, but specifically am looking at Dell or Toshiba. If possible, I'd like to stay away from Sony...I've had bad experiences with their software in the past (not that that makes any difference).
5) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Mostly, I will be doing word processing and web surfing, but I also plan to use the laptop for video editing (not HD).
6) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
Mostly I will be taking it between home and school.
7) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
Most of the games I would play would most likely be on the internet, but I would probably play a few old favorites like Command and Conquer on it every once in a while.
8) How many hours of battery life do you need?
I would expect somewhere between 2 and 4 hours of battery life, but more if possible.
9) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
Not particularly.
10) What OS do you prefer? Windows (XP or Vista), Mac OS, Linux, etc.
I'm really open to different OS's. If I got an Apple, I would almost definately want to put Windows on it to double boot.
Screen Specifics
11) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
Widescreen.
12) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
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.
Any of these are fine.
13) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Does not matter.
Build Quality and Design
14) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Not as much as functionality.
15) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
At least a couple years, possibly longer.
Notebook Components
16) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 200GB?
I will most likely purchase an external hard drive as well, but around 100 GB would be nice to have.
17) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
DVD-RW/CD-RW drive.
I've been looking very closely at the Dell e1505 Inspiron. This appears to have many of the things I'm looking for. My family owns a Dell and we have had a pretty good experience with it. However, I know that Final Cut Pro runs only on OS X and is one of the best video editors around. The only way I would really purchase a Mac would be if I got the MacBook Pro, which is much too pricey for me at the moment. A third option I've considered is the Toshiba A205-S4607. Best Buy is having a deal this week where it is only $1049.99 ($200 off). I've been debating whether to go with 2 GB RAM or stick with 1 GB and save a little money. Anyways, thanks for your help and if you need any more info, let me know.
Answer:
Re: Future college student looking for a good laptop
can I ask why 15-16"? WHy not 13 or 14? My first uni laptop was a 15.4". I went against the smaller screens because I thought it'll be nicer to watch movies on it. Honestly though, I watched maybe only 10 DVDs on the machine, which would have been as fine on a 14.1" as well. If I had to decide again, I would go for a smaller laptop, because I had to carry than 6.5lb beast everywhere with me.
So I would say aim for a laptop which weighs < 5.5lb.
Someone in the DELL forum mentioned they got a D630 with 2GB Ram and 2.0GHz core 2 duo and I think 120gb 5400rpm for something around $1100. If you could get something like that, it'll be sweet.
Answer:
Re: Future college student looking for a good laptop
i would buy a dell as soon as possible. right now they have coupons up to $500 off so you'll get the best laptop for the money
Answer:
Re: Future college student looking for a good laptop
i have the 1505, it is a wonderful piece of equipment, sturdy, good design, and great performence
Answer:
Re: Future college student looking for a good laptop
I only put 15-16" because it seems to be the most common for the features I am looking for. I have no problem with screens smaller than that, but I would be hesitant to go larger (17"). If there is a smaller laptop with those features for a decent price, I will definately look into it. Thanks!
Answer:
Re: Future college student looking for a good laptop
Personally, I dislike the keyboards and touchpads on the Toshibas. If you pick the Toshiba, be sure you're ok with them before buying.
Also, it's easy & cheap to upgrade the RAM later. Notebook RAM costs about $35 per 1 GB stick at newegg.com right now.
Answer:
Re: Future college student looking for a good laptop
you could try a refurbished (online) or refreshed (at the store) macbook. I think the last generation of the black macbook goes for $1050, which aint bad at all.