Budget Laptop for Programming Major

[FAHall]

Hey Guys,

I will be returning to school for a second undergrad degree this fall. I will be majoring in Computer Science, with an emphasis in real-time 3d graphics programming.

I have a very powerful desktop (though measly, I'm sure, by [H] standards).

I need to find a laptop or netbook. Here's what I'm looking for:


Battery Life 6+ hours (8+ preferable, I will be commuting pretty far to school and don't want to lug around my adapter)

Good Keyboard (10keyless is fine... don't want it too cramped though... will be taking lots of notes)

Weight <= 3.5lbs

Basic computing power ( I need to be able to run visual studio and acrobat reader at the same time, at least. If I can do a bit more multitasking, that'd be great. Any heavy computing I'll be doing on my desktop)

Windows (for compatibility with school machines)

Price - As cheap as possible (definitely under $600... I know, it's limiting me, but that's my absolute max, and I'd like to go even cheaper)

Screen - between 11" and 14", but I'd prefer not to go over 13".

I've had good luck with Asus, Toshiba, and MSI in the past, but I'm open to other reputable brands with good customer service.

Bonus = One of those little dot mouse things like Lenovo has would be nice (I got good with those in the 90s).


The three most important features, in order of priority are PRICE, weight, and battery life.


Any suggestions? Are there any upcoming releases I should be waiting for? I can wait until mid-September, possibly another month or two if it's for a major technology upgrade.

 

[OrangeWolf]

Thinkpad Edge has a 14" version that you might find for your price range (Edge 430). It starts at just over $500 so you might have some upgrade room.

You might also find a used Thinkpad x220 for that on Lenovo's Outlet if you get lucky (there's a new one up there for $672, so a used/refurb should go for your price). That would be close to ideal for you I suspect -- it's great on portability at 12.5" and has good battery life while providing a nice keyboard.

 

[FAHall]

Well, if I can find an X220 in my price range, that'd be amazing.

The other one is a bit too heavy at over 5lbs.

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[cyclone3d]

Small screens and programming do not go well together.

Having to run VS on only one large screen is bad enough. Putting it on a small screen would be very very painful.. at least for me.

If you are only planning on doing small projects, then a dual core processor should be fine. For larger projects, a quad is helpful.

Make sure to get at least 4GB of RAM.

Unless you are absolutely set on buying new, you should be able to get a pretty good deal off of Ebay.

 

[pelo]

3D graphics programming? what programs?

It sounds like you may need a discrete card, whether CUDA or openCL depending on what you're using. The full Adobe line is also openCL accelerated (though that depends on the task at hand) and it seems Adobe is slowly backing away from CUDA support.

Just a couple of things to keep in mind

 

[Cerulean]

meets all your requirements -- just make sure to pop in an SSD to get the battery life. Will run you around $100 or less + $ for SSD. Can run Linux.

 

[FAHall]

Small screens and programming do not go well together.

Having to run VS on only one large screen is bad enough. Putting it on a small screen would be very very painful.. at least for me.

If you are only planning on doing small projects, then a dual core processor should be fine. For larger projects, a quad is helpful.

Make sure to get at least 4GB of RAM.

Unless you are absolutely set on buying new, you should be able to get a pretty good deal off of Ebay.

3D graphics programming? what programs?

It sounds like you may need a discrete card, whether CUDA or openCL depending on what you're using. The full Adobe line is also openCL accelerated (though that depends on the task at hand) and it seems Adobe is slowly backing away from CUDA support.

Just a couple of things to keep in mind

Thanks for the suggestions guys. My at-home workstation should handle on of the heavy stuff.

This computer is primarily for taking notes while in class and on campus. I'll either use my workstation at home or an on-campus workstation for any serious programming or rendering. I want to be able to have VS running on the machine in case we need it up in class.

Cerulean - I have no idea what that is.

Regarding new or used - it's not a big deal one way or another, I just need it to run my programs. If I can get something cheap, like Cerulean suggested and upgrade the RAM and HDD, that could work.

Some of the newer netbooks might even be a possibility (ie the ASUS 1225B or its 13" cousin the U32U-ES21.

Not sure how slow that thing's going to feel though.

 

[pelo]

For taking notes and stuff it should be fine, but as far as the programs go...

You can get a very good laptop for cheap. HP is offering a base model dv4 for $400 with an SB chip after coupon code (type in white100 at checkout). It's under 5lbs and has a 6-cell 62w/hr battery. That's going to give you twice the computing power of a netbook at the same price.

The Toshiba Portege is my recommendation, though.

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store...?ClickID=cfe4aialkn4pskqa7i4kipeaqzsqslszpzzk

6-cell battery, easy 8+ hours of battery life with light settings and it's got a 35W i3 SB processor. All of this at under 3.2lbs for $500.

I just realized they have a rebate on the Portege 945 as well.
http://www.staples.com/Toshina-Satellite-R945-P440-140-Laptop/product_931106

It weighs slightly more (4.2lbs) but has an i5 Ivy and a 66w/hr battery and with the rebate they're offering it can be had for $550.

If you don't mind waiting for the rebate I'd suggest that Portege945 over the previous gen one. $50 is worth the i5 Ivy Bridge and better battery.

 

[brucedeluxe169]

thinkpad X series man, nothing but... especially if you want something portable....

my X200 is what I do all my work on, 6 hours of battery life, light weight, and a keyboard to die for....

Haven't had a need to upgrade to a newer one... these machines last for years and years, they are the PC equivalent to a Mac... they hold their value well, and never go out of style

 

[Sly]

Sounds like the same reason I got a net book. I'm primarily a desktop guy and really have not much use for laptops. The laptops powerful enough to program on are either too bulky or too expensive. In the end all a desktop programmer needs is to be able to carry his coding tools with him (he can program on paper and pencil!). Even if the netbook takes an eternity to compile, it wouldn't matter since 99% of programming is on a fancy text editor and you've got your desktop for the heavy stuff.

