Laptop for computer science student

headbuster

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Jun 19, 2009
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Hello all
I am searching to buy a laptop because I am going to university abroad and will need one for sure.
Up until now I have been using my pc. I have never had a laptop so choosing what to buy is tough.

What I think I need is:
15-16 inch
Core i5 (can be i7...)
4gb + RAM (it can always be updated)
500GB + HD
Descent graphics card. I am not a hardcore gamer but I also don't want a low end integrated.
Do not want: Lenovo, Mac
Do want: Toshiba, dell, hp

I don't need an epic laptop. I will have better desktops on campus. I need medium+ laptop. I'm going to study computer science so you get what I think I hope.

I am not from the USA but my uncle goes to Chicago regularly and his hotel is in front of a Bestbuy. I looked at their site but I'm still not sure.
Also if you can recommend any other similar stores, please do so.

Budget 700-1100 $

Thanks in advance.
 

sunnyangel37

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Mar 19, 2010
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I found an ASUS N53 Series N53SV-A1 NoteBook for you.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220959

This rig contains:

Operating System
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit

CPU Type
Intel Core i7-2630QM (2.0GHz)

Screen
15.6" (Between the 15 and 16 inch you requested)

Memory Size
4GB DDR3 ( Should be sufficient for your needs)

Hard Disk
750GB (250 GBs more then desired)

Optical Drive
DVD Super Multi

Graphics Card
NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M (This graphics card can handle any current game as high setting, but has difficulty on ULTRA settings)

Video Memory
1GB DDR3 VRAM (Dedicated)

Communication
Gigabit LAN and WLAN

Dimensions
15.60" x 10.60" x 1.20" - 1.60"

Weight
6.40 lbs.

CPU

CPU Type
Intel Core i7 ( better than i5 desired)

CPU Speed
2630QM(2.00GHz) (could be better =\ but decent)

CPU Support
Quad-Core

Chipset

Chipset
Intel HM65


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I found it cheaper on this website:

http://www.costcentral.com/proddetail/ASUS_N53SV_A1/N53SVA1/11276353

But I have never head about this website before, but same rig just cheaper.

___________________________________________________________

Let me know what you think, and I can help you find better on wants and desires, concerns, ect.
 
Hello headbuster;

Nothing at BestBuy at the moment comes close to what you want.

Dell XPS 15 configured @ $1205
Core i7-2630QM CPU, 6GB RAM, 500GB 7200rpm HDD WiFi/Bluetooth, USB 3.0 and 15.6" 1920x1080 LCD w/ Nvidia GT 525 graphics.
Use Coupon code 5TK?LC9VJ5F$33 (exp 5/31) to get a final price of $963.99 $1043 with GT 540 graphics card.
And use Coupon code HLSKSR06S9ZG0F to get free shipping.

NVIDIA GeForce GT 525M review
NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M review
 

headbuster

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Jun 19, 2009
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sunnyangel37 that looks pretty nice an cheap...the thing is I need it to be in a shop not online....
WR2 thanks for your reply too.
What's the reputation of the "Micro centre". I only know bestbuy in US and don't trust any other electronics store :D
Thanks
 

megamanx00

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You know, you don't need that much laptop power for CS classes. Depending on the your University you may start off with some interpreter language like Dr Scheme (I wonder if anyone still does QBasic), Java (mostly command line), or command line C++. The most demanding programs you may write, hardware wise, will be Visual Basic programs with Database and reporting tie ins.
 

megamanx00

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I do suggest that you get a laptop with Win 7 Pro or Ultimate so you can use XP mode or that you get a separate copy of XP to install on Virtual Box. Knowing how resistant to change some colleges you may run into a class that requires XP for their IDE. Trust me, it's not cool when something compiles on your environment but not the professors, no matter what screwed up or outdated stuff he may be using.
 

headbuster

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Jun 19, 2009
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I'll be (hopefully) going to St. Andrews
I saw that they use Macs in the lecture rooms and labs...so....
I don't mind if it comes with windows because I have a spare one but more is always good.
 

drake123

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Feb 1, 2011
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Hey! Don't forget to go to dealzon.com to search your name brand laptop (dell, toshiba, etc) for a possible coupon!!! :O

It saved me 70 bucks on my dell xps xd