Buying Laptop for University

[Missing User]

So basically the deal is that I can get any laptop I want for university, with no price limit. Seeing this, I would definitely like a 'powerful' laptop, however, it also needs to be portable (since I'm lugging it around all day) and have a decent battery life. Screen size isn't a huge concern, but preferably 15.4" to 16". And yes, I know I said no price limit, try to keep it under $1500. If it gets damaged or stolen, that's a hefty price to pay.

Now, I'm not sure if I should get one now or later in the summer when newer/updated components are released, if any?

Also, I am situated in Canada, so which is the best place to buy from?
Sites I've looked at include:
[URL]http://www.newegg.ca/[/URL]
[URL]http://www.xoticpc.com/[/URL]
[URL]http://www.buydirectpc.com/[/URL] (seems very overpriced)
[URL]http://www.sagernotebook.com/[/URL]
[URL]http://www.pro-star.com/[/URL]
[URL]http://laptops.overam.com/custom-laptops.php[/URL]
[URL]http://www.factorgaming.com/[/URL] (also seems overpriced)
[URL]http://www.powernotebooks.com/[/URL]
[URL]http://www.ibuypower.com/[/URL]

So far, the ones that looks promising to me are newegg, xoticpc, sagernotebook and powernotebooks.

What's your opinion(s) to all of the above?

PS. I would like a good warranty as well, just in case. As well, a little bit of future-proofing (such as USB 3.0) is a bonus.

[Missing User]

bump please<3

[butre]

get an mbp

[Missing User]

[QUOTE=ButtsexV2;23170002]get an mbp[/QUOTE]
lol no

[butre]

then get an asus or sager

[Missing User]

[QUOTE=ButtsexV2;23170189]then get an asus or sager[/QUOTE]
OK....that still only answers like 1/3 of the OP...

[Elspin]

NCIX, asus, F8v series is very good. Also, if you're planning on taking notes in the sciences either get a tablet or a tablet pen because it's fucking impossible typing out a long formula and trying to pay attention at the same time.

[Missing User]

[QUOTE=Elspin;23170418]NCIX, asus, F8v series is very good. Also, if you're planning on taking notes in the sciences either get a tablet or a tablet pen because it's fucking impossible typing out a long formula and trying to pay attention at the same time.[/QUOTE]
I was thinking just using pen/pencil and paper for the sciences, then the laptop to do the arts on (philosophy, computer science) and then general research + gaming.

Unless tablets are really cheap and really worth it. I can go laptop + tablet maybe.

[editline]01:22AM[/editline]

NCIX doesn't do custom builds do they? it's going to be hard to find a laptop with everything I want already made :(

[kdabr]

If you have the money, an MBP is a great option. Just boot windows on it. Ignoring the shit operating system, and the often iffy ratio of performance:price, the macbook pros have the best fit and finish of any laptop ever made. They'll take a beating and look good doing it...and they are fucking gorgeous...and they feel so solid...

If you are the clumsy type, panasonic toughbook?

[butre]

[QUOTE=kdabr;23170682]If you have the money, an MBP is a great option. Just boot windows on it. Ignoring the shit operating system, and the often iffy ratio of performance:price, the macbook pros have the best fit and finish of any laptop ever made. They'll take a beating and look good doing it...and they are fucking gorgeous...and they feel so solid...[/QUOTE]

also battery life, which is why I suggested it. your average gaming laptop is going to last an hour or two on battery, an MBP will last nine

[Missing User]

[QUOTE=kdabr;23170682]If you have the money, an MBP is a great option. Just boot windows on it. Ignoring the shit operating system, and the often iffy ratio of performance:price, the macbook pros have the best fit and finish of any laptop ever made. They'll take a beating and look good doing it...and they are fucking gorgeous...and they feel so solid...

If you are the clumsy type, panasonic toughbook?[/QUOTE]
There really is no point in getting A MPB. You buy it, it's twice the cost of something for a PC and its hardware lags a few months behind to boot. (fixed) You still run Windows on it and to me, it's not even a good looking laptop. There are much more aesthetically pleasing PC laptops out there.

And I don't think I'm too clumsy, but I do want warranty just in case. But I don't want to pay out the ass just for a tough notebook either.

[editline]01:41AM[/editline]

Also, when I say battery life, I mean like 3-4 hours. Nine is for people who can't get outlets at any time. I probably can.

[kdabr]

To be honest, You will probably only get 5 hours with an MBP. I have a friend with an alienware gaming laptop who gets pitiful battery life (Never more than 2 hours)
And while the tech in the iMacs is always pitiful, their laptops are usually current gen CONSIDERING FORM FACTOR. They are compact, after all.

