Laptop investment

R

robj37

New Member
Hey guys,

I'm looking to buy a laptop for my upcoming sophomore year of college. The laptop would serve as a temporary means of completing some light computer work before I invest in a computer more well equipped for my major. I think after a year or so I will pass the computer on to my mother so I want to make sure I make a safe investment in a solid computer. I've fallen away from keeping track of the latest technology so I'm hoping someone here could help give some advice about the latest hardware.

I want to make sure the computer will last much longer than the year or so that I use it, so the integrity of the hardware is a big concern. I also have a pretty keen eye for image quality so the screen technology should be at least somewhat impressive. Our price range is rather limited for this computer, though. I'd like to keep the price lower than $650 or so. Also, my mother is fond of Dell because of their tech support. I don't necessarily want to limit my choices to Dell, but tech support beyond the one year mark would also be helpful.

If any of you have recommendations I'd love to hear them!

Thanks.
 
You got plenty of choices there. Toshiba, dell, Asus and HP.

Question is what size? Netbook, notebook or full size. My comment is really if ya need portability and light keep it smaller. I had a 17" full size keyboard but need a suitcase to carry it around. Nothing portable about it. My kids bought me a Asus Eee . works and small. the grand kids use it also. its a throw away. Any office supply or bestbuy and other stores have plenty also. It was hands on. get to test and look. Might even find a floor model and save mom some money.
 
Thanks Tremmor.

I had been entertaining the idea of getting a netbook, but I think the limited computing power, lack of a disc drive, and the small screen justify the extra hundred or so for a laptop. A 15 or 17 inch screen is fine. I'm not especially worried about the weight of it; I don't think they make laptops too big or heavy for me to handle. My main concern is the integrity of the hardware and image quality. I can't stand cheap processors that die after a year of use.
 
Asus makes many in a netbook. 250 gig is good and 2, 4 gig ram. Problem is its a 9" screen. 15" would be nice with larger keyboard. 17" is heavy if carrying all day in school. A 17" would also likely cost more unless you found a floor model. Good luck and check carefully before purchase. Its what do you like.

Still say check at the stores and test. some are not confortable with a small keyboard because of tight fit with fingers on keys.

you will know. windows 7 would be nice also. maybe pro. and do ya get a recovery disc?

Just things to consider. warranty, how fast the hd rpm's and clock speed etc.
 
for relibility, get asus/ sony/ toshiba. Dell is actually quite good for money.
With $650, probably get core i3 with 3 - 4GB RAM...

With Dell, you can choose Dell Vostro V3500/ Inspiron 15R/ 14R. I think Vostro is the better line than Inspiron, but I like the keyboard layout with 15R. IMO, 17" is too heavy to carry around.
http://www.google.com/products/cata...b784HfBA&sa=title&ved=0CBMQ8wIwAzgK#scoring=p
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellst...&l=EN&m_1=BYIFT31&dgc=SS&cid=27399&lid=627062
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellst...code=ss&c=US&l=EN&dgc=SS&cid=27399&lid=627062

Asus
http://www.jr.com/asus/pe/ASU_X52FX1/

Toshiba
http://www.google.com/products/cata...3gBA&sa=title&ved=0CBoQ8wIwBTgA&os=tech-specs

Sony
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Sony+-+...hite/1021765.p?id=1218209983093&skuId=1021765
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Sony+-+...rown/1021847.p?id=1218209984236&skuId=1021847
 
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