I need help finding a decent Notebook Computer for College?

Question

Yes, I've tried going into different stores, but to be honest, the high-pressure-salesman technique has made me want to slap more than a fair share of sales associates.

I'd like to get one at or under $1,000. Here's what I'm looking for.

2.2-3.0 GHz dual processor

Remote access to the internet using Wireless G AT A MINIMUM. N is preferred and an internal wireless card.

at least 3 GB of RAM

at least 250 GB of hard drive space

CD/DVD writer

at LEAST 3 hours of battery time

as LIGHTWEIGHT as possible... I'm going to have to lug this thing around with me everywhere.

It's not a must, but I would really like to be able to choose the color of the actual machine. What can I say, I'd love a purple or pink computer... but obviously color is NOT the most important thing here!

Obviously I'm not the most computer savvy individual, but I do know that I need a LOT more than just a word processor. Thanks in advance for your help.

Answer 1

Alrighty then, lol.

If you’re buying a laptop, there are a few things to consider.

1.     The processor. Most, if not every decent laptop in today's market has dual-core technology. This means that it has two processors working as one to compute information. Now, what's the difference between speeds? In all reality, for a common user (that is not a hard-core computer geek like some of us), the difference between 1.8GHz and 2.0GHz is negligible. The only areas you will be able to notice will be in gaming, and video encoding.

2.     The memory. If the OS (Operating System) is a "32-bit" then it can only read approximately 3 GB of RAM. Only the "64-bit" processors can understand 4+ GB of RAM. RAM is what the computer uses to store temporary information, like open programs (internet, word processing, music players, etc...). A general rule of thumb is that the more RAM, the faster the computer will load programs/files to a point (as with everything). An industry standard nowadays is around 3 GB. The faster the "clock speed" of the ram (the higher the PC xxxx), the higher quality the RAM.

3.     Hard Drive space is what you store the more permanent information on - word files, music, videos, programs, etc....If you have an extensive music library (5000+ songs (legal songs)), then you should be looking at a computer with at least 250GB (1 GB = 1 Billion Bytes). If you don't really need all that space, then a laptop with 160+ GB of Hard Drive space would suffice.

4.     Graphics Processor!!! If you will not be watching many DVD's or playing any games, then you can settle for an integrated video processor such as the INTEL X3100. If you want the security of being able to play the occasional 3D game, then I would recommend a dedicated graphics card with dedicated memory (256MB or 512MB). You can check whether or not the card is integrated by going to "http://www.notebookcheck.net"

5.     Most laptops now feature DVD/CD Burners. Some offer a built in feature known as "Lableflash or Lightscribe." This will allow you to "etch" images on special CD/DVD's. It makes the finished CD/DVD look more professional.

6.     Price Comparison. Expect to spend $550+ for a decent laptop nowadays. You can sometimes (or during really good sales) find ones cheaper around $450.

       The first laptop I would recommend is the Toshiba M305D-S4829 from Circuit City this week. I just purchased it last Wednesday, and am typing on it right now. It has a ton of power, like seriously. I was playing BF2142 last night with no problems. It costs $699, but It'll be running strong for a few years before anything begins to become too demanding for it. The sound quality on this laptop is phenomenal. It has Harman/Kardon speakers that are Bose quality. It has 4GB of RAM, an ATI Radeon 3100 processor, which is nearly equal to most mid-range dedicated graphics processors. It support 802.11b/g/n networks. It has a standard webcam (not to mention facial recognition software for extra secured log-ons) and all the other features you need lol. The style on this laptop is phenomenal.

       If that is slightly out of your price range though, I would say go to Best Buy and pick up the HP DV5-1002NR. It costs $679, but it is nearly as good as the above laptop with only a few exceptions (it is actually better in some areas as well, lol). The touchpad on it has a glossy feel which is fine for cooler weather, but if its humid out or your fingers are the least bit sweaty, it becomes quite difficult to move the pointer. It has a slightly better video processor - the ATI Radeon 3200 (the main difference is that it has a HDMI output). It has a slightly larger screen at 15.4" WS. Its half a pound heavier, which isn't really a big deal to me at all. It also runs the 32-bit OS of Vista which will only support 3 GB of RAM, which is fine for nearly everything. I hope this helps you in your quest!

       The next two are right about tied for abilities if the above prices are a bit out of your budget. I would recommend testing each one, and then deciding which one you prefer better.

       The first one is the Toshiba L305D-S5868 from BestBuy this week at $549. It features the ATI Radeon 3100 which is capable of handling many 3D games, and in fact - it is the same video processor as the laptop that I am using. It features a built-in webcam, as well as standard DVD/CD re-write ability. It has a 250GB hard drive running at 5400RPM. One feature that it could improve upon is its stock RAM. From the store, it only comes with 2GB. This can be easily upgraded to 3GB from any computer retailer (including www.newegg.com). It also comes with a user-friendly touchpad as well as a nice blue form factor. Although it doesn’t necessarily have all of the extra-goodies, this laptop is perfect for the common pc user, and comes at a great price!

       The second one is the Toshiba L305D-S5881 from Circuit City. This laptop is nearly identical to the last l

Answer 2

Wireless G is bog standard, and unless you have specialized needs like streaming high def video to the laptop, it's all you'll ever want or need. I'm a Unix nerd, and my house is still happily working with circa-2002 80211.B. Just fast enough to keep up with a typical cable modem, just enough.

3GB RAM? The stuff costs almost nothing in the aftermarket, so that can be rectified for twenty-five bucks and ten minutes of your time. Seriously, RAM is so cheap these days.

Yes, dual core's a must. Look for a 45NM chip; they run cooler and use less electricity. The actual speed's not so important, and pretty much any dual core notebook chip is fast enough for a snappy Vista.

My suggestion is to buy a Lenovo Thinkpad. They're not the cheapest, but quality rarely is. Initially created by IBM, they've kept true to their pedigree, and are standard issue in many of the nation's biggest corporations. They have the best keyboards available in a laptop, and also sport those fabulous TrackPoints. The cases tend to be very rigid, and the screens are optimized for text over entertainment needs. Other business class machines like Tecras and Lattitudes are also worth your time. These machines (thin and lights) are all designed to be hauled on airplanes and on the road, and thus they rarely crack 6 pounds.

This Thinkpad's a tad chunky (6.4LBS), but it should work. The CPU is 2.0GHZ, but it's only 750$ and the chip's a newer T5xxx.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...

Also, don't forget to try your school for discounts. Many have keen prices on business-class computers. Lstly, Levovo'sd currently having a big sale right now. What you really want currently costs about 1300-1400, but sometimes it's worth the premium for something you'll use so much. The one above's actually a cheaper Ideapad, btw. Just saw that, and left it up, but I have no clue how the cheaper Lenovos are.

Thinkpad sale:

Look at the T61:

http://shop.lenovo.com/us/landing_pages/...

Answer 3

You should take a look at the Dell inspiron 1420.

For $849, you get:

A Core 2 Duo 2.0Ghz processor (A little less than what you want, but trust me, .2 ghz is a very small speed boost)

802.11g wireless card.

3GB Ram

250GB Hard drive

CD/DVD writer

I don't know how long the battery lasts, sorry.

5.39 pounds

And yes, you can choose the color :)