Which laptop should I get?

Question

my wife and I are considering a laptop computer. We've always been satisfied with dell, but recently we were told that there are much better computers out there with similar prices. This concerns me because I like to watch my money closely! Anyhow, they suggested "looking other places" but couldn't specify where. Here's what we'll be using it for -
Internet surfing - downloading videos, music, ipod stuff, ebay, photo sharing, instant messenger services, and possibly communicating with family via webcam. Burning movies and DVD's is important as well. One very VERY important note, I will also be attending college this fall for Architectural science, so the computer is going to need to be able to support AUTOCAD at least! Also save and keep drawings on it as well. I know very VERY little about computers. I know the higher the numbers. the better, but i don't know what to look for!

Answer 1

For a desktop I would consider any brand if I liked the specs and price. For a laptop I would stick with Dell or Toshiba.

If I was buying a laptop I would get:
Dual core processor (get fastest you can afford you can't upgrade later)
1 GB RAM (2 GB best)
CD/DVD (with dual layer) burner
Video graphics option (get better or best option you can't upgrade later)
Vista home premium
Wireless + Ethernet (10/100) port
Hard Drive (get the better or best option)
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Autocad requirements are not very high. The requirements for Vista are mush higher.

Per Autodesk
System Requirements
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=5158199

The following requirements apply to AutoCAD® Mechanical software. Additional system requirements are necessary to run the Autodesk® Vault Server/Client. Please note that Microsoft® XP Starter Edition and Tablet Edition are not supported at this time.
Recommended System Requirements

This configuration is suggested primarily for detail-drafting activities, moderate use of the standard parts, and 2D assemblies fewer than 100 parts.

* Intel® Pentium® 4 or later, with 1 Ghz or faster processor, or compatible
* Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional or Home Edition (SP1 or SP2) or Windows 2000 (SP4)
* 512 MB RAM
* 1.10 GB of free disk space
* 32 MB or more OpenGL® graphics card or DirectX® 9 support
* 1280x1024x32-bit true color or better (Minimum is 1024x768 VGA with true color)
* Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 SP1 or higher
* MS-Mouse compliant pointing device
* CD-ROM

Preferred System Requirements

The following increases from the recommended requirements are suggested for production-level 2D assembly modeling (hundreds of parts or more) with heavy use of standard parts, associative 2D hide, or Autodesk Inventor® associativity.

* Intel® Pentium® 4 or later, with 2.8 GHz or a faster processor (e.g. Intel® Pentium® M 1.8GHz for Laptop) and with at least 1MB total Cache
* 1.5 GB or more RAM
* 2 GB of free disk space not including installation
* 128 MB or more Open GL work-station class graphics card or DirectX 9 support

Note: Less-capable machines can run AutoCAD Mechanical 2007, but the results may be less than ideal. The use of additional memory and faster processors directly improves performance and capacity and is strongly recommended for design work entailing the use of the software’s design and engineering functionality, such as 2D structure, associative 2D hide, standard parts, calculations, machinery system generators (shaft, belt/chain drive systems, and so on), and Autodesk Inventor associativity functionality.

Answer 2

You can check the prices and different brands but lookout for which processor is being used. Two laptops can look the same but the price could be cheaper, if one is using a cheaper processor. If you need to run AUTOCAD, make sure you get nothing else except Pentium or AMD processor. I used it on Celeron and it sucks.

Answer 3

I work in the IT industry and i know for a fact that IBM/Lenovo laptops are one of the longest lasting laptops you can buy. They are more expensive, but they are quiet, small, and sturdy and will last for a long time. The kind of things you're looking forward to doing with your laptop are available with all brands. All you have to do is buy them online so you can configure the specs. I have been using a refurbished DELL for 7 years now and it works just fine. SONY VAIOs have best displays out of all laptops cause SONY display technology is one of the best in the market, bar none. Their images are crisp and bright. All brands are good, but in my opinion, IBM think pads are in my top 5 list. Companies don't make laptops that won't last...they require a lot of research and capitol to manufacture, so when you're buying one, buy one with your budget, your specs, and a healthy warranty for your peace of mind.

Answer 4

wow a laptop like that would cost 1500 a like dell personally in fact i got a great one on eBay although you have to know what exactly you need and good sellers my dad made sure i chose the right one be careful not acer cheap brand go with hp dell apple

Answer 5

the best computer site that i know of is

www.alienware.com

some other sites that you may want to look at are

www.tigerdirect.com and www.ibuypower.com


I personally have a compaq, it works great, but I bought a power draining one, so my battery doesn't last long.

Answer 6

I got a free laptop from this site, I highly recommend it!

Answer 7

Acer is the best....