College Notebook Advice

[Cheapola1]

Hello peeps! Long time lurker, not a big poster.

I am going BACK to school for the first time in 13 years, starting out as a freshman. I am looking to get a DECENT notebook at around the $600-$800'sh price range. I have looked at Toshiba's and they aren't that bad. The one that I chose has an i5 processor in it. I have NO idea what that means, I have been so out of the notebook 'shopping' I don't know whats good, bad, or horrible anymore.. So thats where the advice is needed.

What or who sells the 'best' notebooks for college students? I am looking for nothing really fancy smancy, but must have these: At least 15.6" screen, 4GB Ram, 320GB HDD, DVD-Rom, etc. I am not that picky as I have a decent desktop, I just don't want a notebook that will fall apart a week after I get it, or will have issues with it.

Any advice will help. I don't know whats the best processor either.. i3, i5, AMD Dual core, Pentium, Celeron.. oh dear lord I am confused.

Help!

-Dave

 

[Broheim]

I've seen lenovo thinkpads within your pricerange.

as far as build quality goes you can't go wrong with a thinkpad, I've never had a single problem with them.

 

[Cheapola1]

I found this on sears.com
Toshiba Satellite L675D-S7022 17.3" Notebook

Even at 599.99, I guess its still not a *bad* price for that system, right?

 

[beginner99]

First you don't seem to need a very powerful notebook. that's good, because then you can go with one that has longer battery life.

I recommend Intel in that category and I'm sure anyone else would. The main 2 things you need to consider is a) display resolution and b) glossy or mate display

Most notebooks even at 15" come with 1360x768. See other thread. IMHO its just not enough to do any meaningful work on it. Keep that in mind and go to a shop to try it out.

The second thing is most have glossy displays. In a classroom with no direct sunlight, that might be acceptable but anywhere else it's a PITA. But again, some people don't mind. I recommend to look at a mate and glossy screen in a shop or better ask a friend and try it out in sunlight...

 

[bow22]

You need to make sure that you don't get any kind. I don't know how good that one is, but i know that you better need to buy a good and expensive one now. Better that than having to buy one more later.

 

[alent1234]

get one of the $299 fatwallet/slickdeals specials. back up your data, if it breaks buy another one. repeat

 

[Cheapola1]

Okay.. Found a *decent* one.. and way below my price limit.. Lemme post specs.. See what you guys think.

Operating System Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Processor and Graphics AMD Phenom II Triple Core P820 o 1.8 GHz, 1.5MB L2 Cache AMD M880G Chipset with ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4250 Graphics with 256MB-1405MB dynamically allocated shared graphics memory. Memory Configured with 4GB DDR3 (max 8GB) Storage Drive 500GB (5400 RPM); Serial ATA hard disk drive. Blu-ray Disc ROM and DVD SuperMulti drive with Labelflash supporting 12 formats o Maximum speed and compatibility: CD-ROM (24x), CD-R (24x), CD-RW (24x), DVD-ROM (8x), DVD-R (Single Layer, (8x)), DVD-R (Double Layer, (4x)), DVD-RW (6x), DVD+R (Single Layer, (8x)), DVD+R (Double Layer, (4x)), DVD+RW (8x), DVDRAM (5x), BD-ROM (6x) o Use Labelflash media to burn high quality labels directly to disc.
Display - 17.3" diagonal widescreen TruBrite TFT LCD display at 1600 x 900 native resolution (HD+) o Native support for 720p content o 16:9 aspect ratio. Sound - Built-in stereo speakers Sound volume control dial DOLBY Advanced Audio. Input Devices - Premium US keyboard with 10-key (black) TouchPad pointing device with multi-touch control TouchPad Enable/Disable. Communications - Webcam and microphone 10/100 Ethernet Wi-Fi Wireless networking (802.11b/g/n). Expandability - 2 main memory slots accessible from the bottom. Both slots may be occupied. Memory Card Reader o Secure Digital, Secure Digital High Capacity, micro SD Card, mini SD Card, Memory Stick , Memory Stick PRO , Multi Media Card, (shared slot-may require adapter for use). Ports Video o RGB, HDM Audio o Microphone input port o Headphone output port Data o USB v2.0 3 ports o 2 x USB v2.0 o 1 x eSATA/USB combo port o RJ-45 LAN port. Security o Slot for security lock Physical Description Fusion Finish in Helios Grey.

 

[Cheapola1]

get one of the $299 fatwallet/slickdeals specials. back up your data, if it breaks buy another one. repeat

And I must be completely retarded because I cannot find that right now.

 

[Bryf50]

Okay.. Found a *decent* one.. and way below my price limit.. Lemme post specs.. See what you guys think.

