$500-$600 Laptop for Math and Biology Major?

[achilles007]

Hi

I have been skating across hundreds of websites trying to figure out the ideal configurations for what I'm looking for, but all the terminology is confusing and almost contradictory depending on what site you go to.

Maybe I'm just looking for a regular old laptop but not sure.

But just to give a background:
Math undergrad looking for something to last 3-4 years, and hopefully through a Master's.

I'm not a gamer at all, and I guess the most I would like to do as far as Multimedia-- at the very most-- would be taking/uploading videos & pictures (for and from dance lessons).

Ideal price range a budget $600 at the absolute but not necessarily preferred maximum. (Would much rather have $500 or lower)

Sorry!

General Questions

1) What is your budget?
$500

2) What size notebook would you prefer?

a. Netbook; 10” screen or less
b. Ultraportable; 11" - 12” screen
c. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
d. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
e. Desktop Replacement; 17"+ screen

3) Where will you buying this notebook? You can select the flag of your country as an indicator.

US

4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?

a. Like:
b. Dislike:

No PREFERENCE

5) Would you consider laptops that are refurbished/redistributed?

YES

6) What are the primary tasks will you be performing with this notebook?

Microsoft Office
Internet
Email
Math Programs (if this even exists for a math major-- not sure)
Video uploading, maybe editing (optional)
Photo uploading (optional)

7) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places, leaving it on your desk or both?

Yes, to different places on campus more than likely

8) Will you be playing games on your notebook? If so, please state which games or types of games?

No-- i dont believe so

9) How many hours of battery life do you need?

No Preference


11) What OS do you prefer? Windows (XP or Vista or Windows 7), Mac OS, Linux, etc.

Windows

Screen Specifics

12) From the choices below, what screen resolution(s) would you prefer? Keep in mind screen size in conjunction with resolution will play a large role in overall viewing comfort level. Everyone is different. Some like really small text, while others like their text big and easy to read. Click here for Screen resolution information.

No Preference

13) Do you want a Glossy/reflective screen or a Matte/non-glossy screen?

No preference

Build Quality and Design

14) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?

No

15) When are you buying this laptop?

Before fall

16) How long do you want this laptop to last?

5-6 years

Notebook Components

17) How much hard drive space do you need; 80GB to 640GB? Do you want a SSD drive?

320 - 500 GB

18) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD Burner, Blu-ray Reader or Blu-Ray Burner?

Yes

[Threshold]

Let's see...US, refurbs okay, you don't care about the resolution, you want an optical drive, 15.6"...

Look at Lenovo's Outlet and find something that strikes your fancy. Fridays and Saturdays are probably best, but inventory clears fast-there's not much there at the moment. Also, coupon code EMAIL10 gives 10% off, which will more than cover tax.

If you're lucky, you can nab an i5-2xxx or an A6/A8 system, either with decent integrated graphics, for about $400. Should do everything you need.

[pepper_john]

Let's see...US, refurbs okay, you don't care about the resolution, you want an optical drive, 15.6"...

Look at Lenovo's Outlet and find something that strikes your fancy. Fridays and Saturdays are probably best, but inventory clears fast-there's not much there at the moment. Also, coupon code EMAIL10 gives 10% off, which will more than cover tax.

If you're lucky, you can nab an i5-2xxx or an A6/A8 system, either with decent integrated graphics, for about $400. Should do everything you need.

+1. thinkpad T420, E420 are all great

[achilles007]

Okay. great. Thanks, guys.

Do I need anything special for-- say-- making videos?

And what about for better viewing or better video play? Perhaps this is called "resolution" or has something to do with a "video card" but I am not sure.

[pepper_john]

The view is defined by the resolution. I find 760p resolution on 14" my E420 fine but I am not spoiled.

A good GPU alone costs about $300+. Not sure if you want that. On the other hand, T430/E430 comes with HD4000 which is better than many lower-end GPU.

[achilles007]

Not to be annoying or anything.

But now that I think about it... chances are highly that I will INDEED be making video and -- or course-- editing.

would resolution matter, then?

And What type of graphics card would anyone recommend? $400 max just on the GPU alone.

[RobotsEatCookies]

Resolution would only matter if you want better playback and better quality when you actually WATCH the video or stream videos online.

GPU, processor, and RAM will affect producing and editing videos the most.

May I ask you, what program will you be using for editing? Because there is a big difference in using Sony Vegas Pro 11 to create killer videos than from making a slideshow in Windows Movie Maker.

[achilles007]

Resolution would only matter if you want better playback and better quality when you actually WATCH the video or stream videos online.

GPU, processor, and RAM will affect producing and editing videos the most.

May I ask you, what program will you be using for editing? Because there is a big difference in using Sony Vegas Pro 11 to create killer videos than from making a slideshow in Windows Movie Maker.

lol... well, as I'm sure you can tell by my posts, I am a complete noob when it comes to any of this video stuff.

Just a brief background, I dance and would like to record my practice on camcorder and then film myself when I get home to make sure my form is right when practicing and to see what else it is that I need to work on.

again-- I am a complete beginner. Have never uploaded a movie nevertheless used Windows Movie Maker, so I would have no clue where to start, or if I even need a GPU considering I'm just starting out-- and I guess, could theoretically just make do with Windows Movie Maker until I advance...

[achilles007]

so... I guess, would basic be better for a first-tme starter whose never uploaded or edited a video before? And play around with that for a couple years, and then move up as needed?