I Need Help As I Am Fairly New To Computers

I have used computers since I was roughly 9-10 years old (I am now 20) but I have never been a computer junkie; therefore, when it comes to choosing a new laptop I am lost. Any help would be much appreciated.

I need a new laptop for college. I currently own a Dell which is pretty much junk! I have decided I definitely want a Lenovo ThinkPad. My only problem is I do not know which one to choose.

Here are all of the details:
Budget- Around 800 dollars, but I could budge a little bit if it's REALLY worth it.
Uses- School and surfing the web (Facebook, email, Youtube, general surfing). I do not play games. I do use Netflix on my laptop from time to time. I do a lot of free writing.
Location- Pretty much my residence and school is the only places it'll be going.
Field of study in school- Psychology and creative writing.

With this in mind, can someone give me a nice review of which laptop to choose from Lenovo?

 

thinkpad T420 will be good enough and it is on sale at lenovo B & N site (google it)

 

I'd say if you want some portability, the X230 might merit consideration. It's considerably lighter than the T420. It's also got a much better optional IPS screen, which I would think would make things like movie viewing more pleasurable. If you're not hooked on getting the newest model, the X220 offers a lot of value too. Hit the Lenovo Outlet too where you may see some better pricing too. You can read my review of the X230. It's linked in my signature.

 

I'll definitely check out your review. Portability is one of my main concerns going to college and having to carry it around all day. I will check out both laptops for sure. One more question though: My best friend seems to think Toshiba would be a better overall laptop than a Lenovo. Any truth to this? I obviously do want the best for my money

 

This would be my recommendation: Lenovo | 

I originally thought a 12.5 inch screen would be too small. In reality, I never use the very fancy external monitor that I have. Big advantages to that machine:

-IPS screen is great for watching video

-it comes with a solid state drive (if you aren't the computer nerd type, installing an SSD is laborious, at least for me!).

-great battery life (way longer than listed in that link)

-generally it has good build quality and will be durable. I'm very impressed with my X220.

The only thing that specific model doesn't have is an integrated webcam. Don't know if that's important to you or not. Regardless, I'd keep an eye on the outlet for deals as there are often some real buys on there.

 

If portability is one of your main concerns, it's my opinion the X220 or X230 are the best ultraportables on the market right now. As far as the Toshibas, I guess it would depend on which Lenovo's you're discussing. If it's the IdeaPads, Lenovo's consumer based models, then perhaps Toshiba is better, but if it's a ThinkPad, I personally would say they're not. At least the Toshibas I've seen are not better.

 

No webcam is a big ouch for me as I would like to Skype with my daughter's adoptive family. Other than that it sounds like a great buy. I think Lenovo is definitely the path I am taking. The X230 is a bit more than I wanted to spend. 900 is my max for sure, and that is pushing it. I do thank you all for the advice though! You've been of wonderful help!

 

The X230 has a camera option. If you can wait for coupons you can probably find it under budget.

 

I cannot afford the X230 :/ It is a bit out of my price range, sadly.

Out of curiosity, where is the option to add a camera? I can't seem to find it anywhere.

 

You have to get the screen with the 2x2 antennas otherwise the camera doesn't show up. Given that you're on a more limited budget, the X220 is $50 less expensive and Ivy Bridge won't offer much for most users. If you can wait for coupons, you might do better.

 

I just configured an X230 with webcam for $734.25 + tax using the Lenovo Barnes & Nobles Gold site. That should fit well within your budget. Here is the configuration:

Processor: i3-2370m (Sandy Bridge)
OS: Win 7 Home Premium
Display type: 2x2 Antenna (non-premium)
Keyboard: Standard
Camera: 720p HD Camera
Hard Drive: 320GB 7200RPM
WiFi: Wireless-N 2200

I would recommend upgrading the display to "Premium 2x2" for $50. The advantage will be much wider viewing angles and moderately better color quality. It's not necessary though. The standard screen will at least match other laptops in the same category.

 

Could I get a link to this site? I went to Barnes and Noble . com and found their computers but no Lenovo?

 

Lenovo Barnes & Nobles Gold Site

You don't need to be a B&N Gold member. Just create an account and log in.

The T430 and T420 are around $100-$200 cheaper, but are not nearly as portable as the X230 and have slightly below average screen quality. What you will gain is a 14" 1600x900 screen vs 12.5" 1366x768.

 

DEFINITELY get the premium, you will love it You will absolutely love either the X220 or the X230

 

Alright. I will definitely be purchasing the x230! It'll take me roughly 3-4 weeks to save for this machine. I hope it's worth it. I'm excited for sure! I signed up for the Barnes and Noble Gold site Awesome deals on the site. Why does this site have better deals from the general Lenovo site if you don't have to be a Gold member? LOL!