Operating System Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Processor and Graphics AMD Phenom II Triple Core P820 o 1.8 GHz, 1.5MB L2 Cache AMD M880G Chipset with ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4250 Graphics with 256MB-1405MB dynamically allocated shared graphics memory. Memory Configured with 4GB DDR3 (max 8GB) Storage Drive 500GB (5400 RPM); Serial ATA hard disk drive. Blu-ray Disc ROM and DVD SuperMulti drive with Labelflash supporting 12 formats o Maximum speed and compatibility: CD-ROM (24x), CD-R (24x), CD-RW (24x), DVD-ROM (8x), DVD-R (Single Layer, (8x)), DVD-R (Double Layer, (4x)), DVD-RW (6x), DVD+R (Single Layer, (8x)), DVD+R (Double Layer, (4x)), DVD+RW (8x), DVDRAM (5x), BD-ROM (6x) o Use Labelflash media to burn high quality labels directly to disc.
Display - 17.3" diagonal widescreen TruBrite TFT LCD display at 1600 x 900 native resolution (HD+) o Native support for 720p content o 16:9 aspect ratio. Sound - Built-in stereo speakers Sound volume control dial DOLBY Advanced Audio. Input Devices - Premium US keyboard with 10-key (black) TouchPad pointing device with multi-touch control TouchPad Enable/Disable. Communications - Webcam and microphone 10/100 Ethernet Wi-Fi Wireless networking (802.11b/g/n). Expandability - 2 main memory slots accessible from the bottom. Both slots may be occupied. Memory Card Reader o Secure Digital, Secure Digital High Capacity, micro SD Card, mini SD Card, Memory Stick , Memory Stick PRO , Multi Media Card, (shared slot-may require adapter for use). Ports Video o RGB, HDM Audio o Microphone input port o Headphone output port Data o USB v2.0 3 ports o 2 x USB v2.0 o 1 x eSATA/USB combo port o RJ-45 LAN port. Security o Slot for security lock Physical Description Fusion Finish in Helios Grey.

Are you going to be carrying it to class and whatnot? If so, carrying and dealing with a large and heavy 17" laptop gets old quick.

 

[Cheapola1]

I can always get a backpack / carrying case. I don't mind luggin it around. Don't have that many classes but it would be nice to have.

 

[beginner99]

Okay.. Found a *decent* one.. and way below my price limit.. Lemme post specs.. See what you guys think.

Operating System Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Processor and Graphics AMD Phenom II Triple Core P820 o 1.8 GHz, 1.5MB L2 Cache AMD M880G Chipset with ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4250 Graphics with 256MB-1405MB dynamically allocated shared graphics memory. Memory Configured with 4GB DDR3 (max 8GB) Storage Drive 500GB (5400 RPM); Serial ATA hard disk drive. Blu-ray Disc ROM and DVD SuperMulti drive with Labelflash supporting 12 formats o Maximum speed and compatibility: CD-ROM (24x), CD-R (24x), CD-RW (24x), DVD-ROM (8x), DVD-R (Single Layer, (8x)), DVD-R (Double Layer, (4x)), DVD-RW (6x), DVD+R (Single Layer, (8x)), DVD+R (Double Layer, (4x)), DVD+RW (8x), DVDRAM (5x), BD-ROM (6x) o Use Labelflash media to burn high quality labels directly to disc.
Display - 17.3" diagonal widescreen TruBrite TFT LCD display at 1600 x 900 native resolution (HD+) o Native support for 720p content o 16:9 aspect ratio. Sound - Built-in stereo speakers Sound volume control dial DOLBY Advanced Audio. Input Devices - Premium US keyboard with 10-key (black) TouchPad pointing device with multi-touch control TouchPad Enable/Disable. Communications - Webcam and microphone 10/100 Ethernet Wi-Fi Wireless networking (802.11b/g/n). Expandability - 2 main memory slots accessible from the bottom. Both slots may be occupied. Memory Card Reader o Secure Digital, Secure Digital High Capacity, micro SD Card, mini SD Card, Memory Stick , Memory Stick PRO , Multi Media Card, (shared slot-may require adapter for use). Ports Video o RGB, HDM Audio o Microphone input port o Headphone output port Data o USB v2.0 3 ports o 2 x USB v2.0 o 1 x eSATA/USB combo port o RJ-45 LAN port. Security o Slot for security lock Physical Description Fusion Finish in Helios Grey.

I don't think you will get happy with this one. to big and heavy and probably poor battery life

 

[Cheapola1]

Battery life 'says' nearly 4 hours..
I think I will, I feel 'good' about it.. I dunno..

 

[Winston Marmaduke III]

Dave, 17" is wandering close to the "why don't you get a desktop" line.

