What kind of laptop for college?

Note: Please see the 2008 version of this article for the latest recommended specs.

I bought a Dell Inspiron 6400 laptop last summer. Here are my opinions on what kind of laptop computer to bring to college. (Desktop recommendations will come soon. If you use Apple computers, this does not apply to you.)

I went with Dell because they had a good deal. Although I bought a Dell, I think most of the brands are fairly similar (HP, Dell, Sony). Sony has been known to have some well built computers – at a premium price. I have always used Dell, though, so I don’t know firsthand about the other brands.

Purchasing computers online is kind of difficult, because deals will come and go daily, so you have to be on top of it, checking often to get the best deal. Remember – the price on one day could be completely different the next day!

As long as you don’t play any intensive video games, pretty much any processor will be fine. I normally recommend the Intel Core 2 Duo processors in laptops because they have lower power consumption, even though Dell is really trying to push their AMD processors.

Wireless is really important. Try to get Intel PRO/Set wireless if possible, and make sure it’s 802.11 a/b/g (as opposed to only 802.11 b). 802.11 draft N is now available, but it has not been approved by the IEEE, so it may end up not being compatible with future implementations.

The laptop will probably come with Windows Vista, which is more resource intensive than Windows XP. This means I would recommend getting 2 GB of RAM memory instead of 1 GB (what will come with the laptop by default). This will allow full use of the new Windows Vista Aero Glass interface.

You don’t have to worry about video cards too much (again, if you don’t play many intensive video games).

The size of the screen is very important, because this is the size of the laptop. I would recommend making sure you know what size you are buying – get your hands on them and see what kind you are comfortable with (Make a trip to Best Buy). Mine is a 15.4” wide screen, and I think that is pretty large. I don’t know if I could stand a 17”, but that’s just me.

The University of Illinois doesn’t have any major restrictions that would require you to get a special type of computer. The wireless is standard, as are all of the internet jacks. He will get free VirusScan from UIUC also, so you don’t have to worry about buying that. There are network printers that you can use in the dorms, although they are kind of a hassle to walk to, and it costs $0.03/print, so most people bring a printer.

Finally, if you plan to write papers and collaborate, Microsoft Office is suggested. After you are a U of I student, you can buy office at a discounted rate.