<p>MadeInChina, what kind of system did you build for $800, my laptop is doing okay for now but I feel like the switch to netbook/desktop would be good value (or I might just get another Thinkpad… Grad School… Start-ups… where I’d need good portable power, but maybe not).</p>
<p>you can use xcode but i prefer just go straight with VC++ so you’ll use windows alot in programming classes…</p>
<p>@Deuces: Here are my desktop specs:
-Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 @ 3.00 GHz + Scythe “Ninja Mini” SCMNJ-1000 cooler
-4GB DDR2 RAM
-WD VelociRaptor 160GB 10000 RPM
-XFX Geforce 9800 GT
-Corsair 520HX 520W Power Supply</p>
<p>Was ~$800 after rebates from Newegg.</p>
<p>I feel like my efficiency has increased after making the switch to desktop. Realized that my huge dell laptop was a slow piece of crap.</p>
<p>@kickserve Doing some research it looks like XCode will be just fine for writing C++ programs. It looks like some teachers grade their students’ code using Visual Studio, so I’d probably check it in there just to be sure. Are most classes taught with C++? Of course, since Leopard the Mac is also perfect for Python and Ruby, and it has always been good for Objective-C</p>
<p>I have a laptop that was about $850 (without taxes/fees) (i got it last summer) with Windows Vista (ill get windows 7 when it comes out).
Specs:
4 GB RAM
2.1 GHz per processor (dual-core)
64 Bit AMD Turion processors
200 GB HD… 10 GB secondary hard drive for backup.
Other features include CD burner/dvd player, SD card reader, firewire, good wireless card, etc etc…
It has a 14.1 inch screen, perfect size for taking around to classes and putting in a backpack/laptop bag. Very light.
Its from Sams Club.
I’m very satisfied with it. It’s an HP Pavilion Entertainment Notebook.
I recommend it (or a model similar to it) if you’re going to buy a new laptop for college.</p>
<p>
Yes. 10char</p>
<p>My brother had some problems with his HP Notebook so I dunno. Newegg is a good site, use that to check out which one you want/can afford.</p>
<p>Well considering the new Intel core i7 mobile processor line is coming out in Q3, you may want to hold of on purchasing a laptop until the end of summer otherwise you might find the one you purchased is immediately outdated… but then again that’s how it always is.</p>