It seems that in the next couple of months, I will probably be buying a laptop. Being as how I've never bought a laptop, and the last time I bought a desktop was in like 2005, I need some help finding the right one. -The max I'm looking to spend is about $700. I'd rather spend $500-600 though. -This is needed for schooling. It's online schooling. Not the stupid, rip-off online schooling, though, so shut it. I'm doing a year-long program that will result in a minor change in career. The classes are run online over a webcam, so a good webcam is a must. -I don't need anything ultra fancy, although I would maybe like this thing to replace my desktop. - I have no brand preference. -Go crazy. -Rep to those that recommend the one I buy. Thanks in advance.
Gotta give us more details. You watch hd movies online? You playin modern pc games? What else do you want to do with it?
I don't really play games. Don't really watch movies, although I go to youtube. I could see getting Netflix or something like that, possibly.
First spec you need to figure out is size unless you are just gonna go deal hunting and get the best value no matter the specs. Small for portability, battery life....large for working on documents, plugged in, not carrying it everyday. so get that sorted and work from there.
For 700 go to Dells website, then google Dell coupons. They always have good discounts and for the price you're getting a decent computer, especially if you're not gaming or anything like that. Plus supporting Texas!... And India.
I'd like to carry it from work to home to my clinical site on most days. I'm thinking midsize, but for a deal, I'm willing to overlook size, be it too small or too large. (Swoly)
Stay far far away from Sony. Although they have great hardware...their customer service is atrocious! I have never dealt with a customer service so bad in all my life. I'm in the middle of a month long repair issue now. STAY AWAY FROM SONY...its not worth it.
If we are just throwing out suggestions, you can get a ThinkPad T420 with an HD webcam for 719 and free shipping right now. Intel Core i3-2350M Processor (2.30GHz, 3MB Cache) with Intel HD Graphics 3000 Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64 14.0" HD (1366 x 768) LED Backlit Anti-Glare Display, Mobile Broadband Ready Intel HD Graphics 3000 4 GB DDR3 - 1333MHz (1 DIMM) UltraNav with TrackPoint & touchpad 320 GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm DVD recordable multiburner 6 cell Li-Ion Battery - 55+ I would take that way over a Dell Latitude.
I've used Dell, Toshiba, Sony, AlienWare, Acer extensively. Toshiba would be my recommendation to you. Followed by Acer. Only brief experience with HP, but they seem solid.
Find out how much you'll be willing to spend in two years when your video inverter craps out or you lose the warranty paperwork, and subtract that from your budget.
what's the absolute best laptop I can get for coding on the road. no gaming so vcard not that important. things id like would be weight, battr life and ruggedness. screen should be larger or equin than 14". no macs plz.