Member Avatar for cora_217

Ok so im a student, just going into my senior year. my highschool is highly technological and all that fun stuff. so instead of waiting for my grad presents i would like to buy my self a labtop but i dont want just any labtop that is mobile.

i want to be able to play games, program and maybe do some video edditing.

the video edditing is not that importaint but basically what im saying is i want one thats capeable of dual booting with linux, got a decient processor lots of memory and all that fun stuff... even though im working off a part time job while going to school

so i need it cheap.

basically im asking what kind of stats might i need to accompish what i want and how much i really am looking at and where i might get a good price on a good labtop or if i should get some one i know (who is very qualified to build it) to build it for me. what would be the cheapest rout do you guys think?

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wanted a laptop that can handle gaming, programming and occasional video editing while dual-booting Linux, on a student budget. Several replies touched on price and buying options (, , , ). The practical gap that follows is a clear, prioritized checklist and a low-cost upgrade path.

Key priorities (in order): processor performance for compiling/video work; RAM (as much as the budget allows and upgradable); a discrete graphics chip if gaming/video matters; a fast drive (7200 RPM or, better, an SSD later) for responsiveness; and hardware with easy access panels so RAM/drive can be upgraded. Also check the wireless chipset and webcam for Linux support—some chipsets need extra drivers or firmware.

Dual-boot basics and compatibility notes: test hardware from a live Linux USB first to confirm Wi‑Fi, sound and suspend work. Backup Windows, shrink its partition with the built-in tool, and create a separate Linux root and swap partition (or let the installer handle it). Install bootloader last and keep a rescue USB handy. Expect a bit of driver setup after install for proprietary GPUs or Wi‑Fi chips; that’s normal.

Cheapest practical routes: buy a slightly older high-end model (discounted), a certified refurbished unit from a reputable seller, or a trade-off pair — a modest, light laptop for school and a cheaper desktop for games/editing. The single most cost-effective upgrades later are RAM and swapping the HDD for an SSD. Note that gaming on a laptop shortens battery life and increases heat; warranty and upgradeability matter more than brand hype.

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Member Avatar for jbennet

video editing / games are not possible for under £799 at least as laptop gfx cards are crap

Member Avatar for cora_217

ya i have noticed that... and i know im not gunna get a labtop for really really cheap but i dont wanna be paying anthing over $1,300 either...

Member Avatar for cora_217

by the way whats the conversions on that euro to dollar?

Member Avatar for 'Stein

Well several things to consider.

1) If youre looking at a laptop, you'll have opt out of building your own. Therefore, taht leaves one of the PC builders around the country somewhere. My opinion: go with a Dell ;). They're sorta cheap, very reliable, and have good tech services.

2)

the way whats the conversions on that euro to dollar?

You mean pounds? ;)? It's $1= £.0.524611 as of now.

Member Avatar for UrbanKhoja

dell are quite reasonable, although i found a site the other day called `laptops for students` you'll have to google it, but im pretty sure they sell refurbs as wells new discounted ones, although you wont get the same tech support as dell would offer you.

darren

Member Avatar for the_rawrzilla

Hmm.

I'd suggest Dell's Inspiron E1705 laptop if you wanted to buy a Dell. You do get a lot of options, and Dell is great, with good customer service, but sometimes they can be a bit expensive.

Getting it built wouldn't be a bad idea either. Explore the options of the one you would get built and compare prices, that should make it easier to decide.

If all else fails and you still are not sure of where you should put your money, try going to local electronics stores or pawn shops that would sell them returned, or refurbished to save and still get the performance you would need.

This might have been too helpful, if not a little overwhelming of a reply. Lol.

Member Avatar for jbennet

uh dunno if it exists in the usa but in Woolworths a "Medion" laptop with XP and 256 ram and a celeron is like £300

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