Looks like I'll need to pick up a laptop with my first paycheck and I've never been a laptop person.  Note that THEY already have Mac Airbooks and that I'm the Windows guy (so, more obviously, no need to discuss Apple products please).  Without knowing squat, my only opinions are that I think the Surface Pro looks cool in the commercials (especially the versatility) and, since I have big fingers, I'd like to have one where mousing and typing are easy (for when I can't use an external keyboard and mouse).
 
So, if you happen to need to use a laptop (preferably for work, but I'll take any review), do you have any recommendations of what to get (or avoid)?
 
As always, TIA! 

When I was doing a ton of business travel, I used a Dell laptop with a docking station in each of my offices.
 
Built like a tank and never failed me.  That has been quite a few model years ago though ...

Thanks Bob!
 
In my 45 years of playing with computers (remember I started when I was 7), I've only ever had two laptops (and always managed to avoid using them).  One was a Dell Inspirion that I bought used for $5 so I could take it on a trip (I was buying resort properties and had this HUGE Excel spreadsheet, plus I could play games in the hotel room).  That was the only time I ever used it and I just gave it to Free Geek last June, still with Windows 95 on it.  The only other one is a Lenovo with that useless eraser head in the keyboard (got in a trade with Windows 7 Ultimate on it).  It's a brick that won't hold a charge so I keep it plugged in next to the router and use it only for speedtests though I'm about to use it to attach an external hard drive for backing up to my cloud storage (since the laptop is close enough for a wired connection).
 
 
 
 

The couple of Windows lap tops that I use are certainly not groundbreaking in any way , shape or regard primarily due to my budget
The one thing that I do use that makes my use of lap tops a lot easier for me is I  prefer to use a mouse ....
I know how to do all the other stuff , track pad  and Jazz ... when I use a mouse I feel like I'm on any old Windows computer ...
Yeah I know call me a lightweight
 
Kenny

I've been beating the ever loving p*ss out of my cheapo Acer lappy for 5+ years and it's just now starting to get a little weird. In anticipation of it's demise I've been stalking the one box store where I can actually roll my gimp ass into on my usual route to muck about with their floor models (I'm assuming security is getting suspicious... lol).
 
Currently I'm thinking Acer are again one of the best bargains but also the ASUS models (which I'm thinking are actually better).
 
Keep in mind I am looking at the CHEAPEST options (like $300-500) that will survive a good long time with incessant (home... not road) use.
 
One weird thing I'm noticing on the new laptop models is that annoying "swivel/click" touchpad. Like instead of a touchpad and two buttons there's just this one big pad that you click on the corners of. Seems like it would be the first thing to break and the action is stupid/awkward. Fortunately they still make proper button/touchpad models.
 
PS: Don't listen to me. I'm an idiot when it comes to this stuff.
 
Cheers.

Depends what your budget is really. I use a Lenovo Yoga 2 for work, it's a really nice piece of kit and light too, I like the way you can double the screen back and flip it round to make an A-shape to stand on the desk and have manuals handy to scroll through using the touchscreen for when I'm learning a new piece of software etc. I think there's probably a new Yoga out now though. 
 
I hear great things about Dell laptops these days, check out the XPS13 maybe? It gets rave reviews everywhere.... http://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/laptops/dell-xps-13
 
There's some good Thinkpads around the $600/$700 mark as well. 
 
Or for a super cheap option that gets good reviews, how about the Ideapad 100S for $180? Tbh I wish I'd saved my money on the Yoga and bought something like this! http://www.laptopmag.com/...ps/lenovo-ideapad-100s

I can't even afford cheap today but, after a paycheck or two, I may be able to get something decent.  This could be a "good deal" new laptop or a "nice find" used one.  Obviously, the reason for my question is that I have no idea what to look for in either case! 

Do you have a little breathing room where you can use one of theirs until you can get your own ?
 
Kenny

There are great units for purchase.  I realize you know what you will do with it, and your needs.
 
If you want to use it for music, I have a laptop 6 years old, and it will run Sonar X3 easily, Splat too.  I have learned patience though, let the laptop do it's work, don't rush it, just like you wouldn't a good person who might take time to complete tasks but completes them in fine fashion.  It handles video render and AE CS 6 too, just be patient.
 
Of course, if you have the jack, get the top o the line.  I don't believe you would regret it in the long run, which I know you are in for, the long run that is.
 
Jesse Q. Screed
 
Jesse Q. Screed

craigb
... to look for in either case! 

Yes, you'll want a good case if you're going to be moving it around/traveling with it