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Question

Yet another laptop recommendation thread (w/ FAQ, not for ga

Jan 8, 2015 3:17AM PST

This would be a laptop for four years of college (preferably). I'll be bringing my desktop to college for any heavy computing needs (which I can run remotely from my laptop using something like TeamViewer or Chrome Remote Desktop). In order from most important to least, here are the biggest things I need in the laptop:

Low Price
Portability (ChromebookISH)
Screen

Now I know that what I'm asking for is pretty much a Chromebook, but I don't like Chrome OS... I have a Chromebook for school right now, and it just doesn't cut it. I need actual Windows with real Microsoft Office. The Windows Chromebook alternatives look pretty weak, and I'm sure they run slowly with Windows on them. Also, I'll probably be buying this in the summer (because of lower prices), but I'm always on the lookout for deals. I don't need a touchscreen at all.

1. What is your budget?
Preferably under $600, this can be stretched if absolutely necessary (but it has to last four years)

2. What is the size of the notebook that you are considering?
Preferably 13-14in, I can do 15 if it's light. Weight is more important than physical size here.

3. What screen resolution do you want?
Good... 1080p I suppose. I need screen quality, though, so if there's a better screen with less pixels I'm cool with that. I'm sure it cuts down on the price, too.

4. Do you need a portable or desktop replacement laptop?
As portable as possible.

5. How much battery life do you need?
Since it's college, I'd prefer about 8 hours. I'm pretty good at conserving battery power, and every screen I use is usually on the dimmest setting, but I'd really like the battery to last 8 hours or more.

6. Do you want to play games with your laptop? If so then please list the games that you want to with the settings that you want for these games. (Low,Medium or High)?
Nope.

7. What other tasks do you want to do with your laptop? (Photo/Video editing, Etc.)
It will primarily be used for web surfing/Microsoft Office/TeamViewer

8. How much storage (Hard Drive capacity) do you need?
Not a lot, this isn't important. I would love an SSD though.

10. How long do you want to keep your laptop?
Four years

11. What kind of Optical drive do you need? DVD ROM/Writer,Bluray ROM/Writer,Etc ?
None. If necessary, I can always hook up a USB Optical Drive.

12. Please tell us about the brands that you prefer to buy from them and the brands that you don't like and explain the reasons.
No preference really, but I don't really like how much bloatware Lenovo puts on their laptops. However, Lenovo usually has great bang for the buck so I guess I could get one if I had to

13. What country do you live in?
USA

Thanks!

Discussion is locked

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Answer
That 8 hours is a killer.
Jan 8, 2015 3:53AM PST

Just last month I checked the Top 10 Lists noted in this forum's sticky top post and if I dismiss models over 600 not one made the cut. If I add 1080p, it looks like zero.

What model did you find that hit just those requirements?
Bob

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Price
Jan 8, 2015 6:34AM PST
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That usually fails to meet folk's needs in short time.
Jan 8, 2015 7:24AM PST

The 128GB is often too small for most folk as they install some apps and a few movies. It did get 8.5 hours in a review but it's hundreds over your 600 mark. Also folk that use laptops on battery all day long, charging at night find the battery wear hard to accept. Figure a new battery every year if you do that as the battery looks to be a 300 cycle rating.

Get a quote for battery replacement since it doesn't look to be the simple design many other laptops use.
Bob