Advice: Laptop for University

[poisson]

Hi PCMechanic Forums,

I'm 17 and I'm going to be going to University next year. I do want my own computer, but I'm not sure if I can afford a laptop and a desktop computer. The reason I ask so early is because my parents might be able to help me out with cash. Anyways, what I want from a laptop is basically a kind of all-around computer; word processing, decently fast web browsing (do specs affect internet browsing at all?), some image editing via Photoshop, and enough processor power to play some basic games (not extremely serious gaming). I want to run Ubuntu on it as well.

I need your advice on:
Processor power (probably around 1 - 2 Ghz);
RAM (around 1 Ghz? I don't know what I need).
Advice on everything else would be appreciated as well.

Also, I want to build my own laptop. Is this much trickier than building a desktop? I've never done either, but I have read about it and it seems like something I would want to do. I just wonder, is it worth it building a laptop (I would enjoy it), or should I buy pre-built and possibly save money?

Thanks in advance

[flanzig1]

For a laptop, you configure a system at a web site like Dell. To build one, the cost/time and limited components isn't worth it.
The university will probably have fast ethernet in the dorms. Ethernet on laptops are fast enough, may want to look for a laptop that also has wireless.
Would check with the university as to what Windows OS they recommend/support on their LAN.
For basic specs: look to a Intel Core2Duo CPU/min of 1gig ram, 2 if you can/at least a 120gig HD/get a thumb drive to save school work(or an external drive)/Intel graphics chipset to start, laptops with dedicated video cards are going to be pricey.
Screen size: 15.4 to start, If going to be carring it to classes, may want to think small and light..

[poisson]

Originally Posted by flanzig1 For a laptop, you configure a system at a web site like Dell. To build one, the cost/time and limited components isn't worth it. The university will probably have fast ethernet in the dorms. Ethernet on laptops are fast enough, may want to look for a laptop that also has wireless.

Thanks for the reply Yeah, I might not stay in the dorms; I'm not sure though. I should probably get wireless then, so I can connect while on campus?

Originally Posted by flanzig1 Would check with the university as to what Windows OS they recommend/support on their LAN.

Windows OS? Do you think they would have any support for a Linux OS, or perhaps Wine could help to connect to the LAN?

Originally Posted by flanzig1 For basic specs: look to a Intel Core2Duo CPU/min of 1gig ram, 2 if you can/at least a 120gig HD/get a thumb drive to save school work(or an external drive)/Intel graphics chipset to start, laptops with dedicated video cards are going to be pricey. Screen size: 15.4 to start, If going to be carring it to classes, may want to think small and light..

Thanks for the specs; can you upgrade laptops easily by sending it to a shop? Like you said before, with the limited parts, I'm guessing no.
Also yeah, screen size isn't that big of a deal to me.

[flanzig1]

Generally for laptops, ram and HDs are about the only thing to up grade and maybe if it has a dedicted video card. So, with a laptop you got what you bought.
As I said, check with the U to see what is recommended and supported (for OS and programs).

[Staren]

Originally Posted by poisson Windows OS? Do you think they would have any support for a Linux OS, or perhaps Wine could help to connect to the LAN?

Forget it. Sorry, but you'd be on your own. Most universities are either officially Windows, or officially Mac. They'll support the other, but grumble about it. If your lucky you'll go to a college that will work with either, but don't count on Linux. You "might" find a tech at the school computer store or technology department willing to geek out and help you with Linux, but like I said, don't count on it unless your good enough to do your own support beginning to end.

Most schools also have a list of required or suggested specs. Check those before buying anything. Some can be picky about what they'll let on their networks. Like for example, as much as I hate it, I would get an ear full if I didn't have McAfee or Norton on my laptop. I'd much rather use AVG or Nod32, but because there is a bureaucrat that doesn't know the technology making the rules, I don't want to risk it.

[thefultonhow]

One of the sticky threads at the top of this forum is a guide on what laptop to buy for college:

http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=182352