IMO, as a programmer that also does his coding on a netbook, if you still plan on keeping your desktop as your primary PC and your netbook as a "desktop accessory", it will barely matter what specs you get for on-the-go coding. You just need to get a 64 bit CPU and check the keyboard layout.

Of course, if you can get a full laptop that's light enough not to give you back strain within your budget, no reason not to get that one. Just remember that most laptops are meant for portability, and doesn't really score high in the mobility department. You have an uber rig at home, your focus here is mobility.


PS: If you get a netbook, you'll eventually be learning one hand typing So try to get one with low pressure keys so you don't need to use too much force.

 

[Deleted member 232162]

meets all your requirements -- just make sure to pop in an SSD to get the battery life. Will run you around $100 or less + $ for SSD. Can run Linux.

What the fuck is that thing? Looks like one of those plastic laptops you give your 3 year old so they can pretend they're on a computer.

 

[Wiseguy2001]

Hey Guys,
Screen - between 11" and 14", but I'd prefer not to go over 13".

While I tiny laptop may look sexy. I believe you will regret this, being able have two windows side by side is vital. I wouldn't go below 14" myself (and with a decent resolution). 13-14" laptops are still pretty light.

 

[cyclone3d]

What the fuck is that thing? Looks like one of those plastic laptops you give your 3 year old so they can pretend they're on a computer.

HAH..

My 1 1/2 year old already knows how to move the mouse and can also turn the computer on/off with the power button.

Likes to play with cell phones as well.

She gets bored with those "toys" that have buttons, light, sounds, etc. after a few minutes.

Next when I have time project is going to be to set her up with a computer she can play with so she doesn't try to mess with my wife's computer or my computer.

 

[Deleted member 232162]

HAH..

My 1 1/2 year old already knows how to move the mouse and can also turn the computer on/off with the power button.

Likes to play with cell phones as well.

She gets bored with those "toys" that have buttons, light, sounds, etc. after a few minutes.

Next when I have time project is going to be to set her up with a computer she can play with so she doesn't try to mess with my wife's computer or my computer.

Nice.

 

[mknlb50]

For taking notes and stuff it should be fine, but as far as the programs go...

You can get a very good laptop for cheap. HP is offering a base model dv4 for $400 with an SB chip after coupon code (type in white100 at checkout). It's under 5lbs and has a 6-cell 62w/hr battery. That's going to give you twice the computing power of a netbook at the same price.

The Toshiba Portege is my recommendation, though.

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store...?ClickID=cfe4aialkn4pskqa7i4kipeaqzsqslszpzzk

6-cell battery, easy 8+ hours of battery life with light settings and it's got a 35W i3 SB processor. All of this at under 3.2lbs for $500.

I just realized they have a rebate on the Portege 945 as well.
http://www.staples.com/Toshina-Satellite-R945-P440-140-Laptop/product_931106

It weighs slightly more (4.2lbs) but has an i5 Ivy and a 66w/hr battery and with the rebate they're offering it can be had for $550.

If you don't mind waiting for the rebate I'd suggest that Portege945 over the previous gen one. $50 is worth the i5 Ivy Bridge and better battery.

Bought the R945 at Staples thanks to you and god damn did they improve the integrated graphics chip. Since when could they even run Crysis at a playable frame rate?

Battery life is roughly around 8-9 hours for casual use (word processing, pdf viewing, etc...) I came back home and it still has about 3 hours left on the battery after 6 hours of casual use.

The only things that bother me about this laptop are the mouse pad and the casing shell. The mouse pad has horrible input lag compare to many other laptops. The case feels relatively cheap and doesn't look durable at all even though Toshiba claims it to be.

It uses Fiberglass Reinforced Casing.

 

[clockwork247]

Hey Guys,

I will be returning to school for a second undergrad degree this fall. I will be majoring in Computer Science, with an emphasis in real-time 3d graphics programming.

I have a very powerful desktop (though measly, I'm sure, by [H] standards).

I need to find a laptop or netbook. Here's what I'm looking for:


Battery Life 6+ hours (8+ preferable, I will be commuting pretty far to school and don't want to lug around my adapter)

Good Keyboard (10keyless is fine... don't want it too cramped though... will be taking lots of notes)

Weight <= 3.5lbs

Basic computing power ( I need to be able to run visual studio and acrobat reader at the same time, at least. If I can do a bit more multitasking, that'd be great. Any heavy computing I'll be doing on my desktop)

Windows (for compatibility with school machines)

Price - As cheap as possible (definitely under $600... I know, it's limiting me, but that's my absolute max, and I'd like to go even cheaper)

Screen - between 11" and 14", but I'd prefer not to go over 13".

I've had good luck with Asus, Toshiba, and MSI in the past, but I'm open to other reputable brands with good customer service.

Bonus = One of those little dot mouse things like Lenovo has would be nice (I got good with those in the 90s).


The three most important features, in order of priority are PRICE, weight, and battery life.


Any suggestions? Are there any upcoming releases I should be waiting for? I can wait until mid-September, possibly another month or two if it's for a major technology upgrade.

I have the HP elite tablet... I wouldn't recommend them unless you can nab a 2760p but that's not anywhere near 600... The TC4400 which i have is nice if you can nab the brighter screen (that unit is only 100 bucks lol) graphics on these unit are crappy though.

The lenovo T400 I have is really nice, with switchable graphic so it's definitely ok there, I imagine the T420 would be even better.... so that's also something to take a look at... but it's 14", so a little bigger than you would like...

Dell XPS13? those are nice.

what about the Acer netbooks with the dual core celly or the dell 11z? those are nice.