College laptop

[Legacyc]

I have been looking around for a decent laptop but I don't really know what to look for. I won?t be doing much with my laptop just music, writing papers, watching movies, and surfing the internet.

I don?t see my needs changing anytime soon so I like the idea of a reliable laptop that is why IBM stands out.

I do not need vista and if I do get it I am going to try to turn off all the bells and whistles to make it run faster.

Value is my main concern.

What would you recommend?

Thank you.

 

[Brainonska511]

What's your budget?

Right now (until May 30th), you can get a Lenovo T61 with the following specs for about $1200:
-Core 2 Duo T7100 (1.8GHz w/800MHz FSB and 2MB L2 Cache)
-1GB DDR2 @ 667MHz (1 Dimm) (leaves the other slot to upgrade on your own at a cheaper price if you so choose)
-Vista Home Premium - You could get XP, but it costs more in the configuration
-14.1" WXGA+ (1440x900)
-Intel X3100 Integrated Graphics
-DVD+-RW
-Thinkpad Wireless ABG card (upgrade to the Intel ABGN card for $30), No Bluetooth
-7 Cell Battery
-No added software (just get the discount edition of MS Office when you get to school, you'll save a boatload of money (I got Office 2003 for $25 through my school)
-1 year standard warranty (and if you use a credit card that doubles warranties up to 1 year, it is essentially a 2 year warranty).

 

[Legacyc]

I tried to configure a thinkpad on there site, do you think it looks good?

ThinkPad R60e Series - 1 Year Customer Carry-in Repair warranty
ThinkPad R60e Series - 1 Year Customer Carry-in Repair warranty
Processor: Intel® Core? 2 Duo processor T5600 (1.83GHz, 2MB L2, 667MHz FSB)
Operating system: Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic
Operating system language: Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic US English
Display type: 15" XGA TFT LCD with Wireless LAN
System graphics: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950, w/WLAN
Total memory: 2 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
Keyboard: Keyboard US English
Pointing device: TrackPoint (TrackPoint Only)
Hard drive: 120GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
Optical device: DVD-ROM 8x Max Ultrabay Enhanced
Ethernet: Integrated 1Gb Ethernet
Wireless cards: Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG
Battery: 9 cell Li-Ion Battery
Power cord: Country Pack North America
Modem cable (RJ-11): PSTN cable
Language pack: Language Pack US English

Total: $1,014.00

 

[Brainonska511]

That looks fine, but I go for a higher resolution screen because a 15" XGA screen is only 1024x768.

For $65 more, you can get the R61 with a 14.1" WXGA+ screen which will give you more desktop space.

 

[Legacyc]

I'm not sure... If I get the same specs but with the WXGA+ I end up spending $150+ more, smaller battery, and dimension wise, a smaller screen.

Do you think it is worth it?

 

[PSUstoekl]

For you, I'd recommend either a cheaper Dell (maybe even one running ubuntu, if you feel adventurous and especially thrifty) or a low-end macbook. The ones that have just been released are entirely adequate (actually quite fast), run the best OS on the planet and come in at under $1000 with your student discount.

Definitely put a macbook on your list, but Dells and Lenovos are also decent.

 

[Legacyc]

I tried making a dell and for the same specs it will cost me $100+ more. I don't want to learn a new OS and even if I did it would not mac, it would be Linux.

 

[PSUstoekl]

There's really not that much to learn with OS X, and besides, will it ever HURT knowing another OS, particularly one that is incredibly powerful, secure and quick?

That said, I'm sure you could find a lot of USED laptops from a variety of sources that would easily meet your needs for a lot less, particularly if all you're interested in is music, writing papers, IM and DVDs. ebay fo sho

 

[Legacyc]

I'd rather spend my time learning a more powerful, more secure, and quicker OS.

I'm not sure how to go about choosing a used laptop, how would you know it will not break down in a month?

 

[PSUstoekl]

Originally posted by: Legacyc
how would you know it will not break down in a month?

Start by going through what would amount to a "certified used car salesman" for laptops, make sure either the factory warranty still exists or there's a vendor one, in case of problems.

Stores often try to say that what they're selling is "what you'll need", but that's honestly not the case- especially if it's running linux. Something cheaper and older, but still with warranty, would be worth a look.