Find me a decent laptop in the <$1300 (ish) price range that meets the engineering qualifications. For stock computers, I like HP. Dells are OK, just overpriced. Toshibas blow, but I'm only judging from my mom's shitty laptop. Sony Vaios are also overpriced. Acers are cheap.

I want a decent dedicated graphics card (at least 256mb dedicated) and 4gb of RAM. My parents are looking at: http://ncsu.collegestoreonline.com/ePOS?this_category=209&store=432&item_number=40000039365&form=shared3%2fgm%2fdetail.html&design=432, but if they buy it from the bookstore, the price is guaranteed to be inflated.

5/23/2010 1:53:15 PM

My neighbor's donkey is named Eli

5/23/2010 1:56:13 PM

lol, what are the "engineering qualifications"

5/23/2010 1:57:47 PM

http://www.eos.ncsu.edu/soc/laptops/buying_new

5/23/2010 2:03:29 PM

Just get something mid range that will support MS Office products, Maple, and perhaps Auto-Cad light. You probably aren't going to run something like SolidWorks on your personal laptop. By the time you hit your junior year, your computer will be dated and you will want to just use university computers for dedicated graphics programs.

[Edited on May 23, 2010 at 2:07 PM. Reason : k]

5/23/2010 2:07:27 PM

to the OP: you're going to soil The Dude's name being a D bag.

oh, and: http://tinyurl.com/cfwfaj




[Edited on May 23, 2010 at 2:12 PM. Reason : df]

5/23/2010 2:10:08 PM

^^exactly.

spending that much money on a laptop now is absurd. you won't even begin to use it until junior year most likely..and a huge amount if not all of what you want to do you'll be doing at school anyways

5/23/2010 2:11:42 PM

5/23/2010 2:12:51 PM

lulz.

i never used my laptop for anything other than looking at porn, web-assign, and writing ENG101 papers.




So glad i didn't spend shit on it and bought a nice desktop like 6 mo later.

I'm AstralAdvent and i approved this message.

[Edited on May 23, 2010 at 2:16 PM. Reason : ]

5/23/2010 2:16:00 PM

and yeah..there's nothing about those specs that should cost anywhere near what you're talking about spending

and they'll never know and/or give a shit what you buy.

[Edited on May 23, 2010 at 2:17 PM. Reason : asdf]

5/23/2010 2:17:04 PM

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+Pavilion+Laptop+with+AMD+Turion%26%23153
%3B+II+Ultra+Dual-Core+Mobile+Processor+-+Espresso+Black/9700814.p
?id=1218152462714&skuId=9700814

5/23/2010 2:20:07 PM

Quote :

"Sorry, the page you requested was not found. "

5/23/2010 2:30:18 PM

I spaced it out weird so this thread wouldn't become a side scroller. Just ctrl c + ctrl v into your browser.

5/23/2010 2:33:36 PM

just use tinyurl

5/23/2010 2:35:17 PM

I like:
http://tinyurl.com/y7fjavc

5/23/2010 2:35:49 PM

5/23/2010 2:48:29 PM

*

Quote :

"Find me a decent laptop PC"

...I hate Apple.

5/23/2010 2:49:34 PM

Get a computer through the bookstore with the extended warranty. When yours finally shits itself, you can turn it in to the university to be sent off for warranty work and the school will give you a loaner laptop in the mean time.

It is definitely worth your money. Pretty much all of my friends who had laptops went through 2 or 3 laptops during their school career, or their laptop was so shitty it wasn't worth using by the second or third year. I've had mine since freshmen year, and while I've sent it off for warranty work, I never had to pay another dime.

5/23/2010 2:53:45 PM

I'm still a fan of the Lenovo laptop. T series I swear by. W series I almost lust over.

However. If I had the ~$1000 I spent when I started college I would spend around $600 on a mid range desktop (core2quad, maybe i5/i7), then get a 22-24" IPS panel. Then for class I'd get a 10+ hour batter life netbook - probably a 10-12" ASUS.

I absolutely loved the power I had in my laptop in terms of I could pack it up and take horsepower anywhere I needed it. But that was like 12-15 pounds by the time I tossed in the brick, mouse, and added in padded case. And when it comes down to it 98% of my work was word processing and excel. The entire campus is wireless, just sign in to the VCL when you need Maple or Matlab. Worst case scenario VPN your desktop for number crunching power.

5/23/2010 4:10:37 PM

To the OP:

HPs are pure shit. There is no debate about it. They have the highest failure rating of the major brands. Dells are ok (in the middle). Asus, Sony, and Toshibas have the lowest failure rates.

^Lenovos also have high failure rates.

5/23/2010 4:20:25 PM

Get an Asus.

5/23/2010 4:54:10 PM

^^ Where can I get these official failure rates?

Looking for a laptop soon myself.

