Laptop Suggestions

College Life
1

<p>I'm an incoming freshman nursing major and I need to buy a computer for college. I've decided on a laptop, but other than wanting a PC, I'm not too sure about things. I work at Best Buy, so I'll definitely be buying there, but I was wondering if you guys had any suggestions. I don't need anything special, just something that I can word process, surf the web and make Power Points on. I don't do gaming or anything, so I don't need anything for that.</p>

<p>This is what my college says is needed for computers:</p>

<p>PC Hardware Requirements</p>

<p>Recommended </p>

<pre><code>* Core 2 Duo Processor
* Windows Vista Home Premium, Vista Business, or Vista Ultimate
* 3GB RAM
* 100GB Hard Drive
* DVD Burner
* Vista Capable Graphics Card
* DirectX 9.0 Capable
* Ethernet Cable (25')
</code></pre>

<p>Minimum</p>

<pre><code>* Windows XP Professional (Service Pack 3) with ALL Recommended hotfixes/updates
* Pentium IV 2 GHz Processor
* 2GB RAM
* 40GB Hard Drive
* CD-ROM Drive
* Ethernet Cable (25')
</code></pre>

<p>PC Software
Required</p>

<pre><code>* Valid and up-to-date Antivirus Software*
* Valid and up-to-date Antispyware Software*
* PatchLink*
</code></pre>

<p>*McAfee Enterprise AV/AS and PatchLink provided FREE for Le Moyne residential students
Recommended</p>

<pre><code>* Microsoft Office 2007
* Mozilla Firefox or Internet Explorer 7
* Acrobat Reader 9.1
* Java Runtime Environment V6.13
</code></pre>

<p>So, suggestions people? Thanks!</p>

2

<p>I will suggest brands and specific line ups, but not sub-models, as they differ to your tastes.</p>

<p>Try looking at Dell’s XPS, Alienware’s entire laptop lineup (2-3 models I think, budget, middle, and high-end) (note:Dell owns Alienware), IBM’s Thinkpads,Apple’s Mac & Mac Pro, HP’s multimedia laptops</p>

3

<p>I’m not sure why you suggested Macs since I clearly said I want a PC…but thanks, although it would be more helpful if you gave specific models.</p>

4

<p>do you have any budget in mind?</p>

5

<p>I would like to keep it under $1000.</p>

6

<p>I’ve had an HP for the past 3 years, but the motherboard got messed up… so now I’m in the same situation you are.</p>

<p>I’m thinking of the Toshiba Satellite A300 series.</p>

<p>One particular thing I’d suggest keeping mind of is battery life. My HP lasted, on normal usage, only about 50 minutes, and I’d really like something that’ll last longer.</p>

7

<p>pretty much everything best buy sells surpasses the requirements. just check out their weekly ad and get the most expensive one selling under $700 and you’ll be set for a while.</p>

<p>i will say i’ve had nothing but trouble from acer’s computer support.</p>

8

<p>How about asking the Geek Squad as to which models are the most reliable (fewest customer service issues) of the models sold in the store?</p>

<p>I bought a Dell XPS M1330 about a year ago at Best Buy and am pretty happy with it. It has integrated graphics and doesn’t have the nVidia problem which has plagued many laptops in the last two years.</p>

9

<p>oops sorry, didnt see that you didnt want a Mac. I hate them little buggers anyway</p>

10

<p>I plan on asking my coworkers, but I thought I might get some feedback here. Thanks for the suggestions guys, keep them coming.</p>