[POLL] Student Laptop Choice in Road Warriors, Notebooks & Distance http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r13966158 en Mon, 30 Nov 2009 01:32:43 EDT Mon, 30 Nov 2009 01:32:43 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22855538 me1212 : Make/Model:dell studio 15
Screen Size:15.6 inches(1366x768
Weight:about 6lbs
CPU:2.4ghz
ram: 4 gigs
optical drive: blu-ray read with cd/dvd read/write
card reader IDK what all it can read, I know it can do SD cards tho
hard drive: 260G
Essential Extras:blu-ray(I think it writes cd/dvds too I know it reads them),bluetooth, and upgrade to 2.4ghz cpu
Good Points:16:9 screen, built in wifi, I get the upgrade to win7 when it comes out for free, good graphics card, sometimes its nice to have 4g of ram, it fits in my backpack perfectly, and its not too heavy.
BAD Points:it gets a wee bit war on the bottom after a lot of use, I would like a stronger battery it only lasts about 4 hours 45 min.
Why I picked it: It has what I want, it was in my budget, and when I got it they were having a sale(its still going on I think) where you get a 10 miniv for $149 when you get one. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22855538 Wed, 12 Aug 2009 14:23:35 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22842265 hotshotDJ : NOTE: I'm a non-traditional graduate student (read: old), but I didn't vote. But here is my advise for student laptops --

Check with your University's/College's book store. They may have contracts with a specific manufacturer which may save you (or your parents) A LOT of money.

Go with the smallest screen size that you can stand. It will make your life much easier when you're carrying the thing around campus with all your books and taking notes in class. Remember, you can always connect it to a larger external monitor at home/dorm.

If available, order it with the highest capacity battery they offer. There is nothing worse than sitting in class, the library, or the student center doing work on your laptop and the battery starts to run out of juice... and on the day that you left your power cord in the dorm or home.

If possible, you MIGHT want to order it with the XP Downgrade option -- assuming you go the Windows route. (I'm not sure if this is still available). Many IT departments (including the one at my University) do not support Vista. Check with your University just to make sure.

Avoid purchasing Microsoft Office. For most things that you will be doing at college (or for that matter, anywhere else in your life), you do not need it. Get OpenOffice + Zotero. If, for any reason, you must have Microsoft Office, it is usually available either for free or at a huge discount through your University.

You do NOT need the fastest CPU on the market nor the most rad graphics card you can find. A basic Core 2 Duo and integrated video card will do just fine. Gaming is not why your parents are spending their life savings to send you to college. ;)

2 Gig RAM MINIMUM! Especially if you will be using Windows Vista.
--
Statistics don't lie... Statisticians are another story.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22842265 Mon, 10 Aug 2009 02:17:12 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20922396 mooglebunny : Eh, why not. I bought a laptop and just received it today.

Make/Model: Sony Vaio SR 129 E/B (B stands for Black, it's a black colored laptop)

Screen Size: 12.4"(W) x 9.2"(D) x 0.99 - 1.3"(H) (It's a 13" laptop though)

Weight: 4.3 pounds with battery, 5.5ish with power adapter.

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo "Montevina" P8400@ 2.26 Ghz.

Essential Extras: Webcamera, Sony X-Brite ECO with LED Backlighting (pretty good for an ECO), ATI Radeon Mobility 3470 @ 128 mb GDDR3 VRam (Scores around 2055ish in 3dMark06)
Good Points: Decent dedicated Graphics card for the size, will play most gaming somewhat decently. Has a Magnesium-Alloy casing, as it's a business notebook kinda thing. Nice "chiclet" keyboard like Macbook Pro, nice and small. Somewhat thin. I can carry it in one arm open. Oh, accelerometer for the hard drive, to protect it from drops.

BAD Points: Because it's small, it doesn't have a great graphics card at the same price a 15" would. It's somewhat hot, and the left side of the laptop will get warmer than the right, but it's not really all that bad. Touchpad is interesting to use, so I bought a Logitech VX Nano, so it's not a problem for me. The side of the laptop with the screen could be a bit thicker with a tiny bit less flex, but it's not horrid either.

