<p>Any suggestions from current students on where to buy/what type of laptop? The University promotes products sold through their computer store, and suggest the full on-site accidental damage warranty so that you have access to on-campus warranty service. IMHO, the Dell's on their website are overpriced, as are the Apples (which are always overpriced). Lenovo appears to have best selection at (somewhat) more reasonable prices, plus about $300 for the warranty. Is this the way to go, or do most students just wing it with a cheaper laptop from a big box store? I'm used to buying laptops at Staples for <$400 for family use at home, and they generally last about 2-3 years, then need to be upgraded. Never had a warranty issue. However, we're not carting our laptops around all day, every day to classes, the library, etc., so I can see the need for extended warranty protection.</p>
<p>I had the exact same question, thanks for posting this.</p>
<p>Yocco1,</p>
<p>I’ve had two laptops since I started at Lehigh. The first was an older Dell Inspiron 1525 I had since high school and it served me well for my first two years. Last year I got a HP Envy 4. I based my decision on portability and looks, not so much on performance. As an engineer, I can’t access most of the heavy-duty Lehigh engineering programs on my personal computer. So I went for a computer that was thin, light, and was good for using the Internet and Microsoft Office.</p>
<p>I personally don’t like Dell laptops - I was glad to get rid of my old Dell. And I also don’t like Apple laptops - I don’t like their user interface. But my HP has been awesome so far.</p>
<p>I don’t know a whole lot about the computers you can buy through the university. But there are some good deals to be found at stores or on other sites online. I ordered my laptop custom through the HP website and was able to save a lot of money with just a coupon code, so I guess it varies.</p>
<p>In terms of getting warranty protections, that’s a personal preference. I don’t have a warranty. I take my laptop with me everywhere when I’m on campus, so I use a padded laptop sleeve to transport it.</p>
<p>Best,</p>
<ul>
<li>Mike</li>
</ul>