Buying a new laptop, which one is better?

Question

I'm a college student, whose budget is $700 (if its about $50 more then I don't mind if I'm paying for a quality laptop). I edit pictures (not extensively, with basic software), play some casual games, write a lot of papers, surf the internet, listen to music, watch Netflix and Youtube, and enter a lot of data.

What I'm looking for:
SSD preferred but not necessary
Windows 8
Backlit keyboard
At least Intel Core i5
8 gb RAM or more
decent amount of battery life (not the most important)

I was thinking of these laptops/ultrabooks:
http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/ideapad/flex/flex-15/?sb=:000001C9:0000F5DD:#customize

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/acer-aspire-m5-15-6-touch-screen-laptop-6gb-memory-500gb-hard-drive-silver/1755183.p?id=1219063240784&skuId=1755183&ref=06&loc=01&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=1755183&extensionType={adtype}:{network}&s_kwcid=PTC!pla!{keyword}!{matchtype}!{adwords_producttargetid}!{network}!{ifmobile:M}!{creative}&kpid=1755183&k_clickid=f0711e43-1ddb-42df-8944-a116df580b95#tab=overview

http://us.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/model-datasheet/NX.MBYAA.010

I'm also looking for suggestions.

Thank you so much!

Answer 1

Avoid win8 like the plague! You will be inundated with ads and requests to register for all kinds of rubbish. Also, the tiles and charms idea is totally unworkable. If you do get a win8 machine, immediately upgrade it to 8.1 and see this on how to get it to work like a proper pc ;

http://www.dedoimedo.com/computers/windows-8-1-beta.html

Answer 2

Dell XPS 15 L502X



See product specs here.



http://www.pcworld.com/product/926445/xps-15-l502x.html

Answer 3

I say go for the Lenovo. It has better specs and brand than Acer. You can also check newegg.com for more alternative models. I know there are lots of good build out there that will fit your budget and needs.

Answer 4

If you don't mind a slight performance lag from your standards as set above in place of a MAJOR savings I would recommend:

Acer Aspire V5-122P-0681 Touchscreen Laptop

ON SALE NOW FOR $350 instead of $600 on other sites

there is a version with an i5 processor if you want to find it. it all depends on what you want to pay



http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/pdp/Acer-Aspire-V5-122P-0681-Touchscreen-Laptop/productID.283975600



Processor AMD A6-1450 1.00 GHz with Turbo Core technology up to 1.40 GHz

6GB DDR3 800 MHZ RAM

500GB 5400 RPM HDD

Windows 8. Update to Windows 8.1 for free through the Windows Store.

AMD Radeon HD 8250 with shared graphics memory graphics

1 USB 3.0 • 1 USB 2.0 • Acer Converter port • VGA via included Acer Converter adapter • Headphone output/Microphone input combo

3-cell lithium-ion battery (up to 3.5 hours)*

Answer 5

Get the Lenovo.It looks good and the specs are higher. Good luck :D