Why I picked it: Size, screen, Dedicated Graphics card, decent specs, and it's useful to me. Much better than the desktops I've been using (they are quite old).]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20922396 Fri, 08 Aug 2008 21:45:19 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20818403 tubbynet : Make/Model: HP Compaq 8510p
Screen Size: 15.4" WSXGA+ (@ 1680 x 1050)
Weight: Around 6.5lbs
CPU: Intel Core2 Duo T7700 @ 2.40GHz
Essential Extras: 2GB of PC2-6400 RAM, 120GB 5400RPM HDD, Dual-Layer DVD Burner, 256MB ATI Mobility Radeon 2600, Intel 4965ABG Wi-Fi Link, Gigabit Broadcom NIC
Good Points: Great looking asthetically. I love the "grey box" look, but I'm too poor to afford ThinkPads at the moment. The stability and durability is great. The power-to-weight ratio is great. I use it in my electrical engineering studies, so I am always running SPICE, MATLAB, Maple, etc. and the machine doesn't stutter. The graphics are sharp and clear, and the display renders everything beautifully. I moonlight as a photographer with my Nikon D80, and I don't lose any quality when I put the images on my PC for Photoshopping. There is also enough power on this machine to game, though I don't do it too much. I love the HDMI out, as I often do presentations on HDTVs, and I get the same quality on the TV as I do on my PC. Additionally, great battery life, even when performing in depth tasks. I routinely get over 3 hrs with the standard size battery.
BAD Points: A little hefty. Not to be considered an "ultra-portable", but not a backbreaker either. The machine is a little big, so you may want to purchase a backpack AFTER you have the machine in hand to make sure you get one that fits. The biometric software is a little cumbersome to set up and the fingerprint reader is a little finicky if your fingers are a oily or you live in an area with a lot of humidity. My biggest gripe comes from the "touch-sensitive" volume controls. Hard to just drop the volume a little or raise it a little. I often find myself doing this through software rather than on the machine itself. Just a little inconvenience.
Why I picked it: Kind of a whim. I like the HP look and found one that fit my needs. Price was right and I had channels that I could get a discount. I am very happy with my overall pick.
--
"Don't hate the media, BECOME the media..." ~Jello Biafra]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20818403 Sat, 19 Jul 2008 21:59:27 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20497021 ZaRRaZa : Make/Model: Toshiba Satellite® A105-S4334
Screen Size: 15.4 in. WXGA TFT Active Matrix
Weight: 6 lb.
CPU: C2D T5500 1.66 Ghz. Somehow it came with T5500 and not T5200 like all the reviews says.
Essential Extras: 2GB RAM, 160 GB HDD; Dual Layer DVD±RW; Ethernet • Fast Ethernet • IEEE 802.11a • IEEE 802.11b • IEEE 802.11g
Good Points: Vista Capable. Expandable to 4GB RAM. Light.
BAD Points: Getting old? :) Planning to get Gateway P-6860FX, T9300 2.5 GHz, 4 GB 667MHz DDR2 RAM, 320 GB HDD, GeForce® 8800M GTS 512MB GDDR3. Anyone want to buy a105-s4334 for $700? It is in good shape.
Why I picked it: It was x-mas present. Yeah, presents sometimes needs to be updated :)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20497021 Sat, 17 May 2008 07:34:54 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19194015 Ctrl Alt Del : Recently bought a new machine.

Make/Model: Apple MacBook Pro 15 inch baseline model
Good Points: A better computer than my Dell.
Bad Points: Not the unstoppable machine that Mac Apologists claim it to be.
Why I picked it: Needed a more powerful machine than my Dell. Waiting 20 minutes for Xilinx hardware synthesis just wasn't doing it for me. And I dislike Vista.
What I use my computer for: Everything that I used my Dell for.
Recommendations: If you need the best monetary deal, get a cheaper Windows machine. If you want something more refined and polished, try a Mac.
--
less talk, more music]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19194015 Thu, 04 Oct 2007 05:01:56 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19124614 Phoenix Gold : This is my second post in this thread because my 17" is just too big, so i bought this to bring to class.

Make/Model: Dell XPS m1210
Screen Size: 12.1"
Weight:a little over 4 pounds
CPU: core 2 duo t7200
Essential Extras: 2 gigs ram, go 7400, 9 cell battery
Good Points: Size. This thing is tiny.
BAD Points: the 9 cell battery sticks out a little.
Why I picked it: Size, power and price. $959.
--
The insects are huge and the poison's all been used, and the drugs won't kill your day job]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19124614 Sat, 22 Sep 2007 13:57:03 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17957215 lesbisean39 : Make/Model: LG P1-J004A9
Screen Size: 15.4" wxga
Weight: 6 lbs
CPU: core2 duo t5600 1.83ghz
Graphics: Mobile radeon x1400.(plays CS:source med/high no probs)
RAM: 1024 of 667 ddr2
Hard Drive: 100 gigs fo yo shit!
Essential Extras: umm, im still lookin for a decent laptop case that doesnt look like im carrying a filecabinet around with me.
Good Points: Wicked screen, the graphics are intense, and it comes with XPpro, not that vi$$ta garbage. :p O YA! it has a Numeric pad to the side. Lifesaver for typing IP's and calculating of all sorts.
BAD Points: Support and updates for LG software is pretty $hitty. The intelligent update shit isnt really all that intelligent. in fact i might suggest the opposite is true.
Why I picked it: I picked it because it had all of the features i wanted, for a pretty good price, in a damn sexy package. so basically it is to me, what i am to women.
It is just a really well designed computer, all of the ports are in convenient places, making it a comfortable computer plugged in or out.

Im pumped on these LG computers, i think its going to be a really solid brand in the future.
Right now u can only get em in canada. Where i live. convenient huh?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17957215 Tue, 06 Mar 2007 22:52:02 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17212223 Antoke : Thats some funny s%@# dude.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17212223 Fri, 03 Nov 2006 19:46:33 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16829361 doslinux : Make/Model:Compaq V2570

Screen Size: 14" wide-screen high definition (Glossy type)

Weight: ~ 5 pounds with 6 cell battery

CPU: AMD turion 64 1.8GHZ

Essential Extras: 12 cell battery

Good Points: Wireless internet, excellent screen, super easy upgradability (hd, memory, mini pci, optical drive all have their own compartments that can be opened pretty easy.) Button to turn off touch pad, 6in1 media reader. It actually provided the restore media! one dvd had windows the other had the applications, DL dvd burner. Decent 512MB of RAM (128 goes to video). Wireless on and off button.

