Laptop For a Computer Science Major

Hello everyone, So college is starting in 2 months and I'm getting ready to purchase a new laptop for my masters in cs. I want this laptop to be very powerful with good cpu, good ram and a fast ssd ect. One of my largest things is, I want a laptop that i'll be able to use throughout the day for notes and papers ect. I don't want this laptop to be to heavy because i'll be lugging it around all day. Battery life doesn't have to be tremendous because i'll probably have time between classes to sneak a charge in. I dont want this laptop to have loud and annoying fans that will distract not only me but my fellow classmates. Thanks in advance, Nick

1) What is your budget?
Probably about $2,500
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
d. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
3) Where will you buying this notebook? You can select the flag of your country as an indicator.
Probably online, could purchase in stores if needed.
4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
a. Like:
b. Dislike:
5) Would you consider laptops that are refurbished/redistributed?
No, I want something that will be new.
6) What are the primary tasks will you be performing with this notebook?
coding and compiling for class, notes, papers, possibly a little gaming
7) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places, leaving it on your desk or both?
Both, taking it to class daily but at night may place it on my desk.
Will you be playing games on your notebook? If so, please state which games or types of games?
possibly H1Z1 or Minecraft
9) How many hours of battery life do you need?
Minimum of four hours of heavy use.
10) Would you prefer to see the notebooks you're considering before purchasing it or buying a notebook on-line without seeing it is OK?
I would do research and buying online would be fine.
11) What OS do you prefer? Windows (Windows 7 / , Mac OS, Linux, etc.
I've been using Windows all my life but im a fast learner so I could learn most other OS'.
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.
I would enjoy 4k or 3k but I would be fine with a FHD screen.
13) Do you want a Glossy/reflective screen or a Matte/non-glossy screen?
I would be perfectly fine with either.
Build Quality and Design
14) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Not a large factor but I don't want a huge bulky laptop. I enjoy the looks of the macbook pro but i'm not really an apple fan.
15) When are you buying this laptop?
In the next month or two.
16) How long do you want this laptop to last?
Hoping for the Laptop to last 4 years but if it starts to get slow I could always do upgrades myself.
Notebook Components
17) How much hard drive space do you need? Do you want a SSD drive?
I would like about 1tb ssd or a 500gb ssd, I'm thinking I could do this myself instead of purchasing the laptop with it.
1 Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD Burner, Blu-ray Reader or Blu-Ray Burner?
I would like space for that just in case i need to insert a disk for a class but i could always buy and external usb od.
19) How much RAM would you like?
Yes, I added that question. I've talked to some of my professors and they said a minimum of 8 but 16 would be best.

P.S. I've been looking at the lenovo w550s with an i7 and 32gigs of ram, I would be upgrading the ssd to 1tb by myself. What do you guys think?


Thank you again for spending your time to read this and help me out. Have a nice day.

Nick