What laptop for college?

[golfgal]

DS17 graduates in June. We need to get him a laptop. The college doesn't have specific requirements for what kind they need. They can use either Mac or PC but DS prefers PC. We would like to keep it under $1000, even less would be better. The school has a discount with Dell and all of our other computers are Dell so I am ok with those but if there is something better??? Suggestions are very welcome!

 

[Sparx]

I have a Dell Inspiron 1525, it a great computer but its kind of large and not too portable. I think Dell is currently running a special where you can buy a regular sized laptop and get a mini for 199.00. Its really worth it to have a smaller one to carry to class with you.

Here's the link:
http://www.dell.com/content/topics/...hter_laptops?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&redirect=1

 

[powellrj]

We waited until orientation and asked the students. His school also didn't have a requirement, but when we asked the students they overwhelming said MAC. 2 of them said they had gotten PCs that they don't use because they prefer going to the library to use the macs.

DS has had trouble adjusting to his MAC, but he is glad to have it because he said its easier for his major because of the different projects he has. I have no idea what the projects are or why a mac is easier, but I just take his word!

 

[Christine]

My DD ended up with a Mac and loves it. Plenty of students get the Dell stuff though. Most students prefer a Mac. It does not have the virus issues that a regular PC with a Microsoft OS has. However, it can be pricey and, even with the student deals Apple offers, it would be hard to come in under $1000.00.

 

[golfgal]

We waited until orientation and asked the students. His school also didn't have a requirement, but when we asked the students they overwhelming said MAC. 2 of them said they had gotten PCs that they don't use because they prefer going to the library to use the macs.

DS has had trouble adjusting to his MAC, but he is glad to have it because he said its easier for his major because of the different projects he has. I have no idea what the projects are or why a mac is easier, but I just take his word!

He already had orientation and we asked and they said it doesn't matter . There are a couple technical majors that have requirements but he won't be doing those. The computer labs have both Mac and PC so that isn't an issue.

 

[golfgal]

The Dell featured laptops are Inspiron or Studio-is there a major difference?

 

[PixieTopaz]

What Is his major?
Ds had to get one sophomore year and had guidelines from His college department because of the heavy Computer design requirements needed specific programs-and he did not know this before the second year .

 

[golfgal]

What Is his major?
Ds had to get one sophomore year and had guidelines from His college department because of the heavy Computer design requirements needed specific programs-and he did not know this before the second year .

He is undecided at this time but leaning toward Psychology with plans to become a counselor.

 

[JCJRSmith]

Check http://slickdeals.net or http://gizmodo.com

Both sites regularly post codes you can use to get a great Dell or HP laptop at a significant discount over retail.

We just ordered a Core i5 laptop with 6 GB of ram, 500 gb hard drive and 17" display and DVD burner for my son from HP for less than $900 using a code we found on Gizmodo.

If you get more than 4 GB of ram on a Windows machine, make sure you get the 64-bit version of the operating system, as Windows 7 32-bit can only see 4 gb of ram. Get a Core i5 (dual core) or Core i7 (quad core) processor and you will have a laptop that your son will be able to use for a good long time.

 

[Deb in IA]

Our DD, a current college freshman, has a MacBook, and she LOVES it.

She takes it with her to anyplace with WiFi, and is not tied down to a PC.

And Macs are less prone to infections with viruses, worms, etc.

 

[MichelleVW]

My DD has a PC, but has to get a Mac next year (education major).

 

[mamacatnv]

DS has an HP with every button and whistle and an extended warranty since that puter gets hauled all over the place. He has had it for 2 years. He would like a netbook now for the portability factor - his Laptop is large @ 17".

 

[golfgal]

Our DD, a current college freshman, has a MacBook, and she LOVES it.

She takes it with her to anyplace with WiFi, and is not tied down to a PC.

And Macs are less prone to infections with viruses, worms, etc.

Ok, I just realized I probably used the wrong term. He will get a laptop-either Apple or something else .