Best Business school laptop 2015

If your Mac is working, just hang on to it. You can run Parallels or another windows emulator for most Excel-related tasks. If you really need to do some heavy lifting, just use the lab computers.

I'm considering either the Samsung Ativ Book 9 Plus or Acer Aspire S7, anyone have either of these? They both have top marks from my research.

Off course you must get a good configured p.c or a lap top to use full features of M.S office. Thee one reliable software to make your all documents well managed and easily available when searching for any old one. I suggest you to shop lap top of brand Dell or Hp to make things easier for you.

Hmmmm

T440S!!

Got one back in September when my Acer S3 ultrabook crapped out on me as I was finishing my apps.

Great laptop and I'd say the most durable one I've ever owned. Extremely sturdy construction and no software problems so far.

I have to highly disagree with you. My Dell XPS 13 has arrived last week and frankly it easily outperforms my carbon X1. The XPS has an incredibly bright display, and a much stronger battery. Imo and after some due diligence, the XPS 13 (do not think about getting touch, no one needs it ) is currently the best value for money you can get.

Aww man - I've been eyeing up a X1 but this just threw a spanner in there. I've never really looked at the Dell laptopns - what XPS 13 have you got specifically ? - theres tons on the website!

Intel® Core™ i7-5600U der 5th generation (3,2 GHz, 4 MB)
8 GB DDR3L-RS-Speicher, 1.600 MHz, Dual-Channel
256-GB-SSD

Don't get me wrong the X1 is amazing and Lenovo produces the best keyboards on the market. However a friend of mine, a techi who is working with the X1 has complained about the display. He looked into the different options available in Europe now and came to the conclusion that the XPS13 is the best. However, make sure not to get a touch display for two reasons

1) it steels some of the backlight (additional layer)
2) it is a glossy display, which is super annoying cause of the light reflexes

My friend got a XPS 13 also

Perfect - found it thanks. Actually looks pretty good comparably versus cost.

Well as a follow up - I've impusively now ordered the XPS 13 as detailed by ctre - will post some comments when I get it!

I'm likely going with a Surface Pro 3. In addition to portability and the ability to run the MS Office, it also comes with a wacom digitizer. Being able to take hand written notes and draw diagrams in a digital device is a big plus for me.

Holding off to see if the Surface 4 is released end of the month/June?

There were some pretty good deals for the Surface pro 3 and I just jumped on one form Best Buy. I can't think of a reason to justify paying full price for a Surface 4.

I would definitely think twice if they increased the screen size. However, I'm hearing that Microsoft wants to keep the 12 inch form factor because of the type cover.

I have a really basic question: Is a new laptop necessary?

I mean, in the big scheme of things what is another couple of thousand bucks, but on the other hand, I bought a decent ThinkPad early last year (T430??) and it works fine. It was only used lightly for internet surfing etc at home. I know next to nothing about computers, but I think it should meet the minimum requirements (although I haven't really checked). What am I going to do with an extra computer that works perfectly?

Any thoughts?

Id say that thinkpad would serve you fine! Its not particularly outdated and so spec will be more than fine.

I've got an oldish mac so was looking for a windows based laptop - preferably an ultrabook or something super light as i'll be hauling it back and forth to school.

I know some others have bought surface pros or tablet systems like Lenovo's or HPs as a lightweight alternative to carrying laptops around class all day but think its preference - which might be the only thing you think about but replacing the thinkpad isnt necessary.

I think a lot of individuals, including myself, simply do not have a laptop that is suitable for a business school setting. Imagine yourself going through business school, going to and from different classes, networking events, group project meetings, informational interviews and etc. Having a portable laptop (under 3-4 pounds) with good battery life (8 hours) and strong processing power can make things a lot easier.

I think your T430 is an good choice. Thinkpads have a reputation for great battery life and good build quality. That said, there are options out there that could reduce the weight of your backpack by 1-2 pounds but it will cost you around $700-1000.

For me, I currently use a monstrous 17 inch gaming laptop that weighs around 10 pounds with only 1 hour battery life. It is simply not a good option.

Think we're starting to establish a list of potential options here for this year!

In Tablets 2 in 1's I've provisionally added the Dell Venue Pro as it has an excellent attachable keyboard. In Ultrabooks I've provisonallly added the LaVie Z - costs $$$ but for lightweight portability it looks like could be bit of a winner.

Tablet 2 in 1's
Dell Venue 11 Pro 7000 ($$)
Microsoft Surface Pro 3 ($$)

Ultrabooks
ASUS Zenbook UX305FA ($)
Dell XPS 13 ($)
Lenovo X1 Carbon Thinkpad ($$)
Lenovo Thinkpad LaVie Z ($$$)

Laptops
Lenovo T Series Thinkpads ($-$$) (T430-T450)

Italics - Potential Considerations
Normal Font - Recommended