Need a laptop for school

  • Thread starter Thread starter waggles
  • 17 comments
  • 1,539 views
waggles

waggles

Messages
744
Messages
snrsgtmol
Messages
They're for idiots.
Hey guys,

This tablet is starting to show it's age, and is almost out of it's working lifetime (i'll keep it as a testbed or something). As a result, I need a new one.

What I need it to do is:

  • Run photoshop smoothly
  • Run rFactor, and very likely rFactor 2, relatively smoothly
  • Have a DVI output
  • No bigger than 15", as then it won't be fun in my bag
  • Be reasonably strong
  • Cost no more than 2100AUD.
I've seen that a MacBook Pro will very reasonably do what I want, although there are a lot of Apple haters on this forum, so bash me all you want.

I just want to know if you have any recommendations on this-it will have to survive VCE and first/second year university study.
 
15" Macbook pro will definitely do what you want easily. You can run bootcamp and whatever windows on it and the computer is quite powerful. My mate has the Macbook pro and I have seen it, it is nothing short of impressive. It would also be suitable for school due to the insane battery life it has.
 
The only issue with the macbook is the price/gain ratio-does the build quality and looks make up for the relatively bad value?
 
The build quality is fantastic. Better than pretty much any computer you'll ever own.

For example, my sister bought a 15" Dell laptop about 2 years ago. Its screen was replaced twice, and now the left hinge is completely detached so that she has to prop it up whenever she uses it. And she takes very good care of it.

As for me, I have a working 2002 eMac and 2001 iBook that have never once been in for repairs. I also have a 13" MacBook Pro that is only a few months old. I have Windows 7 running in Boot Camp (dual-boot) and it's hands down the best computer I've ever owned.

To give you something that will really give you an idea:
http://gizmodo.com/5215296/unibody-construction-helps-macbook-air-survive-plane-crash

To think that the only thing that didn't work fully after the crash was the screen blows the mind.

And I disagree with the price thing. with a Core i5 and 330M, that's just about the most powerful laptop on the market. My 2.4GHz Core 2 duo and 320M runs Just Cause 2 on very close to everything on full with no lag at about 40FPS. An i5 could double that, easily.

Also, Apple has a student discount system for you that saves you 100$ on the computer, gets you a free iPod (worth $200), and if you order the Epson NX-420 printer with it, that's free as well, saving you a grand total of $400 dollars.
 
I have a Dell Inspiron 15 that I got when I graduated high school last year. It came with Vista, but I've since then installed Seven. I can tell you in my experience, the computer is tip-top. I've had absolutely no problems with it. And it's good value for money. My friend just got an Asus laptop, and he really likes it. So there are a few testimonials to take into consideration.
 
I generally have had good luck with Dell laptops myself. My old Vostro 1500 I got back in 2007 is still holding up strong. The thing is built like a tank. Mostly magnesium construction also. My newer Inspiron 1564 is still too new to really say anything about how tough it is, but it is holding up well for a mostly plastic laptop lol... plus it was cheap :P
Vostro 1500 was $900 when I got it. Some specs:
1.8 Ghz C2D
160 Gb HDD (now 500 Gb)
128 MB Nvidia GeForce 8400M GS (never had the the graphical errors other laptops had)
Bluetooth 2.0
Wireless G network adapter
9 cell battery

And my $700 Inspiron 1564:
2.13 Ghz Core i3
320 Gb HDD
512 Mb ATI Radeon 4330
Bluetooth 2.0
Wireless G network card
6 cell battery

Personally, I like to go for the best bang for your buck lol...
 
Personally I think ASUS computers are built pretty top notch from my experience. I have a $1300 laptop with a quad, Geforce 240 GT, and the best construction I have experienced myself.

Personally if a laptop ever gets that kind of damage(the damage that the Mac suffered) where the monitor has been shattered and the laptop body bent out of shape. It has not really "survived" the crash since it has been rendered useless unless you hook up an external monitor to it.

Computer companies such as Dell and other brands offer student discounts too. You can't really count that as a pro.
 
Dracwolley
The build quality is fantastic. Better than pretty much any computer you'll ever own.

For example, my sister bought a 15" Dell laptop about 2 years ago. Its screen was replaced twice, and now the left hinge is completely detached so that she has to prop it up whenever she uses it. And she takes very good care of it.

As for me, I have a working 2002 eMac and 2001 iBook that have never once been in for repairs. I also have a 13" MacBook Pro that is only a few months old. I have Windows 7 running in Boot Camp (dual-boot) and it's hands down the best computer I've ever owned.

To give you something that will really give you an idea:
http://gizmodo.com/5215296/unibody-construction-helps-macbook-air-survive-plane-crash

To think that the only thing that didn't work fully after the crash was the screen blows the mind.

And I disagree with the price thing. with a Core i5 and 330M, that's just about the most powerful laptop on the market. My 2.4GHz Core 2 duo and 320M runs Just Cause 2 on very close to everything on full with no lag at about 40FPS. An i5 could double that, easily.

Also, Apple has a student discount system for you that saves you 100$ on the computer, gets you a free iPod (worth $200), and if you order the Epson NX-420 printer with it, that's free as well, saving you a grand total of $400 dollars.
Click to expand...


The offer is available for Uni/college students in US only. :(
 
That's the package my sister got, and she is out of college. But I don't know about that only in US thing.
 
Lenovo I feel is the best balance of build quality and price. They all have a ThinkPad predigree so should survive school. Something from their IdeaPad range would probably suit your needs.

Robin.
 
Last edited:
waggles
The only issue with the macbook is the price/gain ratio-does the build quality and looks make up for the relatively bad value?
Click to expand...

