$1000 for a college computer......GO!

[Danpascooch]

Ok, I am heading off to college next year (Rochester Institute of Technology, "Video Game Development and Design" major, WOO!) and I need a good laptop for college.

I am willing to spend up to $1000.

I would like it to be good all round (I know that statement sounds pretty stupid, what I mean is, I don't need it specially geared toward gaming or anything)I will play some games on it (WoW and Sims and such) but I am primarily a console gamer.

I do NOT care if it's heavy, but obviously within reason, don't be recommending a desktop and telling me to carry a monitor around, lol.

I get that I am asking a lot, I don't expect anyone to run off and research a bunch of stuff for some random guy on the internet, but if you're in the same situation and just found something great, or happen to be an expert with some good advice, please let me know, this is a big purchase and I'd like to be informed

EDIT: My major will require a good degree of programming, but that really isn't computer intensive at all. I believe any graphic design I'll be doing will be on RIT's workstations (Alienware Desktops in the Game Design Labs, FUCK YEAH!) but I am not really sure if I'll be doing graphic design at all.

Basically, on a regular basis, I go to the escapist, watch a ton of funny videos, and play the Sims 3 and a couple other non-psycho-intense-graphics games, for $1000 I expect a decent graphics card, but middle of the line should be alright if it disqualifies me from other features.

The most important things to me are probably speed (yeah, that's a bit general, but I want a good amount of RAM and a somewhat fast processor, I know that's like saying "I just want a great computer" but I don't know how else to put it) and battery life, but there ussually aren't many options for battery life, so if you guys could just throw out some ideas, even general hints like: "______ is a good company to buy from" I'd really appreciate it, I work on the software side, and I don't know as much as I would like to from a hardware perspective.

Hell, I'll even take things like: "This is what Dual Channel RAM means" so I can make a better decision on my own. Anything helps.

I appreciate the responses I already have, I knew the Escapist wouldn't let me down.

Thanks guys, you're great

EDIT: Here is my current computers specs (courtesy of DirectX, I edited out some of the huge volumes of info it gives you that I don't think will be important), It is a $500 four year old desktop, I expect the new laptop to be significantly better, even if it is much more portable, because of the $500 and four year advantage it will have:

Spoiler

------------------
System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 3/31/2010, 14:23:11
Operating System: Windows Vista? Home Basic (6.0, Build 6002) Service Pack 2 (6002.vistasp2_gdr.090803-2339)
System Manufacturer: Dell Inc.
System Model: Inspiron 530
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E6550 @ 2.33GHz (2 CPUs), ~2.3GHz
Memory: 2046MB RAM
Page File: 930MB used, 3423MB available
DirectX Version: DirectX 11

---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: ATI Radeon HD 2400 PRO
Chip type: ATI display adapter (0x94C3)
DAC type: Internal DAC(400MHz)
Display Memory: 884 MB
Dedicated Memory: 117 MB
Shared Memory: 767 MB
Current Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (70Hz)
Monitor: Generic PnP Monitor

-------------
Sound Devices
-------------
Description: Speakers (Realtek High Definition Audio)
HW Accel Level: Basic
Min/Max Sample Rate: 100, 200000
Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 1, 0
Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 0, 0
HW Memory: 0
Voice Management: No
EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: No, No
I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: No, No
Sensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No

------------------------
Disk & DVD/CD-ROM Drives
------------------------
Drive: C:
Free Space: 54.8 GB
Total Space: 228.1 GB
File System: NTFS

EDITEDIT:

I think I found my new computer! ASUS N71Jv with a 2gb upgrade to the existing RAM. TY for all the help guys, and a MAJOR TY to the person who suggested the ASUS N71Jv, I was probably going to get an Alienware, and after comparing the two side by side this offers me SO MUCH MORE for the price, tyvm everyone!

 

[Danny Ocean]

That's 668 pounds, by the way.

Well I think some general information could help. Is your course graphically intensive or will you be doing a lot of typing?

