Need Laptop Help

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Pennsylvania
1

<p>Alright, so assuming I don't want a Mac, I looked through Campusexpress and for Wharton, they recommend:</p>

<p>Dell Value Notebook
Dell Latitude E5400 - 2.0GHz T7250 Core 2 Duo, Vista Business 32-Bit, 2GB memory, 160GB 5400RPM hard drive, 14" WXGA display, integrated Intel GMA 4500MHD graphics card, CD burner and DVD player, 5.5 lbs (2.49kg), 3 year On-Site Warranty with Accidental Damage Coverage<br>
$899.00
Dell Mainstream Notebook
Dell Latitude E6400 - 2.4GHz P8600 Core 2 Duo, Vista Business 32 bit, 2GB memory, 160GB 7200RPM hard drive, 14" WXGA display, 256MB nVidia 160m graphics card, DVD burner, 4.5 lbs (2.04kg), 3 year On-Site Warranty with Accidental Damage Coverage<br>
$1149.00
Dell Performance Notebook
Dell Latitude E6400 64-Bit - 2.53GHz P8700 Core 2 Duo, Vista Business 64-Bit, 4GB memory, 250GB 7200RPM hard drive, 14" WXGA+ display, 256MB nVidia 160m graphics card, DVD burner, 4.5 lbs (2.04kg),3 year On-Site Warranty with Accidental Damage Coverage<br>
$1399.00
Dell Professional Notebook
Dell Latitude E6500 64-Bit - 2.66GHz P9600 Core 2 Duo, Vista Business 64 bit, 4GB memory, 250GB 7200RPM hard drive, 15" WXGA+ display, 256MB nVidia 160m graphics card, DVD burner, 5.5 lbs (2.49kg), 3 year On-Site Warranty with Accidental Damage Coverage<br>
$1499.00</p>

<p>But then I just go and google "best buy laptops" and I get a bunch of random ones like: Entertainment</a> - BestBuy</p>

<p>I don't know much about computers, but looking at the best buy stuff, it seems that you could get laptops of similar quality to the ones on CampusExpress for a lot less money... Is there any reason for this? Anyone want to give me some recommendations for a laptop that'll last me four years?</p>

2

<p>the campusexpress computers come with a 3-year onsite accidental coverage warranty</p>

<p>this raises the price a lot - the best buy ones have just a 1-year basic warranty with no accidental coverage</p>

3

<p>The laptops in Best Buy have crappy warranties, and are also made with lower quality, consumer-grade parts. A Latitude has better components than an Inspiron or HP Pavilion or any of the chrome-accented boxes of junk you find at Big Box electronics retailers.</p>

<p>3-year warranty…ON SITE…with DAMAGE PROTECTION (aka you drop it or spill coffee on it and they fix it free) is a HUGE benefit. Think about it.</p>

<p>Also, just get a Mac, as they are better and come with a free $300 iPod touch ;)</p>

4

<p>Really depends what you’re going to do with your laptop. Games/video rendering/etc may need better specs. Else, 2 nanoseconds difference in opening up MS Word doesn’t matter much. The warranty may be good if you plan to take it to classes though.</p>