Another Comp Question

Student Lounge College Life
1

<p>I can't believe theres so many questions about this already. I'm sorry to contributing to that trend, but I still can't come to a good conclusion.</p>

<p>I don't start college for another year but my dad is putting the pressure on me already to become completely prepared. </p>

<p>I want a laptop, and my budget is $2500.</p>

<p>I've been a Windows user all my life, but I am open to Mac. All the colleges I'm looking at suport either system. I'm also extremely attracted to Mac because spyware and viruses are something I work hard to keep away, and it seems it's getting harder (at least for me) everyday.</p>

<p>My first computer was a Gateway desktop. It lasted me from 7th until 11th grade. I was young and didn't know what I was doing, but I loved that computer. I got the cheapest I could get yet I hardly ever experienced any problems.</p>

<p>I got a Dell the beginning my 11th grade. That was only 8 months ago. And quite frankly, I hate this thing. It's LITERALLY falling apart lol. The front cover fell off and I can't get it back on. The speakers have already broke. It's slower than my Gateway and it has more memory. It's also filled with spyware but that's my fault. I mean, this thing is okay for the price I got it at. I just wish I would have got something else.</p>

<p>I want a laptop that is small and light-nothing over 17 inches.
I'm no gamer, I'm no media enthusiast. At the very most I'll pop in a DVD occasionally and of course download some music. Maybe save some photos.
I want something dependable, sturdy, and well-built. I don't care if it's pretty as long as its strong. But, bonus points if it's black.
I want it to have tons of memory and hardrive.
I want something that will last hopefully four years. At least 3.</p>

<p>So I'm willing to spend the $2500 on quality. That's all I care about.</p>

<p>I've narrowed it down to MacBookPro, Sony Vaio, and the Thinkpad. I just worry I won't be able to get all I want in those brands within my price range.</p>

<p>Perhaps I should get something cheaper (HP or Toshiba) and load it up with memory and everything.</p>

<p>Oh and here's another question that's a little more unique. I'm going to have the funds (thanks to a gracious family member) to pay for this upfront. Would that be a good idea?</p>

<p>Thanks for reading.</p>

2

<p>I have a HP Pavilion dv1000t, I'm sure it's good enough for your needs. It's cheap, sturdy, and has good reviews. Plus it's black! I've got 1GB ram and 100GB HD, tons of memory enough? =) It's got a 14.4" widescreen Brightview screen. It's got QuickPlay and media controls at the top of the keyboard so you can play a DVD without booting your laptop up, and adjust the volume, play, stop, or rewind without loading the control consul. The touchpad has an on/off switch which is awesome. It supports Bluetooth and WLAN. It's DuoCore with 2.0 Ghz, great for multitasking. It's also got a built in webcam and mic.</p>

<p>Pleasepleaseplease take a good look at this. I've had mine for three months, not a single problem (ok, fine, no problem YET) and I love it. =) I had it's predecessor for half a year and no problems either, except it was single core so it got maddeningly slow.</p>

<p>I think paying upfront is a good idea, I could usually cut down the price a bit more when I pay in cash upfront.</p>

<p>Just a note of caution, I've read many reviews that say the Sony VAIO is overpriced and not worth it. But hey I don't own one/never used one, so what do I know? =)</p>

3

<p>Get a Mac. OS X is the best operating system around, hands down, and this is coming from a hard core UNIX tech-head. I bought a MacBook Pro a month before a graduated from college and it rules. It has replaced all my other computers as my main system.</p>

<p>Also, with Boot</a> Camp you can install both Windows and OS X on your Mac. There's absolutely no downside to buying a MacBook Pro if you're willing to spend the money.</p>

4

<p>I have a Macbook Pro and it works great (just made the switch). Anywho from a general look at other threads, the two most endorsed laptops are the Macs and Thinkpads (less complaints too) by far.</p>

5

<p>
[quote]
my budget is $2500.

[/quote]

Since you have the money, I'd recommend the MBP. It's a solid computer.</p>