 

[TotallyFake]

What do you want from it? I assume your major will require at least a modicum of programing, but would graphic design be required? If not, sod the graphics card, save some power, weight and money. If you do need the graphical stuff a desktop is probably the way to go.

I'm using an Inspiron, they're pretty good. Reasonable processors, reasonable hard-drive, reasonable price. Graphics are complete shite, but doesn't sound like an issue, even integrated will take WoW.

 

[z121231211]

Buy a $500 netbook/laptop and then build a $500 gaming desktop for your dormroom or something.

Unless you're buying an iMac, then just spend it all on one laptop. It'll help you write those term papers better or something.

 

[Johnnyallstar]

I like mine, which is the HP DV7-2040 which has a 17.1" screen, 2.0ghz quad core CPU, a good radeon graphics card, 4GB RAM, and 2 Hard drive bays. Only runs about $900 anymore from H.H.Gregg, and with a little investment into better and faster hard drives, and RAM and you have a totally kickass laptop.

 

[Danpascooch]

Buy a $500 netbook/laptop and then build a $500 gaming desktop for your dormroom or something.

Unless you're buying an iMac, then just spend it all on one laptop. It'll help you write those term papers better or something.

I don't really use Macs, I'm used to Windows and I think they are sort of over priced (just let it go, if this turns into a Mac v. PC fight I will BURN ESCAPIST TO THE GROUND)

I thought of a split cash two system idea, but I think I'd rather cash it all in on a laptop, and plug it into my existing monitor and mouse when I'm in my dorm (I have this great Samsung monitor that works as an HDMI LCD monitor and TV, great space saver, I got it from an after Thanksgiving sale from my Dad as a Christmas present, I am just now realizing how perfect it is for college)

 

[Danpascooch]

That's 668 pounds, by the way.

Well I think some general information could help. Is your course graphically intensive or will you be doing a lot of typing?

As far as I know it's not graphically intensive, I know we will be building our own web browsers in groups and such, but nothing that strikes me as graphically intense, I probably will be doing a lot of typing/coding though.

 

[Danpascooch]

I like mine, which is the HP DV7-2040 which has a 17.1" screen, 2.0ghz quad core CPU, a good radeon graphics card, 4GB RAM, and 2 Hard drive bays. Only runs about $900 anymore from H.H.Gregg, and with a little investment into better and faster hard drives, and RAM and you have a totally kickass laptop.

Ty for the tip, I'll take a look

 

[xxnightlawxx]

If you find something good let me know.

 

[Danpascooch]

What do you want from it? I assume your major will require at least a modicum of programing, but would graphic design be required? If not, sod the graphics card, save some power, weight and money. If you do need the graphical stuff a desktop is probably the way to go.

I'm using an Inspiron, they're pretty good. Reasonable processors, reasonable hard-drive, reasonable price. Graphics are complete shite, but doesn't sound like an issue, even integrated will take WoW.

Ty for the tips, but I'm not concerned about cash or power consumption, I've saved up $1000 for this (ok, $500, the other half is my parents graduation present) and I am completely willing to spend it all for the highest performance laptop I can find. I can play WoW and Sims 3 and such now, but it would be nice to be able to turn the graphics options past minimum....

 

[Danpascooch]

If you find something good let me know.

Will do, I can't imagine there aren't a bunch of people like me looking for something in this price range.

 

[SturmDolch]

I have an Asus N81Vg. It was around $1000 USD, and I can play Battlefield: Bad Company 2 on medium settings while hooked up to an external monitor. With your budget, you can get some good laptops on today's market.

Check this one out:

EDIT: Accidently gave you the Canadian link:
Asus N71-Jv [http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220706].

Here's the American one. Cheaper. [http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220706] One of the guys reviewed it, saying that the laptop runs MW2 on high.

If that's too big, I'd suggest this one:

EDIT: Canadian link, too. Sorry, can't find the one on the American site.
Asus N51-Vn [http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220566]. But upgrade to Windows 7.

For Windows 7, there are deals for college/university students.

