I am in need of a laptop for college. I need it to be able to run a 3DS Max 2010 and I just need it for basic college and computer needs. It will run iTunes and some sort of internet browser. What is a good laptop for me to get? Is there any that would fit my needs at around $500? I might be able to go up to $800, but that is pushing it by a lot.

For using 3ds max efficiently you need a lap top with a good Dedicated Graphics Card. I would recommend laptops with Nvidia GPUs they have better drivers for 3d applications. Also for 3ds max a larger screen is better then a smaller one but since you also need it for college it is up to you to decide what is more important for you mobility or comfort while working in 3ds max. A larger screen means a bigger laptop that is heavier.
Also it is better to take a notebook that has 3 buttons on the notepad. Otherwise you will not be able to use it in 3ds max without a mouse.

It is quite difficult to find a laptop with all these characteristics that will fit in your budget.

Here are some models for your consideration:

MSI GX630-028US NoteBook - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834152073

ASUS K50IN-X1 NoteBook - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220547

ASUS K50IN-X1 NoteBook - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834115594 - this one has good characteristics for 3d animation.

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Andyba, 3d artist
skills: 3d modeling, texturing, rendering, 3d character animation, compositing
3d software experience: 3ds max, Maya, Softimage XSI, Deep Paint 3d, Body Paint 3D, Wings 3D, Z Brush
2d software experience: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After effects, Macromedia Flash, Freehand

Andyba is right Try to Do......

Ram can be upgraded later, up to 4GB. So don't worry about that pat just yet. Get a faster 2 core CPU instead of a slower 4 core CPU. It's like racing with 2 race cars instead of 4 hondas.

Thanks for the info guys, this is very useful. I am thankful that I came to this topic, I learned a lot from this. I agree in the first place to acquire a fast CPU, then later upgrade your RAM. You can do it very easily anyways.

@AlteredTach.. Nice representation! I mean, you compared CPU to racing cars and indeed they are pretty similar.
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