New laptop for med school: advice?

[MilkmanAl]

My price range tops out at roughly $1500, but that's flexible if an extra $100 will get me a much better product. I'm looking for a computer that's reasonably affordable while still powerful enough to last me 4 years without a problem. Obviously, reliability is also an issue. Are the individual components (CPU, GPU, etc.) good? What speed is the RAM? How does the video card compare with others (like the NVidia line)? I really don't know anything about laptops, so any advice at all is appreciated.

I'm currently looking at this model: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16834220307

 

[punchkin]

What you need is a rock-solid laptop with good service to last you through school. i.e. a Thinkpad with a three- or four-year next-day service plan. You don't need a very powerful GPU for using visualization software needed for your degree.

I just priced a 15.4" widescreen T61 with a Core 2 Duo T8100 (2.1GHz 800MHz 3MBL2), 2 GB RAM, 100GB 7200RPM disk, 128MB NVidia Quadro NVS 140M, Vista Business, and 4-year onsite next-business-day service for $1,360.75 .

 

[MilkmanAl]

Yeah, I've had that model recommended to me before. I've had amazing luck with Thinkpads in the past, so they're definitely attractive to me. However, the ASUS I'm looking at really has incredible hardware for the price. It'll be tough to find anything comparable, I think.

 

[996GT2]

Actually, you can get a loaded T61P mobile workstation with similar/better specs for around that price when you factor in the Lenovo coupons currently available. Go congifure one at Lenovo's site and check it out for yourself.

 

[Brainonska511]

If you're going to go with Asus, I'd consider this one too: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16834220303 Pretty much the same specs (minus a gig of RAM), but it's smaller - great if you plan on carrying it around.

 

[punchkin]

I can't believe anyone would recommend an ASUS versus a Thinkpad for reliability and service.

 

[Rottie]

Originally posted by: punchkin
I can't believe anyone would recommend an ASUS versus a Thinkpad for reliability and service.

Would you recommand HP/Compaq for reliability and service?

 

[punchkin]

Originally posted by: Rottie

Originally posted by: punchkin
I can't believe anyone would recommend an ASUS versus a Thinkpad for reliability and service.

Would you recommand HP/Compaq for reliability and service?

Not the absolute most highly... but their service is better than Dell's on the home front. (Business-wise, Dell actually has great service.(

 

[Oil]

When do you need the laptop? Lenovo is releasing new Thinkpads sometime in July. Pricing is unfortunately not known at this time

 

[ubercaffeinated]

busm uses a lot of apples. a lot.

 

[MilkmanAl]

I'll probably be buying in early-mid July. School starts Aug. 11, so I'll need it before then.

I went to the Lenovo site and configured a notebook that was identical except for the Quadro FX 570M graphics card and 160 GB, 7200 RPM hard drive. I also put XP Pro on it. (Good idea?) I don't know anything about the Quadro FX line of video cards. How does that one compare with the Radeon 3650 and 8600M GT?

Anyway, the configured model costs $1600+tax. I've heard the ASUS model I was looking at is kind of junky, so I might be inclined to pay the extra $300 for what I know will be a high-quality product.

 

[boomhower]

You need to find out what programs you are going to be using in your program. If they are specialized programs they may not work in vista. This is information you most definitely want to find out before you buy.

As far as the Quadro, they are meant for more workstation like duties than gaming. If you'll be doing any simulation type programs then it may benefit you more than a 8000 series card. It is really a case of it just depends.

Stay away from asus if you can. They are not really bad machines but I would not trust one to live through four years of college life. I know what I put mine through and it was not pretty, but it survived just fine(well I replaced the motherboard but that was completely my fault not the systems) and it was a Dell.

Likely the best deal is going to be on the outgoing lenovo models as they are going to be trying to clear inventory for the new models. Just take a look and see if the redesign is worth the extra cost or if you could live with one of the older models.

 

[MrToilet]

I use a Lenovo Thinkpad X60 tablet for medical school, and it's been awesome. I have all my notes (in PDF format) on my tablet, a bunch of board review books, and it's especially helpful for note-taking and viewing Powerpoints.

Make sure to get the extended battery, and get a sleeve case from sfbags.com to protect it if you get one- they're kind of a weird shape for a laptop, a lot of laptop sleeves don't fit well.

Let me know if you have any questions - my tablet has been awesome. I got mine through the Lenovo outlet, brand-new, for $899. They're usually priced between $1100 and $1500 for the newer models.

 

[Brainonska511]

Originally posted by: boomhower
Stay away from asus if you can. They are not really bad machines but I would not trust one to live through four years of college life. I know what I put mine through and it was not pretty, but it survived just fine(well I replaced the motherboard but that was completely my fault not the systems) and it was a Dell.

I haven't had a problem with my Asus; still going strong as it enters its 3rd year of service.

Just stay away from their super-duper budget machines and you'll be fine. Even the F series (budgetish) is still pretty good - just read the reviews and what people are saying about them over at NotebookReview.com