college student laptop help

I am currently a college student in computer science at Depaul. I am going to be studing network security. I need to buy a laptop so I can work on my homework besides at home or at the labs. What OS system is best given my major? I am currently taking C++. Depaul (like U of Illinois ) is a windows school. I know Dell has been having quantity issues and I have only bought dells in the past because I like the custom ability so I do not know who make good laptops any more.

 

Might look into cyber power for custom laptops.
http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/r05/ri05.asp
I would suggest windows XP pro,as I have had so many stability problems with
vista that I just got rid of it.
You will want something with a decent processor and plenty of memory
for compiling programs.
I don't know if they still have XP,you might check with them

 

I bought my desktop from Cyberpower and haven't had any issues at all. I priced putting one together myself and they actually beat it, believe it or not.

Dell does have a bad rap...but I haven't had any issues with them. I had an Inspiron (base model can't remember the model #) laptop for 4 years; then I replaced it with a XPS (the lower model with upgraded processor and video card). I've had the XPS for about 6 months now and again no problems. Maybe I've just been lucky with the Dells, but I can't bad mouth them in good conscience.

Deal-wise though...I think Cyberpower is awesome...good luck in your search-

 

Anyone have a suggestions on manufacturers.

More spec models


Regardless of the fact
my school has agreement with dell and apple for around 12% discount.

 

nothing great to add here other than to say I have a Toshiba satellite series that I keep in my work truck... It gets beat to death and keeps on working... I run Photoshop CS3 and Delorme map programs on it with no trouble...

I also have a MAC laptop at home that I am still getting the hang of and waiting for Apple to make it compatible with the software I wish to use...

 

I bought a Dell Latitude for my daughter last year. Interestingly enough I checked the price with my employers discount, and also checked the CalPoly student discount price. Then I went to the Small Business section of the website and found that price was even better. You can still get XP there too.