PCMech Forums - View Single Post - College Laptops

***glc*** · 06-17-2007, 11:56 AM

Excellent, Tom!

If you want a highly portable laptop that performs well and will be happy with a 12 inch screen, look at the Dell XPS M1210. It comes with a Core 2 Duo and Intel integrated graphics. If you insist on gaming with it, you can get a Go 7400 video upgrade. If you'd rather have a 15 inch widescreen, the Inspiron E1505 can be ordered with a Core 2 Duo and now comes standard with a X1400 video adapter. However, if you have a bit more to spend and want a laptop that will LAST, you can't beat a Thinkpad T or X series. The X is the 12" ultralight with Intel graphics, the T series is 15" with various video options.

Before you poo pooh the Intel graphics, it *IS* capable of running Aero Glass and it will handle light gaming. Just get sufficient ram.

One thing to add - you should contact your college and see what their recommendations and requirements are. You may even be able to get a great deal on a "standard" configuration through their group buy program. This will often come with the benefit of local support and a really nice warranty program.

EDIT: I'm not in college, but I have an old Thinkpad T20 (P3-700) for my "road warrior" - it has a 14 inch screen and weighs about 5 pounds. It does everything I need and is pretty comfortable to haul around. However, I also have a 3 pound Twinhead (1.2 Celeron) with a 12 inch screen - if the optical drive weren't dead and the touchpad weren't screwed up I'd be lugging that thing instead.

06-17-2007, 11:56 AM	#3
*glc* Forum Administrator Staff Premium Member Join Date: May 2000 Location: Joplin MO Posts: 41,163	Excellent, Tom! If you want a highly portable laptop that performs well and will be happy with a 12 inch screen, look at the Dell XPS M1210. It comes with a Core 2 Duo and Intel integrated graphics. If you insist on gaming with it, you can get a Go 7400 video upgrade. If you'd rather have a 15 inch widescreen, the Inspiron E1505 can be ordered with a Core 2 Duo and now comes standard with a X1400 video adapter. However, if you have a bit more to spend and want a laptop that will LAST, you can't beat a Thinkpad T or X series. The X is the 12" ultralight with Intel graphics, the T series is 15" with various video options. Before you poo pooh the Intel graphics, it IS capable of running Aero Glass and it will handle light gaming. Just get sufficient ram. One thing to add - you should contact your college and see what their recommendations and requirements are. You may even be able to get a great deal on a "standard" configuration through their group buy program. This will often come with the benefit of local support and a really nice warranty program. EDIT: I'm not in college, but I have an old Thinkpad T20 (P3-700) for my "road warrior" - it has a 14 inch screen and weighs about 5 pounds. It does everything I need and is pretty comfortable to haul around. However, I also have a 3 pound Twinhead (1.2 Celeron) with a 12 inch screen - if the optical drive weren't dead and the touchpad weren't screwed up I'd be lugging that thing instead. Last edited by glc; 06-17-2007 at 12:02 PM.