Click here [http://www.microsoft.com/student/en/us/software/windows-7.aspx] to get it cheaper, or free if your college is enrolled with the MSDNAA. You might have to be enrolled in a computer science course to be able to download it from them, but even if you're not going into CS, an introductory CS course is usually an easy GPA boost, fun, and useful later in life.



Yeah, so... I kind of screwed up on finding one. But just make sure that it has atleast a dual core processor with atleast 2.2-2.4ghz speed. Also, definitely make sure that it has a graphics card in it.

 

[xxnightlawxx]

If you find something good let me know.

Will do, I can't imagine there aren't a bunch of people like me looking for something in this price range.

Not gonna lie it might be challenging. 1000$ is not a lot for what you are asking. I am sure you can find it though. I know of the Asus... actually be right back.

Spoiler: How do these specs sound?

Asus Laptop with Intel® Core? i5 Processor
6-cell lithium-ion battery (G50)
AC power adapter
Software: Adobe Reader
Owner's manual
Product Features
From our expanded online assortment; not available in all Best Buy stores
Intel® Core? i5-430M processor
Features a 1066MHz bus, 3MB L2 cache and 2.26GHz processor speed with Turbo Boost up to 2.53GHz.
Intel® Core? i5 processor
Features smart 4-way processing performance with a speed boost.
4GB DDR3 memory
For multitasking power, expandable to 8GB.
Multiformat DVD±RW drive with double-layer support
Records up to 3.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL media.
16" LED-backlit LCD widescreen display
With 1366 x 768 resolution delivers intense detail and clarity.
500GB Serial ATA hard drive (7200 rpm)
Offers spacious storage and fast read/write times.
Facial recognition technology
Protects sensitive information.
NVIDIA GeForce GTS 360M graphics
Feature up to 1GB GDDR5 memory for lush images and vivid detail. 3D audio with EAX advanced CPU performance to suit gaming needs. HDMI output for flexible connectivity options.
Built-in 1.3MP webcam and array microphone
Plus 2 Altec Lansing speakers make it easy to chat with family and friends.
8-in-1 media reader
Supports Secure Digital, MultiMediaCard, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick Duo, SmartMedia and xD-Picture Card formats.
IEEE 1394 (FireWire) interface and 4 high-speed USB 2.0 ports
For fast digital video, audio and data transfer.
Built-in wireless LAN (802.11b/g/n)
Connect to the Internet without wires.
Built-in 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet LAN
With RJ-45 connector for quick and easy wired Web connection.
Weighs 7.5 lbs. and measures just 1.6" thin
For portable power.
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 64-bit operating system preinstalled
Provides a stable computing platform.
Best Buy Software Installer
Personalize your PC! Discover and install just the software and services you want. Learn more.
Software package included
With Adobe Reader.
Intel, Pentium, Celeron, Centrino, Core, Viiv, Intel Inside and the Intel Inside logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.
All for 999.99$

 

[BaronFelX]

Bear with me here.

http://www.apple.com/macbook/

I know you just said that you "don't really use Macs", and that's fine. But you can do a lot worse for the money you want to spend. Macbooks are lightweight and have insane battery life, which are both crucial when you spend all day traveling to class. The graphics power isn't top of the line, but it'll still play WoW and Sims 3 just fine (I know that Blizzard makes OS X installers for all their games, but Sims might require a specific copy). The power of the processor and memory is plenty for everday use, including video editing and graphic design.

For programming, this is the system you want. Since it's Unix based, you can get experience with the type of systems you'll be spending a lot of time with in the near future. Trust me, CompSci people love Unix, and they'll make you love it too if you're going to be at a Tech school doing game design. The OS discs come with plenty of built in tools for compiling and development, and there's just as many editors available as there are on any other systems.

It's well protected, too. You can argue that it's because of market share or whatever, but Macs are still universally more secure than PCs. Viruses are a non-issue, and spyware and script exploits can be dealt with by any decent script blocker. And it's safe in the physical world. If I recall right, there's a student discount on this, which means you'll have money to get AppleCare. AC means you get free hardware maintenance for 3 years. Not a bad deal at all.

