Notebook Suggestions for a Grad present

[wisfal]

Ok, I'm graduating this year, big thing for me. I am convincing my parents to get me a laptop as a grad present. I am an AMD guy and am going to be using this laptop for college note taking, programming, surfing the web and maybe some games(nothing to graphically demanding) I want a notebook that is a 64-bit because I want to be ready for new developments. I am trying to keep the price down around $1000, if anybody has any suggestions, please post. Thanks.

 

[wisdomtooth]

Wait until you are in college.

The reason? Colleges and universities usually have educational discount programs with various computer vendors, and those discounts can save you up to a few hundred bucks when buying a laptop.

 

[BeauJangles]

Originally posted by: wisdomtooth
Wait until you are in college.

The reason? Colleges and universities usually have educational discount programs with various computer vendors, and those discounts can save you up to a few hundred bucks when buying a laptop.

You can usually capitalize on these as soon as you are accepted to a university... just fax them a copy of the acceptance letter.

 

[wisdomtooth]

Best ask the particular school.

At the universities I attended, they require a statement of registration for you to qualify for the discount-- An acceptance letter is NOT good enough because it's not proof you will go to that particular school. 😉

 

[fbrdphreak]

Check out the college's university bookstore, sometimes they have models in store that are specially delivered for the university @ awesome prices (like my $2800+ T42 that I paid $2000 for 😉 ) [And yes, I know that they are a lot cheaper now 😉 ]
In regards to a laptop around $1000, there is no point in trying to go 64-bit. If you are going to be using this in class and out & about, (A) the A64 notebooks are about 7-8 lbs in most cases & (B) only offer 2-3 hours battery life max. Also, true 64-bit compatibility, operating systems, and apps won't be available for several years. It takes a while to make such a huge switch. By then your $1000 notebook will be work $50 and you can buy another $1000 notebook 😛
What size screen are you looking for? AMD fan boy or not, Intel owns the mobile market right now. The Pentium M is an awesome mobile processor, running almost everything very efficiently. Depending on the notebook & its battery, you will get anywhere from 3-8 hours off battery life. The gaming aspect for a Pentium M notebook will definitely run more than $1000 though. Most ~$1000 Pentium M notebooks will come with basic integrated graphics. The closest you'll find to $1g will have a Radeon 9200 most likely, but I honestly don't know of any systems that have that in that price range. The only one that comes to mind is Sony, but they run closer to $2000. Maybe check out Acer, Sager, etc? If you can forget about gaming on a $1000 notebook, the HP dv1000 series is ultra-portable with exceptional battery life for around $1000.
If you REALLY want an Athlon 64, then your main choice is going to be the Gateway 72XX series. There is a particular model that can be had for around $1100 or so on sale @ Best Buy with an A64, 1GB RAM, 80GB, DVDRW, 15.4" screen, & Radeon 9550 64MB (underclocked 9600). This is definitely your best gaming performance for the money. Keep in mind this notebook weighs about 8 lbs & will get 2-2.5 hrs batt life in most cases. You could also try to find a used eMachines M68XX series (the predecessor to the Gateway), but I personally wouldn't buy any eMachines/Gateway w/out a good warranty on it.
Please write back if you have any more questions.