Best New Computer for Computer Science Major

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
1

<p>Hey, I'm going to be a Math/Computer Science double major, and I'm an upcoming freshman. My current computer is going to be passed down to my younger brother once I leave for college, and my parents want to buy me a new one. The price cap would be at $700 and I would prefer it not to be an Apple product. What are some pieces of hardware you guys would recommend? I don't want it to be full of bloatware when I buy it, so any suggestions in that regard? Overall, I'm just looking for a relatively fast/competent computer that has decent battery life and costs the above price or less.</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

<p>EDIT: I want it to be a laptop, not a desktop, just to be clear.</p>

2

<p>Here’s a really solid computer with an amazing processor.</p>

<p>[Newegg.com</a> - Acer Aspire AS5750-9668 Notebook Intel Core i7 2630QM(2.00GHz) 15.6" 4GB Memory DDR3 1066 640GB HDD 5400rpm DVD Super Multi Intel HD Graphics 3000](<a href=“Are you a human?”>Are you a human?)</p>

<p>Here’s a bit more balanced one with a WAY better graphics card and only a slightly worse processor (if you care about gaming or maybe if we use graphic intensive programs later on).</p>

<p><a href=“Are you a human?”>Are you a human?;

<p>-Fellow CS major '15 :D</p>

3

<p>Curious: Are you taking CS 1110 this semester? And if so, at what time?</p>

4

<p>I’m placing out of it (at least for now). Might take it second semester, if not CS 2110.
My schedule: [Schedule</a> for Fall 2011](<a href=“http://www.schedulizer.com/b3ph]Schedule”>http://www.schedulizer.com/b3ph)</p>

<p>If you private msg me we can talk on Facebook, I’ve already met some helpful current Cornellians and I can relay some info :D</p>

5

<p>Just PM’ed you for facebook.</p>

6

<p>If you guys are CS majors that already know how to program, for the love of God, test out of CS 1110 and take 2110 first semester. Don’t waste your time even if it’s an easy A+ for you.</p>

7

<p>thinkpad edge is on sale right now through lenovo or a bunch of other stores online and they are pretty durable. good option if you don’t mind integrated graphics.</p>

<p>Also, people knock on HP laptops as being sub-par but their new line of Pavilions is a huge improvement and I wouldn’t write them off any more.</p>

<p>[HP</a> Pavilion dv6-6140us 15.6" Laptop with Beats Audio™ | Staples®](<a href=“http://www.staples.com/HP-Pavilion-dv6-6140us-15.6-Laptop-with-Beats-Audio/product_332978]HP”>http://www.staples.com/HP-Pavilion-dv6-6140us-15.6-Laptop-with-Beats-Audio/product_332978)</p>

<p>Great laptop for only $600!</p>

8

<p>@ TheChuckster,</p>

<p>I know how to program, just not in Java. Although I will take the placement exam to see how I do anyway.</p>

9

<p>Hmm… i7, >4GB RAM are usually what I look for.
With an Intel video card, you can find some for under $800.
When you put in a NVIDIA one, though, then the price just sky rockets.
Happened to me when I was looking for a laptop: found two of the same laptop which had the same specs except the graphics card. One was priced around $300 more. It might have been a good graphics card, but really, does that result in a 40% increase?</p>

10

<p>I’m PMing the both of you, I’m a prospective CS major going to Cornell this fall. I’m on OSX Lion for the MacBook Pro 13" base model. It’s pretty sweet. And for the CS enthusiast, free Xcode.</p>