<p>I've been a Mac user for quite a while. My laptop lasted from the time I was thirteen right up until the end of June of this year (and the issue is more external hardware than software. It's just not worth investing all the money into fixing a computer that's still running on Tiger and has sort of lived out its life). When there have been issues, Mac tech support has been brilliantly helpful. However, while I'd really, really love a beautiful, aluminum Macbook Pro, it doesn't look like that's going to happen because of money. </p>
<p>PCs make me nervous. Almost all my friends are PC users and I see all the ways their computers have crashed or developed serious issues after not a whole lot of time. I have a muscular problem with my hands, so I usually type just about everything. I prefer taking notes by hand, but it eventually becomes too painful. I store all my notes on Google Docs as is because I'm terrified of one crash wiping out my life. Even so -- I really, really want to have a computer that I can be reasonably certain: A) will live for the next four years without going belly up at a really inconvenient time, and B) can withstand going just about everywhere with me. My life tends to be stored on my computer. </p>
<p>So I'm going through lists of good laptops and trying to narrow down good models, but I feel a little lost in the woods. Can anyone recommend specific models (not just brands)? Thanks so much.</p>
<p>When do you need this computer by? I ask because this is NOT the time to buy a PC. Windows 8 is just around the corner, and along with it, many new computers will be coming out with hardware specifically tailored to the new software.</p>
<p>Anyway, you need to be more specific in what you are looking for in a computer. Portability? Storage size? Speed? Display quality? Also, what is your budget?</p>
<p>I need it for twelve days from now, so I don’t think I’ll be waiting for Windows 8. Portability and durability are priorities. Speed is important to me as well. Display quality I can live without, a super fast processor I can live without – I just need it to be functional for whatever I might have to do in class and tooling around sometimes online. </p>
<p>Sorry if that’s not super specific…:P</p>
<p>eta: in an ideal world, it would cost less than 1000. the more I look, the more I’m not certain that’ll happen.</p>
<p>If portability is important and you are willing to sacrifice a CD drive, I’d suggest one of the following from this list: [Best</a> Ultrabooks - CNET Reviews](<a href=“http://reviews.cnet.com/best-ultrabooks/]Best”>Best Laptop 2023: The 11 Laptops We Recommend - CNET). They’re all excellent computers. I know the MacBook Air is slightly over budget, but I can’t recommend it enough, especially since you’re already a Mac user. Its miles ahead of its PC counterparts in terms of hardware (especially the keyboard and trackpad), and Mountain Lion is leaps and bounds ahead of Tiger.</p>
<p>Thanks for the link! I’ve been looking at the Toshiba Portege 7835 because I like ultrabooks, but some of these are looking a little better for a similarish price. </p>
<p>I would LOVE a Macbook. I prefer them and I’m more comfortable using them. It’s a matter of not having the parental financial backing and not having enough money of my own. It doesn’t sound like the student discounts are going to be quite enough.</p>
I beg to differ. CNET, the people from the very link you previously used, stated " It’s definitely the best ultrathin laptop keyboard I’ve used." when referring to the Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon’s keyboard. All other ultrathin laptop keyboards would include the MBA which is why they purposefully stated ultrathin laptop and not ultrabook. It’s also arguable that the carbon fiber chassis is equivalent, if not superior, to an aluminum one due to heat dissipation and lighter weight.
