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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 3179899 times)

Offline rots5

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2080 on: December 17, 2012, 12:19:05 PM »
extremely weak processor - I wouldn't touch it

hey DH my mom needs a good laptop - under 800 or so insurance is coverung it - have any ideas? one thing she needs a big screen over 16'' if poss thanks so much!
If you have any questions please search and then ask. PM me for detailed help.

Offline elikay

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Re: Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2081 on: December 17, 2012, 12:19:42 PM »
My question about the fingerprint reader still stands, though, as this is not the first laptop - and probably won't be the last - that it applies to.

What's the deal with that?
I'm not sure why you're obsessed with the fingerprint reader,  but a Google search should be able to verify its existence.

Offline DH Data Recovery

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2082 on: December 17, 2012, 12:44:19 PM »
hey DH my mom needs a good laptop - under 800 or so insurance is coverung it - have any ideas? one thing she needs a big screen over 16'' if poss thanks so much!

http://shopping.hp.com/en_US/home-office/-/products/Laptops/HP-ENVY/C0L20AV?adid=10427473&affpid=404255&aoid=35252

Use Coupon Code: NB7845

Total $760
Use Amex Open for additional 5% - 10% Off
(Additional 5% Back at some places that can't be named....)

Intel Core i7-3630QM 2.4GHz
8GB RAM
750GB HDD
17.3" 1600 x 900 LED LCD
Intel HD Graphics
BLu-Ray
6-cell
Windows 8 OS

Recommended Upgrade - 1) Backlit Keyboard, 2) 7200rpm Hard drive

Offline rots5

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2083 on: December 17, 2012, 12:47:33 PM »
http://shopping.hp.com/en_US/home-office/-/products/Laptops/HP-ENVY/C0L20AV?adid=10427473&affpid=404255&aoid=35252

Use Coupon Code: NB7845

Total $760
Use Amex Open for additional 5% - 10% Off
(Additional 5% Back at some places that can't be named....)

Intel Core i7-3630QM 2.4GHz
8GB RAM
750GB HDD
17.3" 1600 x 900 LED LCD
Intel HD Graphics
BLu-Ray
6-cell
Windows 8 OS

Recommended Upgrade - 1) Backlit Keyboard, 2) 7200rpm Hard drive

thanks so much! wow ur good!
though my mom wants a keyboard also bec she doesnt like the typing on a laptop and is windows 8 worth it? and i dont have amex open

and funny i was gonna do this one maybe

http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/load_configuration.do?destination=review&config_id=7668638&adid=10427473&affpid=1225267&aoid=35252#anchor-top
« Last Edit: December 17, 2012, 12:54:34 PM by rots5 »
If you have any questions please search and then ask. PM me for detailed help.

Offline Moishebatchy

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2084 on: December 17, 2012, 12:50:55 PM »
and i dont have amex open

You can use my card if you want.

Offline rots5

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2085 on: December 17, 2012, 12:53:47 PM »
You can use my card if you want.

thanks  i dont think my mom will go for that esp bec she has to deal with the insurance  but uncle moish thanks so much!!

amex open is spg biz?
If you have any questions please search and then ask. PM me for detailed help.

Offline MosheP

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2086 on: December 17, 2012, 12:54:08 PM »
My Dell Inspiron 1545  just died. I have the Dell Amex Twitter $150 off $599. The 1545 basically worked for me pretty well. Can anyone recommend a great deal costing at least $599 and not much more for a comparable or better laptop?

TIA

Specs on my Dell 1545
ProcessorIntel Pentium T4400 / 2.2 GHz ( Dual-Core )
Memory2.0 GB
Hard Drive250.0 GB - Serial ATA-150 - 5400.0 rpm
Operating SystemMicrosoft Windows 7 Home Basic 64-bit Edition
Display Type15.6 in TFT active matrix
Max Resolution1366 x 768 ( HD )
Graphics ProcessorIntel GMA 4500MHD Dynamic Video Memory Technology 5.0
Optical DriveDVD±RW (±R DL) / DVD-RAM

ETA: I have until 12/31 to use the twitter promo, so please keep me in mind if something comes up the next few weeks.

This would end up costing me $450 after the twitter promo. Can I do better for my money with something else? Is this a good laptop?


SYSTEM   Inspiron 15R Notebook (Inspiron 5520)   
PROCESSOR   3rd Generation Intel® Core™ i5-3210M processor (3M Cache, up to 3.1 GHz)   
OPERATING SYSTEM   Windows 8, 64-bit, English   
MEMORY   8GB Shared Dual Channel DDR3 Memory   
HARD DRIVE   1TB 5400 RPM SATA Hard Drive   
VIDEO CARD   Intel® HD Graphics 4000   
INTERNAL OPTICAL DRIVE   8X Tray Load CD/DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-R Drive)   
SYSTEM COLOR   Switch by Design Studio - Moon Silver   
DISPLAY   15.6" High Definition (720p) LED Display with Truelife   
BATTERY OPTIONS   48 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Battery   
WIRELESS CARDS   Intel® Centrino® Wireless 2230, 2x2 bgn + Bluetooth   
SOUND   Dell Stereo Speakers with Waves MaxxAudio 3 audio processor   
NETWORK CARD   Integrated 10/100 Network Card   
KEYBOARD   Dell Chiclet Keyboard with Multi-touch Touchpad, US English   
POWER CORD   Power cord, 125V, 3.2 Feet, US   
ADOBE & ENTERTAINMENT   Digital Delivery Enablement   
WIRELESS DRIVER   SRV Software for 2230 WIFI Wireless Card
« Last Edit: December 17, 2012, 01:00:27 PM by MosheP »