I'm not trying to start Mac vs PC here at all. I'm an avid PC gamer, and I fully appreciate the cost differences and all the other arguments. But too many gamers dismiss Macs outright, and that's not really fair. Yes, it is an adjustment if you've used Windows machines your whole life, but it's not hard to learn. Just remember that Command = Control, and that the little red button closes the window, not the program, and you'll be fine. When you do get the hang of it, you'll find a whole world of features you hadn't really considered, but will soon be essential to how you use your computer. I'd say go to an Apple Store or distributor (some Best Buys have Apple sections) and play around, see what you think. Just don't write them off without considering it.

 

[Timotei]

Try to find the most modifiable laptop you can buy and then try upgrading it.

 

[Danpascooch]

Bear with me here.

http://www.apple.com/macbook/

I know you just said that you "don't really use Macs", and that's fine. But you can do a lot worse for the money you want to spend. Macbooks are lightweight and have insane battery life, which are both crucial when you spend all day traveling to class. The graphics power isn't top of the line, but it'll still play WoW and Sims 3 just fine (I know that Blizzard makes OS X installers for all their games, but Sims might require a specific copy). The power of the processor and memory is plenty for everday use, including video editing and graphic design.

For programming, this is the system you want. Since it's Unix based, you can get experience with the type of systems you'll be spending a lot of time with in the near future. Trust me, CompSci people love Unix, and they'll make you love it too if you're going to be at a Tech school doing game design. The OS discs come with plenty of built in tools for compiling and development, and there's just as many editors available as there are on any other systems.

It's well protected, too. You can argue that it's because of market share or whatever, but Macs are still universally more secure than PCs. Viruses are a non-issue, and spyware and script exploits can be dealt with by any decent script blocker. And it's safe in the physical world. If I recall right, there's a student discount on this, which means you'll have money to get AppleCare. AC means you get free hardware maintenance for 3 years. Not a bad deal at all.

I'm not trying to start Mac vs PC here at all. I'm an avid PC gamer, and I fully appreciate the cost differences and all the other arguments. But too many gamers dismiss Macs outright, and that's not really fair. Yes, it is an adjustment if you've used Windows machines your whole life, but it's not hard to learn. Just remember that Command = Control, and that the little red button closes the window, not the program, and you'll be fine. When you do get the hang of it, you'll find a whole world of features you hadn't really considered, but will soon be essential to how you use your computer. I'd say go to an Apple Store or distributor (some Best Buys have Apple sections) and play around, see what you think. Just don't write them off without considering it.

Both of my siblings have a Macbook, and I understand all the pro's, but it's simply not my style, sorry, but thanks for posting

 

[Danpascooch]

If you find something good let me know.

Will do, I can't imagine there aren't a bunch of people like me looking for something in this price range.

Not gonna lie it might be challenging. 1000$ is not a lot for what you are asking. I am sure you can find it though. I know of the Asus... actually be right back.

Spoiler: How do these specs sound?

Asus Laptop with Intel® Core? i5 Processor
6-cell lithium-ion battery (G50)
Intel® Core? i5-430M processor
Features a 1066MHz bus, 3MB L2 cache and 2.26GHz processor speed with Turbo Boost up to 2.53GHz.
Intel® Core? i5 processor
Features smart 4-way processing performance with a speed boost.
4GB DDR3 memory
For multitasking power, expandable to 8GB.
16" LED-backlit LCD widescreen display
With 1366 x 768 resolution delivers intense detail and clarity.
500GB Serial ATA hard drive (7200 rpm)
NVIDIA GeForce GTS 360M graphics
Feature up to 1GB GDDR5 memory for lush images and vivid detail. 3D audio with EAX advanced CPU performance to suit gaming needs. HDMI output for flexible connectivity options.
IEEE 1394 (FireWire) interface and 4 high-speed USB 2.0 ports
For fast digital video, audio and data transfer.
Built-in wireless LAN (802.11b/g/n)
With RJ-45 connector for quick and easy wired Web connection.
Weighs 7.5 lbs. and measures just 1.6" thin
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 64-bit operating system preinstalled
All for 999.99$

How is $1000 not feasible for what I am asking for? I just want something significantly better than I have now ($500, 4 year old Dell) and I don't have any specific threshold of "it must be THIS good" I just want the best I can find for the money. Assuming Computer Technology hasen't suffered a major rollback in the last 4 years, $1000 should be far more then enough to upgrade from my $500 4 year old computer.

