Laptop For College

[NeonFirefox]

 I'm looking for a laptop for gaming and computer science for college. Any suggestions?

Thanks! 

[exercutor5]

Budget? Uses? Location? Requirements?

[StevenSensei]

If you are doing programming you will likely want a MAC as they are used by many people for development. You should also check with your department to see what they are using and recommending. Many CS programs want their students to have a particular configuration or minimum specifications. 

[terrytek]

probably a rare time for me to ever say this, but go macbook. they're super portable, lightweight, and though expensive, some of its hardware is actuall good, considering you can't upgrade it like past models.

[Oranges]

Just so everyone who ever looks at this thread gets a good idea and is better suited to help you, fill this out as best as you can.

1) What is your budget?
2) What size notebook would you prefer?

a. Netbook; 10" screen or less
b. Ultraportable; 11" - 12" screen
c. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
d. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
e. Desktop Replacement; 17"+ screen

3) Where will you buying this notebook?
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?

6) What are the primary tasks will you be performing with this notebook?
7) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places, leaving it on your desk or both?
8) Will you be playing games on your notebook? If so, please state which games or types of games?
9) How many hours of battery life do you need?
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?
11) What OS do you prefer? Windows (Windows 7 / 8 / 10), Mac OS, Linux, etc.

 

You don't need to read the spoiler unless you want to

Spoiler

this isn't my "original content", i just googled a list of questions and got this, if you want a like here it is: http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/what-should-i-buy-form-must-read-before-posting.29271/

 

[rtpb5642]

9 minutes ago, Papakuma said:

If you are doing programming you will likely want a MAC as they are used by many people for development. 

Your joking right? Most people develop on windows and linux not mac.....

OP will come much further ahead with a windows laptop, much more performance for the same cost as a mac, unless OP needs Xcode then no reason to buy a mac. 

[Guest]

Dell XPS 15 or if you want to join the white girl master race Macbook Pro

[StevenSensei]

5 minutes ago, rtpb5642 said:

Your joking right? Most people develop on windows and linux not mac.....

OP will come much further ahead with a windows laptop, much more performance for the same cost as a mac, unless OP needs Xcode then no reason to buy a mac. 

I said many, not most. And I guess it depends on what you are developing. Most of the people I know here in Japan are doing development from Macbooks (Front end web, Server side web, portable applications, android, iphone, etc), But I think the most important advice for OP would be to check with his or her University! The department will have minimum requirements for what they want their students to use and what they will or will not support. For example, when I was at the University of Oregon they would not support any Linux distribution at all. They would only provide support for Windows 7 or Mac (at that time). This wasn't just the CS department but all of University IT Support. 

 

Since OP is entering a University program it would be best to find out what that program requires.