<p>Are you going to get the Thinkpad laptop from UNC? And if so, which model?</p>
<p>Personally, I think they're overpriced. I'll be doing some research on what I want to get. Might end up going the custom route.</p>
<p>Don’t undervalue the 4 year warranty and on site repair that comes with CCI that includes loaner laptops if yours is down. My S initially felt like you do but went with what was then the only upgrade model. On the whole his Thinkpad was pretty reliable over the 4 years and when he did have a minor problem he was given the loaner so he never had to do without.</p>
<p>I don’t recommend a CCI laptop. Obviously you’ll find people to disagree with me, but from my experience as a current student, they seem to break more. This semester alone, three of my friends (all with the same model–not sure which one) had their laptops completely die and had to pay several hundred dollars for battery replacements (not covered on their warranties). But the CCI place IS pretty good at repairs, while the apple store is all the way at south point mall.</p>
<p>The problem with going the custom route now is that they have increased the minimum specifications. I am having a hard time finding a laptop that fits the bill that is under $1500. It would be simpler if I had gotten the grant, but my efc was slighty above the cost of attendance.</p>