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Best Laptop for College?

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BrownBomber
Posts: 675 - Karma: 446
So im going to be a college freshman next year, and my Grandparents want to buy me a laptop as a graduation present. They want to know which one i want, taking into account that my grandma gets a fair discount on all HP's.

I was taking a look at the HP Envy, and i saw a commercial for the new Dr. Dre edition of it, which looks bad ass, but its pretty pricey.

So newschoolers, which laptop should i ask for? Like i said, ill be using it mainly for college work, but i want to be able to do media stuff like photoshop and making edits.
Apr 11 2011 4:33PM
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.AR6rider.
Posts: 15976 - Karma: 8,799
I've owned Dell computers for the last 10 years (laptops and desktops), and just recently switched to a Macbook Pro, and I'll never go back. I fucking love the Mac. I would definitely recommend it.
Apr 11 2011 4:35PM
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smooticus
Posts: 1798 - Karma: 27
Just think about the specs that you will need. Oh and dont get a big one. I though it would be better to have a big screen for watching movies and shit, but its just annoying, go for convenience
Apr 11 2011 4:35PM
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shibby
Posts: 7088 - Karma: -19
HP Envy 14. Dual boot Linux for teh pr0nz.
Apr 11 2011 4:37PM
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No_Dub
Posts: 3357 - Karma: 294
not to be a mac fag but i really love mine. its super easy to use and it is very sturdy. one thing i dont like about alot of other laptops is how they feel like they will snap if you look at them the wrong way. the aluminum body makes it so much stronger. it has kept my card reader working while it has broken on many other laptops.
Apr 11 2011 4:38PM
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Balto
Posts: 25985 - Karma: 4,404
personally, i would never buy an hp product, every one I have owned/used has felt incredibly cheep and low quality, same with most dell machines.

macbooks are the most popular student laptops for a reason, they are built with very high quality components, osx runs like a dream for students, and you can dual boot windows natively through boot camp should any of your classes require apps that only run on windows

if you are an anti mac guy, drop the money on a "gaming brand" laptop, IE alienware or falcon northwest, they both have a much nicer build quality then comparable HP/dell/acer/ect models
Apr 11 2011 4:45PM
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akarlsen
Posts: 523 - Karma: 144
macbook pro, imo windows laptop are ugly and they suck.
Apr 11 2011 4:47PM
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.jersey
Posts: 1925 - Karma: 9
I have a dell inspiron and i dont like it to much. Its completely made of shit and had to get the screen replaced because it broke. I want a mac but mine is pretty new
Apr 11 2011 4:49PM
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TechnoPotamus
Posts: 11626 - Karma: 3,522
I would recommend a Macbook. just a regular macbook, not the pro if you don't need it.


I had a Dell Inspiron for the first half of college and it was a nightmare, i had to take it in countless times to be fixed and i've never ever had one problem with my mac in 4+ years of owning it. it's faster, it doesn't fail, it was worth any extra money i paid for it.
Apr 11 2011 4:50PM
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Benjo
Posts: 709 - Karma: 23
get a netbook
Apr 11 2011 4:51PM
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Poikenz
Posts: 1478 - Karma: 3,762
To tell you the truth it all depends on what you are going into. Now personally I hate any sort of apple products, they are over priced and really not better than anything else spec wise. But if you wanted a mac you could just buy a cheap HP wipe the hard drive then install OSX on it for $30 (price of osx).

But I would go with toshiba, they hold up well and I never have problems with any of them. HP laptops usually break down, and if you get one that breaks down once there is no point in getting it fixed because it will just break down again. I have had multiple friends with those problems.

So the only thing you need to figure out is if you want something that has an i7 and an hour and a half of battery life that sounds like a jet when you have to get a laptop cooler for it or something that you just need for taking notes/ casual video editing.
Apr 11 2011 4:53PM
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Inbred_Redneck
Posts: 2776 - Karma: 28
Depends what you want to do with it. I'm doing undergraduate mech engineering and have an HP Pavilion dv6 with an i5, and the dx11 graphics card. Running windows 7 on it and have had zero problems, running multiple programs while in solidworks.


This computer kicks a macs ass.
Apr 11 2011 4:55PM
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Benjo
Posts: 709 - Karma: 23
get a rolltop
myrolltop.com/
Apr 11 2011 5:08PM
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Benjo
Posts: 709 - Karma: 23
dont forget to install gentoo for maximum performance
Apr 11 2011 5:13PM
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NickSki.
Posts: 2009 - Karma: 61
Click for larger image
Apr 11 2011 5:15PM
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montageskier
Posts: 4725 - Karma: 126
I love my girlfriends Mac Book Pro, I hate my HP, and I also have a Toshiba Satellite that I like but it isn't the best.
Apr 11 2011 5:16PM
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.AR6rider.
Posts: 15976 - Karma: 8,799
This is either photoshopped, or not from the US, because while Macs are definitely expensive, they're not THAT expensive. $400 for Office Mac? I don't think so.
Apr 11 2011 5:21PM
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NickSki.
Posts: 2009 - Karma: 61
It was from 2007 i think
Apr 11 2011 5:24PM
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BrewskiJr
Posts: 5738 - Karma: 1,478
I've had a Dell Latitude E6500 for 3 years now. I've never had to take it in for any repair, virus fix, or anything. Never had any problems whatsoever.

