Laptop Advice

[momoffduty]

Looking at laptops for a college bound student. Best Buy has 2 models: Gateway M-6750 & Toshiba Satellite A205-S6808. (One of the models is not on the website, but instore) Both have Intel Core 2 which I understand is not a battery hog. Another feature is the cable lock is attached to metal and not to a plastic part like another model/brand.

Any opinions or good website reviews or other features we should consider? Was told that some of the Windows Vista features can be turned off if not needed and help with speed...didn't quite understand this. Looked online and prices are better buying direct from Gateway and Toshiba..good idea?

Thanks for any help.

[Bob D]

I have a college bound student coming up as well. Luckily he is well versed in computers and I'm letting him decide, but I do have some advice. If he or she is going into engineering, or something technical, be sure to check the schools criteria. Although the laptops you cited sound fine, the school may have minimum requirement. Additionally, at some schools you can buy through them. I'm not positive if the pricing is competitive, but worth looking into. And lastly, I forget exactly what I heard while we were touring campuses, but be sure that the school will support the computer. That is if there are issues they have tech support. Again this may require a certain configuration or possibly an extra charge. My suspicions are if you buy through them they support without an extra charge.

Bob D

[jackfalbey]

I agree with Bob's advice, check with the college and the degree program to see if there are any special requirements. If your student just needs a laptop for writing reports, e-mail, internet research, and the other basics, then any entry-level laptop will do. You shouldn't have to spend more than $500 or so. The Dell inspiron 1525 http://www.dell.com/content/products/pr ... bundlestab starts at $499 and their Vostro and Latitude lines http://www.dell.com/content/products/re ... la=12~0~33 range from $399 to $529.

Also, if you can wait a few months, watch for "Dad & Grad" sales in June. Lots of computers and electronics are marked down around that time.

[VernonRobinson]

Cheryl,
I would agree with the "check with the school first" recommendation. My daughter started in the fashion design program. While most of the school used IBM compatibles, the fashion school used Mac. Also, they had a program to order the Mac and additional software for an educational discount. I purchased the Mac earlier in the summer so that she could get used to it, but I could have saved a few bucks ordering from the school, since Apple price fixes .

Regards,
-Vernon

[momoffduty]

Thanks very much for the advice. Her major is Nursing and AFROTC, so probably will only need a basic type computer. Good idea to check with the school. We have heard that laptops are stolen from dorm rooms so the cable lock is important. Someone else suggested to us to not get one that has too big of screen because if it is taken to class then you need to see over it.

Had no idea about the sales in June, thanks!

[VernonRobinson]

Another thing is to remember that the computers are meant to be portable. That huge 17 inch screen becomes a problem when lugging it around campus in the backpack. I am not normally an extended warranty person, but depending on the cost of the laptop you may want to consider it since it will be taking a pounding as the typical teenager lugs it around for a couple of years.

-Vernon

[Chuck Engels]

And I always recommend the Dell Outlet
Great deals on scratch and dent, refurbished, and previously owned stuff.

I don't usually agree with the extended warranty but in this case I do agree with Vernon.
Dell has a very good 2 or 3 year 24 hour on site warranty, where they send someone to fix the computer at their home.
Very nice and not very expensive considering what you get.

[momoffduty]

Thanks for all of the tips! The Dell Inspiron 1525 looks good. The first link Jack posted show packages. The highest one includes 1 yr warranty, Trend 15 mos. and a printer, good size hard drive and memory. Much better deal than what we where first looking at...Thanks!

[Chuck Engels]

That Inspiron 1525 is on sale today only for $270 off
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/ ... lid=648767

Regular price: $919 - Today Only $649

250GB hard drive and all, very nice system

[momoffduty]

The deals keep coming! Thanks! Will order tonite and daughter is still deciding on her color. Do you think a pink one would be less likely to be ripped off?

[Chuck Engels]

Do you think a pink one would be less likely to be ripped off?

I'm not sure but it is an interesting thought.