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Laptop for Bschool

KJT

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I'm starting business school in about a month and need to get a new laptop. Minimum specs are below. This computer will be used only for school and work - I'd like it to last at least a few years. I've got another computer and a ipad for downloads and having fun on the net. Budget is somewhat variable, but I'd like to keep costs on the low end. Say <$1,200. I have no desire to get a mac and don't care about aesthetics other than I'd like it to be a light computer. None of that alienware gamer crap though.

FWIW, I work in consulting and plan on continuing in this industry. Thinkpads seem to be sort of the business standard - I've been looking at the Lenovo x220 and x1 because they come well recommended but can't really tell much of a difference. Frankly, I don't really know what I'm looking for. Love to get your suggestions.


From what I can tell these specs are pretty low end, so feel free to push anything up to an acceptable level.

Minimum Specs include at least:

§ Pentium 4 2.0 GHz

§ Windows 7 Professional

§ 2 GB RAM. Be ready to get more

§ PCI Video with 128 MB RAM. Support for DirectX 9 graphics with a WDDM driver

§ 128 GB of hard drive, 5600 RPM.

§ Color Display (12.1" or better)

§ 128 MB of video RAM

§ Built in wired (100 MB) and wireless (802.11G) networking

§ Built in modem and fax

§ Documentation

§ 1 Year parts and labor

§ Est. cost, $500 to $1200
 

imageWIS

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§ Built in modem and fax?
confused.gif
 

KJT

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lemmywinks

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One thing I can say is that I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend ASUS.
 

alliswell

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You're going to need a bigger disk drive. That's only 4 times the size of my phone...
 

Eason

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Bigger HD, I'd say at least 360 gb so it will last you for a couple years without filling it up. Also, maybe look for a 5400 rpm HD since they don't make 5600
tongue.gif
 

Bentech

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Buy a thinkpad. I have an X220 and its absolutely marvellous.

As a working PC tech, I can tell you the build quality on every thinkpad I run into is top notch. They are a breeze to work on, and run forever.

Whoever you end up buying from. Don't pay a huge amount for added HD space or lots of RAM. Both are very cheap on the market these days, and are an easy self upgrade. If you need help with it, feel free to PM me.

If you don't want to do it yourself, any reputable shop should be able to do it quickly and inexpensively.


EDIT:

As for the X220 vs X1 debate, I would go for the X220.

The X1 is still a great computer, but it has lost a lot of the thinkpad &quot;essence&quot; in exchange for a slightly sleeker look. Its aimed at competing with the macbook air crowd.

In reality, the X220 is still super compact, and much more capable. Unlike the X1 which has a small and integrated battery, the X220 has a removable battery, which means you can tailor it to your needs in terms of weight vs. battery life.

X220 also has more flexibility when it comes to RAM and CPU configurations.

Although the X1 has a gorilla glass screen, which does help to protect against screen damage, it gives the screen a high gloss finish. The X220 has the traditional matte screen. If you ever plan on using your laptop in the sunlight, you will want a matte display for sure.


The X220 is also easier to work on and upgrade.

Again, I sell thinkpads (among other things) so let me know if you have any other questions.

Ben
 

kxk

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Depends on where you're going to school, but having spent 7 years in non-urban schools, I'd say whatever brand that has on-site service on campus.
Originally Posted by Bentech
Again, I sell thinkpads (among other things) so let me know if you have any other questions.
Would you say that Thinkpads are THE superior choice of laptops? Or just compared to price? (and if so, what is THE superior choice?) What's your take on Ideapad? VAIOs?
 

inq89

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Not to derail OP's thread, but to quote the ^ message what is the take on the Ideapad? As good as a thinkpad?
 

ImaPro

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Can you WAY better even for $500, LOOK IN NEW EGG
 

Edward7

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Custom Logo Design

Dell laptops will be a good choice for you, Dell laptops are very nice and less expensive and you can find a right laptop according to your specs. Dell is offering deals as well i3 core system is about $549, and it is awesome.
 
Last edited:

Bentech

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Originally Posted by kxk
Would you say that Thinkpads are THE superior choice of laptops? Or just compared to price? (and if so, what is THE superior choice?) What's your take on Ideapad? VAIOs?
I would say yes, although its certainly open for debate. Sure, they are a little more pricey then a lot of the competition, but I like the peace of mind of not having to worry about my computer. I like to show this video to people considering buying thinkpads
IMPORTANT NOTICE: No media files are hosted on these forums. By clicking the link below you agree to view content from an external website. We can not be held responsible for the suitability or legality of this material. If the video does not play, wait a minute or try again later. I AGREE

TIP: to embed Youtube clips, put only the encoded part of the Youtube URL, e.g. eBGIQ7ZuuiU between the tags. Try that with your $499 Dell.
Originally Posted by inq89
Not to derail OP's thread, but to quote the ^ message what is the take on the Ideapad? As good as a thinkpad?
As for the Thinkpad vs. Ideapad debate. I haven't had enough hands on time with Ideapads to draw any solid conclusions, but from what I have seen: Ideapads are great laptops for the price, and are aimed more at consumer markets. They usually have more consumer oriented features (Gaming graphics, glossy displays, modern looking exterior designs) Thinkpads on the other hand have a more robust build quality. They have things like the Roll cage, and the classic thinkpad screen hinges, and you can pour a whole glass of water through the keyboard. The features they include are generally more aimed at the business market. Things like higher quality displays, amazing keyboards, and workstation graphics. Ideapads are still great computers, but I'm a thinkpad person myself.
 

mr.orange

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Originally Posted by Edward7
Dell laptops will be a good choice for you, Dell laptops are very nice and less expensive and you can find a right laptop according to your specs. Dell is offering deals as well i3 core system is about $549, and it is awesome.

I've heard some pretty bad things about dell though. They tend to fall apart with normal use and the support sucks. I've never owned a dell but, the other day, a friend of mine was complaining that she needed to buy a new computer a year after she bought her dell.
 

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