Expert: Bobbert - 5/4/2008

Question
Hey Brady,



So anyway I'm looking into buying a laptop.  I don't have a clue what to get but I know that you know a ton about it so I thought I would drop you a note and see what you think.  I want one that is top of the line and around a 13.whatever size screen and thin.  I have been looking all over and just don't even know what brand to go with.  I have saved up some money and can pay up to about 2300 dollars but if I don't have to spend that much of course that is great.  I want to get one that will last me and that is about the average.  I would like one that could handle anything I can throw at it.  I have looked at the Dell XPS series..and at the Sony at little...since the toshiba website is confusing I don't know much about.  HP seems to have so many I don't know what to think.  Is it best to buy on line and custom build or in a store?  I want one with a fast processer and really fast wireless.  What do you think would be the best computer for me?  Is there someway to get a discount because I am a student.  Thanks for you help.

kyle


Answer
If you're a matriculated college student, check with your university bookstore first, and then online stores such as Dell's online webstore or the Apple store will usually offer you a discount on hardware/software (the software discount is the bigger benefit).

As far as a new notebook goes, what applications do you intend to throw at it? Games? movies? professional applications? etc

Dell offers a great product, so does HP, personally I'd take Dell just due to better experience with them (based on enterprise experience, they just tend to be a little more durable, little better warranty support, if you save a few hundred going with HP, I'd go with HP, but if price is the same or within $100, go with the Dell).

As far as fast wireless, all depends on the APs you're hooked up to, modern laptops will include 802.11g compliant and Pre-N capable wifi, which can give you up to 54mbps, however not all APs are 54mbps (some are only 11mbps, or have very high loads, or don't have the best signal, etc).

-bob