[Missing User]

[QUOTE=kdabr;23170934]To be honest, You will probably only get 5 hours with an MBP. I have a friend with an alienware gaming laptop who gets pitiful battery life (Never more than 2 hours)
And while the tech in the iMacs is always pitiful, their laptops are usually current gen CONSIDERING FORM FACTOR. They are compact, after all.[/QUOTE]
I don't need a small ass 'netbook'-sized laptop :p
I'm a big boy who can lug around 5-6 pounds with me. 15" to 16" screen is fine.

[kdabr]

I dont think you understand...the macbook pros are like 5 pounds. High performance PC's are often more than 10 pounds

[Machk]

This has served me well for the past week. It's almost an entirely abmirable replacement for a desktop PC, at least for the next 2-3 years.

[url]http://support.gateway.com/s/notebook/2009/gateway/nv/nv79/NV79nv.shtml[/url]

EDIT:

I purchased the model that had the i7 processor. I suggest you do the same, if you end up purchasing it. Also, Canadian, eh?

[url]http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/gateway-gateway-17-3-intel-core-i7-620m-2-66ghz-laptop-nv7905h-black-nv7905h/10137789.aspx?path=c0a34ed00e112511567df584f6e23614en02[/url]

[Missing User]

[QUOTE=kdabr;23171052]I dont think you understand...the macbook pros are like 5 pounds. High performance PC's are often more than 10 pounds[/QUOTE]
'scuse me, sir:
[url]http://ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=53526&vpn=N61JQ-QHDA1-CBIL&manufacture=ASUS[/url]

[kdabr]

Only 8 pounds too

And army...wow...6 pounds? This is why I love asus and hate dell

[Missing User]

[QUOTE=Machk;23171090]This has served me well for the past week. It's almost an entirely abmirable replacement for a desktop PC, at least for the next 2-3 years.

[URL]http://support.gateway.com/s/notebook/2009/gateway/nv/nv79/NV79nv.shtml[/URL]

EDIT:

I purchased the model that had the i7 processor. I suggest you do the same, if you end up purchasing it.[/QUOTE]
Yea, thanks for the link! I'll check it out.

[kdabr]

My love for the fit and finish of apple is conflicting with my inner asus fanboy. Suicide is the only option

[Tools]

Something Lenovo. Seriously, they take everything you throw at them, or even if you throw it at things.

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iw78gcU713g[/media]

[TrueNash]

[QUOTE=Armyis1337;23170484] then the laptop to do the arts on (philosophy, computer science) [/QUOTE]

Is Computer [I]science[/I] seriously an arts degree in Canada?

[Missing User]

[QUOTE=TrueNash;23171161]Is Computer [I]science[/I] seriously an arts degree in Canada?[/QUOTE]
No, that was my mistake :)
It's under the science area.

[Machk]

[QUOTE=TrueNash;23171161]Is Computer [I]science[/I] seriously an arts degree in Canada?[/QUOTE]

In some Universities, many Faculties have been combined due to budgetary reasons. So... Computer Science may have been melded into the Faculty of Arts, at the institution wherein OP is going to be attending.

EDIT (Again):
It appears, I'm wrong.

[Missing User]

[QUOTE=kdabr;23171120]Only 8 pounds too

And army...wow...6 pounds? This is why I love asus and hate dell[/QUOTE]
Yea that laptop actually looks pretty nice...that one is up for debate.

[Sgt Pringles]

Wouldn't it be easier to have a netbook for the portability side(maybe one with the tablet screen that swivels for easier note taking) then have a powerful laptop for when you need to do your work, rather than lugging around a large/heavy laptop all day?

[Missing User]

I'd be spending closer to 1800 if I go that route though.

[kdabr]

I had a moronic friend who did this. Why buy a laptop and a desktop replacement laptop when you could buy a netbook and a DESKTOP. A desktop will be cheaper and faster than anything designed to replace it.

I mean come on, this desktop will never be obselete
[IMG]http://funmeme.com/image.axd?picture=PCNeverObsolete.jpg[/IMG]

[Big D Duchovny]

The MBP's got such good battery life, by having a, sorry, shit GPU. Having a very small GPU makes more space for battery, and the GPU doesn't use that much power. It's a win... Win... Lose?

Not to mention the harddisk... *cough* "Deathstar" *cough*

[Missing User]

[QUOTE=kdabr;23173324]I had a moronic friend who did this. Why buy a laptop and a desktop replacement laptop when you could buy a netbook and a DESKTOP. A desktop will be cheaper and faster than anything designed to replace it.

I mean come on, this desktop will never be obselete
[IMG]http://funmeme.com/image.axd?picture=PCNeverObsolete.jpg[/IMG][/QUOTE]
I've thought of that so many times, but I just don't see the potential in a university.
You are always going to be on the go and moving around and working in spaces all around the campus...not just in your dorm room.

[butre]

[QUOTE=Armyis1337;23173542]I've thought of that so many times, but I just don't see the potential in a university.
You are always going to be on the go and moving around and working in spaces all around the campus...not just in your dorm room.[/QUOTE]

if you're not in your dorm chances are you don't have time to game anyway