Hi guys,

I'm looking to buy a laptop use for College and i have no IDEA where to start. I have very limited understand of laptop specifications and not sure which one is the right one.
My purpose for this laptop is to do work but at the same time i want to play games on it.
I know in North America, different laptop brands are ACER, Apple, Asus, DELL, Gateway, HP, Lenovo, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba, and maybe more. Does brand matter, and one of those stand out? I know they all uses the same specs but not sure.
As for my limited understanding about specs, the things to look at are The processors, there are only two correct? Intel and AMD, but how i know which one is better or best? Like about cores and speed, and graphics how do i know which one to pick? and storage how do i know hdd or sdd or the rpm speed is better? and about memory the type and speed of it is best? also type of networking and battery spec is good? also what input out put should there be, like ethernet and usb ports?

Sorry for asking so much, but i just wanted to know for future reference.

And could anyone recommend me to a good durable and fast laptop that will enable me to do work and play games at the same time. My budget is very minimal, max i can go is $800. I currently working with an old windows xp laptop and need to change. I want to buy a new laptop by the end of 2013 summer. Will there be any new and upcoming ones i should wait for?

Thanks very much in advance for those that help me!

Have a nice day!You certainly have asked a huge question given all the factors that come into play. There are many web based reviews on laptop computers that can assist you with differentiating between them. I urge you to do some searching there. However i would suggest that you interact with the dept. of the institution where you will be using the computer to seek their input as to what from their experience is re the type of computer that is most likely to fit the requirements of the courses you will be following. It might also be of financial benefit to you to do that as they may have a discount program available that they offer for the purchase. The advances in laptops has now made some available that are stated to be capable of "game playing" whereas up until recently laptops were not known to be the best for that function. However they tend to be quite expensive and may even exceed your spending limits as stated. The priority of your decision in my mind should be emphasis on the school requirements. Some brands tend to be more costly and do not necessarily provide added functionality. Such as Sony and Apple (caveat re Apple if graphics is the main requirement they are apparently better in that area than PC's) tend to be considerably more expensive.In many ways it will come down to personal preference based on your own circumstances. If i may i want to make one specific recommendation on not what but how you make your eventual purchase. Investigate if any of your current credit cards offer free warranty EXTENSION on purchases made on it. If so buy it with that even if you pay it off immediately. If you don't have such a credit card get one. The greatest risk with a laptop in your intended use environment is loss by theft and that is never covered on the store/mfg. warranty and it is on the credit card warranty. As well many damages are also not covered but are via the credit card. Do more research on-line and ultimately when you think you have found a computer(s) that seems to be what you want i invite you to TELL us what it/they are and we shall be pleased to give our input and recommendations.truenorth