I'm looking to buy a new laptop as I enter into university this September.

 

I came across quite a few and was wondering if the geeks here could advise/suggest something for me.

 

A little background on me.

 

I do part time web development - mainly as a hobby, which I make decent money from. I'm mainly based in front end development but I do get backend work from time to time. So i'll need to be able to multi task large applications such as netbeans & photoshop at the same time.

 

I have a large stash of movies & music, so i'll need a good storage size too.

 

I'm also a casual gamer, the only games I really play are Call of Duty & Minecraft, so an average sized processor or something.

 

I'm also abit stylish so i'd like a laptop with a nice skin (favourite colour is red)

 

I saw this one:

http://www.pcworld.c...ay~RR~~14272580

What do you think of the processor on this one?

 

 

I also saw this one:

http://configure.del....=dhs&cs=cappp1

it comes with an xbox

 

What y'all think?

 

Oh & my budgets about £400 - £500, I wouldn't mind going to £600 if I know it can last me longer than my 4 years at Uni.

Edited August 12, 201214 yr by Samus

Ok, first let's get my standard hardware disclaimer out of the way: when buying the tools of your trade always buy the best quality you can possibly afford. It will save you time, money and tears in the long run. Both the models you've linked are plasticky consumer-grade tat, definitely won't last as your main work machine for 4 years. Try something like the XPS 15z instead.

 

As to longevity: my current laptop is a Dell Adamo: 3 yrs old and still going strong. It feels a lot faster than its low specs suggest because it boots from an SSD (that should be your first upgrade - keep your large file collection on external disks or a NAS at home; a 120gb SSD is enough for OS, apps and what you need every day).

Gotta agree with RD above on this one.

Those two don't do anything for me.

 

I've had several laptops over the years and only the really well built ones have lasted more than 2-3 years so as you've got 4 years at Uni, i'd spend the extra to get something you'll be really happy with and you'll be far more efficient on a half decent machine than on a budget model.

Remember to get a student discount if you can, the discount can be large, especially for software like Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint etc.

Though there are many diff companies producing laptops like dell Sony but now days Samsung and and hp are the bet companies producing the best laptops these days but in my opinion if you are planning to buy a new laptop