Who can recommend a good laptop for a college student?

Question

I'm a college student looking to buy a fast, portable laptop.  Here are some of my criteria:
- I want to buy a PC with Windows 7 (not a mac!)
- The lighter, the better.  I want to be able to carry my laptop to class easily.
- However, I don't want my PC to be so small that it doesn't have full functionality. (I don't want a netbook, for example).  I don't want to totally compromise speed for size.
- I want my PC to have a built-in CD-rom drive.
- One problem I have with my current laptop (a Sony Vaio) is that it overheats really easily.  I'm looking for a computer without this problem.
- I'm not a gamer so huge graphics capabilities aren't really important to me.  But it should be decent in that area.
- In general, the faster the better, and long battery life is also a plus.

Thanks for your help!

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Best way to find a computer you like is to, well, find a computer you like! By that, I mean going to a store where they'll have plenty of computers to look at (Target/Walmart/Best Buy) and getting a feel for them yourself. I can recommend parts and a couple models off Newegg but you'll love a computer more if you actually like how it feels and runs.

(Remember Harry getting his first wand? ;) Same thing.)

You want a light, full-size but not necessarily full-featured laptop with long battery life and low heat output. Here's some recommended specs:

- Intel Core 2 Duo 2GHz or Core i3 1.7GHz or better (AMD 2.2GHz or more) (Tip: if you want to save battery life by A LOT, get a low voltage CPU - ie: Core 2 Duo SU-series. Won't get alot of power from these but you will be running it forever)
- At least 2GB of RAM, 4GB preferably (if you're not strapped for money)
- DVD-RW drive
- Intel GMA4500 HD onboard graphics or better. Equivalent to 9400M for nVidia (any 200M series card will do), or ATI 4200M or better (Radeons).
- At least 250GB hard drive space, preferably more than 320GB.
- Based on your preferences, I'd get a laptop with a 13" or 15" screen.

Some laptop's I'd recommend. These are NOT built to order, you could possibly go to say HP or Dell's website to "build your own".

Acer Aspire AS3810T (ultra low voltage laptop):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834115722

(Pretty damn well-speced) ASUS K40 (2.13GHz Core i3):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220711

Lenovo G550 (these things have eons of battery life but are slightly heavier - batteries = weight):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834146611

Hope it helps. Again, best thing to do when buying a laptop, go to the store! I buy parts for desktops over the net, but when it comes to portables, I always still go to the store first to see what I like. Then I go online to get the lowest price ;)

Anonymous · Answer

Dell laptops seem to have themes somewhat frequently. HP seems somewhat more desirable good. well-known the specs are more desirable major than the producer, though. merely seem for some thing with a large hardcontinual and a CPU with a minimum of two cores. it is demanding to truly bypass incorrect with lots of the machines on at present's marketplace.

? · Answer

Any new HP's would definitley would be a good choice. I have heard nothing but good things about them.

Here's some websites for stores that will help you out picking the laptop that's right for you :D

BestBuy.com
Walmart.com

Charemaine · Answer

128K Macintosh...Lol.

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Who can recommend a good laptop for a college student?

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