It just all depends on what you are doing in college. My recommendation for these threads have always been very simple: If you are a business major, do NOT get a Mac. If youre an arts major or graphic design, then a Mac would probably suit you. I do not have much personal experience wit HP's but my friends who have them do not like them that much.

I can elaborate on why Mac's are not the best for business majors if you'd like. Just PM me.
Apr 11 2011 5:28PM
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.jon
Posts: 2121 - Karma: 345
Look for a refurbished MacBook Pro. It's a good way to save a bit of money and you'll forget it was ever a refurb. I used to have an HP laptop and spent countless hours troubleshooting, now that I've got a MacBook I haven't spent a minute troubleshooting after two years of owning it.

Are they more expensive? Yes, but talk to just about anyone that owns one and they'll tell you it's well worth it.
Apr 11 2011 5:29PM
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DirtyDan
Posts: 1576 - Karma: 158
Don't get a 17" screen. It's good for design work/editing, but it's a bitch to transport. I had to go to three different stores to find a laptop bag that my computer fit in by the way.

It's a Sony VAIO by the way, but I'm running OS X on it.
Apr 11 2011 5:31PM
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t-roy
Posts: 4041 - Karma: 52
you should get a 13" screen on whatever laptop you get. then get it hooked up to a 27" or so LCD TV on your desk that could double as a larger work monitor AND a tv. i'm 100% positive you can find a decent HP notebook.
Apr 11 2011 5:45PM
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yourthemannowdog
Posts: 4541 - Karma: 313
Dells are so cheaply made. I had a mid ranged dell and by month six i had no screen, track pad, and the power button didn't work
Apr 11 2011 5:48PM
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assouadassouad
Posts: 154 - Karma: 61
I love my macbook pro,

Pros:
Best iTunes integration
Virtually no viruses
Fast
Easy to Use
Touchpad is nice

Cons:
Not really a gamer's computer
Can't run windows based programs (.exe)

Apr 11 2011 5:51PM
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jibjunkie
Posts: 3807 - Karma: 191
get a toshiba protege r700. they have a few different models but all are much cheaper than the shit ass mbp's. the protege is thinner than a mbp while still packing an optical drive hdmi 3 usb with one esata/sleep port. with all this comes a 3 year warranty. the battery claims to last 10 but u can realistically get 6 out of it unlike everyones mac i know who cant beat 5 hours. for everyone saying get a mbp: shut the fuck up your systems are shit and arent the be all end all. ease of use is a very personal opinion. macs arent easier to use, in ways they are harder because apple dumbs down the interface so much that they dont expect you to want to do certain things. i currently have a dell studio 14 and while it is nice i wish i would have gone for the toshiba. just my two cents.
Apr 11 2011 5:51PM
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Sam.Carson
Posts: 2884 - Karma: 33
mac all the way. fuck dell they need to go out of buisness and let apple take over the world
Apr 11 2011 5:55PM
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VT_FLO
Posts: 3806 - Karma: 147
my macbook (regular) gets school work done but thats about it. I wouldn't buy another one because of all the incompatibilities with programs that are commonly run everywhere
Apr 11 2011 5:56PM
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Mr.Luke
Posts: 2441 - Karma: 166
The new macs are amazing. They just came out and they're faster and more powerful. And to that picture on why not to get a mac up there ^ somewhere, that's fucking insane. You don't HAVE to have that on your mac. You can buy it separately and install it yourself. My bro had a Mac Book pro with 2gb of RAM, and order 8gb for $100 on Amazon, he installed it himself (Easy as cake) and it works awesome now. Graphics, mmm... I don't know how that works. But there are cheaper alternatives that are the same thing, but require you to do it yourself. That picture sucks and should never be posted again.

Mac all the way. They're awesome. Also, OSX Lion is coming out this Fall, and you can get it for free or for $20 even if you buy your computer before Lion comes out. They give you an upgrade warranty for free.
Apr 11 2011 6:03PM
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NickSki.
Posts: 2009 - Karma: 61
Which is every program that is a program.
Apr 11 2011 6:04PM
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Mr.Luke
Posts: 2441 - Karma: 166
Bootcamp. Duh.
Apr 11 2011 6:08PM
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.Cal.
Posts: 354 - Karma: 66
macbooks and macbook pros. and depending on what school you go to or what high school you went to, you can get laptops cheaper. If you want I can find a link but its somewhere on the apple website.
Apr 11 2011 6:11PM
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Balto
Posts: 25985 - Karma: 4,404
why don't you run windows in bootcamp then? honestly that is something that makes macs the best computers on the market, you get the best of both worlds
Apr 11 2011 6:11PM
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KarmaInitiative
Posts: 2028 - Karma: 174
I just looked into alienware laptops, they look pretty solid and are relatively cheap, something to consider
Apr 11 2011 6:13PM
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spruitm
Posts: 2221 - Karma: 1,069
If you can, get a Macbook pro.  They are much more efficient, so they seem a lot faster for a longer time, could probably last your whole time at college.  They work so much better because the same company makes the software and hardware.  Whether you like mac or not, its hard not to see why that wouldn't work better.  Plus it comes with a lot of extra software.