In a word, yes. But only if you get a student discount and they offer the 3 year Applecare for a reduced price, equivalent of £60. Which unfortunately they don't in Australia. And factor in the cost of upgrading to a non-glossy ('antiglare') screen or you won't see anything if the sun's out.


So... actually no. Take a look at Lenovo's selection. Or move to the UK and buy a MacBook.
 
Dracwolley
For example, my sister bought a 15" Dell laptop about 2 years ago. Its screen was replaced twice, and now the left hinge is completely detached so that she has to prop it up whenever she uses it. And she takes very good care of it.
Click to expand...

I don't believe you. You have to treat your computer poorly to have the screen replaced twice and having a new problem with the screen. I have a 3 year old Dell Vostro 1000 which runs like new, although the exterior may not look like it. In fact, my sister liked it so much she traded her 5 year old Inspiron for the Vostro. Dell are excellent computers, and most machines will run many years if you treat it properly.

I'm with nick09 on this one. Consider an ASUS. I bought mine a month or so ago, and it's such a fantastic machine. The entire keyboard is isolated from any heat, and underneath it the i3 delivers fantastic performance. Running Crysis at 35FPS right now, and we all know how heavy that game is.
 
Robin.
Lenovo I feel is the best balance of build quality and price. They all have a ThinkPad predigree so should survive school. Something from their IdeaPad range would probably suit your needs.

Robin.
Click to expand...

Actually, I disagree. Get the higher level than the idea pad. My friend has a Y450, horrible. The Lenovo logo is starting to fall off, slow and sometimes just plain outright annoying. Ideapads are not durable for a day to day basis. Also, they can be slow at times. And if you do get one, prepare for Uber screen glare/shine. Pay a little more and either get a high end Ideapad (like max out the options) or a Thinkpad if you want Lenovo. But if I were you, I'd go for Asus.
 
Dracwolley
The build quality is fantastic. Better than pretty much any computer you'll ever own.

For example, my sister bought a 15" Dell laptop about 2 years ago. Its screen was replaced twice, and now the left hinge is completely detached so that she has to prop it up whenever she uses it. And she takes very good care of it.

As for me, I have a working 2002 eMac and 2001 iBook that have never once been in for repairs. I also have a 13" MacBook Pro that is only a few months old. I have Windows 7 running in Boot Camp (dual-boot) and it's hands down the best computer I've ever owned.

To give you something that will really give you an idea:
http://gizmodo.com/5215296/unibody-construction-helps-macbook-air-survive-plane-crash

To think that the only thing that didn't work fully after the crash was the screen blows the mind.
Click to expand...
6 or 7 years ago, the company I work for bought 20 Compaq pp2140 laptops. They were carried around at least 2 (sometimes 3) locations, every day, for 2 years, and were used by complete beginners constantly. In the 4 years I used them, which was the first 4 years of their lives, they never failed and always worked. 1 of them did need it's screen replaced, under warranty, but the other 19 were faultless, even the 2 that fell out of my colleagues Jeep Cherokee when she opened the boot one day. They were in laptop cases, but still...

There are 3 of them in the location that I work at now, and they still work.

Your experience does not equal everyone elses.
 
Dracwolley
For example, my sister bought a 15" Dell laptop about 2 years ago. Its screen was replaced twice, and now the left hinge is completely detached so that she has to prop it up whenever she uses it. And she takes very good care of it.
Click to expand...
I have a Dell that I bought three years ago that I don't take particularly good care of, and the only problem I have had with it is that I had to open it up to blow the fans out with canned air because they started getting a little noisy.

Dracwolley
And I disagree with the price thing. with a Core i5 and 330M, that's just about the most powerful laptop on the market
Click to expand...
It really, really isn't. Not even close.




I suggest an ASUS as well. While in my experience the touchpads on them suck something awful, they otherwise seem like well-designed machines. The one we have has a great keyboard with really good key action, and they "feel" like heavy duty designs that will put up with all sorts of abuse.
 
I have a Dell Vostro that I paid £400 ($700 AUD) for over a year ago that will do what you want. So now I expect laptops are easily capable.

Doesn't have DVI though, only VGA.

I would recommend looking at the Dell site for their laptops (go into the business section for cheaper models with better build quality) and see what you like. And if you really worry that it isn't as good as the Mac just get extended warranty. Should still be a fair bit cheaper than the Apple :)
 
NissanSkylineN1
Actually, I disagree. Get the higher level than the idea pad. My friend has a Y450, horrible. The Lenovo logo is starting to fall off, slow and sometimes just plain outright annoying. Ideapads are not durable for a day to day basis. Also, they can be slow at times. And if you do get one, prepare for Uber screen glare/shine. Pay a little more and either get a high end Ideapad (like max out the options) or a Thinkpad if you want Lenovo. But if I were you, I'd go for Asus.
Click to expand...

I haven used that particular Lenovo but I'm suprised that the quality hasnt been up to scratch. Maybe the newer stuff its starting to lack quality as they become more mainstream.

I have used an Essential range Levovo (even lower than the IdeaPad range) and its built like a brick. The keyboard is steller and the casing is very solid. I have also used the IdeaPad S10 netbook which is also very rugged. I do agree after owning many old ThinkPad's that its the best level to go if you have the cash, the new ThinkPad Edge looks like a good buy.

It might be slow because of all the pre installed software on it, I always remove all Lenovo's junkware and its much better.

I swear I must be the only one who likes glossy screens! I really dislike matt ones eventhough most laptops I use have them, it just seems to make the picture less vibrant.

Robin.
 

Latest Posts

Back