student needs you help

I’m a middle age man; knows nothing (only the basics) about computers and my budget is really tight. Need a lap top to help me in my studies (involves Maths, Physics, and Engineering). I need it to handle things like Matlab7, AutoCAD 2005, and the like. Any recommendations Please

 

Where are you??
http://compreviews.about.com/cs/laptops/tp/aabudgetnote.htm
& don't forget your friend Google....

 

Thanks
Where was I?
didn't want to bother you with my story but for short I can say
"from war to war and from refugee camp to another". I guess you know now who am I. Thanks

 

I meant....USA? GB? AUS? Or other?

Er? NO!

 

Hello!

For a laptop I would go with the Intel Pentium M (moblie aka Centrino) for your processor. This will offer you better power managment and has been built specificlly for laptops, so it will handle some task much better then what the Celeron will. If you don't want the Pentium M, and choose to go with a cheaper processor, try to get the Intel Pentium 4 M (just like the P4's that go in computers, but shurnk a bit to fit in laptops). You wouln't get anywhere close the the uptime on a battery as witht he Pentium M, but it will run better then the Celerons.

Try to get 512 MB of ram. You'll probably be needed it, even more so since the laptop will probably have what we called "shared ram" or in other words, yoru graphic card will use part of the system's RAM as its own. So its best to cover all your bases on that end.

As far as the OS goes, it deepends if you will need/want the abilty to tie your laptop into a big network (perhaps your schools), if so, get Windows XP Pro. If not, then Home would be okay. No sense wasting the money.

Also, if you are a student, and in the US.. do NOT get any application software with the machine. Rather, to help save money, go over to Walmart and but Microsoft Office 2003 Student & Teacher edition. You will be able to get the following programs:
MS Word
MS Excel
MS Outlook
MS Powerpoint

I think you may also get either Publisher, or Acess in that package, but I don't remember off the top of my head. You will save money, cause it will be only a $150ish dollars. However, you must currently be a student and or teacher. If your not, then I'm sorry you'll need to but a Retail or OEM copy with the system.

As far as brands, I prefer Gateway laptops over Dell. However, Toshiba and Sony make some very fine laptops, that are high quality. IBM's aren't to bad either (people just seem to forget about anyone who isn't Gateway or Dell). Avoid any laptop that is for around $999. Most of these laptops will not come close to have the same stuff in them that you will need. And they carry typically a 1 year or 90 day warranty. If you want this laptop to last, yet the 3 year warranty. Trust me, you will probably need it.

I know as a student you'll be short on cash, but to get just a system as described as above, its going to be around $1400+, last time I looked. If you really want to save money, you can get just a tower just as powerfull for around $950+ (if you don't need a moniter).

Good Luck!

 

You needed all of that for a BS in Science? The HP 41 programmable calculator was big league when I attended college. Not much has changed in terms of math, science, and engineering (assuming you're not an EE). Jobs that require massive number crunching can be off-loaded to the campus' computers.

Most new graduates don't think like a good engineer cause they rely too much on PCs as undergrads.

Virtually all mid-priced notebooks ($1000-$1200) will do the job. Make sure the PC runs quietly under heavy CPU load (test in a quiet environment). Heat and noise are the biggest complaints. A poorly designed PC runs HOT. Avoid HPs and Compaqs. Look for designs with side vent ports. Cheaper design uses bottom-mounted vents leading thermal overload as the computer ages. Shy away from bells and whistles. You don't need a big screen.

I'd checkout the Toshibas and IBMs with 512MB RAM. I'm not sure if you need to bring a PC to class. A desktop PC will provide the price, performance, and reliability. A $650 desktop would be my choice.