Laptop for Epidemiology

[IntriguedStudent]

What is everybody's opinion on a good laptop to get for epidemiology coursework and modeling? I do not currently have a laptop, so I'm planning to buy one before classes begin in August. I'm looking for something that will be able to sufficiently handle programs such as SAS, GIS, etc. I don't have any particular preference for a "brand", but I do need it to be relatively cost effective. Any input would be greatly appreciated and hopefully this thread can be helpful to others in my situation!

[holykrp]

Lenovo produces really high quality laptops at affordable prices. The G series is the most affordable series for everyday use (I recently got the G50 and am confident it will suffice). 

http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/lenovo/g-series/?menu-id=g_series

 

The "professional grade" laptops are in the Thinkpad series, if you are looking for something along those lines. But I don't think you will need something like that. 

 

Here is the list of UNC's minimum requirements, which should be about the same everywhere:

http://sph.unc.edu/epid/epid-student-central/epidemiology-laptop-policy/

Edit: You can upgrade the operating system to windows pro for $100 on any Windows 8 machine.

Edited February 28, 2015 by holykrp

[kng229]

Pretty much any new laptop will be able to handle it nowadays.  I'd recommend going to slickdeals.net, finding a laptop deal within your price range that has a lot of "thumbs up," and getting one.  The site is populated by techies, so if they like it you know it's an excellent deal.

[FreeRadical]

I'd get any laptop you like with Windows 7. It's cheaper now that Windows 8 is out, and frankly I like 7 better.

[IntriguedStudent]

Thanks for your input, everybody! I had considered Lenovo's, so I'm glad that other people also suggest them. 

[rising_star]

Lenovo often has discounts on their computers for those in education (K-12 or higher ed). Sometimes these discounts are better than their prices elsewhere and other times they aren't (for example, for a holiday sale, the discounts on the main site might be better).