<p>Is a lenovo ideapad or dell inspiron ,both running on i5 processor better for engineering programs and coursework in general?</p>
<p>Word of warning: Inspirons are simply not quality computers. Even if they have good specifications, the quality of the physical aspects of the computer are not really up to snuff and may leave you wanting.</p>
<p>If you’re going for Lenovo though, get a ThinkPad. While they might be uglier, they’re much better quality machines. If you want a little style, go for a ThinkPad Edge.</p>
<p>Those are really my only two options besides a Sony vaio, Toshiba of some sort, or an asus. So, is the ideapad a decent choice over the inspiron?will it survive four years and operate how I need it to for school?</p>
<p>Could you give me the specific options? Just naming a line of computers doesn’t tell me enough. Tell me specs and which computer in the line it is.</p>
<p>Basically, whatever is available through best buy because I get a good discount</p>
<p>It’s hard to believe, but anything that you’ll need real computing power for, you’ll do in the washu computer labs, so the type of computer you have is really not that important. </p>
<p>My first two years I had a Dell Latitude that served me very well. I had it for two years already when I got to WashU, so I passed it on to my younger sibling this summer and just bought a Samsung QX410 (from Best Buy, that’s why I bring it up). For me, it’s a great compromise between price and portability because I really wanted a thin and lightweight 14" laptop.</p>
<p>Only other thing I’ll say is, Dell computers don’t tend to communicate well with the WashU wifi.</p>
<p>That’s because Wash U’s wifi sucks. Ethernet all the way.</p>
<p>Give me a size range and price point, please.</p>
<p>I believe all engineers should get an Alienware m17x (especially majors that rely heavily on computing)</p>
<p>I’m BME, so I’m thinking nothing too intensive. Also I need 4GB RAM, @ lead 400 on hard drive, and something i3 or higher from $600-$800.</p>
<p>Also, something relatively lightweight 14"-16" screen</p>
<p>A stripped down viao with an i3 could work for under 800. I would recommend a Viao or Thinkpad. I have a viao C series with an i5 and it’s great. Only complaint is the finnicky touchpad. You might want to make sure you have a backlit keyboard for those late studying nights. Also remember (i think this is still going on) that you get a free xbox with the purchase of a windows computer so if you arent going to use that then you can sell it (so get a better computer and sell the xbox for a net price in your range).</p>
<p>I echo the above posters who recommend against Dells. They are better suited for use as boat anchors than actual computers. Mine literally fell apart within a year.</p>
<p>About a month or so ago, we shopped around for our D (Eng. Student) and got the Thinkpad Edge E420 with the i-5 2540 (second generation), 500gb drive, and a couple of bells and whistles for $689 + tax (delivery included). If we had opted for the 320gb, and the slightly slower i-5, it would have been about $600.</p>
<p>Price was from the Lenovo website. If you do shop there, do a google search for Lenovo Deals and Coupons – you can save $100 or so if you search for them, or pay the extra if you don’t.</p>
<p>The other machine we had looked at was a similarly configured HP (also from their business line). Similarly priced, possibly sturdier, but Lenovo has a better rep than HP these days (I think).</p>
<p>It’s 13 inch but the Toshiba Protege R835. Best Buy is selling the E420/E520 as well. Asus U46E. Samsung QX411. All great laptops. Personally, I’d go with a Lenovo every time, but the Asus has great specs and samsung is growing a great rep.</p>