<p>I want to start looking around for a laptop, one that will go with me to college next year. However, I know absolutely nothing about the details of buying laptops/computers. The home computer I use right now is veryyy old. I have tons of music; I write a lot and always need lots of space for saving fun things as well as work things. </p>
<p>I'm trying to do some research, but I'm curious about you laptop owners out there. Any recommendations or comments on where to start or what to look for?</p>
<p>Start there. They have tons of reviews by customers as well as tech professionals and editors. CNet's reviews tend to be highly biased against Apples so just keep that in mind when reading CNet. Consumer Reports are based on consumer ratings and there are editor reviews. I would say Consumer Reports is the best source for OBJECTIVITY. Try Yahoo Shopping's laptop recommendation tool. They ask you a bunch of questions and recommend laptops for you. That's a starting point. Personally, I'm sick and tired of windows and I think I'm going to switch to a mac. Why the hell should I spend $2k on a computer that I won't be happy with?</p>
<p>Buy a copy of the Consumer Reports Magazine. They have a comprehensive list of ratings and other stuff like that. JD Power Associates and other consumer magazines will have ratings and reviews as well.</p>
<p>Anyway here's some links to major manufacturers:</p>
<p>Keep in mind that when you go to the manufacturer's sites, they're trying to sell THEIR product to you, so they'll be HIGHLY BIASED. Worst place to go for an objective review.</p>
<p>Hmmm, the less money the better. ;) But I don't want to sacrifice quality; as long as it's worth it...so right now I guess I'd say max. $2000 or $2500? </p>
<p>If you're most interested in having a beefy HD and not really worried about the vid card, do take a look at the Macbooks. They offer a good balance between performance and value. </p>
<p>Otherwise, look at Lenovos. They're quite good.</p>
<p>At $2K to $2.5K, you're looking for quite a machine. Are you worried about video card performance?</p>
<p>Not necessarily true. Dell does offer exceptional value in terms of sheer horsepower, but there are plenty of reasons to give up a goodie here or a gigabyte there for features that are offered by other companies. I'd take Lenovo build quality and service over Dell in many cases. </p>
<p>And why wait for Vista? It's not like upgrades are really all that difficult.</p>
<p>People believe 17"s are the best when in fact, 12"s are for pros. My bro once brought a 17" to college and those around him scorned at him for not having a 12.</p>
<p>Get a tiny tiny laptop. 3 pounds optimal. I hate big laptops since I can never carry them around...Toshiba has good small ones, but they're very delicate. I lifted my laptop up by the screen once (probably a bad idea) and the screen broke -- this never happened with my old laptop, but maybe that's because I rarely got around to carrying it. Good thing it's got a killer warranty.</p>
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People believe 17"s are the best when in fact, 12"s are for pros. My bro once brought a 17" to college and those around him scorned at him for not having a 12.
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<p>I've never been scorned for my 15" laptop. Ever. I wonder if maybe "scorn" is a bit of too strong of a word.</p>
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Get a tiny tiny laptop. 3 pounds optimal. I hate big laptops since I can never carry them around...Toshiba has good small ones, but they're very delicate. I lifted my laptop up by the screen once (probably a bad idea) and the screen broke -- this never happened with my old laptop, but maybe that's because I rarely got around to carrying it. Good thing it's got a killer warranty.
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<p>I had my Toshiba's screen break as well. I recommend Lenovos for that very same reason.</p>