Shopping for a laptop

[Lucky17]

So, my partner is in the market for a new laptop for use for the upcoming academic year (she's a college prof).

I've already started speccing out models for comparison, but I'm wondering if I'm doing a disservice by sticking to the following criteria:

processor: 3rd gen i5, 2.6 GHz, 3M cache
OS: Windows 7
memory: 4 GB memory, 1 DIMM

She's not going to need this laptop for gaming, or even necessarily for extreme portability (ultrabook models not a necessity). Basically, word processing, internet, and the occasional video clip/Skype session.

My main question is whether I should consider Windows 8, especially if it brings the cost down significantly? Likewise, can she get away with an i3 processor? (I do hope that the purchase will hold its value/relevance for the next several years.)

Anyone have any advice, or experiences (good, bad, indifferent) with W8? TPs awarded to all.

[Rondo2287]

Personally I have no experience with windows 8 other than what I have seen on display models in store.  That said, on the surface I think it sucks.

I just recently purchased a new laptop for myself and the fiance for hopefully the next 5 years or so.  One thing I will say is I wouldnt buy one without a solid state drive in it.  Or if you do get one without I would install one.  Makes a huge difference on response times, how fast it boots up/wakes up etc.

That said I think you are pretty solid going with an I5 and 4 gigs of memory.  Though obviously the more memory the better.

[PhoSita]

I spent a lot of time on a laptop purchase last summer, so I know what it's like to be in that position.  My needs were fairly different, however -- I ended up spending about $1600 on my laptop because I like to game in my free time.

Some quick-hit advice (I had a longer post but it got DELETED because of the darn timed-auto-logoff functions of these forums).

1. Even a user with "basic" needs will appreciate a computer with fast specs.  Weaker specs can bog you down even if you're just web browsing or word processing.  The processor speed and the RAM is most important for this, though you never need more than 6-8 GB of RAM.

From what I recall getting a PC with closer to 6-8 Gigs of RAM doesn't up the cost that much, and there were some laptops with and i5 or i7 that were reasonably affordable.

2. Consider getting a laptop with the operating system installed on a Solid State Drive (SSD).  This will allow the computer to boot up much faster.  This may require foregoing an optical drive, however, since SSDs are often installed in the optical drive bay (the optical drive is your CD / DVD drive).

3. While a website like NewEgg.com could be really good for pre-built deals, that will afford you less customization, and smaller websites such as PowerNotebook.com will offer you customized, personal customer service and handling of any issues you have post-sale.

4. I'd suggest setting a limit for the budget that you can live with (e.g. $500, $750, $1000) and then finding the PC with the best specs within that range. 

5. Some other factors to consider -- what screen size does she want?  14''-15.6'' is pretty standard, though you can get a PC with a screen as small as 10".  Bigger screens will give you more to look at and be nicer to view, but they're also heavier.  How much does she plan on carrying this thing around?  If it's an everyday thing she may not want a computer that weighs as much as mine, for example.  If it's mostly just a desktop replacement, then perhaps she would prefer a bigger laptop.  Battery life is another factor.  Does she want to be able to use this on the train or bus for hours?  Or will it be plugged in most of the time so all she needs is an hour or two at most?

6. I can't really speak to your Windows 8 vs Windows 7 conundrum.  I think it's generally safer to go with the older version of Windows, though, if you can help it.

[Lucky17]

Thanks, guys. TPs paid.

SSD: truly, hadn't even given it a thought. I'll add this to the mix of criteria.

Weight/screen size: not so much an issue. She's not going to be going everywhere with it; more of a replacement for a desktop. That said, I think we'll probably let our budget be our guide. Models I've been looking at are mostly around $700.

I've had great luck with Dell, including discounts through my own university, but if people have good things to say about Lenovo or other models, fire away.

[SparzWizard]

I use Windows 8 on my desktop. I don't really favor it. But it's not a touchscreen for me anyways. I guess in a way you can say Windows 8 is more organized. Works more effectively if you're using Windows 8 on like a touch pad.

I use Windows 7 on my laptop. I still like it.

[Rondo2287]

Thanks, guys. TPs paid.

SSD: truly, hadn't even given it a thought. I'll add this to the mix of criteria.

Weight/screen size: not so much an issue. She's not going to be going everywhere with it; more of a replacement for a desktop. That said, I think we'll probably let our budget be our guide. Models I've been looking at are mostly around $700.

I've had great luck with Dell, including discounts through my own university, but if people have good things to say about Lenovo or other models, fire away.

I actually just got rid of my old lenovo.  If you are getting a lenovo only get a thinkpad.  Their other laptops are kinda junky.  so glad I am rid of my Lenovo G460...Yuck

[Lucky17]

I use Windows 8 on my desktop. I don't really favor it. But it's not a touchscreen for me anyways. I guess in a way you can say Windows 8 is more organized. Works more effectively if you're using Windows 8 on like a touch pad.

I use Windows 7 on my laptop. I still like it.

Yeah, I've heard a lot of good and bad about W8.

I've got an old war horse of a laptop (a Dell Vostro model that has to be close to 7 years old at this point) that I only relatively recently (last year?) upgraded from XP to W7, and it's really made it run a lot better.

[Neurotic Guy]

Thanks, guys. TPs paid.

SSD: truly, hadn't even given it a thought. I'll add this to the mix of criteria.

Weight/screen size: not so much an issue. She's not going to be going everywhere with it; more of a replacement for a desktop. That said, I think we'll probably let our budget be our guide. Models I've been looking at are mostly around $700.

I've had great luck with Dell, including discounts through my own university, but if people have good things to say about Lenovo or other models, fire away.

Just bought my daughter a laptop for college last week. 

Got an ASUS I5, 4GB, 500GB HD. Touch screen. Windows 8 -- which is fine for my daughter as she is not an avid computer user and is not all that used to older operating systems.  She seems to have adapted to it quickly.  I've read/heard good things about ASUS.   

Not solid state but operates fast and boots up in about 20 seconds.  Less expensive if not solid state.

We got at Best Buy for  $600.   I bought 2 years of insurance which is soup to nuts (covers anything but theft) and includes 2 yrs anti-virus software which can use on any 3 computers.   Total cost was under $900.  Your university bookstore may provide a good deal on Office software (my daughter's campus store had a deal for students -- and I assume faculty members -- for $20). 

If you get a solid state laptop you'll add a few $hundred (I think).