BUCKET CLIPS 3 | A FLINTA Ski Mixtape

Member of the Month

hi_vis360
November, 2024

Online

Welcome to the Newschoolers forums! You may read the forums as a guest, however you must be a registered member to post. Register to become a member today!

Graduation is coming, looking to get a laptop.

profile picture
7springsprod
Posts: 2661 - Karma: 3,181
Ok, so here's the deal, I KNOW that there are similar threads about this but I would like to get a personalized response. In the next couple of months, I will be looking for a laptop, since my parents will be buying it for my graduation present, price isn't a huge issue as long as it isn't absurdly priced. About my college and what I want to do:

I will be attending a community college to obtain elective credits and would graduate with an associate's degree in "commercial pilot", since that is what I am planning on doing since I already have my private pilot's license.

From there I would like to transfer to a 4 year school to get a degree in basically anything. I kind of narrowed it down to a computer science (maybe even engineering of a sort) or a business related major.

What I would like from a laptop:

-To suit these needs obviously
-Screen size 15-16 inches I was thinking?
-Very capable gaming abilities (Flight Simulators use a lot, and also I game)
-Good battery life

As long as it suits those needs I don't care what processor/hard drive space/ ram it has. As long as it would meet those I would be content.
Oct 29 2012 10:55AM
0 0
profile picture
penguin_steeze
Posts: 2311 - Karma: 241
macbook pro 15" I have one and its definitely something your looking for unless you want a pc
Oct 29 2012 10:57AM
0 0
profile picture
7springsprod
Posts: 2661 - Karma: 3,181
I'm definitely leaning towards a PC due to the gaming I will be doing. I like macs, but I like the versatility of a PC more, and also it's rumored that PC's will serve much better for business and computer classes I would be taking.
Oct 29 2012 10:59AM
0 0
profile picture
gusestomp
Posts: 1377 - Karma: 746
Depending if you can use a mac and if you have the money, a macbook pro. But if you can't i'd go with some of these recommendations.

Higher Price Range:

Mid Price Range:

I don't really know, but these are all gaming computers. But they will suit your needs fine.

Oct 29 2012 11:04AM
0 0
profile picture
chicken
Posts: 6843 - Karma: 2,121
a mac is just as good for computer science/engineering. my room mate is a CSC major, my brother is an engineering major, they both have 15" macbook pros. Some business programs might require windows, but most you will be fine with a OSX.

finding a capable gaming computer with good battery life is very tough. Almost all gaming laptops have terrible battery life. Also carrying it around to class is going to suck. I have a 15" retina MBP and it's a dream to carry around. Really though a 15" computer the size of the regular MBP is pretty much the biggest computer you are going to want to carry around with you on a daily basis.

why not get a 13" ultrabook and a desktop for your flight simulators?
Oct 29 2012 11:14AM
0 0
profile picture
7springsprod
Posts: 2661 - Karma: 3,181
I thought of having someone build me a really nice desktop for a really good price and buy just a mediocore laptop.  I asked my brother who is a senior in college about this and he didn't think it was  a great or terrible idea.  Honestly I don't care about the weight and mobility as much as long as it isn't designed like a brick.  I'm just not sold on getting a macbook.
Oct 29 2012 12:24PM
0 0
profile picture
OssargYormada
Posts: 671 - Karma: 186
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2355975&CatId=4935

almost got this myself then i got a refurbished mac pro 15" quad core instead
Oct 29 2012 12:35PM
0 0
profile picture
@magoonie
Posts: 17 - Karma: 3
I got an Android tablet and it's awesome but no shredsauce...
Oct 29 2012 12:38PM
0 0
profile picture
HWW
Posts: 3084 - Karma: 3,436
You can even install Windows on a Mac, and apparently the fastest computer which can run Windows is a Mac.
Oct 29 2012 12:57PM
0 0
profile picture
chicken
Posts: 6843 - Karma: 2,121
I wasn't trying to convince you to buy a mac. I'm was trying to convince you NOT to buy a gaming laptop for school. Trust me. They are all built like bricks. They all get shit battery life. You might not care about the weight and mobility now, but trust me it is a huge factor. There is a good chance you are going to be carrying this thing around every day for the next 4 years. In a couple years there will be hipsters at the coffee shop using more powerful computers than you have, and you will be stuck with a huge ass bulky computer. Buying a bulky gaming laptop for college is like buying a hummer as a daily driver.

