Best "Back to School" Laptops - Dell XPS Vs Macbook Pro Vs Lenovo X200

Here is a comparison of your options for "back to school" laptops/notebooks for 2010:

Apple Macbook Pro ($1,299)

My "ready-for-school" configuration includes:

• 2.26GHz Intel® Core™ 2 Duo with 3MB on-chip shared L2 cache 1066MHz frontside bus
• NVIDIA GeForce 9400M 256 MB
• 13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit glossy widescreen display
• 4GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2x2GB
• 160GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm
• SuperDrive 8x (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
• 1-year base warranty

Dell Studio XPS 13 ($1,184)

Recommended configuration:

• Intel® Core™ 2 Duo P8700 (3MB cache/2.53GHz/1066Mhz FSB)
• NVIDIA® GeForce® G210M – 512MB
• Edge-to-Edge 13.3" HD WXGA LCD with 2.0 Megapixel Camera
• 4GB Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM at 1067MHz (2 Dimms)
• 320GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive
• 8X Slot Load CD/DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-R Drive)
• 2 Year Ltd Hardware Warranty, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis
  

Lenovo X200 ($1,263)

Recommended configuration:

• Intel Core 2 Duo processor P8700 (2.53GHz, 3MB L2, 1066MHz FSB)
• Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
• 12.1 WXGA, 2x2 UltraConnect II antenna; with Camera and Wireless Broadband Upgradeable
• 4 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz
• 160GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
• 1 Year Depot Warranty
  

I would recommend getting the Dell XPS 13 due to the better graphics processor and the 2-year hardware warranty, all at a lower price. Don't underestimate the hardware warranty you'll need. In my experience it is quite handy and has saved me a ton of cash.

If you are more interested in the design and look of your laptop, get the Macbook Pro.