<p>I am certain that this has been asked many times, but I need assistance regarding my choice for a laptop. I'm enrolling at Clemson in the fall and have been looking at their recommended list of laptops (The laptop they recommend is this: <a href="https://store.edutechu.com/p-1671-dell-precision-m4600.aspx%5B/url%5D">https://store.edutechu.com/p-1671-dell-precision-m4600.aspx</a>) I don't know about the reliability of this laptop though. I am rather wary of Dell and Hp's reliability. I have been looking at Lenovo's W520 as well, and I can purchase another 4gb RAM stick from newegg rather cheaply and install it easily in the W520. I have also browsed the Lenovo forums and some are reporting problems with their W520's which also makes me apprehensive. </p>
<p>I guess what I really want to know is: Is the M4600 worth it in terms of cost and reliablity, or will I be better off in buying the W520?</p>
<p>I hate not being able to make a decision, so the sooner I can purchase my laptop, the better. </p>
<p>Also, if anyone knows of any other good reputable business class laptops that could serve my needs, feel free to post them. I have also looked at ASUS but am unsure.</p>
<p>*I also want to do some light gaming (COD4, CS:GO or CS:S, L4D, TF2, etc.)</p>
<p>Thanks a million in advance!!!!</p>
<p>Well, looks like my link was invalid, so here goes again. It is a Dell Precision M4600:[Dell</a> M4600 Laptop - Dell Precision M4600 Mobile Workstation | Dell](<a href=“http://www.dell.com/us/enterprise/p/precision-m4600/pd]Dell”>Precision M4600 — Lightweight, Performance Mobile Workstation | Dell USA)</p>
<p>I have heard mixed reviews about Lenovo’s quality. You get what you pay for with the Dell and the HP…get a $300 computer and it’s going to use crap hardware, get a thousand dollar computer (like the one you posted), and you’re going to get better hardware. And you only really need 4 gigs of RAM for a decent laptop with windows 7. Don’t be fooled by the ones that promise 10 gigs of RAM. </p>
<p>Honestly, I think you’re overdoing it with that computer. You really don’t need to spend a grand and a half to get a computer for college. You’re not running an Engineering firm, you’re in college. Engineering is tough and you’ll need a good, reliable computer. But you should be able to get a great computer for the job for around $500-$700. If you want to game all you have to do is look for one with a graphics card. </p>
<p>I have heard good things about Asus. I think they make a really solid laptop for the money and are a good contender. I’d stay away from Toshiba (they tend to be cheaply made). </p>
<p>Good luck to you.</p>