BAD Points: Touch pad gets hot, battery only lasts 2 hours, speakers are ok, LOTS and LOTS of preloaded crap (slow out of the box) mostly due to some norton security suite crap. Shared video memory. Ink on volume buttons wore off.

Why I picked it: It was cheap (--broke college kid), pretty light, power-full enough for what I use it for, have an 5-6 year old HP desktop thats still running strong.

For more detailed specs click... »h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/docu···00572251]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16829361 Sat, 02 Sep 2006 17:54:30 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16729893 Deep Dish : Make/Model: IBM Thinkpad R51
Screen Size: 15.4 inch (max: 1024x768)
Weight: ~5 lbs?
CPU: 1.6 GHz Intel Pentium M
RAM: 512MB DDR (stock) + 1GB DDR = 1.5GB total
Hard Drive: Seagate Momentus 120GB 5400.2 (initally 60GB Fujitsu)
Video Card: ATI Mobility Radeon 9000 M9 32MB
Optical Drive: 24x CDRW+DVD
Essential Extras: I have upgraded the RAM (1GB PC2700 stick) and Hard-drive (Seagate 120GB). Both upgrades were personally bought and installed by myself.
Good Points: After the upgrades, its my desktop replacement. I run Linux (Ubuntu 6.06) on this thing and it's rock solid.
BAD Points: Had bad sectors on the Fujitsu drive, which was replaced under warrenty. They gave me a refurbished 60GB Hitachi drive, which then I thought to myself I'm not going to trust that hard-drive. I went to the store and bought myself the Seagate Momentus drive. I am using the Hitachi drive as an external drive (which is nice since it gets power from the USB connection).
Other then the hard-drive, the only hardware issue I see with this laptop is the video card. More performance would be nice.
Why I picked it: In my school, it is mandatory to have one and you have to go through them to get the laptop, so I had no other choice but to accept it. I initially had a crappy IBM Thinkpad with 256MB of RAM and it ran like garbage, next semester they gave us the R51 which weren't bad. After I upgraded the RAM and the hard-drive, it's a beast. I am impressed with this laptop a lot and I am in the process of purchasing it through the school.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16729893 Thu, 17 Aug 2006 23:18:15 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16321255 jstack : Make/Model: Dell XPS M140 (Now named Inpsiron E1405)
Screen Size: 14"
Weight: 5-6
CPU: Intel Pentium M 1.73 Ghz
Memory: 1 GB DDR2
Hard Disk: 80 GB 5400 RPM
Wireless: Intel 2200BG, Dell Bluetooth
Essential Extras: Windows Media Center Remote

Good Points: 7 hours of battery life on a 9 cell 85 WHr battery, small and light weight, good value for money

BAD Points: It does get a little hot on the bottom after some use.
Idle Temps (CPU 43C HD 37C)
Load Temps (CPU 59C HD 46C)

Why I picked it: I got tired of using a very large 15" 9 pound budget laptop. I initially wanted a 12" but realized it would be difficult to type on for more than a few minutes. I got a great deal on the M140 when Dell had it's 10 days of deal in April. I saw a loaded laptop which was a perfect size and a price tag of $764. I couldn't pass it up and I'm glad I didn't. I love this laptop. With the additional media center remote I purchased, this laptop is a dream.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16321255 Sat, 17 Jun 2006 14:55:09 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15861111 insomx : Woah, how did that happen? I'll edit one out.

Well, NVM, it is too late to edit. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15861111 Sun, 09 Apr 2006 11:58:01 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15859126 usa2k : I think something changed in the Matrix

(Deja-Vue!)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15859126 Sun, 09 Apr 2006 00:00:55 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15858661 insomx : I take back what I said about my HP laptop, it sucks, lol, 3 hdds replacements, numerous power adapters, motherboard in the end, then garbage the next. Now I have a Gateway MX6425 and it is FLIPPING AWSOME!
Make/Model: Gateway MX6425
Screen Size: 15.4inch Ultra-Bright Widescreen
Weight: 6 pounds? Perfect weight
CPU: Amd Turion ML-34 1.8GHz 64-Bit
Essential Extras: Ummm, nothing?
Good Points: Battery life, 3 1/2 with screen full bright and wireless, 4 1/2 with screen 2 notches from the bottom and wireless off, Gaming kicks ass, Xpress 200M can play GTA on highest settings with the new Omega drivers

Oh, and can I say, AWSOME SPEAKERS!
BAD Points: New types of glossy screens scratch easy, but I got a protector from nushield.com and it is great!
Why I picked it: Nice price, perfect weight and size combo, not too light and crappy feeling and not a heavy POS. Its screen is nice and bright and it has a sturdy build to it.
--
»monctonhigh.ca
"What is wrong with all the people that say what is wrong with people?" -John Crawford]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15858661 Sat, 08 Apr 2006 22:24:53 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15857118 Straphanger : Might as well toss in my 2 cents here.

