What laptops are recommended for Computer design major?

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ibiswos1

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Hi, I've looked at many threads on notebooks but can't seem to find the one for me.
Game design – Interactive Technologies and Game Design course - JCU
I already have a desktop at home but I need a laptop so I can study in the uni library when I want less distraction at home. I'm a chronic procrastinator and for some reason I get a lot more done away from home. I also want to get it pretty soon since I need one now for studying at the library anyway.
Some say 13.3" is the right balance between size and weight. Others say 15.6" is the bare minimum to do any work and anything lower can get annoying. Most people say 17.3" is too heavy and clunky. I personally like the 15.6" they look about the right size for me. Also most say I should try to go for less than 2kg or just over it but no more than 3kg. Most recommend minimum resolution of 1440x900, 1600x900 or 1920x1080.
So to be able to do everything CS/Game design requires on a laptop;
- what resolution do you recommend? 1920x1080 or 1920x1200?
- what screen size do you recommend? 15.6" or 17.3"?
- How much weight do you think is acceptable? – I'll be carrying by backpack and only use it at Uni/Public library.
What laptop are you guys using at CS/Game design major and why?
Thanks in advance!
I filled out the form below to summarize what I want:
1) What is your budget?
About $1000, can go higher but I prefer to spend less. Max $1500 or little over.
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
c. Thin and Light; 13" – 14" screen
d. Mainstream; 15" – 16" screen
3) What are the primary tasks will you be performing with this notebook?
For Game design I'm guessing:
Game Design/Modding / Programming / Digital/Visual Art / 3D Modeling/Animation / Video Gaming / Special Effects and anything that I'm required to use in CS like VM
For Computer Science: Not sure
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places, leaving it on your desk or both?
Mostly to study in uni library. I will do 99% of assignments on my laptop outside(uni/public library).
5) Will you be playing games on your notebook? If so, please state which games or types of games?
No.
6) How many hours of battery life do you need?
About 7 hours or above. Doesn't matter as long as it has the option for 9 cell battery.
7) Would you prefer to see the notebooks you're considering before purchasing it or buying a notebook on-line without seeing it is OK?
Prefer to buy locally. But online is fine if it's worth it.
8) What screen resolution(s) would you prefer?
Not sure, I need advice on which resolution is good for CS/Game design 1366x768, 1440x900, 1600x900, 1600x1050, 1920x1080 or 1920x1200?
9) How long do you want this laptop to last?
At least 2 years or longer.
10) How much hard drive space do you need; 80GB to 640GB? Do you want a SSD drive?
About 200 - 500GB HDD will do.
I also heard that the recommended dpi is between 94 and 100 for readability. But windows 7 can scale fonts pretty good although it's not perfect.
I also heard that the optimal 94 - 100 dpi only applys to desktops since for laptops you'll be looking at it closer anyway so you won't have much trouble reading.
Or the Dell XPS 15 which has better spec in everything for the same price but is more heavier.
 
Not sure you'll find the answer you're looking for in this forum. As I mentioned in the other post of yours that's along incredibly similar lines... only you can really make that decision. Every question you've asked hear is down to personal taste and application. This is a recording techniques forum, not really much to do with buying new mmorpg gaming laptops.
 
If you're going to be a developer, get something with *nix on it. When you get out into the field, having *nix experience will really help you both as a useful skill and a good thing to put on your resume. (I graduated 4 years back with almost no *nix experience, but now I have to interact with centOS almost every day.)

Of course, a less intimidating way to do that is to just get a Windows box and install VMWare Player on it...
 
ask students that have already taken the class - not a bunch of half-crazed musicians...
 
With all due respect, this is a question you need to be asking of the faculty at your school. To make your life easier, you want to match whatever software they are using in their classes as closely as possible. I teach college math, and I know what a pain in the neck it is for everyone when the school uses, for example, Maple, and the student has MatLab on his machine. The school can give you hardware advice, also. If you're already a student at the school, look at what other students are using, or ask a favorite professor. If you haven't begun classes yet, you can email the department chair, and you will be likely to find an answer.
 
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