Need help finding a Laptop

[Dumac]

I need a new laptop.

I will be using this laptop for a few things, such as gaming and general use, but I will also be using it for my C.E. undergraduate studies next year.

I haven't bought a laptop, so I'm a bit out of the loop.

One of the things I have a question about is the video card. I haven't bought a video card since Nvidia's 7000s came out, so I don't know exactly which is best and which to get.

Another thing I am concerned with is the laptop's OS. Should I go with XP or Vista? Vista seems to be the way of the future, but I fear some C.E. applications may not go that smoothly with an OS other than XP. Is there a way to be able to boot between the two on the same machine? If not, which should I go with?

If someone can help me out by answering my questions, directing me to a good place to shop for laptops, or even finding me a laptop, they would have many thanks for me.

Oh, and a cookie.

P.S. I think this is the right place to post this. If it isn't, let me know.

EDIT: Whoops, forget to mention money. I'm not too worried about finding a cheap option, as I have a good bit of money allotted to this purchase, but I can't afford anything ridiculously expensive (such as 4k+)

 

[gaiden2k5]

I'm guessing you use CAD, so...

OS-wise i would suggest XP. but the catch is that many new laptops has vista built in so you may need to wipe it out and get a copy of xp - unless the laptop maker offers a xp presinstall option, then take that.

Laptop-wise im suggesting a Dell Vostro 1500 if you are on a budget (make sure you get one with the 8600 video card) if you have $$$ go for a nice M1730, it has pretty much everything and it will cost you everything . i owned a M1710(older) and it's a great desktop replacement that offers possible mobility given the fact that i dont mind carrying a big bag.

alternatives: HP DV series are nice looking laptops, M1530 is also similar to Vostro 1500.

gl

b

 

[d3lt4]

If you check out cyberpowerpc.com they have lots of good options for very cheap. They even let you choose wich operating system you want from vista to xp, and all the variants. Plus they will let you get the computer formatted, and just send you a disk with the drivers.

I'm about to purchase a laptop for school, and have been looking for the same thing. For me they were the cheapest with all the things that I wanted in a laptop. the only problem is that they only have 3hrs battery life, wich isn't bad, but it's not that great.
And you can configure it about any way you want to.

Personally I wouldn't worry too much about the OS, seeing as there are many virtualization programs and WINE. Especially between vista and XP. And if a program has troubles on one OS, since you are a CE major, one of your buddies will be able to help you out.

gl, and feel free to ask more questions.