Make/Model: Dell Inspiron 6000
Screen Size: 15.4" SXGA+ (1680x1050/widescreen)
Weight: 7-8lbs
CPU: 1.86GHz Intel Pentium M 750 (Sonama)
RAM: Micron 1GB PC2 3200 DDR2 RAM
Hard Drive: Hitachi 60GB HD (7200 RPM)
Video Card: ATI Mobility Radeon X300 (128MB)
Optical Drive: Sony 8X DVD+R/W Burner (DW-D56A)

Essential Extras: 9-cell battery (heavier but longer battery life)

Good Points
• Was able to reformat drive using System Restore utility. Created a clean XP Pro backup disk and reinstalled computer sans the gunk Dell adds on.
• Very good battery life of over 5 hours, even with Wi-Fi
• Full sized keyboard
• High-resolution screen looks beautiful
• Very good speakers compared to other notebooks
• Snappy performance
• Friend says "it's like a tank"

Bad Points
• I do wish it was more around 6 pounds or so
• Screen could be a bit brighter
• The lid should be a bit more scratch resistant
• Fan is a bit loud and comes on sometimes when it isn't really needed

Why I picked it: Dell offered the greatest amount of custom features (such as a mobile graphics card) for the lowest price. It also offered the ability to do a full reformat without all the gunk...a big plus that saves time on weeding.
--
Please use all available doors...you have 33 to choose from.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15857118 Sat, 08 Apr 2006 17:51:48 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15804859 usa2k : Not a student - did not vote.

Seems the order listed is the exact order of preference.
I would say DELL marketing is working, and DELL satisfaction backs it up. :)

    Dude you're getting a dell
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15804859 Sat, 01 Apr 2006 07:50:01 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15804090 BlueScreen79 : Make/Model: Dell Inspiron 700m
Screen Size: Widescreen 12 in
Weight: Light
CPU: Pentium M 1 ghz
Essential Extras: Case Logic Neoprene Sleeve
Good Points: Extremely compact and light
BAD Points: The DVD/CD-RW Drive broke right after the warranty expired
Why I picked it: Very easy to carry around campus - just toss it in your backpack. You barely know it's there. Just be sure to pick up a laptop sleeve for protection.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15804090 Sat, 01 Apr 2006 01:30:33 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15668189 File Quit : Make/Model: Apple PowerBook G4
Screen Size: 15in
Weight: 5.6lbs
CPU: 1.67GHz PowerPC G4
Essential Extras: came with SuperDrive, Airport Extreme (802.11g), Bluetooth, added another 512mb RAM to up for 1gb
Good Points: light weight, fits great in Targus backpack, iLife '06 and awesome Mac interface
BAD Points: only a G4 (was the fastest at the time), but the new Intel MacBooks seem to close the speed gap. screen could be a little brighter
Why I picked it:
I chose this laptop as my school/video production machine because with a Mac I can get the best of both worlds. I use MS Office 2004 to take notes, Keynote for class presentations, and it handles all of that nicely. Then after doing school work, I can edit movies in Final Cut Pro and output them to DVD with the SuperDrive. It's a very nice all in one package that does everything I want it to.
--
How's my posting? Send me an email: filequit at gmail dot com]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15668189 Sun, 12 Mar 2006 12:27:50 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15664436 Prhamil : Make/Model:Sony Vaio PCG-FRV25
Screen Size:15.4
Weight:7.7
CPU:P4 2.66
Essential Extras:
Good Points:Easy to change keyboard
BAD Points:Wgt
Why I picked it:Got a good deal

Where can I find a good forum about opening one up and cleaning and looking around inside??]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15664436 Sat, 11 Mar 2006 19:51:40 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15563366 laura : Make/Model: Dell Inspiron 700m
Screen Size: 12.1" widescreen 1280x800
Weight: ~4.3 lbs
CPU: Pentium M 1.8 Ghz
Essential Extras: 8 cell battery, DVD-ROM/CD-RW, Intel 2200 Pro Internal Wireless, XP Pro
Good Points: Everything... light weight, strong wireless signal, bright screen, good battery life
BAD Points: I wish it had internal Bluetooth, and the keyboard is kinda small but you get used to it
Why I picked it: Because it was small and light and I liked the way it looked. It was the perfect choice for school, and I badly needed an upgrade from the Compaq 2700T I had previously
--
flickr]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15563366 Sun, 26 Feb 2006 02:08:18 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15464888 jakejarvis : Make/Model: Dell Inspiron 600m
Screen Size: 14"
Weight: about 5 pounds
CPU: Intel Pentium M 1.5 Ghz
Essential Extras: light weight, powerful internal wireless, great battery life
Good Points: lots of ports, ability to add more RAM, great video card
BAD Points: the plastic case isn't the most durable thing on the planet, but just tell the kids to be a little more careful if they don't want a countless number of scratches.
Why I picked it: battery life, ports, light weight, features.

As a student carrying around this laptop every day from class to class, it's essential to me to have a light notebook, and I believe that this is the best pick in terms of weight and power.
--
jake jarvis dot com]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15464888 Mon, 13 Feb 2006 08:23:30 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15407393 anon : Make/Model: Hewlett Packard DV1446
Screen Size: 14.1" wide screen BriteView
Weight: 2.4 kgs or 5.3lbs
CPU: 1.73 Ghz Intel Centrino
Essential Extras: Mobile Remote Control to play movies/audio cds without booting the OS.
It has the very essentials needed for a student Wireless LAN b/g and Bluetooth
Good Points: It comes with a huge HDD (80gb) to store songs and university assignments.
BAD Points: Battery life is only 4.5 hrs.
Why I picked it: Its light yet it has all the multimedia perks.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15407393 Sun, 05 Feb 2006 11:16:55 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15296989 freeze : Make/Model: IBM R51 2883-XX5
Screen Size: 15"
Weight: 5.8lbs
CPU: P-M 1.5ghz
Essential Extras: Ram Upgrade (1gb; 256 stock)
Good Points: Light, large keyboard, dedicated volume buttons, touchpad AND navigation stick.
BAD Points: A bit pricey, but only a few hundred over the 'norm'.
Why I picked it: This sucker looks and performs like a beast. Pure black, strong design, looks professional. I love it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15296989 Sat, 21 Jan 2006 15:14:25 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15265192 crashovrride : Dell XPS M140
14.1" WXGA with TrueLife
5-6lbs.
1.86 Pentium M
1GB RAM
60GB 5200 rpm hdd
Combo drive
a/b/g wireless

Good points- Light, fast, excellent battery life (9 cell).

