I'm a Senior CompSci major and currently my laptop is a Thinkpad T400 I got off ebay a couple years ago. It was working great, until last semester when the amounts and types of software the university had me install got to be too much for it.
The school uses Microsoft Visual Studio 2013, and it does take a while to compile, freezing up my computer in the process. The required antivirus software isn't helping either.
The worst software however is Microsoft Office 2013 (yes we are required to use this), and I spend as much time watching it say "Not Responding" than actually doing my homework. I read that it's kinda buggy and does this to a lot of people, but it actually freezes up my laptop and the last couple of times I had to do a hard reset.
TL: DR
I need a laptop that will get me through senior year, preferably a little longer, that will cover my class workload (Java, databases, MATLAB, Android dev, and data structures, senior project) and will also be able to run MS Office 2013 and the school's required Symantec Antivirus software in the background without being too sluggish that I want to pull my hair out. And if it can run a couple games that would be nice, but definitely not needed.
Any suggestions for a laptop under $500? I can maybe go a bit higher, but I don't mind getting refurbished or used as long as it's a reputable seller. Also, I am always feeling cramped with screen space. I like to have two windows open side by side for reference and assignments.
Thank you!
The school uses Microsoft Visual Studio 2013, and it does take a while to compile, freezing up my computer in the process. The required antivirus software isn't helping either.
The worst software however is Microsoft Office 2013 (yes we are required to use this), and I spend as much time watching it say "Not Responding" than actually doing my homework. I read that it's kinda buggy and does this to a lot of people, but it actually freezes up my laptop and the last couple of times I had to do a hard reset.
TL: DR
I need a laptop that will get me through senior year, preferably a little longer, that will cover my class workload (Java, databases, MATLAB, Android dev, and data structures, senior project) and will also be able to run MS Office 2013 and the school's required Symantec Antivirus software in the background without being too sluggish that I want to pull my hair out. And if it can run a couple games that would be nice, but definitely not needed.
Any suggestions for a laptop under $500? I can maybe go a bit higher, but I don't mind getting refurbished or used as long as it's a reputable seller. Also, I am always feeling cramped with screen space. I like to have two windows open side by side for reference and assignments.
Thank you!