college student laptop help

[fearlesss]

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.

 

[leroys1000]

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

 

[TechGuy]

A lot of people are still afraid of Vista. It reminds me of when XP first came out and everyone warned to stick with 98. Check with your school to see what OS they recommend. It's possible they still use older software that isn't supported in Vista yet, but I've found that most schools not only support but recommend Vista by now.

As for brand, I'm not a big fan of Dell, either. I've had good luck with Sony and I'm a big fan of Lenovo. Your school may have a deal with some manufacturers to get you special pricing.

Good luck!

 

[TechGuy]

Wow, I've never heard of CyberPower before, but I really like their selection of computers (not to mention customizations). Almost too many choices! And, yes, they still list XP in their system builder.

 

[ckphilli]

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-

 

[fearlesss]

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.

 

[buck52]

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...

 

[Frank4d]

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.

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.