Bad points- No great video card, fine for me because I don't game.

Why I picked it- It's small, lightweight, quick, and gets the job done.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15265192 Tue, 17 Jan 2006 13:13:54 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15206028 Phoenix Gold : dell 9300
17" wide screen
1.86ghz Pentium M
gig of ram
256 gf 6800
60 7200 rpm hd
dvd/rw
a/b/g bluetooth

Good: its pretty fast machine, and it games well. It can sit on my legs without having to keep them closed (if your a guy you know)

Bad: its a big ass beast..but so am i. Battery life sucks about 3 hours on a 9 cell (power management turned off for performance). Its heavy.

I still like it.
--
The insects are huge and the poison's all been used, and the drugs won't kill your day job]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15206028 Mon, 09 Jan 2006 14:20:21 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15067383 dfrandin : Make/Model: Dell Inspiron 2200
Screen Size: 14.1"
Weight: 6 lbs
CPU: Celeron370D/1.5Ghz
Essential Extras: Came with 256mb, added 1Gb additional ram from Crucial, and MiniPCI a/b/g wifi card from eBay.
Good Points: EXTREMELY GOOD PRICE ON DELL OUTLET! $447+shp+tax
BAD Points: None, so far - I'm easy to please since this
laptop replaced an old IBM Thinkpad 600/PII-300....
Why I picked it: Mainly based on the above price....]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15067383 Tue, 20 Dec 2005 19:40:50 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14892587 Nymostwanted : Make/Model: Dell Latitude C610
Screen Size: 14.1
Weight: ~5
CPU: 1000 MHz P3M
Essential Extras: Internal Wireless
Good Points: Long battery hours, switch between Floppy or CD-R
Bad Points: 12 GB harddrive
Why I picked it: My school gave it to me for free for being valedictorian.

Gave Dell to my sister.. and got my parents to buy me this for my birthday..

Make/Model: HP ze2315
Screen Size: 15.0
Weight: 6.2
CPU: AMD Mobile Sempron 3000+ with Powernow!
Essential Extras: Internal wireless, DVR-RW/CD-RW combo drive. Also brings Microsoft Office and Microsoft works which is keeping me organized with my school work.
Bad Points: Battery life
Why I picked it: $200 rebate on at Circuit City
--
Being Wise Is Not About Being Smart, Its About Making The Correct Choices That Will Affect One's Future. Making The Right Choice, Doesn't Always Mean, Its The Right One. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14892587 Sun, 27 Nov 2005 12:55:05 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14411672 mikefxu : Also

Make/Model: Inspiron 5160
Screen Size: 15"
Weight: 8-9 pounds
CPU: 2.8 P4 HT
Essential Extras: CD Burner/DVD-ROM, Good graphics card
Good Points: Great for CPU intensive programs and games
BAD Points: Heavy, hot, noisy.
Why I picked it: First laptop purchase, got it for less than $850. Wanted good graphics at the time now I am selling it. I am glad they are going to stop making P4 laptops.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14411672 Wed, 21 Sep 2005 11:15:17 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14411601 mikefxu : Make/Model: Dell Inspiron 600m
Screen Size: 14.1"
Weight: 5-6 pounds
CPU: 1.6 Pentium M
Essential Extras: CD Burner/DVD-ROM and Wireless adapter(I use an external one though, with external antenna :-)).
Good Points: Great computer and extra/replacement batteries can be had for $50
BAD Points: None really
Why I picked it: Bought from Dell new for $686.16, this includes shipping and tax. It only had 256mb of memory, Dell wanted $75 more for another 256mb so I bought from another from another vendor for $22 and installed myself.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14411601 Wed, 21 Sep 2005 11:05:01 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14397890 insomx :
said by insomx See Profile :

Make/Model: HP zv5240ca
Screen Size: 15.4"
Weight: 8lbs (with extra battery, case and power adapter)
CPU: P4 3.00 GHz
Essential Extras: Battery (one only lasts 2 hours)
Good Points: Great gaming, nice screen
BAD Points: Battery life sucks, and its a bit on the heavy side
Why I picked it: Price was right ($200 sale), brand I trusted, loved the screen.