5/23/2010 5:06:16 PM

http://store.microsoft.com/microsoft/HP-Envy-15-1067nr-15-6-inch-Notebook/product/39E0BEAE

Quote :

"HP Envy 15-1067nr, Intel Core i7-720QM (1.6 GHz), 15.6 in Full HD Ultra BrightView LED backlit (1920 x 1080) Display, 6GB RAM, 500GB, LightScribe SuperMulti 8x DVD±R/RW with double layer support, ATI Mobility Radeon 4830 (M97) with 1 GB graphics, HDMI, 802.11 b/g/n, Webcam, Media card reader, Windows 7 Home Premium, 6-cell lithium-ion and 9-cell battery slice Battery, 1yr Warranty, Silver » for $1199 at MicrosoftStore.com List Price:$1999 Exp: Limited Time The HP Envy 15 is a powerhouse in disguise. Breaking free of the performance notebook mold, it boasts a lightweight and sophisticated design. But this beauty is also a beast. It features the Intel Core i7 processor, which delivers ultimate mobile performance for the most demanding tasks, from video editing to intense games. A 15.6-inch diagonal BrightView widescreen display and ATI Mobility Radeon 4830 discrete graphics processor produce the clearest, brightest visuals for viewing Blu-ray and 1080p content. How to get this deal: 1. Click here to go to MicrosoftStore.com 2. Add to Shopping cart for $1999 3. At Checkout Apply 40% off Coupon Code (In Confirmation Page): CLR-MSAFL-40%-PC [Exp. Limited time] 4. Final Price : $1999 - 40% coupon = $1199 + Free Shipping + Tax 5. NOTE: Don't worry, you will be asked for coupon after entering credit card info"

This is the best u can get for 1200 bux + tax...

[\] thread

5/23/2010 8:15:56 PM

^no. HPs are pure shit. I've seen more of those fail than any other brand... which is eerily similar to other peoples' findings....

^^,^ here is one such report by squaretrade, the company that does warranties on computers. http://www.squaretrade.com/htm/pdf/SquareTrade_laptop_reliability_1109.pdf

5/24/2010 8:29:15 AM

i disagree that Dells are overpriced. the XPS line of Dells is definitely overpriced, but inspiron and studio are good lines that are decently priced as long as you don't go crazy with upgrade options.



[Edited on May 24, 2010 at 8:49 AM. Reason : vostro is also affordable]

5/24/2010 8:36:18 AM

Dell Vostro 3500

5/24/2010 8:48:45 AM

yeah, please don't buy an HP or Lenovo. wdprice3 ain't lying to you. Them shits drop like flies.


and I'll be quite honest with you, your mom may have had a bad experience with her Toshiba, but I love mine, and I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one.

[Edited on May 24, 2010 at 8:55 AM. Reason : .]

5/24/2010 8:52:18 AM

Quote :

"For stock computers, I like HP."

you have shitty taste and/or no experience whatsoever with laptops, then...by far one of the worst laptop manufacturers...i say this from extensive experience and the compilation of conclusions by various consumer reporting and warranty services

Quote :

"Get an Asus."

do this if you want the absolute best bang for your buck...not bang-for-your-buck like toshiba, where you DO sacrifice quality for price, but a computer that's not a POS, is priced lower than almost all competitors with the same specs, and generally comes with a 2-year warranty

[Edited on May 24, 2010 at 9:02 AM. Reason : http://www.squaretrade.com/htm/pdf/SquareTrade_laptop_reliability_1109.pdf]

5/24/2010 9:01:39 AM

+100 for Asus.

5/24/2010 9:03:37 AM

+200 for ASUS.

5/24/2010 9:06:43 AM

you trying to 100 up me?

5/24/2010 9:09:30 AM

I have an Acer that I bought in 2004 -- still works great. Still has ~1.5-2 hours of battery life.

Only problem I ever had was the left hinge on the screen sheared due to wearing out. Replaced it, works just fine.

5/24/2010 9:11:35 AM

i had an Asus netbook for a while. now have an Asus nettop PC and two Asus 24" monitors. i'm 100-up'ing you based on being happy with each of those purchases.

5/24/2010 9:12:38 AM

Quote :

"you have shitty taste and/or no experience whatsoever with laptops, then...by far one of the worst laptop manufacturers...i say this from extensive experience and the compilation of conclusions by various consumer reporting and warranty services"

I have a HP Pavilion and I love the thing. It really isn't a gaming PC, but that's because it's older... I've had it for 3 years and it's rock solid. Except for the fact that my mom curbstomped it (literally, absolutely no exaggeration), I've been extremely glad with it (I have a monitor hooked up to it because the screen cracked after being curbstomped). So please let me apologize if I base MY opinions off of MY experiences.

Sorry you had shitty luck though?

It's a toss-up between the:
HP Pavilion DV6-2190US (look it up via Amazon)
HP Envy 15-1067nr (if the deal is legit)

5/24/2010 1:29:23 PM

Quote :

"Sorry you had shitty luck though?"

don't just apologize to me...apologize to everyone else that had the shitty "luck" to put HP in dead last

but hey, far be it for me to give you evidence based on large numbers of people instead of relying on your SINGLE experience

dude, treat yourself to an HP...i suspect you deserve it

5/24/2010 1:31:45 PM

^I forgot to tell you my dad has had 4 HP desktops in the past 15 years. Mah b.

