If you want it to last for more than a few years, look for a laptop with a sturdy case. If this is your first purchase of a laptop, try and avoid the online scene, because other than functionality you're going to have to like the way the product works. Go to stores, test out a similar model to what your looking for and make sure you like the feel of it because you're going to be using it for so long. Then purchase it online if thats how you wish to pursue it.
I currently have 2 dell laptops one I got in my freshman year of school, it needed repairs after the first year. It still works today (me being a senior now) but when I switch from my newer version to the older on, it takes me a while to get used to the layout of the keyboard.
In the end
- Look for a sturdy case.
- A product that will produce what you are looking for it to produce.
- One that will have some upgradeable hardwaree
- A warranty that covers many FRU's (Field Replaceable Units)
- Make sure you get an extended warranty if you want it to last 5 years
- make sure you're comfortable with the layout
- And just a good rule of thumb, make the hardware fit the software, not the other way around.
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UCF History & Education '12
Sometimes you just need to step away
"They were shown as everything is shown, for, like the lens of a camera, history is a force that does not discriminate."
JRW <3
Volunteering: IRI - Reset 07/08, Mission Mayhem 07 - Referee
TnT - Referee 07/08, FLL Florida State Tournament - Judge 08/09
Florida Regional 08 - Reset/Repair, Florida Regional 09/10 - Photographer
8 Events - Web Evaluator 08/09/10