That is basically why I am willing to spend as much as I am, because I plan to keep it throughout my college years. On the topic of major manufacturers, that is true. If I need to upgrade or download drivers, etc, it would be a lot easier with a major manufacturer. Maybe paying the extra money for Dell isn't a bad idea.
if i had gone to my daddy and said i wanted to spend 3000 for a laptop so i could go to college it wouldnt have been a hug that i would have recieved. he would have told me how stupid i was. just like i am doing for you right now.
That WAS up with the times. Aluminum with etched scales... WOW! One chemistry professor was in the war and said all they had was slide rule scales printed on paper which they had to cut out and glue onto wooden slides... about $0.25.
i already told you. get a refurb dell 9400 for $1000. it is a great desktop replacement computer and there is no software program out there it cant run. then do your first business class assignment. calculate the future value of $2000 invested at 5% for 30+ years.