Lightweight Internal
Lightweight Internal
I need help finding a decent Notebook Computer for College?
Yes, I’ve tried going into different stores, but to be honest, the high-pressure-salesman technique has made me want to slap more than a fair share of sales associates.
I’d like to get one at or under $1,000. Here’s what I’m looking for.
2.2-3.0 GHz dual processor
Remote access to the internet using Wireless G AT A MINIMUM. N is preferred and an internal wireless card.
at least 3 GB of RAM
at least 250 GB of hard drive space
CD/DVD writer
at LEAST 3 hours of battery time
as LIGHTWEIGHT as possible… I’m going to have to lug this thing around with me everywhere.
It’s not a must, but I would really like to be able to choose the color of the actual machine. What can I say, I’d love a purple or pink computer… but obviously color is NOT the most important thing here!
Obviously I’m not the most computer savvy individual, but I do know that I need a LOT more than just a word processor. Thanks in advance for your help.
Wireless G is bog standard, and unless you have specialized needs like streaming high def video to the laptop, it’s all you’ll ever want or need. I’m a Unix nerd, and my house is still happily working with circa-2002 80211.B. Just fast enough to keep up with a typical cable modem, just enough.
3GB RAM? The stuff costs almost nothing in the aftermarket, so that can be rectified for twenty-five bucks and ten minutes of your time. Seriously, RAM is so cheap these days.
Yes, dual core’s a must. Look for a 45NM chip; they run cooler and use less electricity. The actual speed’s not so important, and pretty much any dual core notebook chip is fast enough for a snappy Vista.
My suggestion is to buy a Lenovo Thinkpad. They’re not the cheapest, but quality rarely is. Initially created by IBM, they’ve kept true to their pedigree, and are standard issue in many of the nation’s biggest corporations. They have the best keyboards available in a laptop, and also sport those fabulous TrackPoints. The cases tend to be very rigid, and the screens are optimized for text over entertainment needs. Other business class machines like Tecras and Lattitudes are also worth your time. These machines (thin and lights) are all designed to be hauled on airplanes and on the road, and thus they rarely crack 6 pounds.
This Thinkpad’s a tad chunky (6.4LBS), but it should work. The CPU is 2.0GHZ, but it’s only 750$ and the chip’s a newer T5xxx.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834146453
Also, don’t forget to try your school for discounts. Many have keen prices on business-class computers. Lstly, Levovo’sd currently having a big sale right now. What you really want currently costs about 1300-1400, but sometimes it’s worth the premium for something you’ll use so much. The one above’s actually a cheaper Ideapad, btw. Just saw that, and left it up, but I have no clue how the cheaper Lenovos are.
Thinkpad sale:
Look at the T61:
http://shop.lenovo.com/us/landing_pages/sales/2008/dealboxes?cid=us|semd|ggl|us_thinkpad_db_en|t11C7|s&&s_kwcid=thinkpad|2309519161
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