If you want something cheaper, but still reliable, check out something like this:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/ASUS+-+Laptop+/+Intel%26%23174%3B+Core%26%23153%3B+i3+Processor+/+15.6%22+Display+/+4GB+Memory+/+640GB+Hard+Drive+-+Burgundy/1775024.p?id=1218290441039&skuId=1775024
Apr 11 2011 6:15PM
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Jordan
Posts: 4079 - Karma: 2,122
this is such a stupid picture to post in this thread.

This would be a relevant picture if the OP asked... "Should I upgrade through apple or should I do it myself"

I mean of course upgrading through apple is too expensive. I have a MBP 15" and I've upgraded everything in it myself because it's less... but that is not a reason why you shouldn't get one when you can get components for it on other sites for less.. just a reason you don't buy upgrades from apple.


ignorant post is ignorant.
Apr 11 2011 6:16PM
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MicroMix
Posts: 297 - Karma: 48
If you want something with Windows I'd recommend Asus, http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220862 This one is great if you're just using it for average stuff.
Apr 11 2011 6:25PM
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theater.thug
Posts: 441 - Karma: 671
And thats the Mac Pro. Not a laptop. Its basically a super computer. You use those with like 30" monitors for studio stuff.
Apr 11 2011 6:39PM
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klayer_9
Posts: 2037 - Karma: 188
MB pro /thread.
Apr 11 2011 6:39PM
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TylerMacDonald
Posts: 251 - Karma: 162
How much was it to get the screen repaired I have a cracked screen on my insperon too.
Apr 11 2011 6:42PM
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Davy.Crockett
Posts: 5373 - Karma: 324

get a mac. their SO aestetically pleasing. the keyboard is BLACK. the eges are ROUNDED.  thusly its 2000 dollars more.

that being said i have one so...yeah

Apr 11 2011 6:48PM
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Peter.
Posts: 23796 - Karma: 13,014
depends on your major, but if you are anything other than math or engineering, get a macbook. seriously the best trackpad on the market, you never need an external mouse. great keyboard, good battery life. all you could need in a college laptop
Apr 11 2011 6:51PM
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Dhane
Posts: 3866 - Karma: 1,722
i wanted a macbook pro so that when i went to the coffee shop on campus people wouldnt think i was a poor college kid who will be struggling to pay off massive student loans for the rest of his working life. then i discovered that they were equally as fucked, so i saved some money and got a just as reliable and efficient pavilion dv6. my buddies and i play starcraft, they have macs which obviously cost a lot more, and i can kick their ass on high graphics while they are stuck in low. more universally accepted, durable (ie, has an aluminum body that the coveted MBP has) and has a 3 year warranty that will get me through the remainder of college should anything go wrong. IMO, go with a HP, i dont know why these people are all aboard the mac train, i have one at home an like it, but windows is so much more efficient.
Apr 11 2011 6:59PM
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.cam.
Posts: 1852 - Karma: 48
I actually have a hp envy with beats audio and like it. It doesnt feel cheap at all, is powerful, has 3d, a big screen and hasn't given me any issues yet. the only time i notice the beats audio is when using headphones with the computer. the built in speakers are nothing special imo.
Apr 11 2011 7:00PM
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Aaaron.
Posts: 11817 - Karma: 903
what kinda crap comment is this
Apr 11 2011 7:04PM
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KrazyistKarl
Posts: 1725 - Karma: 599
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Apr 11 2011 7:08PM
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n_b
Posts: 580 - Karma: 68
mac book 4 sure my friend
Apr 11 2011 7:28PM
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jonny828
Posts: 1096 - Karma: 58
dude this should sell you right here

except not. not trying to hate haha except for on macs. for the price of a pro or some shit you can get a custom built pc that kicks ass, the processing power per dollar is so lowballed compared to some high end gaming pcs, and the graphics/processor/ram/hd are equal at the least of a mac just for less buck /machate

p.s. i expect my comment to insinuate lots of pc hate
Apr 11 2011 7:32PM
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Poikenz
Posts: 1478 - Karma: 3,762
still waiting for someone to say that macs are for creative people so I can rip them a new one.
Apr 11 2011 9:21PM
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Dhane
Posts: 3866 - Karma: 1,722
macs are exclusively for creative people.
Apr 11 2011 9:27PM
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Aaaron.
Posts: 11817 - Karma: 903
they make all types of art forms easily accessible
Apr 11 2011 9:38PM
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jibjunkie
Posts: 3807 - Karma: 191
wat if i consider programming an art form?
Apr 11 2011 9:56PM
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