<p>Has anyone started to think about purchasing a new computer yet for next year? I’m more or less an idiot when it comes to electronics, so if anyone has any suggestions for me, that would be great…</p>
<p>Already got one--Dell Inspiron 9300. I love it, though I do somewhat regret not getting something smaller.</p>
<p>I second amor's suggestion...Of course, if you desire more compactness and lightness, maybe go with the Dell Inspiron 600m, a very popular machine for which Ive heard great reviews. </p>
<p>However, I for one am partial to larger laptops, bc they give me more of sturdy, workstation, desktop-ish feel, if thst makes any sense. Also cinophiles like myself prefer larger screens for DVDs. </p>
<p>Either way, Dells are a good middle path between cheap and expensive, and also between shoddy and high-end. CHECK OUT the Inspiron and Latitude lines. =)</p>
<p>Rule of thumb is that if you want to be plauged by crappy support, get a Dell. Personally, I'm looking into an IBM ThinkPad T43 because they're built like tanks and never break down, from what I've read.</p>
<p>I havent experienced that with my Dell interactions isnet...Have you had a Dell and experienced this? I have definitely heard the popular stigma attached to Dells, but personally I do not understand it and think its a little exagerated...</p>
<p>Ok, i work at a computer testing company, the people there say that ibm tech support pretty much rocks, but they don't say that dell's terrible.. the ones they hate are like toshiba and sony</p>
<p>dell inspiron 6000, a step below the 9000, but the perfect size and amazing performance...</p>
<p>my dell latitude 610 showed up on my porch yesterday!</p>
<p>I originally wanted to get a Dell Inspiron 6000 but my parents randomly bought me a 600m. I kind of like this one better b/c it is much lighter, and I don't think I would've like the widescreen too much.</p>
<p>i got the inspiron 6000. it's very nice & the screen is beautiful, but it is pretty heavy so i wouldn't recommend it to anyone who plans on carrying it to class everyday .</p>
<p>Ive said it before, and I'll say it again. For laptops, if you are willing to spend the dough, get an IBM T43 or an Apple.</p>
<p>If you are looking to go less than 1k, go to <a href="http://www.gotapex.com%5B/url%5D">www.gotapex.com</a> use the $750 off coupon code on a $1500 Dell 700m. It wont be great, it'll get the job done though, and you can get an accidental warantee for free basically and one or two other upgrades with that coupon code (take the $950 model and spec it up).</p>
<p>what would the minimum specifications be for a laptop for a comp sci major?</p>