What do you have as a desktop....er, wrong question, do you have a desktop computer? If so, 17" is way too big. That size is more a desktop replacement, you are not going to like lugging that thing around. So, unless you feel the need to game on the go, or are looking for a desktop replacement, then that's just too big.

College books aren't exactly light themselves. Been there done that, I carried a ~6 lb Acer TravelMate and it was misery.

I personally have a 15.6" screen now, and even carrying this one can be a PITA, and I'm just carrying it and some peripherals to and from work in a briefcase. Had I to do it over again, I would have probably just gotten a 14" screen and saved myself 1 lb. Doesn't sound like much but carry it along w/ all your other stuff a while, you'll notice.

Still doesn't bother me too much though, because, I also don't have a desktop. And I like the extra space on the screen for watching movies, etc at home.

It's a sliding scale of function vs. portability and only you can decide. But don't go off getting a 17" laptop if you have a relatively good desktop at home, bad move.

edit: I say core-i5 is good for laptops. It's what I have. IMO core-i7 is too much unless it's for a desktop replacement, I imagine that thing would tear through battery in no time. i5 is a nice compromise for me. And if battery's more important to you, go i3 even. i5 isn't that much faster than i3.

Coworker got an AMD laptop last week, small lappy but that thing gets HOT and the fan is LOUD.

 

[GoodEnough]

You don't need to spend more than $350.
Anything more is just extra frills.

And 15.6" is a large laptop.

Also, here are two that will be MORE than enough for typical uses.
Internet, Office, email, DVD, etc.
http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2160476

 

[Winston Marmaduke III]

I don't know about that, you don't know what he'll be doing with it. I'd be hesitant to buy some already out of date crappy Pentium dual core no matter how cheap it was, when 100 more or so can get me an i3 or i5

 

[GoodEnough]

His main requirement was a laptop that won't "fall apart", and is for a student. (ie: research and write papers) None of this is processor intensive. Basically, odds are, any laptop sold today will meet his needs. In practical terms, I'd think there is little additional utility in spending more, unless there is a specific need that isn't met by an entry-level $350 laptop. Just my two cents!

 

[Winston Marmaduke III]

Oh yes sorry, I completely missed the part in his OP where he said he had a decent desktop already, I'm stupid

In that case, yes, go for the smallest/cheapest. I'd be looking for something 13"

 

[GoodEnough]

Winston, in general, you make a good point about spending $100 more to get a lot more laptop. What additional features/capabilities would spending $450 get you, compared to the 2 laptops I linked to from Best Buy? (I do think OP should stick with a $350 laptop)

 

[996GT2]

I got a Thinkpad T61 14.1" when I entered college, and if I was doing it all over again now I would be getting the Thinkpad X220. Having something small and portable is awesome when toting the laptop between the dorm and the library/classes, and if you need a bigger screen you can easily buy a 22" LCD panel for $150.

Slickdeals has a really nice deal on the X220 right now, with 2.4 GHz Core i5, IPS screen, etc for around $800.
http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?sduid=0&t=2867893

I have no doubts that a laptop like this will last through all 4 years of college. The T61 that I bought 3 years ago with a 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo, 4 GB RAM, and Quadro NVS 140M graphics is still going strong, even by today's standards, after I upgraded the main drive to an SSD and put a 320GB HDD in the Ultrabay. Gets 4 hours of life out of a 9 cell battery too.

 

[GoodEnough]

For some, it might be hard to justify spending 2.5x more money, ($350 vs. $800)
for basically the same thing in the end.
Typical students are not clocking CPU's, they are writing papers.

 

[Cheapola1]

Woah,

I appreciate all the input..

Okay, I do have a decent fantastic desktop. What I want to do for this is yeah, do school work and stuff on it, AND, the occasional playing of WoW on it. I don't know if 15" is too small or whatever, cause I will be going from a 18" LCD to ... that.. So thats why I was 'figuring' at 17.3" notebook.. Yeah it will be heavy, but, I dunno.

Sorry for my ignorance, FIRST ever notebook purchase, and FIRST time going back to school in 13 years.

Anyway I can save money, sure, lets do it.. But I don't wanna go tiny tiny.. I don't know much about Lenovo's, what their warranty is, etc.. Gateway? I would rather not, I have worked for them, nty.. Lol. This one from sears is $499.99 (right now) so like $530 with shipping tax etc..

Again, sorry for my ignorance, just new to this whole thing..


-Dave

 

[996GT2]

Woah,

I appreciate all the input..

Okay, I do have a decent fantastic desktop. What I want to do for this is yeah, do school work and stuff on it, AND, the occasional playing of WoW on it. I don't know if 15" is too small or whatever, cause I will be going from a 18" LCD to ... that.. So thats why I was 'figuring' at 17.3" notebook.. Yeah it will be heavy, but, I dunno.

