Looking for advice on a notebook

[Nightwolf]

I'm looking for something under $1300 that will last me though college, I'll probably do a little counter-strike on and pretty much just use it for school, internet...etc.

I was thinking about a macbook but I'd like to hear your opinions.

[Sledgehammer70]

From my recent use I would recommend ASUS laptops... I have had HP, Leveno and Dell and by far am really loving this ASUS lappy :)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220044
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220163

Newegg I noticed had some good deals on them,

Also if you buy a Laptop make sure to get a LappyMat :)

[Armo]

i have a mac book pro, it plays HL2 in native res 1400x900 widescreen at max settings with 4x anti aliasing.

its a monster for the games IT DOES PLAY. i have had some that wont work at all, star wars republic commando for instance.

dell's new line of inspirons are supposed to be really nice, i i still love my dell, zero problems when i had it.

[kryyst]

If you want a laptop that will survive use and abuse then get a lenovo T series they are amazingly well built.

[NiGHTS]

I'd recommend HP/Compaq for their standard warranty alone. I'd recommend Lenovo or HP for their ruggedness.

I carry a Compaq v2000 back and forth from class all the time, and the only regret I have about the $750 purchase is that the shell casing could be a bit more firm - I have to be careful how I squeeze the laptop when it's closed. Put too much pressure in one spot and it leaves a sort of permanent smudge on the screen itself.

[Nightwolf]

HP, dv6500t


Operating System FREE Upgrade from Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic (32-bit) to Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium!
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Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo processor T7100 (1.80 GHz, 2 MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
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Display 15.4" WXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800)
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Memory 75% OFF upgrade to 2GB DDR2 (2 Dimm)!!
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Graphics Card 50% OFF!! 383MB NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS!!
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Personalization HP Imprint Finish (Radiance) + Microphone
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Networking Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection
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Hard Drive 80GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
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Primary CD/DVD Drive FREE Upgrade to LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
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TV & Entertainment Experience No TV Tuner w/remote control
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Primary Battery 12 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
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Productivity Software Microsoft(R) Works 8.0
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What do you think about this configuration, right in my price range and looks like it would own counter-strike. How would this compare to a basic macbook?

[airbornflght]

looks good. I'm actually deciding between an hp and a mac. Though I'm leaning towards the power mac. Don't forget to buy it with the educational discount if your school has a deal with the manufacturer. Some companies don't care which school as long as you are in school even. I know its gonna save me ~$200 on my mbp if I get it.

[Sledgehammer70]

Graphics Card 50% OFF!! 383MB NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS!!
will run CS but not that great...

edit just noticed (1280 x 800) max res you should be fine. I opted for a (1680 x 1050) 15.4" screen, so much crisper and runs movies like a dream :)

[NiGHTS]

15.4'' is going to look very goofy on a classroom desk, though.

[leishi85]

15.4'' is going to look very goofy on a classroom desk, though.

yeah, 15.4 is actually pretty big on a classroom desk, that's why i got a 13in.

[airbornflght]

I thought about a 13" but I like my real estate. I want 15.4", now just imagine someone plunked down the cash for a 17" lappy and sat that giant on the desk.

[shwaip]

no one actually takes notes on a computer in class.

if you actually think you'll use it, I'd suggest a tablet pc - that way you can take notes on right on the copies of the lectures that you could d/l from the class website.