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Laptop for college (~€550)

  • 12-06-2015 4:35pm
    #1
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭


    Hi there. I'm starting a computer science course in September and looking for advice on laptop purchase.

    First off, my budget is up to €600, though I'm hoping to find something more around the €500 mark that would be suitable.

    I will be using it for college work, (a lot of Python and Java), word processing, internet browsing, music/tv streaming and small amounts of gaming. League of Legends is about the most demanding title I'm looking to play, so shouldn't need anything too extravagant.

    Looking for a Windows machine with a nice keyboard and touchpad being high priority. I prefer keyboards with slightly spaced keys, but as long as they feel responsive and satisfying I'll be happy.

    If possible, High Res screen and decent battery life are desirable, but not essential.

    Looking online I liked the look of the Toshiba Satellite E45, but it doesn't seem to be available in Ireland, so perhaps something similar?

    Any recommendations or help would be greatly appreciated, so thank you in advance!

    (I'm living in Dublin just in case that helps!)


    EDIT: Just clarifying, gaming requirements are not essential. Portability and usability for college work and general browsing/streaming are priority.


Comments

  • #2
    ED E
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,170 ✭✭✭✭ED E


    Go for small and light, seriously. After lugging the thing around for 2yrs (Youll probably replace it then) you'll be glad of a low weight unit.


  • #3
    The_Honeybadger
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,219 ✭✭✭The_Honeybadger


    http://shop.lenovo.com/ie/en/laptops/thinkpad/edge-series/e550/

    This would be good if you could stretch to €629 with the coupon

    Reasonable processor, good battery life and dedicated graphics.


  • #4
    TerrorFirmer
    Closed Accounts Posts: 29,930 ✭✭✭✭TerrorFirmer


    The dedicated graphics are crap and not really any better than that i7's integrated Intel graphics, it's more or less a marketing ploy.

    There are plenty of i5 based laptops in the 500 euro price range, all you can do is sift through them looking for those that weigh the least, and have the battery life (it will say 4, 6, or 9 cell for example).

    Or something like this.

    There are also slightly cheaper versions of the above with full HD screens like this but I'm not sure how well the processor would cope with LOL - probably fine but on lower settings.


  • #5
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    @mickeyk: Unfortunately I think it's too much of a stretch. I've heard great things about the ThinkPad keyboards too, so I will keep it in mind just in case. Thanks.


    @TerrorFirmer: I've had a few friends recommending Lenovo above other brands, so I will look into both of these. I guess running games is a more minor point, above that I would prefer to have a lightweight, smooth running machine for my college work, web browsing, music and media streaming.


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