It gets pretty hot though... but only when gaming.
Um, ops, I didn't mean it was $200 I meant when I bought it, it was 200 off, ;)
--
»monctonhigh.ca
"What is wrong with all the people that say what is wrong with people?" -John Crawford]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14397890 Mon, 19 Sep 2005 15:31:22 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14393894 CChoi83 : Make/Model: IBM T42 2379-R9U
Screen Size: 15" SXGA+ 1400x1050
Weight: 6.2 with included 9-cell LiIon battery
CPU: Pentium M 745 1.8GHz
Essential Extras: Swapped out the original Intel 802.11b/g internal card for the IBM 802.11a/b/g internal card, added additional 512MB of RAM for a total of 1GB (1024MB)
Good Points: Thin and light, great performance, security features galore (ie. security chip, fingerprint reader, big security feature set in software as well as hardware, Active Protection for hard drive, great Wi-Fi, Blue Tooth, build and material quality is top notch.
BAD Points: None really. I'd rather get the T42p (at the time), now T43p or the next "p" designated T-series models.
Why I picked it: I'm an undergrad student and I work for my parents company this I have a lot both school and company work on it. Thus, I needed a laptop that could excel in both areas while ensuring portability and ruggedness (I would buy an Itronix or Toughbook if I had the 4-5K to spend). The security features are great and give me that extra confidence in data integrity. Also, I love the look and feel of ThinkPads. I don't like things that look playful or a bit "childish". They look very unprofessional. I like clean lines, dark colors or metal, nothing surperfluous... I want the essential executive's toy. So I chose a TP and I will never go back. I am looking at Panasonic though for a ultraportable though. I AM A TP WHORE!
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T42 2379-R9U | 1024MB RAM | IBM 802.11A/B/G Mini-PCI II | Extra AC Adapter | 6 & 9 Cell Battery | Pelican Case 1490 CC2 | Tumi Large Computer Sleeve | Samsung SCH-I730 | SE HBH-300]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14393894 Sun, 18 Sep 2005 23:28:18 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14392215 lt_wentoncha : I highly highly highly recommend thin-and-lights; anything more than 6lbs and you're just asking for trouble. They usually have the longest battery power as well. I have had a Compaq Armada M300, Evo N400c, Evo N410c, and I'm working on an Evo nc4000. Consequently, I recommend Compaq Evos. A bit pricey, but they're business notebooks that come with business support and 3 year warranty. Dell and Compaq thin-and-lights are good ways to go.

iBooks or 12" Powerbooks are also great choices. Applecare is actually sort of cheap now (~$149) and come with video editing tools right out the box, along with iTunes and all those other Apple goodies.

Seriously though, I see other students lugging around Toshiba Qosmios and other 15" behemoths; in my opinion it's not feasible to lug one around classes all day; I tried my Freshman year and ended up leaving my Presario 2800T at home.
--
Arrogant People Suck.
AMW
FBI's Most Wanted
Interpol's MW]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14392215 Sun, 18 Sep 2005 18:39:08 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14284352 HappyFrappy : Make/Model: Apple PowerBook
Screen Size: 12.1"
Weight: 4.6 lbs (with power adapter its ~5 lbs)
CPU: G4 1.33Ghz
Essential Extras: USB or bluetooth mouse, if you do presentations for classes a bluetooth phone makes a useful 'clicker' and gives a good impression to profs/classmates!
Good Points:
-Thin(0.1 thicker than a 15/17" PowerBook)
-5 hours with light usage or 3hrs with MS Word 2004's recording feature
-Light weight and small
-Bluetooth
-Decent GPU with dedicated memory and dvi output (nVidia Geforce FX Go5200 64mb)
-The design and keyboard (I had an earlier 15" AluPB and loved the keyboard feel)
-iLife bundle
-OS X
-Great tech support and hardware quality
BAD Points:
-dull screen vs the 15/17" PBs
-lousy resolution for the price
-Apple has 256mb of memory onboard the logicboard so you're stuck either maxing out at 768mb(cheap option) or 1.25GB(a bit pricey)
-Slot-loading optical drive can't use DualDisc albums, if you try it'll risk the possibility of a scratched disc or jammed drive!

Why I picked it:
Last year my parents wanted me to go light instead of always taking my heavier 15" PowerBook to classes. Education discount was a huge decision factor and last year the cram & jam offer gave $200 back on the iPod. Considering universities are moving away from Windows in various departments and or placing strict requirements of their IT staff inspecting+required updated security software on all student PCs... I opted for another PowerBook instead of a Harvardized T series Thinkpad. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14284352 Sat, 03 Sep 2005 04:31:02 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14261793 anon : Make/Model: zv5240us
Screen Size: 15.4in
Weight: 6.5lb (apx)
CPU: 3.0Ghz
Essential Extras: Roll out RJ-45 Cable & Mini attachable surge protector, small mouse...
Good Points: FAST!
BAD Points: about 1hr battery life
Why I picked it: It was the most expensive one when i got it & i got HP discounts. So i paid almost nothing...

I also travel a lot now and would like to point out that a case with rollors is best...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14261793 Wed, 31 Aug 2005 13:10:16 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14251058 adam9280 :
said by ftzsee See Profile :

