College Computer Time - Help Me Pick!

[KraftyKyle]

I'm off to college next year. I'm investigating what computer I'd like to have. I thought I'd make my search significantly easier by posting here. I'm looking for a good quality, reliable laptop. I'm not a fan of Macs. I've listed the requirements my school's given me below. If you have a computer that you love that meets these requirements or know of a good one that does, please post. Thanks.

Requirements:

Operating System: Windows 7 (32-Bit or *64-Bit is Preferred)

Processor Speed: Laptop or Tablet: Intel Core i-5 (or higher) Standard Voltage Processor

Memory (RAM): 4 GB or higher

Hard Disk Drive: 320 GB or bigger (7200 RPM minimum)

CD/DVD Drive: DVD+-RW

NIC/Ethernet Card and Wireless Card: Your NIC needs to run on a 100Base-T, or Fast Ethernet network and have an RJ-45 connector.
Wireless network cards should support the 802.11a/g standard. 802.11n should work on the campus wireless network.


Those are the basic requirements. I'm just posting here to see if anyone has had a great experience with their laptop and would like to suggest one to me. Thanks in advance!

~ KraftyKyle

 

[Chronos]

Pick one with the deal where you can get the free Xbox 360.

 

[TramsMedia]

Just go all out!

http://www.dell.com/us/p/alienware-m18x/pd.aspx

 

[Savant]

For some reason, I'm advising Iconia. Neat stuff.

 

[Monrox]

Wow, what are you going to study? Game development, CPU design, video rendering? If you get a laptop with these specs it won't run longer than 30 minutes on battery 3 months after you buy it

 

[ahiddenman]

HP Envy's are good

And also the New Beats laptop by HP is sick (i7 Processor).

Dont go for Dell (Bad quality) and also Alienware have crap battery life.

 

[KraftyKyle]

... If you get a laptop with these specs it won't run longer than 30 minutes on battery 3 months after you buy it

Please note: the requirements listed are MINIMUM requirements. I'm looking for something better than what they are asking for. I'm looking for suggestions for a solid laptop.

 

[Monrox]

I noted that but the specs are unrealistic, that is why I was wondering about the degree you're after. E.g. you can go for a 10 000+ RPM raptor but just that will cost as much as a normal laptop. All the while you can get a SSD with 0 RPM instead and still beat a 20 000 HDD's speed. It would also increase battery life at least 2x.

 

[KraftyKyle]

I understand. I'm not majoring in anything where I'd need an especially high tech computer. Just business management and also marketing. If you have a laptop now that you really like, please just post it here. Thanks.

 

[thisguykills]

Pick one with the deal where you can get the free Xbox 360.

You aren't getting the xbox for free. You are paying $250 extra dollars for the laptop and getting the xbox.

PS-
OP get a chrome OS Samsung! I have a cr48 and its awesome

 

[ahiddenman]

What budget do you have also Kyle?

 

[w84it]

I got me the Sony VAIO S series for college. Been pretty happy with it.

 

[moreoftoe]

Go for the HP dm4-1265dx. I just bought it recently and it's fantastic. It's light too and you don't want to be hauling something heavy to your classes

 

[Sharksfan]

I have owned many laptops. The majority were Dells.

The last time around I bought an Asus "Republic of Gamers" laptop. I'm not a gamer BUT it does have all of the stuff I wanted. My requirements were very similar to your above.

I paid about $1200 and it far exceeded my expectations - with the exception of battery life. It's way cheaper (and better) than comparable Dells.

The Dell Alienware for example is a lot more expensive and weighs in at almost 11 lbs. Do you really want to carry around a laptpop that weighs more than a micro desktop? I doubt it.

Check the Asus line (BUT NOT THE ONES AT BEST BUY!) and I think you'll like them.

 

[moreoftoe]

I have owned many laptops. The majority were Dells.

The last time around I bought an Asus "Republic of Gamers" laptop. I'm not a gamer BUT it does have all of the stuff I wanted. My requirements were very similar to your above.

I paid about $1200 and it far exceeded my expectations - with the exception of battery life. It's way cheaper (and better) than comparable Dells.

The Dell Alienware for example is a lot more expensive and weighs in at almost 11 lbs. Do you really want to carry around a laptpop that weighs more than a micro desktop? I doubt it.

Check the Asus line (BUT NOT THE ONES AT BEST BUY!) and I think you'll like them.

Yea you have to be very careful when picking ASUS. Some of them after a year tend to overheat like crazy. My friend has an ASUS and he has to put it on top of an air conditioner when he plays video games on em. So choose wisely

 

[KraftyKyle]

What budget do you have also Kyle?

Cost isn't really a concern for me. As long as I know it's reliable. I'm willing to invest in a great laptop because I will be using it 4+ hours daily for the next four years.

 

[KraftyKyle]

Right now I'm leaning towards the Dell 15z or one in the Sony VAIO S Series. Anyone have experience with either of these? It seems these two have gotten the best reviews out of any of the laptops I've come across.

 

[just4ivaylo]

Right now I'm leaning towards the Dell 15z or one in the Sony VAIO S Series. Anyone have experience with either of these? It seems these two have gotten the best reviews out of any of the laptops I've come across.

Don't go with a VAIO. They're usually extremely overpriced.

I have a friend that just spent $3000 on a Mac. If price really isn't an issue for you, then keep in mind that in 2-3 years the laptop you get now will be heavily outdated, especially since Intel is supposed to come out with a new processor line in less than a year which promises to reduce battery usage, thereby making laptops more efficient and run cooler.

I personally wouldn't spend more than $1100 on a laptop, and even that's pushing it, especially since you said you don't need it for extremely intense tasks (photo/video editiing, etc.).

BTW, good luck in college next year. I'll be entering college too.

 

[Aim100IM]

Visit dell website and customize your laptop according to your requirement and buy it.

 

[flexnds]

Just go all out!

http://www.dell.com/us/p/alienware-m18x/pd.aspx

That's a sick laptop.. I want it...