laptop suggestions?

[DutchmanAZ]

My son will be a new college student next month and I need to outfit him with a laptop. Any suggestions, brands to stay away from, unneeded crap, etc would be appreciated.

 

[CaptTurbo]

Gateway has/had an unbelievable laptop for around 475. Has 4GB dual core good graphics card built in wireless etc. HDMI available etc.

Gateway was bought by ASUS I think (if its the wrong company its a solid company that bought them. Bought 3 of these for myself and family and they have been great. Best deal on the market by far.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

Agree with swd, there are a ton of great laptops available for less than $500. Linder and I just spent $300 on a laptop for her daughter and so far it seems like a great deal.

 

[DutchmanAZ]

Thanks for the input.

 

[thirty-two]

Dutch, I bought this laptop in January: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Acer+-+...ssor/9555769.p?id=1218127632130&skuId=9555769

It's certainly not the fastest, most awesome computer out there, but it gets the job done. I think for a college student it would be great. I watch netflix on it, surf the web, play dvd's and use MS Office, etc. For the price, you can't beat it.

edited: the price was 299 and 329 when I posted the link, it's now up to 379. I bought mine for 329.

 

[BIGTONY]

Come on now...Once you go Mac you dont go back...Back a mac you will never look back...

 

[Covert Rain]

I simply don't recommend a MAC. It's a nice product an all but it still doesn't have the software compatibility that a regular laptop has. Even if you run an emulator it's still not the same. If you are into photography or video editing I could see you going MAC but not really for any other reason.

I still recommend Dell or Asus for laptops. Asus is quickly becoming one of my favorite manufacturers. We use Lenovo, Dell, Toshiba, HP, Gateway and Asus laptops at work. Our Lenovo and Dells just seem to last forever. However, we have been getting some really good feedback on the Asus laptops.

 

[CaptTurbo]

Asus thats who bought gateway.

 

[Duckjake]

ASUS has problems with the case. Very cheap imo. It's like they take a ferrari engine and put it in a Ford Focus. Check the buttons on any ASUS you consider. Ours makes an annoying click like those old metal "crickets" or clickers. Drives you nuts.