Ty for the specs I edited out the parts of the specs I don't care about in this quoting, but my real problem is I honestly have no idea what a lot of it means (Really Excited about the HDMI out, I watch alot of videos by extending my desktop onto my TV, I will use that for sure):

1.) "4GB DDR3 memory"What is DDR3 memory, I know it's RAM, but what does DDR3 mean?

2.) "Features a 1066MHz bus, 3MB L2 cache and 2.26GHz processor speed with Turbo Boost up to 2.53GHz." ***Brain Explodes***

3.) "With RJ-45 connector for quick and easy wired Web connection." is that just an Ethernet port? who the hell would advertise "Check it out! We have an Ethernet Port!!!"

4.) "Feature up to 1GB GDDR5 memory for lush images and vivid detail." What is this? We already covered the RAM with the 4GB DDR3, is this dedicated image or audio memory? And if so, does that mean it will free up regular RAM space by using this?

5.) "NVIDIA GeForce GTS 360M graphics" How do I translate this to "Good video card" or "Bad video card" lol.

6.) "Features smart 4-way processing performance with a speed boost." No idea what this means, is this speed boost anything like a "flavor boost"? My laptop isn't going to taste like Vanilla is it?

7.) "6-cell lithium-ion battery (G50)" Again, is there any way I can translate this to a ballpark "computer can last for _____ hours" benchmark?

8.) What is the different between intel i5 and i3 processors?

Ty for the find, if ANYONE can answer ANY of my questions above please do, I would really really appreciate it

I think I might get the laptop you just showed me.....but you didn't give me the name, lol, you gave me every specification imaginable, but not the name. Thanks again for the time, if I could get the name of the computer, that would be great

 

[Danpascooch]

I have an Asus N81Vg. It was around $1000 USD, and I can play Battlefield: Bad Company 2 on medium settings while hooked up to an external monitor. With your budget, you can get some good laptops on today's market.

Check this one out:

EDIT: Accidently gave you the Canadian link:
Asus N71-Jv [http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220706].

Here's the American one. Cheaper. [http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220706] One of the guys reviewed it, saying that the laptop runs MW2 on high.

If that's too big, I'd suggest this one:

EDIT: Canadian link, too. Sorry, can't find the one on the American site.
Asus N51-Vn [http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220566]. But upgrade to Windows 7.

For Windows 7, there are deals for college/university students.

Click here [http://www.microsoft.com/student/en/us/software/windows-7.aspx] to get it cheaper, or free if your college is enrolled with the MSDNAA. You might have to be enrolled in a computer science course to be able to download it from them, but even if you're not going into CS, an introductory CS course is usually an easy GPA boost, fun, and useful later in life.



Yeah, so... I kind of screwed up on finding one. But just make sure that it has atleast a dual core processor with atleast 2.2-2.4ghz speed. Also, definitely make sure that it has a graphics card in it.

As far as physical size, you'd be hard pressed to find one that's "too big" for me, ty for the links, I added them to my list.

 

[Danpascooch]

I think I found my new computer! ASUS N71Jv with a 2gb upgrade to the existing RAM. TY for all the help guys, and a MAJOR TY to the person who suggested the ASUS N71Jv, I was probably going to get an Alienware, and after comparing the two side by side this offers me SO MUCH MORE for the price, tyvm everyone!

 

[littlewisp]

I don't really have any specific recommendations, but I can recommend Asus as a company. I have a laptop from them that got fried around the end of the first year I bought it (motherboard issues). It was still under warranty, so I sent that sucker in and had it back within a week or two no charge and excellent and friendly customer service. I've had it for three years now, no other issues, and still running like a champ.

edit: ahahah just saw your last post. Kudos to you! Asus is a great company. :3