Basically I would recommend first and foremost to get a durable, thin laptop, with good battery life. Something you can throw in your pack and use for at least a few lectures without bringing the charger. 13"-15".
Oct 29 2012 6:28PM
0 0
profile picture
JAHpow
Posts: 7282 - Karma: 17,179
If you're leaning towards a PC consider looking into ASUS laptops. They are a very good computer.
Oct 29 2012 6:33PM
0 0
profile picture
chicken
Posts: 6843 - Karma: 2,121
no.

but you could argue that the macbook pro is the best windows laptop (considering all factors).
Oct 29 2012 8:00PM
0 0
profile picture
BrewskiJr
Posts: 5738 - Karma: 1,478
No chance.


I'll keep it very simply for you OP. If you go Engineering, get a Mac, if you go business, get a PC. For your upper level business classes you WILL NOT WANT A MAC. Trust me. I see half of my peers with Macs going to the library to rent PC's because, yes, it can "run" windows, but unless you're playing solitaire, its useless. Mac's simply can't handle the large processes that you will use with Microsoft Excel and Access.

Now with Engineering, I would get a Mac. Make sure you check with your Uni and ask specifically what they recommend for BOTH MAJORS. Some universities will want you to be able to run specific programs. If you don't have a system that can run it, then you have to go to a library or rent a laptop every time you wanna do homework.

Personally, I'm a Senior business management major and use a Dell Latitude E6500. Its pretty souped up but it was still under $2,000 and it has lasted me 4 years with NO service calls or problems. Not a virus. Nothing.

PM me if you want more specifics or if you have any questions.
Oct 29 2012 8:12PM
0 0
profile picture
7springsprod
Posts: 2661 - Karma: 3,181
Im pretty sure thats the same laptop my brother has. (Biomed engineering) . He says it overheats like mad. Im still think that a PC would be a solid choice for either path I take, would it not? Also, is there a particular type of processor that I should be looking for in one?
Oct 30 2012 12:38AM
0 0
profile picture
BrewskiJr
Posts: 5738 - Karma: 1,478
That is the one thing I would say against it. It does heat up pretty hot. But so far its never been a problem and its been years. And PC will definitely be a solid choice whichever you choose. As far as processeor specifics, I'm not completely well versed in that area, but i'm sure someone here could help you.
Oct 30 2012 12:46AM
0 0
profile picture
B.Aussie
Posts: 5852 - Karma: 4,531
My 15"MBP overheats like a beast. Always runs hot.
Oct 30 2012 6:42AM
0 0
profile picture
feihlination
Posts: 8356 - Karma: 1,084
i have what was the cheapest samsung laptop at the time (3 years back?) for use at home and "tougher" applications. has decent quality life and can play games that came out like 3-4 years ago pretty decently.

for classes i have a netbook. just for notes/browsing the internet. has 7 hours battery life and is perfect unless you need powerful programs on the go.

cost 1000 euros for both back in the day. like that version better than getting ONE for the same amount.
Oct 30 2012 6:53AM
0 0
profile picture
chicken
Posts: 6843 - Karma: 2,121
What work could you possibly be doing in excel that a macbook pro cannot handle? And why the fuck are you doing it in excel?

I don't have excel, so maybe it is slow as fuck? but then it should be slow on all computers, not just a mac.

On my old macbook I worked with some moderately large datasets on libre office with no problems and I frequently worked with large datasets in proper graphing/statistical programs with no problems.
Oct 31 2012 5:16AM
0 0
profile picture
ryano
Posts: 4465 - Karma: 1,535
meh.. if you want to game.. mac isnt the way to go. unless you partition it to run windows as well.

samsung series 7 or 9 are legit. i have the 7. plenty of ram, plenty of hard drive space, and their screen displays are awesome.
Oct 31 2012 5:18AM
0 0
profile picture
ALMIGHTYSOSA
Posts: 2800 - Karma: 2,102
this! I love my samsung series  7. Its a really good pc
Oct 31 2012 10:06AM
0 0
profile picture
7springsprod
Posts: 2661 - Karma: 3,181
BUMP. I've been looking and I've found either of these two that interest me the most. 

