Need Help Selecting the right LAPTOP

Question

My daughter needs a laptop for college next year so I want to get one for Christmas.  I have no idea what to purchase.  I bought one four years ago (inspiron 5100) but need somwthing more updated with wireless access for her.  Sould I look for lightweight or focus on speed and memory? Any suggestions?

davejohn · Answer

You should check with the college before making a decision.  If she needs to join a domain to connect to the campus network you'll need to get one with XP Pro.  Many colleges offer excellent deals and recommendations through the college bookstore.   Dave

desirorevolutio · Answer

I would suggest something from the Latitude range, especially if bought through the college. You could get an Inspiron 640m, but if lightweight is what you need, Inspirons aren't the best; even the 640m has a preliminary weight of 2.5kg; you could shell out for an XPS M1210 I suppose.

flamenko · Answer

SELECT LIGHTWEIGHT AND GET SPEED AND MEMORY!!!   Look seriously at the XPS M1210 and check for sales and deals on this.  It is compact, is a powerhorse (2 Ghz Dual 2 Core, 2048 RAM, 80gb 7200 HD, 7400 Nvidia card, 8XDVDRW) and is probably the best notebook to look at for lugging around from class to class.  Its a grand total of 4 .5 lbs.  Comes with a case...and all the extras...   If you really want to impress her, it comes with a built in webcam and microphone for her MSN sessions or taping anything in any class she wants.   Personally, Im a police officer and have come to realize the phenomenal ability for my interviews...   I cant say enough about this system!!!  You need to shop hard and find the right config with the right price however.   Good Luck...   Les     Message Edited by flamenko on 11-26-200604:14 PM

jocase · Answer

I agree that checking with the college first is best. Perhaps waiting until she gets to college and finds out what others are using and any discounts etc.   The software should be bought with the notebook. It costs considerably less that buying it later and installing it. Have her find out what others need and use. As far as the hardware is concerned, buy all the processor speed and memory you can afford.  Also get a 4 year warranty, no matter what brand of notebook you buy.   She should have the ability to connect to a wired or wireless network as well as even use a dial up modem if all else fails.   Who is going to pay for the ISP?   If she wants to play intensive games, you are in a new world as far as money goes!   An

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Need Help Selecting the right LAPTOP

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