Make/Model: Apple Powerbook

BAD Points:
•It's very expensive. More expensive than what it is worth.
Want to buy a dollar for $5?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14251058 Mon, 29 Aug 2005 23:39:12 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14241594 toronto2001 : Make/Model:HP ZE2120
Screen Size: 15.0 Inches
Weight:2.9 kg
CPU:Intel Centrino 725A (1.60 GHz)
Essential Extras: Intel Wireless Pro, Dual DVD Burner, 512 DDR Ram.
Good Points: Price, features
BAD Points: Lack of a powerful videoc card, excess junk software
Why I picked it: It was on sale @ my local giant electronics chain.
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]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14241594 Sun, 28 Aug 2005 19:02:16 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14060361 Ctrl Alt Del : Make/Model: Dell Inspiron 8600
Screen Size: 15.4 inch widescreen (1680x1050)
Weight: 8 or 9 pounds
CPU: 1.7 GHz Intel Pentium M
RAM: 640 MB of 333 MHz DDR
Hard Drive: 60 GB 7,200 RPM
Video Card: ATI Mobility Radeon 9600 Pro
Optical Drive: 4X DVD+RW Burner
Essential Extras:
- If getting an Intel CPU, get the Pentium M processor. It's superior to the Pentium 4 in some ways, and provides excellent battery life (5 hours!).
- Get an optical mouse. Using the trackpad or thumbstick as your primary mouse device becomes a pain. Nothing has yet to replace a good optical mouse when your notebook is sitting on your desk.
- Get a backpack designed with a laptop section, the more cushioning the better. Carrying around your laptop in a laptop bag and your books in your backpack gets old very fast.
Good Points: Pretty much everything. I love my notebook. It's also VERY quiet.
BAD Points: Because it's from Dell's home user line (Inspiron) and not their business line (Latitude) it feels somewhat flimsy and makes noises when moving around. However, it survived my freshman year at Virginia Tech (freezing cold trips to class, drops, bumps), as well as holding a college Physics book.
Why I picked it: Price/performance ratio. I got a very powerful computer with excellent battery life at $2,600.
What I use my computer for: 53 running processes, lots of Visual Studio 2003 C++ coding, internet & AIM, listening to my digital music library, watch TV via Hauppauge WinTV USB, Outlook email and calendar, Word, FrontPage & Dreamweaver, Acrobat Reader, Photoshop & Fireworks, MATLAB 7, VMware, or some combination of those. Sometimes I do some audio or video editing too.
Recommendations: I continue to suggest getting the right Latitude for you from Dell's Business section. The Latitude D810 is a more powerful version of my notebook (which I would buy in a heartbeat if I sold my 8600). The Latitude D610 is smaller and lighter (and cheaper) with slightly lower specs, but an excellent choice if you don't need the horsepower of the D810.
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less talk, more music]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14060361 Thu, 04 Aug 2005 19:42:32 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14058672 fire100 : I am both a teacher and a student in the MBA program.

Make/Model: Dell Inspiron 700m
Screen Size: 12.1 Inches
Weight: 4.2 lbs
CPU: Intel Pentium M (1.80 GHz)
Essential Extra's:
DVD +-RW drive
Internal ABG Wireless
Wireless Remote
Good Points:
Small and easy to carry
Quiet (even when the fans run)
Durable, good machine!
BAD Points:
The keyboard took a bit to get used to.
Dell Tech support (use chat, much better!)
Why I picked it:
Needed something lighter to carry around with me, was carrying a 9 lb HP with me everyday before this laptop.
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Weather Forums]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14058672 Thu, 04 Aug 2005 16:19:12 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14053726 Epikos : Make/Model: IBM T42p
Screen Size: 14.1
Weight: less than 5 pounds
CPU: Pentium M 1.8ghz
Essential Extras: Drive bay Li-Ion battery for those long lectures!
Good Points: Light weight, nice wifi features, HD Active shock protection has saved my HD many times
BAD Points: Needed a BIOS and embedded controller flash out of the box to fix a problem going into and coming out of stand by.
Why I picked it: Got one at work. I love it so much I had to buy one for personal use.
--
I refuse to have a battle of wits with an unarmed person!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14053726 Thu, 04 Aug 2005 00:08:56 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14033461 2kmaro : Seems I've run out of [ACCEPTED ANSWERS] to hand out - please accept my simple thumbs up instead. Thanks very much for helping out here.
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then think again!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14033461 Mon, 01 Aug 2005 15:44:48 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14026409 Pat77 : This is my first laptop, but I like it better than my sisters Toshiba.
Make/Model: Dell Latitude D610
Screen Size:14.1"
Weight:4.67 lbs
CPU: 1.6Ghz Pentium 730
Essential Extras: Extra ports
Good Points: battery life, size, weight, keyboard, warranty, dedicated graphics card
BAD Points: screen a little washed out around edges
Why I picked it: My school required this laptop for their business program. If you already have a laptop you cannot use yours, you must use one from them. If I had a choice I probably would have got a dell 6000.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14026409 Sun, 31 Jul 2005 15:40:30 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14007201 alg : Make/Model: Dell Latitude C610
Screen Size: i think 14"
Weight: ~5 lbs
CPU: 1000 MHz P3M
Essential Extras: Internal wireless
Good Points: Gets the job done for my needs, 5 hr battery
BAD Points: Screen looks kind of washed out compared to other notebooks, no DVD RW or CD RW, 10 GB hard drive.
Why I picked it: I was looking for a 1 GHz+ notebook and I found this one at a really good price on eBay and decided to go with it. I think I get really lucky with it considering I was basically taking a gamble but wound up with a good system at a good price.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14007201 Thu, 28 Jul 2005 20:53:38 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14000495 yock : IBM Thinkpad R51 2883-2xu
Centrino Package
P-M 1.5
Intel 2200 B/G Wireless
512MB RAM (256 stock)

Why? The thing is a friggin' tank. It isn't as light as many other notebooks, but it goes in and out of my car several times a week where it gets tossed around with my books. The price was right when I bought it back around October/November ($1200 at the time). I also like the IBM software (for the most part) but this wasn't a buying decision. This little Pentium M machine has served me well for most any task so far, and I can't see it letting me down anytime soon.
--
This signiture pisses you off.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14000495 Thu, 28 Jul 2005 01:13:22 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13982793 ftzsee : Make/Model: Apple Powerbook
Screen Size: 17"
Weight: 6.9LBs
CPU: 1.5GHz G4
Essential Extras: USB mouse, with two buttons and a scroll wheel.