Offline DH Data Recovery

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2087 on: December 17, 2012, 02:32:01 PM »
Not bad, but you can def do better. We were getting this on newegg a few weeks ago for $479 without any amex credit

Offline MosheP

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2088 on: December 17, 2012, 02:34:02 PM »
Not bad, but you can def do better. We were getting this on newegg a few weeks ago for $479 without any amex credit

I would love to do better. I will accept any and all recommendations. (please)

If you buy it on newegg, does it come with the 1 year dell support included?

Offline DH Data Recovery

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2089 on: December 17, 2012, 02:38:25 PM »
not available anymore for that price (you actually get more than a year - as long as you dont register...... ;))

Offline MosheP

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2090 on: December 17, 2012, 02:46:47 PM »
not available anymore for that price (you actually get more than a year - as long as you dont register...... ;))

Is this the case with dell as well? Or does the purchase automatically register you?

I don't mean better for this particular laptop. I mean overall, can you recommend better bang for my buck? Bearing in mind the twitter promo and my needs/previous laptop which basically did all I needed.

Offline DH Data Recovery

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2091 on: December 17, 2012, 02:50:45 PM »
This is a nice price for a nice slim laptop if you have the amex sync.

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=fncwg28h&model_id=inspiron-15z-5523&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&dgc=CJ&cid=47997&lid=4279734&acd=11239151-4328635-

Inspiron 15z Ultrabook   

Windows 8, 64-bit, English

3rd Generation Intel® Core™ processor i5-3317U (3M Cache, up to 2.6 GHz)   
6GB Shared DDR3 Memory   

500GB 5400 RPM SATA HDD and 32GB mSATA SSD   

Intel HD Graphics 4000   

8X DVD+/-RW   

15.6 inch High Definition WLED Display Non-Touch   

Intel® Centrino® Wireless 2230, 2x2 bgn + Bluetooth   

Skullcandy audio with WaveMaxx 4.0   

Backlit Chiclet Keyboard with Gesture TouchPad, ENGLISH   

6-cell 44 WHr Lithium Ion Battery

Total is - $799
- $100 off dell coupon code 07J3ZFPC$14XS$ (Ends 01/02)
- Amex Sync $150
+ Free $150 Gift Card

$400
« Last Edit: December 17, 2012, 03:13:11 PM by DH Data Recovery »

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2092 on: December 17, 2012, 02:54:58 PM »
This is a nice price for a nice slim laptop if you have the amex sync.
Total is - $799
- $100 off dell coupon code 07J3ZFPC$14XS$ (Ends 01/02)
- Amex Sync $150
+ Free $150 Gift Card

$450
Very Hot!!

Offline MosheP

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2093 on: December 17, 2012, 03:02:19 PM »
This is a nice price for a nice slim laptop if you have the amex sync.

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=fncwg28h&model_id=inspiron-15z-5523&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&dgc=CJ&cid=47997&lid=4279734&acd=11239151-4328635-

Inspiron 15z Ultrabook   

Windows 8, 64-bit, English

3rd Generation Intel® Core™ processor i5-3317U (3M Cache, up to 2.6 GHz)   
6GB Shared DDR3 Memory   

500GB 5400 RPM SATA HDD and 32GB mSATA SSD   

Intel HD Graphics 4000   

8X DVD+/-RW   

15.6 inch High Definition WLED Display Non-Touch   

Intel® Centrino® Wireless 2230, 2x2 bgn + Bluetooth   

Skullcandy audio with WaveMaxx 4.0   

Backlit Chiclet Keyboard with Gesture TouchPad, ENGLISH   

6-cell 44 WHr Lithium Ion Battery

Total is - $799
- $100 off dell coupon code 07J3ZFPC$14XS$ (Ends 01/02)
- Amex Sync $150
+ Free $150 Gift Card

$450

My math might be off but $799 - 400 should be $400. Unless you took off $50 for selling the gift card?

Besides for being 1.25 pounds lighter and having 2 GB less ram what other big differences are there between the 15R that I posted and this 15Z?

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2094 on: December 17, 2012, 03:03:10 PM »
Or $50 for Sales tax

Offline MosheP

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2095 on: December 17, 2012, 03:04:52 PM »
Or $50 for Sales tax

True!

What is the resale value of a $150 dell gift card?

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2096 on: December 17, 2012, 03:09:34 PM »
True!

What is the resale value of a $150 dell gift card?
Its a Promo GC (expires in 90 days) but deff worth $100

Offline MosheP

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2097 on: December 17, 2012, 03:11:52 PM »
Its a Promo GC (expires in 90 days) but deff worth $100
That is a great deal!

What does this add? Is it flash memory? What is the purpose?
500GB 5400 RPM SATA HDD and 32GB mSATA SSD

Offline DH Data Recovery

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2098 on: December 17, 2012, 03:12:42 PM »
Its extra speed for the regular hard drive, think of it as Ram for a hard drive

Offline DH Data Recovery

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2099 on: December 17, 2012, 03:13:35 PM »
Fixed $400