WHT IS THE BEST KIND OF LAPTOP TO BUY FOR COLLEGE?? ANY SUGGESTIONS??

Question

i wanna buy a laptop, but i wanna get the best out there without gettin jipted out of my money ;]

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

you cant go wrong with macbooks ( and macbook pros) for college, they are very powerful, when compared to competitors from the likes of sony and others they are very well priced, theyre stylish, easy and quick to use and quite hard wearing for carrying arround. also ive found that the built in mic is very high quality so you could record a lecture and listen to it later (have a nap during it of something)

Answer 3

MacBook.

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/sh...

Answer 4

Well if you aren't trying to not get ripped off then a Mac isn't the way to go, they are way to expensive for what you're going to be using it for. People on a budget that want bang for buck don't get Macs. Macs have great marketing, they're over price and trendy. I'd rather build a PC that'll destroy a Mac for half the price and get a laptop for a 3rd.



Just a plain laptop will do if you aren't playing games and it is primarily for home and school use...

below are two good laptops for under 1k:

http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/asus-eee...

http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/gateway-...

There are plenty more out there, find one and if the price looks good to you check cnet for the review, these guys a re unbiased and knowledgeable...

http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/?tag=hdr...

Answer 5

http://www.dell.com go for XPS ... its cool!!!

Answer 6

theres a few brands that i'd stay away from, but other than that i normally look at specs ...

i'd look for :

intel dual core processor, at least 2.0 ghz processor

about 2gb of ram memory 677 mhz, make sure is upgradeable

harddrive size - at least 120gb that'll be plenty for school work, lil music and pictures.

i'd stick with xp, because vista still has problems. and upgrade later on ...

i know its almost impossible to find laptop with xp on it, but try compusa, dell (they have deals on open boxes/refurbs - nothin wrong with them), and other manufacturers

shop around and compare prices!  

Answer 7

one you can afford.  

Answer 8

Buy what you can aford Acer is not bad it does the job its also light for carrying

Answer 9

I suggest you to buy Acer 4520.