This one: http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Series-SVT13128CXS-13-3-Inch-Ultrabook/dp/B009DXVUWC/ref=zg_bs_3269423011_26


Or this one: http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Series-SVS1512ACXS-15-5-Inch-Laptop/dp/B009DXVUGS/ref=amtcd_B009DXVUWC_B009DXVUGS

The only huge difference is the Hard drive type (SSD vs. Traditional) and screen size.  I know the first one holds less, but has a much more efficient hard drive in terms of battery life and such.  Would I be able to also combine an external hard drive with this with all my games?  And how big is a 2.2 inch screen difference? Thanks

Nov 13 2012 12:29PM
0 0
profile picture
Spinoza
Posts: 12763 - Karma: 3,846
Don't get a Dell. Nine died 2 times and after a year couldn't play videos without overheating and crashing.
I have Lenovo now and it's pretty good
Nov 13 2012 12:31PM
0 0
profile picture
lands11
Posts: 1818 - Karma: 1,677
I read what OP wrote and nothing else so I'm just throwing my opinion in. I am VERY partial towards Mac's but it's clear that a mac wouldn't fit your needs. I also know nothing out PCs so this post is basically useless, I just felt like telling OP he needs a PC and not a Mac. Also this may be the first time I have recommended a PC over a Mac.
Nov 13 2012 12:35PM
0 0
profile picture
Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
if you're into gaming and sims it would be more important to look at video cards than anything else.

the two laptops above would both be pretty amazing and the SSD hard drive is much faster than a traditional laptop. but the screen is a bit smaller. but don't plan on your laptop lasting more than six years.
Nov 13 2012 12:36PM
0 0
profile picture
Nieds
Posts: 832 - Karma: 1,926
Get a Mac but if you don't want mac get Alienware. I have both and love them both but they both have advantages and disadvantages.
Nov 13 2012 1:21PM
0 0
profile picture
Peach.
Posts: 3879 - Karma: 933
I love my MacBook Pro. I use it for everything from software constructing to video editing. I have zero complaints.
Nov 13 2012 1:24PM
0 0
profile picture
7springsprod
Posts: 2661 - Karma: 3,181
Bump. MSI has been interesting me. Particularly the GT60

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4959622&SRCCODE=WEBAMZP1.

I think this might suit all my needs perfectly. Minus battery life. But I think this is the one. Any other opinions on MSI products?
Nov 27 2012 1:48PM
0 0
profile picture
ConnorD
Posts: 167 - Karma: 109
I definitely thought the name of the thread was "Graduation is Coming, hoping to get a lollipop"... i guess i was wrong. Heres one anyways

Click for larger image
Nov 27 2012 2:30PM
0 0
profile picture
tBatt
Posts: 9632 - Karma: 580
not an HP.
Nov 27 2012 4:43PM
0 0
profile picture
turducken
Posts: 749 - Karma: 601
No, Alienware are horrible.

OP. you said price isn't an issue as long as it's not too absurd. So what does that mean your budget is? Because that will help when picking one.
Nov 27 2012 9:37PM
0 0
profile picture
7springsprod
Posts: 2661 - Karma: 3,181
Nothing 1700+
Nov 27 2012 10:34PM
0 0
profile picture
7springsprod
Posts: 2661 - Karma: 3,181
I believe I have finalized my choice to this laptop. Opinions?

Feb 25 2013 10:55AM
0 0
profile picture
Stickity
Posts: 7750 - Karma: 769
that's expensive as fuck
Feb 25 2013 11:05AM
0 0
profile picture
howlongcanausern
Posts: 4982 - Karma: 1,737
this rules out Apple products. You will not be able to buy a new macbook with a decent video card for this price point. For $1800 yes you can.

also that vaio is OK as long as you're cool with Windows 8, which I wouldn't recommend.
Feb 25 2013 11:39AM
0 0
profile picture
BrewskiJr
Posts: 5738 - Karma: 1,478
No it really isn't.... My Dell cost $1,900. But I've had it for 5 years with literally no replacements or service calls and plan on using it for at least 2 more years. When you consider most people would be on their second computer, plus the annoyance of a near-death computer, I consider it well worth the time/money to fork it over beforehand (if you can afford it).



Feb 25 2013 11:54AM
0 0
profile picture
BikeMlatt69
Posts: 1947 - Karma: 60
i'm in the same boat as you, about to graduate so i picked up myself the Asus Zenbook u500.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834230692
I spent a lot of time looking at which Ultrabook to pick up and settled with this one. The quad core is incredibly handy and it's graphics card/resolution is great. Runs CS GO and Skyrim like a fucking champ. Get a cooling pad though because it gets a little hot. 15.6'' screen and the SSD is super handy. SO happy with the decision, it's a little spendy plus I got a warranty but it was worth every dime.

Don't get a mac.






