<p>I know there are plenty of threads on this, but I'm still unsure.</p>
<p>Since I'm leaving home and going for Engineering, my parents think I should I get a souped up computer to take on the world... whatever the hell that means. Truthfully, considering the crappy laptop I currently have, I'm eager for the change.</p>
<p>Now, don't get me wrong. I love my Toshiba in the sense that it has survived through ME. I'm destructive and careless. It served me well throughout all my high school years, but its loud fan, cooling problems, lack of wifi connection (I have use the card), etc. , it's just time for a change. </p>
<p>So...can you guys help me out?</p>
<p>I don't need any fancy things. Not a big gamer. If I play anything, it's emulating Super Nintendo. The only thing that'd interest me would be a laptop that'd last long (probably another Toshiba, but I'm up for anything), and something that'll load things fast and long battery life.</p>
<p>I'm really kinda clueless when it comes to this, so I don't know what other details to add on. The budget is $1.2k-1.5k (the numbers keeps changing with each conversation), so any suggestions, CC?</p>
<p>It's going to come with Vista, so make sure it has at least 2 GB of RAM. In order to maximize battery life, choose a model that has a 6 cell battery as opposed to a 4 cell battery (or a 3 cell battery, or any other lower number of cells in the battery).</p>
<p>I'd recommend a ThinkPad as well. I've got a T400, and it's amazing. If you want a 14.1", I'd recommend the T400. If you want a 15.4", go with the T500 or W500 (which costs more, but has better specs). If you want a smaller laptop, take a look at the X200 or X300. There are also tablet versions of the laptops in the X series, if that's something you need.</p>
<p>Mind you, there ARE tougher laptops (the Panasonic</a> Toughbook comes to mind), but they are very expensive, and unless you plan on living in a warzone, they are complete overkill.</p>
<p>Haha, there are at least 3 thinkpads in that pic.</p>
<p>But yeah, thinkpads are known for their build quality and no-nonsense efficiency in terms of design. Add to that their famously comfortable keyboard, it makes them very popular with demanding users such as businesses.</p>
<p>I have 2 thinkpads (X31 and X61) and I have to say, that I'm personally very impressed with the amount of abuse that they can take day in and day out.</p>
<p>I have a thinkpad because my high school requires us to have one in order to get the school tech support. My R60 has taken a LOT of abuse, and even though it's very utilitarian-looking (read: no design effort put into it. at all. it's a lump of matte black plastic, all rectangular, quite ugly) it's got some nice features, like the trackpoint mouse that's imbedded in the middle of the keyboard (which I love for things like photoshop- it's easier to control than a mouse). I recently added 2GB of extra memory for 20 bucks and it runs much better. </p>
<p>pros: this thing takes a beating, it's cheap, it runs well, has a couple nice features, good tech support</p>
<p>cons: very uncool looking. not as many fancy features. all matte black plastic design makes it feel cheap (because it is, mainly :) ). clashes with white iPod accesories, if that bothers you.</p>
