Computer help needed

[greenlead]

Lenovo X61t? It is about to be replaced by a newer model, so the prices should be down and it is readily available from their outlet store. If you get the right display, you would have both a touch screen and a digitizer available. The touchscreen could come in handy for the PowerPoint Presenter View.

If you don't intend to use a digitizer or touchscreen, then you should go with a cheaper notebook. The reason I suggest Lenovo is because they took over the IBM Thinkpad line, which is famous for toughness and reliability. The downside to Lenovo is that they are a Chinese company, which could be a problem depending on your political / quality views.

Personally, I intend to buy an HP tx2500z for school (about $800 with coupon codes), and buy State Farm insurance for it ($30/year). The insurance should be significantly more useful than HP's warranty/service programs. I don't anticipate needing technical support, and if I do need any, I can get it on the Internet.