How can I find the perfect laptop?

Retrevo.com

They have a Product Advisor.

It depends on what you are wanting out of the laptop. Are you wanting it for just browsing the web and writing documents? Or are you wanting to use it for creative projects or gaming? Once you specify what you are wanting out of the laptop I think you will receive better responses.

There is no ‘perfect’, not anywhere, in anything. lol

Seek the features that will serve you best.

I have always had Gateways.
Love my newer one. It has Vista and a built in webcam and all the features I use the most. Paid around 1k I think, it is 2.5 years old. My last Gateway was over 3 and no issues, until I tripped over it and flung it to the ground and fractured the LCD.

I agree with what @ejedlicka is saying – give us details!

It really comes down to the budget, what you want from the computer (word docs, games, projects)

And, I think the best way is to hear from people who have had personal experiences so you can see from firsthand experiences how well the computer you may want works. If you don’t spend time (or what little time you have) looking for a good computer, then you’re probably not going to find one!

Hope I could – maybe still can be ;-) – of better help! Happy fluthering!

Excellent point, @ejedlicka
Well, I am a college student on a tight budget. I will mostly be using it for schoolwork, occasional games and videos and video chats with my family. So I want something reliable with a longer battery life, because I’ll be on the go quite often.

You can’t. Try to replace the word “perfect” with “good enough meeting my criteria” and you will succeed. Start with identifying your criteria. What is most important to you?

If you can muster up 1k, get a Macbook Pro. They have a 6 hour battery life (real battery life, not just an advertised battery life). I got mine through student loans. Haven’t regretted it one bit.