<p>I figure I should ask current college goers. I'm a senior and I really need help in determining which laptop I plan to get. </p>
<p>Info:
-Must be bigger than 15''. I can't stand the small size of 13 and lower.
-Must be a Windows 8 touch screen. I have an idea about a non touch screen one but I figure I want the "full experience with the touch screen.
-I'm going into the engineering field so maybe a laptop that better perform math and science stuffs.
-But I am open to other ideas but I rather not get windows 7. </p>
<p>Touchscreen laptops aren’t that useful Imo and since you’re going for engineering I’d say go with a laptop that has a dedicated video card. There is a consensus that Win 8 is disappointing on many levels especially after how good win 7 was. I’d go for a lenevo for build quality. </p>
<p>I’m personally a proponent of buying refurbished laptops directly from Dell. There is a home and a business site run by Dell for refurbished. These are typically new machines that were returned for minor problems, were fixed, and then resold with a warranty. There are frequent coupon codes you can find online that make them even cheaper.</p>
<p>Since you are going into engineering, I would considering waiting to see what school you will be going to. Most engineering school will have minimum requirements for engineering students. They might also have standard laptops that they sell which they will support and repair on campus. As an engineer, you will probably need dedicated graphics, more memory and a faster processor than a standard student. Also consider the weight that you will be lugging around and how you will be using it. If you plan on using it note taking then consider the working room that you have in a lecture hall.</p>
<p>Lol ikr. They apparently have Dell support center in the area, however. The only windows 8 Dell laptop that interest me is the Dell inspirion 15z</p>
<p>It really comes down to the level of support you need. Can you handle software issues or a hardware failure. What if the computer dies, do you have a backup while you wait for parts or repair. In my experience, repair parts for laptops are rarely available locally.</p>
<p>I suspect for the same amount of money, you would do far better buying a computer outside of school but you lose all campus base support.</p>
<p>If you buy the school offered computer, you should be pretty much guarantee that all the engineering software will run on it.</p>
<p>Having a brand preference is not unusual. For my daughter’s school it is Apple or Lenevo. That is what they support and claim to be able to repair in 24 hours. The prices do seem high but it also cover thief and damage for four years.</p>
<p>I do not wish to buy the school offered computer mainly because I feel limited by it and they do not support Windows 8 just yet, so I’m… still looking. I’m leaning toward Lenovo laptops though.</p>
<p>From what I have heard and read, Lenovo makes quality well built laptops. More business grade than consumer.</p>
<p>I would still check with the engineering department for minimum requirements. Some CAD programs might work better with certain types of graphics cards. Based on your post, I suspect what you plan on probably exceeds the minimum.</p>
<p>I would not limit yourself to Windows 8 machines. You can always upgrade (except for the touch screen). The extra cost of a touch screen might be better spent on processor power, memory or better graphics.</p>
<p>I agree that the school selection is limited but consider what your action plan is if the computer needs repairs. In the past three years, my daughter’s mid-range Dell needed two back covers (cracked by hinges), a video cable, key board, mouse buttons and a new hard drive. Some of that was due to the user. For her college laptop, I will spend the money for a quality built machine even if I have to give up some performance.</p>
<p>The Dell Latitudes are much more durable than the Inspirons. The Latitudes are designed for business travelers, while the Inspirons are designed for use in a home. If you are going to carry the laptop around with you every day, I’d pay the extra for the durability. My son’s Latitude has held up very well.</p>
<p>At some colleges, the college computer center is an authorized repair facility for certain brands. They try to sell overpriced computers in those brands based upon their on-site repair. However, you may be able to get the same on-site repair service at a much lower price by buying an extended warranty directly from that same company.</p>
<p>I talked with people who attended Purdue. They say any laptops or tablet will do. A best buy is near so I will have some where to go. I’m thinking of what Lenovo have to offer. So many interesting choices.</p>