Need a laptop reccomendation

[TheBoyBlunder]

Budget - $1300 at most.

A friend is going to take some basic computer science classes, and I've been asked to reccomend a laptop. Since I know almost nothing about laptops except that they're smaller, I need some help.

They'll be taking Java, C++, Html, VBasic, Unix, and several "OS" courses (it's yer basic CS Associate's degree). Aside from that, the ability to game is completely unimportant. Word Processing, HTML (maybe), internet, IM and writing code are more important.

Minimum Specs:
1024*768 resolution @ 75hz, 512mb of ram, CD-RW/DVD-Rom drive, 20/30gb hard drive. Wired 10/100 networking is a must, wireless is optional. A modem would be useful, but is not absolutely required. A floppy drive is probably required, though a memory key might suffice.

My friend is also a bit clumsy, so a two year "complete coverage" warranty would also help.

Super-fast compilation times are not important, but reasonable times are. I'd prefer if this laptop came with XP Pro, just to avoid any possible conflicts with any software they'll be using. Beyond that, as long as it's a reasonably durable laptop with a pretty solid warranty, any helpful suggestions are welcome.

Edit: I hate to say it, but my friend decided to get a desktop today. Apparently mobility isn't an issue what so ever. I do thank you for all of your suggestions though and I hope this thread will be of use to someone else looking for a "cheap but not that cheap" laptop.

 

[Belteshazzar]

Ask your "friend" to reseach which laptop is best for him or herself.

 

[TheBoyBlunder]

Originally posted by: Belteshazzar
Ask your "friend" to reseach which laptop is best for him or herself.

Very helpful, ya jerk. Go troll elsewhere.

 

[thuned]

Dell D505, Ibm R40/R50

 

[TheBoyBlunder]

Originally posted by: thuned
Dell D505, Ibm R40/R50

Thank you, I'll look into those. If anyone else has some more helpful suggestions, please, post them.

 

[Corporate Thug]

dell 600m

 

[Belteshazzar]

Your the jerk if your friend is coming to you asking you to make decisions for him or herself. It is also obvious that you and your friend is inepted at making logical decisions for yourselves, ergo your nothing but a dolt.
Have a happy life!:thumbsup:

 

[TheBoyBlunder]

Originally posted by: Belteshazzar
Your the jerk if your friend is coming to you asking you to make decisions for him or herself. It is also obvious that you and your friend is inepted at making logical decisions for yourselves, ergo your nothing but a dolt.
Have a happy life!:thumbsup:

I'm a dolt for helping out a friend? Wow...I feel sorry for you.

 

[SKC]

trolls will be trolls.

For coding, I would think that a widescreen laptop might be very helpful (i.e. displaying 2 windows side by side). The compaq x1000 series is great and would seem to fit the requirements and budget. The only thing is that the widescreen means that your friend will have to have a slightly larger bag to carry it around in, but even in terms of weight the x1000 is not heavy (~6 pounds). If you go this route, be sure to get the wsxga+ screen (1680x1050).

Good luck!

 

[TheBoyBlunder]

Originally posted by: SKC
trolls will be trolls.

For coding, I would think that a widescreen laptop might be very helpful (i.e. displaying 2 windows side by side). The compaq x1000 series is great and would seem to fit the requirements and budget. The only thing is that the widescreen means that your friend will have to have a slightly larger bag to carry it around in, but even in terms of weight the x1000 is not heavy (~6 pounds). If you go this route, be sure to get the wsxga+ screen (1680x1050).

Good luck!

Ain't that the truth...I just didn't expect a troll outside of Off Topic.

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll look into the Compaq x1000. I'm pretty sure she won't be taking it to class so I don't think mobility will be an issue.

 

[thuned]

Originally posted by: TheBoyBlunder

Originally posted by: SKC
trolls will be trolls.

For coding, I would think that a widescreen laptop might be very helpful (i.e. displaying 2 windows side by side). The compaq x1000 series is great and would seem to fit the requirements and budget. The only thing is that the widescreen means that your friend will have to have a slightly larger bag to carry it around in, but even in terms of weight the x1000 is not heavy (~6 pounds). If you go this route, be sure to get the wsxga+ screen (1680x1050).

Good luck!

Ain't that the truth...I just didn't expect a troll outside of Off Topic.

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll look into the Compaq x1000. I'm pretty sure she won't be taking it to class so I don't think mobility will be an issue.

But she might take it to lab and to a friends house for projects. Mobility is usually 'an issue' for students unless playing games is #1 priority (but then that's what desktops are for, right?).
An alternative to a high-res widescreen laptop is to get an extra monitor. Use Windows' extended desktop feature to double your resolution. .. Just my opinion..

 

[TheBoyBlunder]

Originally posted by: thuned

Originally posted by: TheBoyBlunder

Originally posted by: SKC
trolls will be trolls.

For coding, I would think that a widescreen laptop might be very helpful (i.e. displaying 2 windows side by side). The compaq x1000 series is great and would seem to fit the requirements and budget. The only thing is that the widescreen means that your friend will have to have a slightly larger bag to carry it around in, but even in terms of weight the x1000 is not heavy (~6 pounds). If you go this route, be sure to get the wsxga+ screen (1680x1050).

Good luck!

Ain't that the truth...I just didn't expect a troll outside of Off Topic.

