i haven't really read this thread but i just bought a 17" dell vostro notebook for $849 with 2gb ram 160gb hard drive cd/dvd-r drive, wireless integrated with windows vista. it's friggin sweeeeet

http://www.dell.com/content/products/produ...~tab=bundlestab

like i said i got the $849 one which was discounted like $400 bucks

 

Think about back to school specials. The TV is full of adds by the various retailers. I get tons of stuff from Dell nearly daily about the deals they are running now.

I just got a Dell add with their offerings. Some pretty good deals in there...

I have been using a Dell laptop for work for the last three years. Aside from a lemon I got with my new company (which they replaced with a new unit inside of a week), I have had ZERO issues with them. And I ain't easy on them either; hey go everywhere I do.

Anywho... Just my $.02.

 

Wow, this has had a lot of replies. I don't feel like reading them all. That said, sorry if this has already been previously stated.

If you get Windows Vista, get AT LEAST 2 GB of RAM. trust me - you'll need it.

Other than that, good luck!

 

Alright... well I think I finalized my build. Here is what I came up with :


My System Details
[I]PROCESSOR Intel

 

my MacBook Pro.

I know you have a specific price range, but have you considered a MacBook? At a couple hundred dollars more, I feel they are worth the extra cost.

 

Hm, using student discount a MacBook is only $200 more. Then again, I step down from a 15.4" monitor to 13".

 

Did someone say something bad about Lenovos? Frankly, for business purposes I'll doubt I'll buy anything else. My T60 thinkpad is build like a tank, has more power options (replace the CD/DVDROM with an extra battery), and has a ton of slick and useful features that I don't find on any other systems. My Lenovo's wireless card also seems to be much faster to me than the one in the old Dell I had (and has a longer range).

I've owned a ton of laptops from HP, Dell, Gateway, and others. The Lenovo may not be flashy, but they keep ticking and half of the "pretty" laptops start to look like crap after that pretty silver/white/red/whatever paint starts to rub off.

As for specs Chad, it really all depends on what you're going to be using the laptop for. If you're doing graphical work, for example, you may be interested in getting as much screen real estate as possible (so going with the highest resolution screen that will fit in the form factor you want would be important).

Spec-wise, I think you're on the right path if you're planning to use it for general productivity software, web browsing, email, etc.... I personally would shoot for a higher screen resolution (SXGA or WSXGA) because I like having as much screen real estate as possible and small text doesn't hurt my eyes at all (in fact I prefer it).

Still, I would recommend going with Lenovo for the build quality. You can check out newegg.com for some pre-build (no wait time) and good priced Lenovos.

Good luck with your buying decision!

-Jeff

 

Ah... you have to love the Apple Store's Discount for students. Remember that discount is good at both the online store and at the retail stores, where they encourage you to play.

Choice is ultimately up to you. I'd say find the computer that best meets what you want/need to do.

 

wow people have said a lot on this topic for just 2 days. In my opinion the best laptops out now are Hewlett Packards (HPs) or toshibas. i really dont think everything else is that great.. Dells IMO have great customer service because they know they build their comps like crap with cheap parts. I have no complaints about the thinkpads or Lenovos, but with tankability comes with the look of one also. they are not very good looking laptops i think. Also if you get vista MAKE SURE to get at least 2GB of RAM cause if not it will be so slow and you get pissed off. 1GB is ok..but 2GB is my recommended spec. just out of curiosity i built an HP on their website for you and here are the specs:


custom build of a HP DV6000t:

Operating system FREE Upgrade from Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic to Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit)

Processor Intel

 

oh yeah and since your GF works at Radioshack (i used to also a year ago for a little bit) ask her about any refurb laptops that have come into the store. they get them every once and awhile and sometimes 1 will be pretty decent for dirt cheap especially if she buys it. so ask, wouldnt hurt take care.