Feb 25 2013 12:00PM
0 0
profile picture
7springsprod
Posts: 2661 - Karma: 3,181
Why do you not reccomend windows 8?
Feb 25 2013 2:19PM
0 0
profile picture
Mitchell.
Posts: 1650 - Karma: 630
what.. some of the stuff you've been saying in this thread is just wrong. Large processes in Excel and Access? Those are essentially word processing programs, literally a $90 netbook will run these fine. Im not even go go any further, you just seem like you have no idea what your saying.
Feb 25 2013 2:33PM
0 0
profile picture
cope+
Posts: 763 - Karma: 870
Threads for kater
Feb 25 2013 2:41PM
0 0
profile picture
Hamster.
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 26
hate to throw my question in the thread...my grandparents will buy me a laptop..I dont think there is a limit, if there is, its probably 2500 or 3000...so, what recommendations do you have? Not sure what my major/minors will be yet.
Feb 25 2013 2:47PM
0 0
profile picture
Stickity
Posts: 7750 - Karma: 769
but what did that 1900 get you that a netbook doesn't do? i'm not trying to demean your purchase, just understand why you (in a general sense of the word) would want to drop so much cash on one machine when for the most part it's used for word, excel, powerpoint, and porn. especially when comps are always getting faster and more powerful for less money. my asus was 800 which i feel is waaayyyyyy more than what it's worth so i couldn't imagine spending anymore and i'm used to using macs at home. how much macs cost seems completely retarded to me now and i don't know why anyone would want one for the arm and leg they charge you
Feb 25 2013 2:53PM
0 0
profile picture
howlongcanausern
Posts: 4982 - Karma: 1,737
software compatibility.
Feb 25 2013 4:22PM
0 0
profile picture
chicken
Posts: 6843 - Karma: 2,121
excel could potentially use WAY more processing power than a word processor. However it's not like you need a top of the computer to do those things. I just can't think of anything people would be doing in excel that would push todays average computer to its limits. If you're working with that much data, why the hell are you working in excel?
Feb 25 2013 5:23PM
0 0
profile picture
Kooky_Lukey
Posts: 1002 - Karma: 1,966
Dont get a mac, especially if you want to do any kind of gaming. I am a CS major as well and just get either a Lenovo or Asus, i wouldn't really recommend anything else, then either get i5 or i7 processor (sandybridge if you can afford it) or if you like AMD get something above like an A8 and at least 4 GB or RAM and you will be golden.

Also a desktop would not be a bad idea because if you're going to want it to last you all 6 years of planned school a desktop you can easily upgrade the parts and keep it like new all throughout those 6 years
Feb 25 2013 5:28PM
0 0
profile picture
tommyp1ckles
Posts: 1337 - Karma: 55
this. i used to try to buy "gaming" laptops but they end up being a huge money sink, they overheat easier, batterys dont last long and cant be upgraded and are usualy large and annoying to carry around. just buy some cheap laptop then spend a thousand bucks on decent desktop
Feb 25 2013 6:32PM
0 0
profile picture
Spinoza
Posts: 12763 - Karma: 3,846
Lenovo. They're awesome and reliable.
I he the Z570
Feb 25 2013 7:11PM
0 0
profile picture
Mitchell.
Posts: 1650 - Karma: 630
exactly, nothing in excel should be strenuous on any modern computer.
Feb 25 2013 7:51PM
0 0
profile picture
Mitchell.
Posts: 1650 - Karma: 630
this just is wrong.
1. he wont be able to run the games/flight sims he wants above at an enjoyable level (if they run) on a $500 laptop.
2. If he found something that could run them, the build quality would be what suffered to make the laptop at that price point, meaning it wont last.

Your other points don't make sense, people need high end laptops and the more you spend the more its worth in the years to follow. Lots of old laptops that were notorious for excellent build quality still sell for excellent prices based on how old they are, simply because people know the quality of the parts that went into the system. There are some Asus and Apple laptops that still go for a price that would surprise you based on there age, and even specs.

I really dont think 3 $500 laptops would surpass 1 $1500 laptop. I'd take the 2.9Ghz MBP or Asus G75W for 9 years over a $500 notebook every 3 years any day.
Feb 25 2013 7:55PM
0 0
profile picture
BrewskiJr
Posts: 5738 - Karma: 1,478
Well seeing as how the high majority of Mac users in my business classes had to rent PC's or find other PC's to use for all their homeworks and projects, you are simply saying a $300 netbook can do everything a Macbook can.
Feb 25 2013 8:20PM
0 0
profile picture
turducken
Posts: 749 - Karma: 601
What? Windows 8 can run every program that windows 7 can.
Feb 25 2013 8:33PM
0 0
All times are Eastern (-5)