Sorry for my ignorance, FIRST ever notebook purchase, and FIRST time going back to school in 13 years.

Anyway I can save money, sure, lets do it.. But I don't wanna go tiny tiny.. I don't know much about Lenovo's, what their warranty is, etc.. Gateway? I would rather not, I have worked for them, nty.. Lol. This one from sears is $499.99 (right now) so like $530 with shipping tax etc..

Again, sorry for my ignorance, just new to this whole thing..


-Dave

Do some reading up on Lenovo Thinkpads. Lenovo purchased IBM's computer division a while back and continued making Thinkpads under the Lenovo name. Along with the unibody Macbook Pros, Thinkpads are probably the best-built laptop computers you can buy. IMO standard consumer laptops from Dell, Toshiba, etc aren't even in the same league as far as build quality goes. Yes, you are paying a bit of a premium for the build quality and features such as water-resistant keyboard and IPS display (in the x220), but it also means you are buying a laptop that will last you quite a long time.

 

[taisingera]

@996GT2,

Are you overclocking the video on the Thinkpad? I am using Win7 x64 and with the Nvidia 140M I am getting 4.1 Aero and 5.3 Gaming (instead of your 5.0/5.7).

I got a Thinkpad T61 14.1" when I entered college, and if I was doing it all over again now I would be getting the Thinkpad X220. Having something small and portable is awesome when toting the laptop between the dorm and the library/classes, and if you need a bigger screen you can easily buy a 22" LCD panel for $150.

Slickdeals has a really nice deal on the X220 right now, with 2.4 GHz Core i5, IPS screen, etc for around $800.
http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?sduid=0&t=2867893

I have no doubts that a laptop like this will last through all 4 years of college. The T61 that I bought 3 years ago with a 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo, 4 GB RAM, and Quadro NVS 140M graphics is still going strong, even by today's standards, after I upgraded the main drive to an SSD and put a 320GB HDD in the Ultrabay. Gets 4 hours of life out of a 9 cell battery too.

 

[Winston Marmaduke III]

Well, I'm not a terribly big fan of the old Pentium dual cores. Bang for buck, I say getting an i3 or i5 is definitely worth the extra cost.

But you know, the dual core would probably serve him fine, but I would just hate to buy something that's been out of date for a while before you got it. As much as I hate the term "future proofing" and advocate buying specs for the purpose you need, I think it may be a good idea in this case.

IMO, bare minimum (and probably the best choice for 90% if people out there) is core-i3.

I opted for the extra boost from i5, and multi-threaded cores because even though I work with documents at work, I do a lot of video encoding at home as a hobby, and the very light, every once in a few months gaming.

And besides, docs are only getting bigger. I work with pdfs mainly, and my old pentium dual core at work could barely keep up when I had to edit the files towards the end of its life.

Winston, in general, you make a good point about spending $100 more to get a lot more laptop. What additional features/capabilities would spending $450 get you, compared to the 2 laptops I linked to from Best Buy? (I do think OP should stick with a $350 laptop)

Hey Cheapola, shopping for laptops is a whole different ballgame than Desktops man.

I personally HATE it. I can build a desktop to have exactly what I want, but laptops are going to have you comparing more models than you can imagine and eventually, compromising on things, trying to get what you want at what you want to pay. It's a PITA but completely personal I think, so the best I can say is really think about what you need.

I think GoodEnough is right, minimize the cost on that sucker, especially since you have a good box at home, but for me a hundred bucks or so is worth it to have something slightly better than bottom of the barrel

As far as screen size, I like a larger screen myself, but I draw the line at 15.6", and I'm thinking even that's kind of big now....and I'm using this lappy as a desktop replacement, since the gf commandeered the desktop and 19" lcd.

Can't comment on Thinkpads, far out of my price range....but speaking of that, I'd like to add also, generally, laptops that are marketed towards "students" are junk. They are the same grade as the consumer models. If it's something you are going to be carrying and banging around all the time, you may want to consider business grade laptops. They are generally built a bit sturdier with more metal, etc., but cost more. For example, Thinkpads.

I ended up getting a Dell Vostro 3500 (generally hated, but I actually like it) refurbished from Dell Outlet and a 20% off coupon back in January. Ended up costing me about 550 total with tax and shipping included. I actually think there is another 20% off select laptop coupon going around this week on the net. Do a google search sorted by date to see, if you don't mind refurbs that is.

 

[Cheapola1]

But is a 'AMD Phenom II Triple Core P820 o 1.8 GHz, 1.5MB L2 Cache'.. OUT OF DATE or not? .. I have no clue on that one..