Topic Wiki

Please, when posting a link to a laptop listing, make sure to include the price at time of posting. It helps.
Requesting help with a purchase? Please post here: https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=135662.msg2794782#msg2794782

Dell:
Precision - Very powerful desktop replacements - great warranty, ridiculously expensive - Usually overpriced or overkill

Latitude - Good Laptops - Great warranty! Highly recommended for any Business environment - Sometimes expensive.

Vostro  - Lower end Business Machines - Better Priced - still durable - Usually 1 Year warranty.

XPS - The nicer looking dell machines, Some are better than others...

Inspiron - YMMV Every model is different

(Plain) Insprion Series - Dells lowest end laptop
(R) Insprion Series - Perfect Home use, dependable, decent build quality, recommended
(Z) Insprion Series - A little slimmer than the R series, Some are Ultrabooks (Very often don't include Optical Drives)

HP:

Spectre - Top of the line personal (dragonfly is the top of the line for business) - lightest laptops, and beautiful!

Pavilion - YMMV (Some better than others)

Probook - Stable durable business systems - Usually a little on the heavy side.

Elitebook - Business Higher end systems, usually pretty expensive

ENVY - Used to be the HP sleek and nicer systems, they pretty much replaced most of the standard pavilions now and call them either ENVY or sleekbooks

Sleekbook - like it sounds slimmer line of laptops

Lenovo:

Thinkpad Series - Very Dependable Business Machine, Expensive (Not Pretty but Durable)

IdeaPad Series -

S Series
U Series - Usually the slimmer line Ultrabooks, Doesn't always include DVD Drive
Y Series - Nice machines with good specs and features (Cool Backlit Keyboards)
Z Series - Step up from the G Series, all around decent build, priced nicely, great home use laptop
G Series - Lower end

Samsung:

Series 3
Series 5
Series 7
Series 9 - The nicest, sleekest looking laptops I've seen in a long time - Can pass for a Macbook!!


HT: Dh Data Recovery & Name Changed


A great post by caliheat:
I believe that there are many factors when deciding what laptop to purchase.
1) What is your intended use and necessary features. e.g. light use vs. heavy use & optical drive, computer speed etc.
2) As mentioned several times in this thread, RAM itself is very easy to upgrade after you purchase.
3) Brand - IMHO this is pretty important as well - which do your prefer vs. which brand do people recommend.
4) Price - you should decide a price range that best suits your needs.
5) Operating System - Many people like myself prefer Windows 7 vs. 8.1, so this would be another consideration.
6) Warranty - does it include 1 year or more, cost for extending warranty.
7) Detailed Specs:
  Processor  - model and speed i3, i5, & i7 2.0 Ghz, 3.0 Ghz etc.
  RAM - This IMHO should be minimum 8GB, especially if running 8.1, however can be added easily.
  Hard Drive - SATA vs. SSD, the latter being much faster. SATA itself offers 5400 RPM vs. 7200 RPM again, the latter being faster.
  Screen Size - this is a personal preference as you can always attach a larger screen in an office setting.
  Battery & Weight - overall laptop weight preference & battery life.
  Graphics - Integrated graphics vs. dedicated graphics, e.g. Intel 4400 vs. Nvidia GTX etc.

In summary, you have to decide what are you priorities, what can be upgraded and what you are flexible on.



Excellent article about the differences between the Intel processor suffixes.

Excellent "Laptop Buying Guide" by @dailykasha, written for Black Friday 2021, updated for holidays 2023

Author Topic: Laptop Deals Master Thread  (Read 3203315 times)

Offline yochiek93

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Apr 2015
  • Posts: 4482
  • Total likes: 92
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #8060 on: May 12, 2015, 11:16:50 AM »
looking for a laptop for college what would you people recommend

Offline jj1000

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: Jun 2008
  • Posts: 13721
  • Total likes: 6266
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 29367
    • View Profile
  • Location: The value of a forum such as this one is not in that one can post a question and receive an answer, but in that the question has most likely been asked before, and the answer is available to him that will but only use the search function.
  • Programs: 1. Search on google. 2. Search in the right board of DDF with a general word or two. 3. Read the wiki. 4. Read the thread. 5. Ask away.
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #8061 on: May 12, 2015, 11:24:43 AM »
Get an additional 5% off by texting msstore to 29502 and receiving a unique coupon code bringing the price down to $341
That worked for you? I tried before posting on on ddms and it didn't work.
See my 5 step program to your left <--

(Real signature under my location)

Offline avromie7

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Feb 2014
  • Posts: 8298
  • Total likes: 2744
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 6
    • View Profile
  • Location: Lakewood
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #8062 on: May 12, 2015, 11:59:13 AM »
That worked for you? I tried before posting on on ddms and it didn't work.
I just tried
I wonder what people who type "u" instead of "you" do with all their free time.