5/24/2010 1:32:48 PM

quagmire02 is an insufferable cunt ITT

5/24/2010 1:34:14 PM

^^ THANKS FOR THE INFO, CHIEF

comes in real handy in a discussion about laptops...right, b? because they're the same thing

LOOK AT HOW AWESOME HP IS, EVERYONE! TOP O' THE LINE!

http://www.electronista.com/articles/09/11/17/reliability.study.has.apple.4th.place/
http://computers.toptenreviews.com/laptops/laptop-reliability-survey-reveals-asus-is-best-and-hp-worst.html
http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/computers/apple-laptops-fourth-in-reliability-study-20091118-im8t.html

although, that WAS 6 months ago...i'm sure they're rock solid now...you should go with your gut since thousands of customers are likely wrong

^ gonna do something about it, or just piss and whine like usual? yeah, that's what i thought...pussy

[Edited on May 24, 2010 at 1:38 PM. Reason : .]

5/24/2010 1:34:41 PM

Quote :

"gonna do something about it, or just piss and whine like usual? yeah, that's what i thought...pussy"

What thought process leads to someone actually typing out these words

5/24/2010 1:38:33 PM

^ what leads someone to call another an "insufferable cunt" when they provide evidence pointing out a user's biased misconception?

[Edited on May 24, 2010 at 1:40 PM. Reason : .]

5/24/2010 1:39:47 PM

^^^a.) Analogy: If there's a candy brand, let's say Hershey's... You're experienced with their products... let's say for the sake of argument you've only tried Reece's cups and Kit-Kat bars before and you liked both products. Would it be fair to say that you'd try another one of their products? I've tried HP's several of HP's computers; I liked them all. Therefore... I will stick with HP and get another one. It's not your computer, so I really don't understand why you care so much...

b.) TUFF GUY.

5/24/2010 1:41:09 PM

1. All the evidence you provide is subjective

2. You are being a giant cunt about the whole thing

Go back and read your first post in this thread

Where the fuck did that come from

Are you really that unhappy

(post a smiley to show me how you feel)

5/24/2010 1:41:44 PM

^the anwer to both your questions: YOU SPEND TOO MUCH TIME IN THE LOUNGE SPLITTING HAIRS AND BEING GRAMMAR NINJA NAZI FAGGOTS. GAWD.

5/24/2010 1:42:04 PM

Quote :

"Analogy: If there's a candy brand, let's say Hershey's... You're experienced with their products... let's say for the sake of argument you've only tried Reece's cups and Kit-Kat bars before and you liked both products. Would it be fair to say that you'd try another one of their products? I've tried HP's several of HP's computers; I liked them all. Therefore... I will stick with HP and get another one. It's not your computer, so I really don't understand why you care so much"

you forget the part where your experience is the vast minority, while everyone is vomiting blood...but hey, i'm not surprised you don't get it

you posted, asking for opinions...i gave you mine, based on personal experience and, more importantly, the experiences of THOUSANDS of others...if you choose to spit in the wind, don't be surprised when you get wet...don't worry, you'll grow up one day and realize how the world REALLY works

Quote :

"1. All the evidence you provide is subjective 2. You are being a giant cunt about the whole thing Go back and read your first post in this thread Where the fuck did that come from Are you really that unhappy (post a smiley to show me how you feel)"

1. not really, no...it's immeasurably more objective than one person's limited experience(s)

2. what's your point? OP asks for opinions and then decides that he doesn't like the opinions and evidence presented him...i figure he must be a dumbass, but i'm sure you think that he's being...brave?

i'm so unhappy...i think i will indeed post

[Edited on May 24, 2010 at 1:45 PM. Reason : .]

5/24/2010 1:43:27 PM

There needs to be a quagmire quote thread

[Edited on May 24, 2010 at 1:44 PM. Reason : We cannot let this douchebaggery continue unchecked]

5/24/2010 1:44:30 PM

^^I never actually asked for opinions... I said find me a laptop and listed the brands that I liked. Seeing how HP was the only brand that I blatantly said I liked, I thought that would restrict the search parameters? I guess you didn't pick up on that...

[Edited on May 24, 2010 at 1:45 PM. Reason : ]

5/24/2010 1:45:05 PM

wow eat a snickers.

5/24/2010 1:45:22 PM

ITT, one user asks for laptop advice. Other users post advice. First user argues with other users about their advice.

5/24/2010 1:46:53 PM

Quote :

"There needs to be a quagmire quote thread [Edited on May 24, 2010 at 1:44 PM. Reason : We cannot let this douchebaggery continue unchecked]"

please, make one

Quote :

"I never actually asked for opinions... I said find me a laptop and listed the brands that I liked. Seeing how HP was the only brand that I blatantly said I liked, I thought that would restrict the search parameters? I guess you didn't pick up on that..."

your mistake was attempting to think

Quote :

"ITT, one user asks for laptop advice. Other users post advice. First user argues with other users about their advice."

pretty much

[Edited on May 24, 2010 at 1:47 PM. Reason : .]

5/24/2010 1:46:59 PM

Quote :

"There needs to be a quagmire quote thread"

is a bad idea.
the internet would grind to a halt as every faggot on earth would point their browser to tww in search of their King.

5/24/2010 1:47:55 PM