[Lenovo</a> ThinkPad X1 Carbon Review - Watch CNET’s Video & Read Our Review](<a href=“CNET: Product reviews, advice, how-tos and the latest news”>CNET: Product reviews, advice, how-tos and the latest news)</p>
<p>I’m not recommending the X1C for the OP, but just trying to keep things honest. The MBA keyboard may be miles ahead to you, but to other tech professionals it’s not.</p>
<p>What I say is my opinion. Not trying to force it onto anyone. Just because CNET claims something, doesnt make it any more correct than something I say. Its all just opinions. IMHO, the Airs chicklet keyboard is better than the Thinkpads. In addition, the Think pad has a less than optimal touchpad. Overall, the Air is a better computer (IMO. have to say that because some may be hurt if I dont). </p>
<p>If you’re so scared of PC’s, save up and get a Mac. That’s the whole selling point of those things anyway. I’ve heard plenty of stories about Macs crashing, but the only difference is that the owners just shelled out cash at the “Geniuses” to fix it, whereas PC owners either fixed it themselves, found a repair guy, or something like that.</p>
<p>No matter what brand/type of computer you’re using, it’s good to take backups, create repair disks, etc. If you feel the need, you can get TradeSquare extended warranties.</p>
<p>Also, based upon your preferences, you don’t need an ultrabook. You asked for portability, durability, and light use (internet browsing, school-related uses). That can be satisfied by a $300-$500 regular laptop.</p>
<p>No matter which computer you decide on, you should probably get in the habit of backing up your files regularly to an external hard-drive. Even with a Mac, things happen. </p>
<p>If you want to go with Mac, you can only do refurbished at that price point. Buying AC+ and using an American Express card will cover you for four years.</p>
<p>lol well if ur friends wtch pron it wouldnt surprise me. i have had good work with my toshiba so far going on year 2. with a lot of computers/laptops if you get 4-6yrs out of them they did a good job. but if your that nervous save and buy the mac. but i am happy with my pc</p>
<p>In my opinion if you’re such a avid mac user, just stick with Apple. Either get a Macbook Air or a Macbook Pro if you can handle the extra weight. Just either save up & get yourself a quality laptop or get a slightly older refurbished model. </p>
<p>Nonetheless if you’re interested in going the Windows route, I think the new Thinkpad X1 Carbon would best fit your needs of portability & durability, albeit it’s not exactly cheap but no ultrabook is really. Also look into either of these models:
- HP Folio (Best budget friendly ultrabook, no 1600x900 resolution tho, $799ish)
- Samsung Series 9 (Incredibly thin & trendy, 7+ hours of battery life, fast Samsung SSD, expensive but definitely great laptop, $1399+)
- Asus (Do no the names of their ultrabooks but look into them. They’re also thin & stylish)
- Toshiba Protege (Another budget friendly ultrabook for around $799ish too, but in my opinion the screen is quite flimsy & feels a bit prone to flexing a lot.)</p>
<p>One last thing do a search for “sleekbooks,” they’re the same in every aspect to ultrabooks just instead of an Intel processor they have an AMD processor which is slightly less powerful but cheaper.</p>
<p>^I think if the OP could afford the X1C or the Samsung S9, then they would be able to afford an MBA or MBP anyway.</p>
<p>The HP Folio 13 and Toshiba Portege Z930/5 are affordable ultrabook options in the $7-800 range if they were considering an ultrabook. The Folio 13 is highly rated across the board, but the Portege Z930/5 is fairly flimsy (which is why it’s around 2.5 lbs) much like it’s recent predecessor Z830/5.</p>
<p>The Dell Inspiron 14z is also a <$900 (for the i5 model) ultrabook that’s worth giving a look in this realm. I fooled around with a display model at Costco the other day and it feels fairly solid. It does have some aluminum plating for support (with plastic trim), which is out of the norm for the traditional Inspiron line.</p>
<p>Anyway, you shouldn’t fear unreasonably about using a PC so long as you are smart about using it (i.e. don’t go on any sites that are of questionable nature and only visit trusted sites, don’t open spam email or subject line questionable email, use an anti-virus, clean it regularly and don’t carelessly throw or bang it around, etc). If PCs were really so bad in causing problems without user influence, then they wouldn’t still be used in the business world.</p>
<p>Yeah, I know that the OP doesn’t have a big budget for an X1 Carbon & Samsung Series 9, but I’m just trying to expose him to his other premium options. </p>
<p>I complete agree with your assessments on the Toshiba Protege, HP Folio & the Dell Inspiron 14Z. They’re all solid choices in the ultrabook market.</p>