<p>So I’m heading to UC Santa Barbara next year, and while i’m just a music major, in my spare time I make some pieces using programs like Sony ACID, Ableton, and Cubase. Would anyone have any recommendations as to what would be the best deal for 600 dollars that can work for me? I seem to find that most laptops are usually either complete garbage or top of the line, and I need an in-between.</p>
<p>This would be nice provided the mail-in-rebate gets it to 500 dollars.</p>
<p>[Fry’s</a> Fujitsu 15.6" Notebook Featuring Intel Core i3 Processor](<a href=“http://frys-electronics-ads.com/ads/2010/06/18/48509/Fujitsu-15-6-Notebook-Featuring-Intel-Core-i3-Processor]Fry’s”>http://frys-electronics-ads.com/ads/2010/06/18/48509/Fujitsu-15-6-Notebook-Featuring-Intel-Core-i3-Processor)</p>
<p>Anything along the lines of i3 should suit you well.</p>
<p>Make sure you use those discounts and coupons flying around during back-to-school time.</p>
<p>anyone else? :)</p>
<p>[Samsung</a> - Laptop with Intel® Core i3 Processor - Red/Black - NP-R480-JAB1US](<a href=“http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Samsung+-+Laptop+with+Intel%26%23174%3B+Core%26%23153%3B+i3+Processor+-+Red/Black/9748289.p?id=1218166153790&skuId=9748289#tabbed-customerreviews]Samsung”>http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Samsung+-+Laptop+with+Intel%26%23174%3B+Core%26%23153%3B+i3+Processor+-+Red/Black/9748289.p?id=1218166153790&skuId=9748289#tabbed-customerreviews)
^maybe this will work for you.</p>
<p>[Samsung</a> - Laptop with Intel® Core i3 Processor - Red/Black - NP-R480-JAB1US](<a href=“http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Samsung+-+Laptop+with+Intel%26%23174%3B+Core%26%23153%3B+i3+Processor+-+Red/Black/9748289.p?id=1218166153790&skuId=9748289]Samsung”>http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Samsung+-+Laptop+with+Intel%26%23174%3B+Core%26%23153%3B+i3+Processor+-+Red/Black/9748289.p?id=1218166153790&skuId=9748289)
^the samsung went on sale today. It’s now $597.99</p>
<p>I would also need for it to have a battery life of at least 7 hours, sorry for not mentioning this earlier. :/</p>
<p>Dream on…</p>
<p>You’re a prime candidate for netbook + desktop.</p>
<p>$250 netbook + $350 desktop (skimp on the videocard) = best of both worlds, separately.</p>
<p>nysmile, that’s seriously what i’ve been thinking. I can’t find anything that’s portable, not too expensive, and good quality. ><</p>
<p>the Dell Inspiron 15 with an i3 330M, Intel HD Graphics, 4GB DDR3, 500GB HDD, and 9-cell battery costs $568 with student discounts.</p>
<p>[Amazon.com:</a> ASUS UL30A-X5K Thin and Light 13.3-Inch Laptop with Kindle for PC (Black): Electronics](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/UL30A-X5K-Light-13-3-Inch-Laptop-Kindle/dp/B003JZC42A/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1277150057&sr=8-3]Amazon.com:”>http://www.amazon.com/UL30A-X5K-Light-13-3-Inch-Laptop-Kindle/dp/B003JZC42A/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1277150057&sr=8-3)</p>
<p>Not the most powerful processor but if you want battery life for under $600 you’ll have to make some sacrifices…</p>
<p>The above is very good.</p>
<p>asus ul80a if you need an dvd drive
dell inspiron 14z
dell studio 14z (look at the bottom of their homepage. it’s not featured anymore but still available)
hp dm3t/dm3z
hp g62t</p>
<p>Note: Hp often has 25% Bing cashback!!! That means you can get a good $800 laptop! (It’s a rebate.)</p>
<p>[Slickdeals.net:</a> The best coupons, deals and bargains to save you money!](<a href=“http://slickdeals.net/]Slickdeals.net:”>http://slickdeals.net/)</p>
<p>I would check this site. They usually have laptops for around $600 that are very good and heavily discounted. It’s a forum that many people post deals on for more than just laptops and technology.</p>
<p>“I can’t find anything that’s portable, not too expensive, and good quality. ><”</p>
<p>Actually, the Samsung in the link I provided is portable, not too expensive, and good quality.</p>
<p>nysmile, the samsung was great in everything but battery, with a 6-cell. Same thing goes for the fujitsu. specs are good, but battery life isn’t…</p>
<p>Feuxfollets, thanks so much! This is exactly what i’m looking for. Although I was a bit leery about getting a dell, it seems to be just what I need.
And thanks to everyone else who posted on here as well, i really appreciate it.</p>