Laptop for College / Non-Gaming

Jmsully

Honorable
Aug 2, 2013
16
0
10,570
Hello, after hours of research and searching the forums, I still cant make up my mind on a laptop for college. I will be studying Computer Science. I really like the idea of an Ultrabook, I just don't think it will have the power I need/want. Also, I like the idea of a touch screen too.

1. What is your budget?
$1,500 max
2. What is the size of the notebook that you are considering?
15.6"
3. What screen resolution do you want?
1920x1080
4. Do you need a portable or desktop replacement laptop?
Portable, I have a Gaming Desktop at home
5. How much battery life do you need?
I would like to get 7+ hours
6. Do you want to play games with your laptop? If so then please list the games that you want to with the settings that you want for these games. (Low,Medium or High)?
Maybe som Civ V, Counter Strike: GO, or Team Fortress on any setting
7. What other tasks do you want to do with your laptop? (Photo/Video editing, Etc.)
Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Visual Studio, Eclipse, etc.
8. How much storage (Hard Drive capacity) do you need?
Probably 256 GB. I have an external 1TB drive and my desktop at home
9. If you are considering specific sites to buy from, please post their links.
I prefer Amazon and Newegg
10. How long do you want to keep your laptop?
4 years
11. What kind of Optical drive do you need? DVD ROM/Writer,Bluray ROM/Writer,Etc ?
I don't need a drive.
12. Please tell us about the brands that you prefer to buy from them and the brands that you don't like and explain the reasons.
No preference, just not Gateway, Compaq, or Toshiba
13. What country do you live in?
U.S.A.

The list did not include this, but I need 8GB of RAM. Thanks for taking the time to try to help me.
 

Dblkk

Honorable
Oct 30, 2013
323
0
11,010
Samsung ativ book 8. 15", 5lb, 7-8 hour battery, i7 quad core, 8gb memory upgradable to 16gb, 1tb hhd upgradable to ssd (up to 1tb with samsung evo or crucial m500), amd 8800m 2gb gddr5 graphics card, touch screen, backlite keyboard. $1200 when not on sale
 

Jmsully

Honorable
Aug 2, 2013
16
0
10,570
Wow, so after more research, I am torn between a couple of laptops. 1. MacBook Pro 13" 2. XPS 13 and 3. Ativ Book 8. I guess I am looking for a 13.3 " now cause the 15 inchers may be too big. If I am wrong, please let me know.