<p>I'm looking to buy a new laptop but I have absolutely no idea what to get. My budget is somewhere around $900 ... my school gets some kind of discount from Dell, so that might be an attractive option.</p>
<p>I really don't do anything fancy with my computer, I mostly just want it to be <em>fast</em>, I get so frustrated when things take forever to open or close. I mainly use Microsoft Office, AIM, itunes and the kodak photo editor program. I prefer something small-ish and lightweight, but I don't want a tiny tiny screen either ... something around 14 inches maybe? </p>
<p>Any suggestions?? </p>
<p>oh, and my bf says that the intel core processor is good, so I'd like something with that.</p>
<p>any new laptop is going to be able to do what you're using it for. If the computer your school offers seems good then I would just go with that. I know my school repairs any damage to your laptop for free due to a 4-year warranty that came with the laptop since we have a deal with Lenovo.</p>
<p>if your school gives you a discount if you buy a Dell then that's what you should probably go for. Just about any computer you buy will come with an intel core 2 duo processor unless you're price range is really low then you should probably go with Dell. My advice would be to wait until like a month before you go to school before buying your laptop that way you get whatever is new at the time.</p>
<p>Yea, also be sure to consider the form factor of the laptop in your decision since if you plan to lug your laptop around, then you might not want to get a 19" monster but something smaller e.g. a 14'' one. And yes the Core Duo or Core 2 Duo processors are good, provided you have the money since they use the new Core architecture rather than the old Netburst architecture used in the old Intel processors. If not, you can always settle for a trusty Pentium M.</p>
<p>one other factor to consider when buying a laptop is its weight...think about if you'll be bringing it home a lot, carrying it around campus, etc.</p>
<p>dell has a really good "outlet" section of their website where you can get really well equipped laptops for a better price that what they'd sell for new.
As far as hardware goes, just remember that the more memory the better for speed (get 2 GB if you want to use Vista). A fast processor (dual core) & hard drive (7200 rpm vs. 5400 rpm) is also important for speed. Also remember that the more programs you have starting up with windows (AIM, itunes, etc), the longer it's going to take to start up, so if you can, disable programs from starting when windows starts</p>
<p>Also, before you check out, google "dell coupons" or something, you might be able to find a coupon code that will save you a little money. I also think that ebates.com gives a 2% rebate for purchases at dell.</p>
<p>Ugh people still buy DELLs these days? They're crap....except for perhaps the absolute high-end, the build quality is laughable. There's a reason why you don't see people using old DELLs....bc they all fall apart in one way or another (owned two several years ago, never again).</p>
<p>Yea, well I can't attest to the quality of Dell Inspirons other than that, the keys need to be replaced because the imprinting of the letters tends to wear off. I actually happen to have a lightweight xps m1210 which doing really well and I'm definitely taking to college. I'll just hook up an external 22'' display at my desk for more intensive tasks.</p>