Notebook for University

[donnykabob]

So, I am sick and tired of my desktop, and I want to get a notebook for class next year, so that I can bring it everywhere with me.

I have no idea about notebooks so please help me!

What specifications should I have for a University work load and personal use too? I am doing a Business program so I use accounting programs, powerpoint and other presentation programs, etc.

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[Corny]

i won't give specific recommendations but for your purpose one of the most important things is: battery lifetime and a good wifi card (whether internal or external doesn't matter). secondary: a fast harddrive and at least 1gb of ram. the rest is only secondary.

 

[thermodynamics]

The biggest point of advice that I can give is to check with your school to see if they have a set of "minimum specifications" and more importantly if they have a discount program with some manufacturers. For example, our business students here at the U of MN are required to purchase one of (I think) three options, all from IBM/Lenovo's T-series. They are at a heavy discount.

So you might want to look for something like that.

As for what to get/what not to get. Dell & IBM/Lenovo are my two brand choices. Anything you buy new today will have plenty of power for anything you'll be doing.

 

[provenlogic]

I would suggest something that's nice and light too, don't want a 50 lb gaming notebook to lug around every day.

If you have the money, SONY makes some good, small, light, but powerful notebooks that would be good for carrying around campus.

 

[trawler69]

I would agree with Proven on this Sony do some great light slim hi spec laptops.

 

[provenlogic]

macs are fruit, not computers

 

[trawler69]

The reason I advocate a pc is the price and software compatibility with the progs you use. I know you could use windows on a mac but why pay for 2 OS's and an expensive machine when you won't get that much extra benefit out of it?

Edit: Since I typed this I see Proven has popped in. Give it a rest pal you are worse than us

 

[_AJ_]

The reason I advocate a pc is the price and software compatibility with the progs you use. I know you could use windows on a mac but why pay for 2 OS's and an expensive machine when you won't get that much extra benefit out of it?

yep would have to agree we have a lenovo at work for $A900 which at that price cant be beaten i wish we had it before i purchased my pc as its only $100 more oh well will just have to spend the money on upgrades to the pc i have

so budget lenovo or dell

pricier sony or apple but only apple if you are sure everything you need will run if your unsure dont risk it

definatly see if you can get a discount from the uni

 

[thermodynamics]

What specifications should I have for a University work load and personal use too? I am doing a Business program so I use accounting programs, powerpoint and other presentation programs, etc.

Well with that, you're likely stuck on the PC side--I know of several companies who have a custom-written piece of software that only runs on Windows. The brand to have in the business world is IBM/Lenovo (ThinkPad).

 

[tkd1234]

i am a business major...and i went with something with 1 gig of ram and and a 14 inch monitor(just the right size), dell offers one with that size monitor...just don't get Vista it probably wont work with some of the programs your college uses...at least it didn't with most of my required software.