Well this year it was an easy choice for me. The Samsung R580. I actually have had my hands on this one and over 100 people have rated this system 4.9 out of 5 stars from Best Buy. I tell you guys every year that I have two price points. If your looking for something less than $500, then buy anything. It is almost disposable at that price point. But for $1000 or less, this system below is perfect for the graduate.
The system is the Samsung R580 and it is currently $830 + tax from the Best Buy website, but you probably could go pick it up in Jackson.
So why this one? Well, it is just so clean and crisp. It has a 2.26 processor, 500GB hard drive and 4GB Ram, both very good. It comes with a default 1 year warranty, but you can upgrade it at the store. The fact is that most laptops are all the same. The specifications for the same price point are pretty close to being equal whether it's Dell, HP, or whatever, but what makes the R580 stand out are a couple of cool things ...
1) The keyboard has the number pad built into it. A little thing but it is so handy for students typing in numbers all the time that are used to a full size keyboard.
2) Built in Blue-Ray player. That's right it has a built in blue ray player for super DVD watching from the dorm room!
3) HDMI output. You can plug this laptop directly into a television that has HDMI inputs and watch your blue ray on the big screen. NOTE: Cable not included with laptop. Just pick up an HDMI cable when you buy the laptop.
So there you go, take it or leave it. Remember, this is for informational purposes only and please dont call me for tech support! If you have problems after buying it call the warranty number. That is what they are for!