Offline Red

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Sep 2011
  • Posts: 2380
  • Total likes: 3
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: Yerushalayim
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #8063 on: May 12, 2015, 02:00:06 PM »
That worked for you? I tried before posting on on ddms and it didn't work.
worked with a GV number for me.

Offline Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 68917
  • Total likes: 17295
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 16442
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: CLE
  • Programs: UA GS, AA EXP, DL Dirt, Hyatt Glob, Fairmont Lifetime Plat, DD Diamond, Blocked By @NeriaKraus
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #8064 on: May 12, 2015, 02:03:40 PM »
I just tried
He meant did it work on that computer for you.
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

Offline avromie7

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Feb 2014
  • Posts: 8298
  • Total likes: 2744
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 6
    • View Profile
  • Location: Lakewood
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #8065 on: May 12, 2015, 02:06:22 PM »
He meant did it work on that computer for you.
I didn't try if you want you can try using my code
I wonder what people who type "u" instead of "you" do with all their free time.

Offline Red

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Sep 2011
  • Posts: 2380
  • Total likes: 3
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: Yerushalayim
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #8066 on: May 12, 2015, 02:12:20 PM »
He meant did it work on that computer for you.
You are correct, the code does not work for this laptop.

Offline Krow81

  • Dansdeals Bronze Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: Dec 2014
  • Posts: 38
  • Total likes: 0
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: Ny
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #8067 on: May 12, 2015, 02:12:55 PM »
how is this deal for a Dell Outlet Refurb XPS 15 - 9530 - $979 + Tax

Processor Processor: Intel Core 4th Generation i7-4712HQ Processor (6M, up to 3.3GHz)
Operating System Windows 8.1
Hard Disk Drive 1 TB SATA Hard Drive (5400 RPM)
32G SSDR mSATA Card
Memory 16 GB Dual Channel DDR3L 1600MHz (8GBx2) Memory
Laptop Screen 15.6 inch LED Backlit Touch Display with Truelife and QHD+ resolution (3200 x 1800) with Camera
Video NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M 2GB GDDR5
Base Dell Outlet XPS 15 - 9530
Software Upgrade Windows 8.1 (64Bit) English
Windows 8.1 64BIT
Windows 8.1 64BIT
Office Software Office 365 - 1 Month Trial (Internet access required to install & activate)
Web Camera Integrated Webcam
Laptop Battery 61 WHr, 6-Cell Battery (integrated)
Network Interface Card Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 + Bluetooth 4.0
Keyboard English Keyboard
Hardware Upgrade 130W AC Adapter
NFC (Near Field Communications)
Palmrest
Palmrest with Touchpad
Power Cord
XPS Badge

What about same specs with 512gb ssd for $1,052?

Offline Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 68917
  • Total likes: 17295
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 16442
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: CLE
  • Programs: UA GS, AA EXP, DL Dirt, Hyatt Glob, Fairmont Lifetime Plat, DD Diamond, Blocked By @NeriaKraus
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #8068 on: May 12, 2015, 02:14:01 PM »
Get an additional 5% off by texting msstore to 29502 and receiving a unique coupon code bringing the price down to $341

I didn't try if you want you can try using my code
It was rhetorical.
Don't make up prices without checking them, it's poor form.
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

Offline benjie1305

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Dec 2013
  • Posts: 5870
  • Total likes: 17
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 15
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: NY Area
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #8069 on: May 12, 2015, 02:15:50 PM »
Was reading through the Wiki and the last few pages and would appreciate some help.

I own a Mac that I am happy with. However, I need a backup for me and my wife that is Non-MAC. Usage wouldn't be too high as it would be mostly used  for the occasional day that she or I are working from home (work runs better on non Mac laptop). I would want a decent warranty (1 year plus) and would not be looking to spend more then $300. Is that realistic? I don't need anything exciting in terms of stats/power/etc.

Any suggestions are welcome as I really don't know too much about this market.
Work hard, Play harder!

Offline avromie7

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Feb 2014
  • Posts: 8298
  • Total likes: 2744
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 6
    • View Profile
  • Location: Lakewood
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #8070 on: May 12, 2015, 02:25:43 PM »
What about same specs with 512gb ssd for $1,052?
Sounds like a steal of a deal where do you see that
I wonder what people who type "u" instead of "you" do with all their free time.

