Incoming Engineering Freshman this fall, which laptop?

<p>Hello,</p>

<p>I will be an incoming freshman this fall (classes start on September 25th for me), studying Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. I know both majors demand several extensive software's to run on machines (such as ProE, solidworks, CAD, MATlab, etc...) and have pitched in about $2,400 to create my own desktop which I would bring with me to the University to use as a "power machine" for working with the actual software and such.</p>

<p>Though, I know my first few quarters of college will be more research and writing papers, and so I know I will be putting in a lot of time in the library. That being said, I am looking for a nice, cheap but something that works type of laptop. A laptop that can obviously type papers, research, play YouTube videos efficiently, ability to have an web cam, and various other simple tasks. I am not interested in netbooks/tablets as they are too small, and from my experience can be quite distracting. I obviously don't have a big budget after spending so much on my desktop, and am open to spending about anything up to $400.</p>

<p>I have included links to few models I already saw that meets my price range, and wanted to hear on what you guys think would be a better deal for my needs for a laptop for taking to the library. </p>

<p>Links:
Amazon.com:</a> ASUS K55N-DB81 15.6-Inch Laptop (Black): Computers & Accessories</p>

<p>Amazon.com:</a> Dell Inspiron 13z i13Z-3636sLV 13.3-Inch Laptop (Moon Silver): Computers & Accessories</p>

<p>IdeaPad</a> S300 -- 13.3" Ultraportable Laptop from Lenovo | Lenovo (US)</p>

<p>Lenovo</a> G500 Laptop | Entry-Level Laptop from Lenovo | Lenovo (US)</p>

<p>Of course, I am open to more laptops that fits my needs! I am also open to using any form of linux over Windows if you do find certain machines with that situation.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>I’d go with the most portable one since you already have a monster of a desktop.</p>

<p>As a reformed builder of such high cost, high power desktops I’d be concerned about having such a beast in a dorm with a roommate… If it’s one of those water cooled quiet miracles, fine, but if it’s one of those HVAC unit sized rigs with many fans, noise could be an issue.</p>

<p>Also, first couple years at least of engineering do not give out assignments needing such power. I might build one for my older daughter who’s in architecture (where rendering complex stuff does take time) but for normal work her Lenovo T420 seems fine so far. Get a decent $800 or so laptop and save your money for junior year where you will be using this power more…</p>

<p>Thanks for the response! </p>

<p>Actually, my roommate is a friend of mine, and we both are going to bring our own desktop PCs, specifically mine is more quieter as I made sure to make something that does not wake up the neighbors…lol.</p>

<p>Do you guys think I can find even more cheaper solutions in terms of portable computers? or the listed computers at there current prices are as portable as it can get? </p>

<p>I apologize for asking, I honestly have no idea on how exactly laptop hardware should be looked at, as I never needed a laptop up till now.</p>

<p>I wanted to add:</p>

<p>I actually stayed up all night, and I seriously ended up finding four computers that would be essentially my top choices:</p>

<ol>
<li><p>[Toshiba</a> L855-S5405 Laptop, Internet Security Software, Sleeve, Mouse & Flash Drive Package](<a href=“http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Toshiba-L855-S5405-Laptop,-Internet-Security-Software,-Sleeve,-Mouse-%26-Flash-Drive-Package/9999206100050000.p?id=pcmprd204900050000&skuId=9999206100050000]Toshiba”>http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Toshiba-L855-S5405-Laptop,-Internet-Security-Software,-Sleeve,-Mouse-%26-Flash-Drive-Package/9999206100050000.p?id=pcmprd204900050000&skuId=9999206100050000)</p></li>
<li><p>[HP</a> Pavilion Sleekbook 15.6" Laptop 4GB Memory 500GB Hard Drive 15-b142dx - Best Buy](<a href=“http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP---Pavilion-Sleekbook-15.6%26%2334%3B-Laptop---4GB-Memory---500GB-Hard-Drive---Sparkling-Black/8958053.p?id=1218956958139&skuId=8958053#tab=specifications]HP”>http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP---Pavilion-Sleekbook-15.6%26%2334%3B-Laptop---4GB-Memory---500GB-Hard-Drive---Sparkling-Black/8958053.p?id=1218956958139&skuId=8958053#tab=specifications)</p></li>
<li><p>[Amazon.com:</a> ASUS K55N-DB81 15.6-Inch Laptop (Black): Computers & Accessories](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-K55N-DB81-15-6-Inch-Laptop-Black/dp/B00COR29XI/ref=amtcd_B00D3F7H0K_B00COR29XI]Amazon.com:”>http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-K55N-DB81-15-6-Inch-Laptop-Black/dp/B00COR29XI/ref=amtcd_B00D3F7H0K_B00COR29XI)</p></li>
<li><p>[Amazon.com:</a> Dell Inspiron 13z i13Z-3636sLV 13.3-Inch Laptop (Moon Silver): Computers & Accessories](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Dell-Inspiron-i13Z-3636sLV-13-3-Inch-Laptop/dp/B00ANKN04A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377733418&sr=8-1&keywords=13+inch+laptop]Amazon.com:”>http://www.amazon.com/Dell-Inspiron-i13Z-3636sLV-13-3-Inch-Laptop/dp/B00ANKN04A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377733418&sr=8-1&keywords=13+inch+laptop)</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Which one do you guys think overall resembles the entire “portable” and is fast enough sort of laptop?</p>

<p>If you are just taking notes and videos they will all work.</p>

<p>Well, in the end, I went with the ASUS, it seemed like a popular college laptop and was literally sold out in majority online retailers (except Amazon).</p>