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll look into the Compaq x1000. I'm pretty sure she won't be taking it to class so I don't think mobility will be an issue.

But she might take it to lab and to a friends house for projects. Mobility is usually 'an issue' for students unless playing games is #1 priority (but then that's what desktops are for, right?).
An alternative to a high-res widescreen laptop is to get an extra monitor. Use Windows' extended desktop feature to double your resolution. .. Just my opinion..

Hmm...good point. Well, I'll mention that too. Thanks for your help everyone! If anyone else has any suggestions that are helpful, please, don't hesitate to mention them.

 

[SKC]

thuned, you have good points--

just wanted to clarify (and talk up the x1000 more )-- I didn't mean that it's not mobile at all; I carried it to class almost every day last semester without any strain. Up until I started seriously researching notebooks to purchase, my reaction was to stay away from Compaqs because of their previous track record. However, the x1000 series greatly changed my perception-- it's quite well built and well laid out (with the niggling exception of the power outlet on being on the side). Something I especially appreciated was that the 3 usb ports were laid out horizontally instead of stacked on top of each other, meaning thick memory keys or other devices with thicker connectors wouldn't get in the way of each other. Additionally, the x1000/hp zt3000 (essentially the same thing, but different chassis) are generally considered pretty aesthetically pleasing. If you have a bestbuy/compusa/computer store around you that sells notebooks, go with your friend and have her take a look at them. (Make sure you go with her to act as a shield from the BS the salespeople will feed customers).

Widescreen vs. two monitors is also a matter of preference; I've been lucky enough to try both. Having two displays is nice, but especially because the laptop monitor and the external monitor can't be perfectly aligned, I found that I was able to concentrate much more easily using widescreen (because I could physically look at the different windows much faster when they were displayed on one screen).

 

[alexruiz]

For compiling, the power of the K8 would be unbeatable.

Get a Compaq R3000Z with an Athlon 64 3000+ and a WSXGA screen.

 

[Abhi]

Originally posted by: Belteshazzar
Your the jerk if your friend is coming to you asking you to make decisions for him or herself. It is also obvious that you and your friend is inepted at making logical decisions for yourselves, ergo your nothing but a dolt.
Have a happy life!:thumbsup:

Why exactly are you on this forum btw?

 

[Chello02]

Toshiba Satillite Pro

 

[jcolby]

I second the R3000Z. I looked at that and almost bought one. Ended up with the EMachines m6805 which I LOVE but it is a bit more expensive, but more stuff for the $ as well. Got mine for $1500-$250 rebate + service package for just over $1500 - above your $1300 limit.

 

[Belteshazzar]

Hey Boyblunder sorry about talking like that, anyways I would like to help you out.
Recently I came across a inspiron 1000 which I believe to be a extremely stable machine. I find it nearly on par with my T40 in terms of stability, construction, and sturdiness and noise level. I was shocked due to the fact that the 600m inspiron, which I trade for a T40 was no where near the construction and the sturdiness of the 1000. The 1000 model run for ~700 dollars new. Usually with a Celeron 2+ Ghz processor. I find that good enough, if gaming isn't an priority. I assure you if I didn't own a T40, I would most likely buy the inspiron 1000.

 

[cyberey66]

Just a suggestion, you probally might find cheap toshiba satellite laptops floating around, dont buy them. Toshiba is notorious for there satellites dieing, and has many lawsuits going for them. They are also very shady on the way they fix their problems. Their warrenty is only 1 year for most laptops. I spend about $500 (had to replace screen so very cheap total after ebaying a screen) for a toshiba satellite 1.2GHz, 320megs ram, 20GB, dvd, 14.1. Had problems since the day I got it. Had to replace cpu and finally got it working, but the battery circuit is dead, so it only works plugged in. Searched internet, and found many complaints like mine with toshiba. Just advice to get a laptop with a warrenty, my cheapness now set me back $500 (minus whatever I can sell this laptop for) and I want to buy a laptop now. I could of put that $500 to my saving, but I threw it away. Going to save up for a 12.1'' ibook now.

Check out dell outlet, http://www1.us.dell.com/content/segmenter.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dfo . My girlfriend just got a 600m, its very very nice. Outlet dells are pretty cheap, just dont get the celeron inspiron 1100, it overheats. I cant tell dell outlet from first hand experience, so just ask around first.

 

[Belteshazzar]

I agree with cyber, my friend owns a satellite. Which he bought with a five year extended warranty. Man what a waste of money. He sent it back for repairs more than 10 thats right, TEN times and still they haven't fixed it or replaced it. My cousin owns a TEC1600 Satellite and the LCD hinges seem to be falling apart. I hope you don't get a Toshiba.
Besides the Inspiron 1000, I also recommend the second-hand IBM 600x, and the lower models of the T4x series.

 

[ShellGuy]

Y not the Emachine AMD 64 series...

 

[RossMAN]

Compaq X1000 or Dell Latitude D505/D600.

 

[Frightcrawler]

No gaming? IBM.
Your best option would be an R or G series. The G series is cheaper, but it's "desktop replacement." The R series is more portable. Both are composed of the same build material. Ask your friend if he wants portability.

G-Series
R-Series

Actually, now that I looked at it, I realized that the R series is basically better than the G. The only thing the G series has going for it is a bit more power. The R series has the best price: performance: weight ratios.

 

[TheBoyBlunder]

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