Offline Krow81

  • Dansdeals Bronze Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: Dec 2014
  • Posts: 38
  • Total likes: 0
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: Ny
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #8071 on: May 12, 2015, 02:40:17 PM »
Sounds like a steal of a deal where do you see that

Woohoo! Grabbed it. Dell Outlet, they will show up as sold out but a chat representative found it for me. Full disclosure, I chatted with her this morning and she actually offered to reach out if she could locate one, unbelievably, she emailed me the cart and i just completed the transaction. Message me if you'd like her info. XPS refurbs are 35% off today from dell outlet.

Offline ypalm

  • Dansdeals Silver Elite
  • **
  • Join Date: Oct 2014
  • Posts: 64
  • Total likes: 0
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 4
    • View Profile
  • Location: United States
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #8072 on: May 13, 2015, 03:30:12 PM »
Lenovo Z50-70 Laptop - 59436279 - Black $499

Processor-4th Generation Intel Core i7-4510U Processor (2.00GHz 1600 MHz 4MB)
Operating system-Windows 8.1 64
Graphics-Intel® HD Graphics 4400
Memory-8.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3L SDRAM 1600 MHz
Display-15.6" FHD LED Glossy Wedge (1920x1080)
Hard Drive-1TB 5400 RPM
Optical Drive-DVD Recordable (Dual Layer)
Battery-4 Cell 41 Watt Hour Lithium-Ion
Network Card-Intel® Dual Band Wireless-AC 3160
Bluetooth-Bluetooth Version 4.0

http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/controller/e/web/LenovoPortal/en_US/catalog.workflow:item.detail?GroupID=457&Code=59436279&sid=ebs2d-1d9208d1431545210009sbe&sourceName=detailpage

Use coupon code SLCKDLSZ50
$530.99 off

Offline am77

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: Apr 2015
  • Posts: 158
  • Total likes: 4
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #8073 on: May 14, 2015, 11:13:51 AM »
can someone please give their opinion what's better core i3 5th generation or i5 3rd generation TIA

Offline Hidden

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Aug 2013
  • Posts: 745
  • Total likes: 4
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #8074 on: May 14, 2015, 03:42:54 PM »
can someone please give their opinion what's better core i3 5th generation or i5 3rd generation TIA
Google the i5 model vs the i3.
Usually every model is different.

Offline avromie7

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Feb 2014
  • Posts: 8298
  • Total likes: 2744
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 6
    • View Profile
  • Location: Lakewood
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #8075 on: May 14, 2015, 04:10:27 PM »
can someone please give their opinion what's better core i3 5th generation or i5 3rd generation TIA

Google the i5 model vs the i3.
Usually every model is different.
Better just check the benchmarks on passmark.com
I wonder what people who type "u" instead of "you" do with all their free time.

Offline Thingywingy

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Sep 2011
  • Posts: 4792
  • Total likes: 46
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 24
    • View Profile
I am sometimes accused of overthinking things. I am still mulling over whether that accusation has merit.

Offline miles lover

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
  • ******
  • Join Date: Dec 2013
  • Posts: 940
  • Total likes: 31
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: Lakewood NJ
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #8077 on: May 17, 2015, 12:12:51 AM »
Dell Inspiron 5000 15.6" Full HD Touch Notebook, i5-4210U, 12GB RAM, 1TB HDD $499.99 Adorama via eBay.
On a scale of 1-10  how good of a deal is this ? 10 being the most for your money and 1 being the least.

Offline Hudi

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Mar 2011
  • Posts: 525
  • Total likes: 10
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 4
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #8078 on: May 17, 2015, 02:07:18 AM »
Dell Inspiron 13 i7348-5001sLV Signature Edition 2 in 1 $599 use code PCGRAD15
13.3-inch Full HD touchscreen
Intel Core i7-5500U
8GB memory/500GB SSHD

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/pdp/Dell-Inspiron-13-Signature-Edition-2-in-1-PC/productID.313300900

Offline slimcha

  • DansDeals Copper Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: Nov 2013
  • Posts: 21
  • Total likes: 0
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: , Location, Location
I want to know if this deal from Dell direct, is better than the one above (quoted below) since it is a 5th generation i5...
The specs are Inspiron 15 3000 series (diff between the 3k & 5k series is a bit better resolution and touchscreen) Dual Core i5 5G 2.70GHz 8gb ram (1 stick) 1TB hd (5400 rpm) $499 plus tax

This deal sounds sweet, everyone seems to be buying them on ebay...
BUT it is a 4th generation i5... and 1.7GHz vs the above 2.7...



Dell Inspiron 5000 15.6" Full HD Touch Notebook, i5-4210U, 12GB RAM, 1TB HDD $499.99 Adorama via eBay.