Suggestions for Laptops

rach9319 · February 3rd, 2009, 10:36 PM

Hey guys, I'm new to this forum site.

I'm just a teen looking for a laptop, a chick of course, so I'm not completely proficient in computer-knowledge. My dad is a big computer guy, but I haven't talked about upgrading from my PC to a laptop yet. I've been using his hand-me-down Alienware for years now. He has a newer one. Mine is maybe a 2002? Not for sure. His is a 2007 Alienware, I believe. Big gamer too, so I'm guessing he's looking to keep me on a higher end computer. Coming from a full Alienware experience, I'm sure things aren't always an easy transition.

This computer will go to college with me. I have a TON of music files. It takes up a lot of my hard drive now. I expect to keep iTunes and many school documents on this. What would be best? Price isn't exceptionally important. Great graphics would be nice, but I don't think it's necessary. I don't do much, if any gaming. Photoshop occasionally, but I'm not sure that I'll keep it on my laptop. Style isn't very important either. I don't need anything fancy, but nothing crappy either.

What are your suggestions? Thanks for helping!

cksboy15 · February 3rd, 2009, 11:40 PM

If you can afford it they have some nice barebones laptops at newegg. I'll give you a link.
Newegg.com - Notebook Barebone Systems, Barebone / Mini Computers
If I understand correctly all you have to do is buy memory, harddrive, and a processor to build it. Course then you have to factor in the OS unless you have one. This is about as close as you can get to making a custom laptop, but if your not very cinfident in building one I would suggest Sony, Alienware (even though I believe they are overpriced), and Dell.

I have seen that Acer does a fairly good job due to my son having one.

EXreaction · February 3rd, 2009, 11:52 PM

I would look at something like this:
The Dell Online Store: Build Your System

You can use the coupon code
N4$2M7VJT5F59B

for 20% off if you configure it to $999+.

It won't do any gaming, but it would be very nice otherwise.

As for storing your media/school stuff I would recommend you look at getting an external hard drive for that. A 2.5" external to be exact (so it does not require an additional power adapter)
Newegg.com - 2.5", Western Digital, External Hard Drives, Hard Drives, Computer Hardware

Maybe this one?
Newegg.com - Western Digital My Passport Essential WDMEPN2500TN 250GB USB 2.0 Vibrant Pink External Hard Drive - External Hard Drives

Also, for more dell coupons:
Dell Discount Coupons, Dell Computer Coupons, Dell XPS Coupons, Latitude, Vostro, Deals - Dell.com

cksboy15 · February 4th, 2009, 12:02 AM

A barebones laptop would still be cheaper to build if you go with cheaper parts. and even then you get good enough ghraphics to game on. As for battery life I wouldn't know.

butch81385 · February 4th, 2009, 12:57 AM

Welcome to TechIMO. There are a couple of very important questions to ask:

Do you want mobility, battery life, or power? You will only get 2 of the three in a laptop.

Besides internet, itunes, and word, is there anything else you will want to do with this laptop? Any engineering applications or other potential items?

Will you want to take it to class for notes, and if so, are you looking at a tablet at all?

EXreaction · February 4th, 2009, 01:25 AM

If you are looking for power/speed you won't get mobility or battery life.

Largine · February 4th, 2009, 07:20 AM

Try the new dell xps M1330. Very light and portable and well built. They also look pretty cool.

**GroundZero3** · February 4th, 2009, 08:31 AM

Tablets in my opinion still don't work the way they should. It seems like a hit and a miss.

What is your price range and i assume you don't mind caring around a heavy laptop from class to class? (it gets really old, trust me)

rach9319 · February 4th, 2009, 09:14 PM

Mobility and power would be nice. As far as price range, I honestly don't think it will matter. If it's a great laptop, I can pretty much talk my way into any deal with my dad.

I'm going to college for pre-med, I doubt any engineering programs will be on my laptop, although I use them in school now, such as AutoCad or Inventor. Photoshop will be considered, but I don't think I'll have much time to enjoy those programs.

I'd rather not build my own laptop, I can modify easy with my dad, but if it comes well equipped, I would prefer that. I'll most likely have an external hard drive seeing as I use them now.

Thanks for helping so far!

roy124 · February 14th, 2009, 12:18 PM

Look at a Netbook.

We have a desktop, 17 inch screen and use it once in a blue moon.

We have a 15.4 laptop and use it instead of the desktop BUT

We have just bought an Advent 4211 netbook and it is brilliant. Weighs a couple of pounds. You can balance it properply on your knee. No CD drive but 3 USB ports and an MMC card port. You can also get them with integral mobile wireless.

For college use it is supremely portable. The standard batter has a life of about 80-90 minutes but you can get 6 and 9 cell versions with double or triple the life.

Do get your hands on a netbook, you'll love it.