Notebook suggestions for school

[basslover1]

Ok, I'll be starting my second year at USF (South FL.) in the Fall and I feel I'm in need of a notebook for when I'm on campus.

Since I commute 30 miles each way 3 days a week, I'm on compus pretty much all day because I have 5 classes crammed into 3 days, and they are spread out so I'll be down there from like 9:30 to 6-7 pm and having my own computer down there would help me out greatly.

So here's what my requirements are:

-First things first, it MUST have a serial port...again MUST HAVE!!! I can connnect to my car via a Vag-Com (Volkswagen/Audi) and the cable connects to a laptop or PC via a serial port...so that is a must for me.
-Leaning strongly towards a Centrino cpu, doesn't have to be like 2.5 ghz (do they even come like that?) 1.7 is sufficient.
-512 ram if it's not an expensive upgrade, or 1x256 and I'll do it my self later.
-40gig HD is fine since it'll mostly be storing music and school work.
-Wireless is a MUST, USF has wireless access where ever you go on campus so I'd rather sit in my car than in the Library.
-Screen size isn't that important as long as it runs 10x7 or bigger, I'll be happy.
-Graphics isn't that important, but if it's a cheap add-on, I do like to play FarCry, so eh...

I've got roughly around 1k to spend on all this so let me know where I should look...and I'm willing to change specs if it'll make it a better all-around laptop for not too much more $.

Oh, and overall size isn't that important, just as long as it doesn't weigh as much as a small dog, I'll be fine.

Thanks guys.

 

[mparr1708]

Originally posted by: basslover1
Ok, I'll be starting my second year at USF (South FL.) in the Fall and I feel I'm in need of a notebook for when I'm on campus.

Since I commute 30 miles each way 3 days a week, I'm on compus pretty much all day because I have 5 classes crammed into 3 days, and they are spread out so I'll be down there from like 9:30 to 6-7 pm and having my own computer down there would help me out greatly.

So here's what my requirements are:

-First things first, it MUST have a serial port...again MUST HAVE!!! I can connnect to my car via a Vag-Com (Volkswagen/Audi) and the cable connects to a laptop or PC via a serial port...so that is a must for me.
-Leaning strongly towards a Centrino cpu, doesn't have to be like 2.5 ghz (do they even come like that?) 1.7 is sufficient.
-512 ram if it's not an expensive upgrade, or 1x256 and I'll do it my self later.
-40gig HD is fine since it'll mostly be storing music and school work.
-Wireless is a MUST, USF has wireless access where ever you go on campus so I'd rather sit in my car than in the Library.
-Screen size isn't that important as long as it runs 10x7 or bigger, I'll be happy.
-Graphics isn't that important, but if it's a cheap add-on, I do like to play FarCry, so eh...

I've got roughly around 1k to spend on all this so let me know where I should look...and I'm willing to change specs if it'll make it a better all-around laptop for not too much more $.

Oh, and overall size isn't that important, just as long as it doesn't weigh as much as a small dog, I'll be fine.

Thanks guys.

Check this out...

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications...em-details.asp?EdpNo=1224101&CatId=464

Something similar to this owuld give you the freedom to pick whatever laptop meets the rest of your needs whether it has a serial port or not.

 

[basslover1]

I've heard some of those USB -> Serial adapters cause issues with the Vag-Com software, thus the reason I want to go with one that has a true serial port, but if it comes down to it, I could probably just get one of those adapters and hope for the best.

Anyone else have any suggestions?

 

[silverbuyer]

You could get a Dell 600m. That's the only one I can think of that still has a serial port. You could configure one now for around $1K or less depending on what you'll need or you can wait for a $750 off $1499 deal. Just check www.dell.com/save750 .

 

[basslover1]

Ok, Dell 600M looks promising...anyone else?

 

[basslover1]

Bump...some one has to know something.