Good Points: •Very thin.
•Beautiful screen, good resolution.
•Good battery life - about 4 hours for light desktop use.
•DVD burning.
•Powerful graphics.
•Perfect hardware/software integration.
•Best wireless system I've ever seen.
•OS X.
•Nice software pre-installed.
•Impressive array of features - backlit keyboard, firewire 800, gigabit ethernet, s-video/dvi out.
•MHz for MHz, this thing crunches RC5 faster than anything I've seen.
•It looks slick. Especially the Apple logo on the back.

BAD Points:
•OS X is difficult for me to use sometimes. Annoying "features" like the lack of an "up" button in Finder, Enter-to-rename; Apple-O to open, and other rather major usability issues preclude me from being as productive as I am with my Linux desktop.
•As Apple's flagship laptop, it's slow - for some things, not all - compared to some of the newer P-M stuff in the PC world.
•Lots of free software that I like won't compile under OS X. Their OS X equivalents cost money.
•Proprietary hardware prevents me from installing Linux on it and having it be fully functional.
•Nothing plugs into the back. Everything plugs into the sides.
•The lid doesn't close all the way, because for some stupid reason, it latches in the middle.
•The touchpad only has one button. This is a bad design decision and it has no good excuses. Yeah, I'm talking to you, Apple fanboys.
•It's very expensive. More expensive than what it is worth.
•Like the rest of Apple's products that don't sit on a desk all the time, it's not particularly robust.
•When the CPU is at 100% utilization for a little while, the fan comes on, and the fan is loud.
•Community composed almost entirely of hippies and idiots.

Why I picked it: Besides the good points, I was interested in it because of the Unix-ness of OS X. I knew I'd install Linux on any PC laptop I purchased, but the longer I looked, the more features I wanted, and the higher my budget grew. Then I looked at the Powerbooks and quit looking at PC stuff.

Bottom line: If you can afford it and you're comfortable with using OS X, then you probably already have one. Avoid the 17" - 15" is much more practical.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13982793 Mon, 25 Jul 2005 20:02:33 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13981386 ilikeme : Make/Model: Dell Inspiron 600m
Screen Size: 14"
Weight: about 4 pounds
CPU: Intel Pentium M 1.5 Ghz
Essential Extras: Internal Wireless, more ram
Good Points: Very good battery life, light weight, lots of ports and other features.
BAD Points: 384MB of ram works but can sometimes be slow. I plan on upgrading that.
Why I picked it: battery life, ports, light weight, features.
--
music »theeviltechno.no-ip.com:8000/ Fiber Optics is the future of high-speed internet access. Stop by the BBR Fiber Optic Forum ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13981386 Mon, 25 Jul 2005 16:53:48 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13980279 Da Geek Kid : I got an IBM StinkPad! it Sox! It's an A31 P4 1.8 Jiga-Hutrz and has the 32MB Grphx RAM and the Monitor got killed and now it'll cost me over 1500 buccaroos to replace it... I laughed... you know, I am gonna take it in to pieces and sell parts... According to eye bee Em the MB is worth 1800, the cpu 800, the keyboard 500, Multi DVD burner is goin fer $250....

I'll spend the money on a brand new PC Dual Core Athlon...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13980279 Mon, 25 Jul 2005 14:19:14 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13976839 insomx : Make/Model: HP zv5240ca
Screen Size: 15.4"
Weight: 8lbs (with extra battery, case and power adapter)
CPU: P4 3.00 GHz
Essential Extras: Battery (one only lasts 2 hours)
Good Points: Great gaming, nice screen
BAD Points: Battery life sucks, and its a bit on the heavy side
Why I picked it: Price was right ($200 sale), brand I trusted, loved the screen.

It gets pretty hot though... but only when gaming.
--
»monctonhigh.ca
"What is wrong with all the people that say what is wrong with people?" -John Crawford]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13976839 Mon, 25 Jul 2005 00:56:40 EDT Re: [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13966167 2kmaro : You could cut'n'paste the following as a guide for additional comments:

Make/Model:
Screen Size:
Weight:
CPU:
Essential Extras:
Good Points:
BAD Points:
Why I picked it:
--
then think again!

[Edit]:Please take the time to add a few comments about your machines - model and perhaps WHY at least. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13966167 Sat, 23 Jul 2005 14:00:06 EDT [POLL] Student Laptop Choice http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13966158 2kmaro : PLEASE - Students ONLY reply - We get many students preparing to head off to school and wishing to determine what a good choice of laptop would be. If you consider your portable to be a good choice then indicate which brand you have here and then please post giving model and other information like monitor size - weight - good points and bad points. Maybe a simple WHY you chose it would help also.
[poll] Which did you choose?,Acer,Apple,Averatec,Compaq,CybertronPC,Dell,Fujitsu,Gateway,Hewlett-Packard,IBM,JVC,Lenovo,NEC,Panasonic,Sager,Samsung,Sharp,Sony,Super Talent,Symbol,Systemax,Toshiba,Victory,ViewSonic,WinBook,OTHER[/poll]
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then think again!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13966158 Sat, 23 Jul 2005 13:58:23 EDT