Know what I want, but...

Student Lounge College Life
1

<p>My computer unexpectedly crashed today, leaving me with the necessity to get a new laptop in the next couple days rather than after I graduate in a couple weeks.</p>

<p>I already know what I am looking for in my college laptop, but I am not very good with computers and technical terms and thus don't know how to find the right laptop for me. Could anybody give me some suggestions for PCs (not a Mac) that match my requirements? Thanks a ton.</p>

<p>Here we go:
- Social Sciences major; Psychology, Political Science, Anthropology, Policy Studies, and Sociology are the most likely majors at this point.
- Need a small laptop (that isn't too small, though) that I can carry around easily.
- Need as much battery life as possible.
- Will be using the latest version of Windows as an OS, with Microsoft Office for my word, powerpoint, etc files.
- Will need enough storage space for all my music (I have a lot of music), documents for school, and plenty more space (though I don't want to sacrifice other specs for this).
- Would like a built-in mousepad with a pad to scroll up and down on the page, if possible. :D
- Would like really strong graphics to play HD movies, etc.</p>

<p>Beyond that I don't really have many requirements. As long as it is easy to use, I should be fine. Don't plan on playing (m)any games, etc. If there are any other cool/convenient features for a college student that I should look into please let me know.</p>

<p>Any computer suggestions that could match these requirements, or at least come to a good compromise between them, would be greatly appreciated. Cost is not a huge factor, as long as it is not outrageous.</p>

<p>Thanks guys!</p>

2

<p>Well the memory isn’t really a big issue since you can just go out and buy an external hard drive later. Also most new laptops(that I’ve seen) have the mouse pad page scroll feature now. The Office programs might cost a bit extra since all computers only come with a demo of it so check your schools tech department since they might be able to get you a copy for cheaper. As for specific laptops, how long do you want it to last you? Before my current laptop I had an ACER Aspire…which served well in the areas you are looking for but wasn’t powerful enough for what I needed and it was pretty cheap.</p>

3

<p>Thanks for the response. I would prefer the laptop to last me all four years, but honestly as long as my data can be carried over from one to the next (which it will be able to, since I’ll have an external hard drive) it wouldn’t be the end of the world if it didn’t.</p>

4

<p>Well the Aspire I had lasted three years…but I was pretty rough with it a few times so that may have contributed but it is still cheap and you get what you pay for. I personally would get a cheap one and save money for a better one until the cheap one dies on you.</p>