<p>My sister is going to college for Chemical Engineering. Thus, as a gift, they decided to help her pay for a laptop (since the guarantee is gone and something is wrong with the hardware). However, she doesn't know what to pick, so she's making me ask in the forum. I'm not too happy about it, but I figure whatever she gets will probably be the same thing I get. </p>
<p>All we really do with the computer is browse and download stuff. No big gamers or anything, though we both want fast computers. I've heard ThinkPads are good for Engineers. Are they good in general, even for other majors (not looking into Engineering myself)? Is there any particular model for anything brand that's fast, preferably no loud fan at a good price( under ~$1500)? Currently, she has a Dell Inspiron, and I an old Toshiba so we are pretty confident with those brands. I have no personal experiences with anything else, though she also says HP are good. </p>
<p>You might want to take your sister to an Office Depot or Best Buy and actually look at some laptops. Look at 13 inch, 14 inch, 15 inch and 17 inch models and decide which size you like best. 17 inch has a nice big screen but you might find it too bulky and heavy to comfortable put in a backpack.</p>
<p>Once you get the size figured out, then start looking at features such as webcam, built-in bluetooth ( in case you want a wireless mouse, keyboard and printer later ), wireless ( so you can use the web at the coffee joint ). 3 gigs memory is a minimum.</p>
<p>Do not get a “netbook.” That’s for light websurfing only, and is not robust enough to handle term papers, lab reports, etc. Good luck…</p>
<p>I’m starting school in the fall and I’ve decided on a Dell Studio 17. I hear both the Studio 15 and 17 are really good buys, and everyone that I know who has a Dell Studio laptop loves it.</p>
<p>Though( having been brainwashed by the CC’s love ThinkPads) I played with the Lenovo, and I got a PC with the following requirements:</p>
<p>System components
Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
4 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)<br>
UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad)<br>
320 GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo 24X/24X/24X/8X Max, Ultrabay Slim (Serial ATA)
Express Card Slot & PC Card Slot<br>
Intel WiFi Link 5100 (AGN) with My WiFi Technology#<br>
Integrated AT&T Mobile Broadband Card (3G)<br>
6 cell Li-Ion Battery<br>
Country Pack North America with Line cord & 65W AC adapter</p>
<p>For $1233, about $90 more than the Dell with 1 year less of warranty. </p>
<p>Would it be better to get the ThinkPad or the Dell?</p>
<p>I don’t know my sister (I never see her playing anything on that) but the only game I’m really dying to play would be KOTOR II. Not a heavy gamer, no WOW, or Crysis for me.</p>
<p>I’m just surprised that people prefer the XPS since I thought most of the CC population consisted of diehard ThinkPad fans. If the Dell is better, I’ll just get that, but I’ll wait for a few more comments.</p>
<p>The dell is a better media/gaming/graphics intensive computer, while the IBM is cut for word processing and other typical college stuff like internet browsing. I personally would rather get the XPS, but if you dont need the bells and whistles that come with the extra performance, just stick with the IBM to get work done.</p>
<p>yes, I would. By that I mean the extra, non-necessary things that Dell’s Studio XPS line has like the high gloss finish, the leather accent, the edge to edge glass etc. Things that arent necessary to get the job done, but add a sense of style and personalization to the laptop.</p>
<p>How about weight though? I was looking at the Studio XPS 16 too but every review I’ve read so far says its a little too heavy to carry around on a regular basis. Also, battery life is usually lacking with any powerful laptop, so I’d get the 9-cell battery, but that adds even more weight. </p>
<p>As of right now, I’m torn between the Studio XPS 16 and the Macbook Pro. The XPS is a lot cheaper and more powerful, not to mention the amazing 1080p RGBLED LCD, but the MBP is lighter, slimmer, and has better battery life.</p>