Getting a new laptop

[DyslexicHobo]

My family is all chipping in as a birthday and graduation gift to get me a new laptop. Together, my budget is $1200 (they're letting me buy it since they don't know anything about comps).

I've never really been into the laptop scene, this will be my first one.

I would really appreciate it if someone could guide to approximately would be worth my money. What brands are dependable? Which ones can get me top notch stuff for the least amount of money? What about warranties? Do I need extra batteries?

I'm looking for something that I can carry around to class, so probably nothing more than a 15.4". I'm going to college for mech. engineering, so I'll be using some CAD programs (I believe they mentioned MatLab, but I can't remember for sure)-- they recommended getting a pretty beefy computer, probably high in RAM. I'd really like some sort of wireless ethernet, but it seems like most are already equipped with this. I also enjoy my video games, but I don't mind playing without AA and HDR, but some sort of mid-range GFX card will be necessary!

I'm really worried that I'm going to buy something that I won't get my money's worth for, so please help.

Thanks!

 

[jkresh]

This should probably be in SFF,Notebooks but I have a couple of suggestions. First do not buy before late July, prices drop and a new laptop platform comes out in May. Second check with your school they might have deals with some vendors (dell,apple,lenovo...) and recommended machines. Even if you aren't likely to buy one of their recommended machines looking at it (and listing the specs) will help you figure out what you need. Based on your budget you probably should look at dell but wait for deals, if you cant get at least 20% off then wait a week, dell often has some pretty impressive deals/coupons if you look around (I got 35% off a $3000 machine laptop 3 years ago).