laptop decision (college freshman)

[kdawg]

I am trying to decide on a laptop for college next year and I'm having a difficulty deciding between 3 models: Dell 8600, Gateway 450, Cyberpower inc. s4-3200.
all are centrino notebooks. The gateway doesn't have a 128 mb graphics card (will i be needing one?). The Cyberpower computer seems way to0 good to be true (experiences?). Comments on what I should do would be great.

I barely play games, but when I do I want them to perform. I will be using this computer for internet, word processing, audio editing, and maybe some light video editing. Last year, I used a Thinkpad R40 for all of these and it worked - barely (i don't have that computer any more). My biggest worry is that the computer will die after the first year, and I'll be stuck blowing another 1500 on another one.

[eminem_rh25]

go with the dell.. i have a dell laptop i bought in 98 and it still runs fine (i just upped the ram so i could run new oses!) i currently have a HP which is one of the best laptops ive ever used. All depends on what brand. Just stick with the big names!

[Elburn]

I bought an m-tech laptop (here ) when I was a freshman (last year). It was a little on the costly side, but I wanted to get a half way decent video card so I could play games and not study.

Of course, I won't be able to replace the video card, I can only put in more ram or a new hdd... but it runs very well.

[bombledmonk]

Cyberpower has really good ratings on Resellerratings.com. http://www.resellerratings.com/seller6897.html
Go for the best you can afford, including a graphics card. You'll most likely hook up with people and play Lan games with them at one point or another.

If you're worried about it dying get a good warranty, simple as that.