What do I need for laptop...help me out.

[konechiwa 10+ year member]

Look, I know I'm going to get some pissed responses- as this happens a lot here.

But here is what I'm going to be doing, and what I'd like the laptop to do:

-I'm going to be going to Gonzaga University to study Engineering (Computer, Electrical or Civil. Haven't decided yet). So any Engineering students, chime in on what you used your laptop for.

-I'd like it to last as long as possible. I mean, durability obviously, but I don't want it to be a piece of shit in a year. (granted computers lose their value fast).

-I'm not going to be playing games, but I may be doing some video/photo editing (light, nothing major, just ripping DVD's, a little photoshop). Will I need a dedicated video card for this? I'm thinking no, but if yes, explain.

-No AMD. Period. I'd also like it to be 15.4, or lower. Portability is a big plus.

This is what I'm thinking:

2.1ghz Intel Dual Core (the new chip, penryn i think)

4gb of ram (i'll put that in myself)

100-160gb hd.

dedicated or not dedicated video card?

do i need more? less?

I'd like to spend as little as possible, and I'll probably be buying this in about 2-3 weeks. maybe, 700-900?

Thank you!

Click to read more...

 

[faulkton 5,000+ posts]

get a dedicated graphics card.

Get something small and lite like a 12".

Get the extended battery.

You'll probably spend more than $900 but will be happy you did.

 

[faulkton 5,000+ posts]

http://outlet.us.dell.com/ARBOnlineSales/topics/global.aspx/arb/online/en/InventoryDetails?systemId=FXBJFV81&~lt=popup&c=us&l=en&s=dfh&cs=22

 

[Johnny Drama 5,000+ posts]

https://www.sagernotebook.com/process_cart.php?xcSID=rdrql58pk4hls16a348sncmmq6

 

[konechiwa 10+ year member]

get a dedicated graphics card.
Get something small and lite like a 12".

Get the extended battery.

You'll probably spend more than $900 but will be happy you did.

is the dedicated card really worth it?

 

[faulkton 5,000+ posts]

I think so.

 

[konechiwa 10+ year member]

I think so.

you have a dell M1330 right? the 13" XPS? you like it?

 

[faulkton 5,000+ posts]

i have an XPS m1210... like the link i posted and i love it.

I take it with me everywhere and its small and easy to carry.

 

[faulkton 5,000+ posts]

and the 9 cell battery lasts a long *** time...

 

[Johnny Drama 5,000+ posts]

is the dedicated card really worth it?

When you game and want to watch movies yes.

If you are just running school programs and occasional photoshop, no.

Ive had both. I prefer the dedicated over integrated, but you can get by just fine with integrated.

 

[konechiwa 10+ year member]

When you game and want to watch movies yes.
If you are just running school programs and occasional photoshop, no.

Ive had both. I prefer the dedicated over integrated, but you can get by just fine with integrated.

I'll be gaming on my xbox, so i don't think I'll need one. Looks like i can get something I need for about 800+shipping. My parents don't want to capitalize on the 25% instant off discount +15% coupon for lenovo laptops for some reason...I could get everything I needed for CHEAP.

 

[faulkton 5,000+ posts]

i still vote for dedicated.

 

[ngsm13 5,000+ posts]

I'll be gaming on my xbox, so i don't think I'll need one. Looks like i can get something I need for about 800+shipping. My parents don't want to capitalize on the 25% instant off discount +15% coupon for lenovo laptops for some reason...I could get everything I needed for CHEAP.

Yup, I just purchased a lenovo too. That is what I was going to recommend, especially for durable.

Just ordered mine, said "Ships in 2-3weeks" when I place my order. Just got an e-mail saying it shipped, in ~24hours since I ordered...

I'm excited.

nG

 

[ngsm13 5,000+ posts]

My system:

R61 15.4"

Core2Duo T8100 (2.1Ghz)

2 gigs of ram

160 gig HD

High Res 1440x900 screen

Blue Tooth

XP Pro

Was $786...

nG

 

[ballstothewall 10+ year member]

My system:
R61 15.4"

Core2Duo T8100 (2.1Ghz)

2 gigs of ram

160 gig HD

High Res 1440x900 screen

Blue Tooth

XP Pro

Was $786...

nG

Yay for a fellow thinkpad owner.

T-61P here, love it to death

2.4Ghz dual core

3 gigs

570M 256mb graphics

160gig 7,100rpm

XP Pro

9 cell battery, over 4hrs of run time

Ng, it took me less than that 2 weeks so I'd imagine it would for you too. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif