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
Warning: most of the wiki that follows was written a very long time ago and the information on it can be outdated.
[Deleted post based on DH Data Recovery's experience dated 2013. Maybe I'll take a stab at replacing it with something similar at some point.]


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. EDIT: Unless there are no RAM slots for upgrading.
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 4142492 times)

Online Yo ssi

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Aug 2019
  • Posts: 7885
  • Total likes: 3308
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 67
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #13360 on: January 26, 2022, 08:31:09 PM »
HP Pavilion 15.6" FHD Touch, Intel Core i7-1165G7, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Lunar Gold $699
Intel Core i7-1165G7 (up to 4.7 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology, 12 MB L3 cache, 4 cores)
Windows 10 Home
15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080), Touch, IPS, Micro-edge, BrightView, 250 nits, 45% NTSC
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
8GB DDR4 3200MHz
512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5 combo

Nice deal as well! (I'd prefer an oled for an extra 100)
_    ,
' )  /
 /  / __   _   _   o
(__/_(_)  /_)_/_)_<_
 //
(/

Offline AsherO

  • Global Moderator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 25K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 32375
  • Total likes: 9208
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 80
    • View Profile
  • Location: NYC
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #13361 on: January 27, 2022, 05:07:56 PM »
DDF FFB (Forum From Birth)

Offline Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 71980
  • Total likes: 22373
  • 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
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.

Online Chuchum Ainer

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Apr 2020
  • Posts: 1148
  • Total likes: 769
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #13363 on: January 27, 2022, 05:30:37 PM »
HP Pavilion 15.6" FHD Touch, Intel Core i7-1165G7, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Lunar Gold $699
Is the chasis metal?
Can someone explain why this is ddms worthy?
$700 for a midrange build laptop with 8gb ram and a basic screen doesn't seem to be great deal.

https://www.costco.com/hp-envy-13.3%22-intel-evo-platform-laptop---11th-gen-intel-core-i5-1135g7---1080p---windows-11.product.100794405.html for the same $700. Better build, 16gb RAM. Downgrade to i5. 13 inches

https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/pdp/hp-pavilion-laptop-15z-eh100-2h5a8av-1 on hps website it's been $709 for similar configuration for a while now. Sometimes goes cheaper. And you can customize it, add more ram or drop the  touchscreen.

The dell inspiron (metal) is usually $636 for the non touch i5 16gb configuration. Better deal IMHO, I'd take i5 16gb over i7 8gb (excepting a gaming rig with an iGPU and better cooling where different rules apply)

Am I missing something?

Offline Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 71980
  • Total likes: 22373
  • 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 #13364 on: January 27, 2022, 08:28:31 PM »
Is the chasis metal?
Can someone explain why this is ddms worthy?
$700 for a midrange build laptop with 8gb ram and a basic screen doesn't seem to be great deal.

https://www.costco.com/hp-envy-13.3%22-intel-evo-platform-laptop---11th-gen-intel-core-i5-1135g7---1080p---windows-11.product.100794405.html for the same $700. Better build, 16gb RAM. Downgrade to i5. 13 inches

https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/pdp/hp-pavilion-laptop-15z-eh100-2h5a8av-1 on hps website it's been $709 for similar configuration for a while now. Sometimes goes cheaper. And you can customize it, add more ram or drop the  touchscreen.

The dell inspiron (metal) is usually $636 for the non touch i5 16gb configuration. Better deal IMHO, I'd take i5 16gb over i7 8gb (excepting a gaming rig with an iGPU and better cooling where different rules apply)

Am I missing something?
People like Intel i7s.
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 AsherO

  • Global Moderator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 25K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 32375
  • Total likes: 9208
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 80
    • View Profile
  • Location: NYC
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #13365 on: January 27, 2022, 09:56:04 PM »
People like Intel i7s.

People might or might not be mistaken, it really depends. Many people using Office and a browser don’t need more than an i5 and 8gb of RAM but might prefer and get marginal benefit from both.
DDF FFB (Forum From Birth)

Online Chuchum Ainer

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Apr 2020
  • Posts: 1148
  • Total likes: 769
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile

Online Yo ssi

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Aug 2019
  • Posts: 7885
  • Total likes: 3308
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 67
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #13367 on: January 28, 2022, 02:45:53 AM »
Am I missing something?
I don't think DDMS specializes in electronic deals, and I don't think that's a bad thing. Dan / JJ posts deals that he thinks (i.e. stastics show) is catchy and will get clicks.
DDMS is my go-to for airfare deals and IMHO that's it's speciality.

It's one of the reasons why I stopped posting as many deals as I used to, I now mainly try sharing what I feel other DDFers might find useful. If your doing it for HTs stop ;) (sorry Dan & JJ keep up the good work)

Maybe time for an expansion  ;) ;)
_    ,
' )  /
 /  / __   _   _   o
(__/_(_)  /_)_/_)_<_
 //
(/

Online YitzyS

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Jan 2015
  • Posts: 6477
  • Total likes: 16970
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 39
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: Lakewood, NJ
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #13368 on: January 28, 2022, 07:47:24 AM »
I don't think DDMS specializes in electronic deals, and I don't think that's a bad thing. Dan / JJ posts deals that he thinks (i.e. stastics show) is catchy and will get clicks.
DDMS is my go-to for airfare deals and IMHO that's it's speciality.

It's one of the reasons why I stopped posting as many deals as I used to, I now mainly try sharing what I feel other DDFers might find useful. If your doing it for HTs stop ;) (sorry Dan & JJ keep up the good work)

Maybe time for an expansion  ;) ;)
I think that for the vast majority of people, who are generally not savvy with computer specs etc, having occasional deals on DDMS is excellent. My Dell XPS, bought about 3 years ago, was such an example. I had no idea at the time what an i5 or i7 was, but I needed a new laptop and when I saw that I was getting a $1,300 computer for $750, I ordered it. And I love it.

For most people, that's perfect. Need a new computer? Wait until DansDeals has one on sale, and you know you are getting a good value for your money.

Now, when I'm much more savvy and I know a lot more about which type of computer I want, I come to this thread. A few months ago, when I bought my Lenovo, I asked here, got a number of suggestions, and was able to vet them. Understanding the options I was able to chose one recommended by the fine folks here.

Offline Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 71980
  • Total likes: 22373
  • 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 #13369 on: January 28, 2022, 08:35:54 AM »
I bought a Lenovo X1 with OLED before my current XPS 13 and the battery life dropped to nil after a year of use.
Specs don't always mean it's a good computer.
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 Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 71980
  • Total likes: 22373
  • 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 #13370 on: January 28, 2022, 08:37:29 AM »
People might or might not be mistaken, it really depends. Many people using Office and a browser don’t need more than an i5 and 8gb of RAM but might prefer and get marginal benefit from both.
Many people also don't need more than Spirit, but splurge for Delta anyway. There's always less decision regret when you go for what's perceived as the best.
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 AsherO

  • Global Moderator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 25K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 32375
  • Total likes: 9208
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 80
    • View Profile
  • Location: NYC
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #13371 on: January 28, 2022, 09:34:03 AM »
Many people also don't need more than Spirit, but splurge for Delta anyway. There's always less decision regret when you go for what's perceived as the best.

100% much more so with a laptop that you’ll use for years, vs. a flight that you can suck it you for a few hours.

i5 and 8gb vs. i7 and 16gb is probably more analogous to flying direct vs. a stopover, or suboptimal scheduling. There’s also build quality and features (better display, backlit keyboard etc) which might be analogous to which cabin you fly in.
DDF FFB (Forum From Birth)

Online Yo ssi

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Aug 2019
  • Posts: 7885
  • Total likes: 3308
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 67
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #13372 on: January 28, 2022, 10:28:36 AM »
I bought a Lenovo X1 with OLED before my current XPS 13 and the battery life dropped to nil after a year of use.
Specs don't always mean it's a good computer.
So your telling me that's why you didn't post the deal?
_    ,
' )  /
 /  / __   _   _   o
(__/_(_)  /_)_/_)_<_
 //
(/

Offline Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 71980
  • Total likes: 22373
  • 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 #13373 on: January 28, 2022, 10:33:14 AM »
So your telling me that's why you didn't post the deal?
I would never get another OLED laptop.
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 AsherO

  • Global Moderator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 25K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 32375
  • Total likes: 9208
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 80
    • View Profile
  • Location: NYC
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #13374 on: January 28, 2022, 10:33:56 AM »
I would never get another OLED laptop.

Never say never. How do you even know the issue was OLED?
DDF FFB (Forum From Birth)

Offline Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 71980
  • Total likes: 22373
  • 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 #13375 on: January 28, 2022, 10:35:48 AM »
Never say never. How do you even know the issue was OLED?
Because people with that model without OLED had no issues, but everyone with OLED developed severe battery issues.

OK, never is too harsh, but I would not recommend it. And certainly wouldn't pay extra for it.
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 yesitsme

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Dec 2014
  • Posts: 5130
  • Total likes: 2247
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 4
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #13376 on: January 28, 2022, 10:46:41 AM »
ok so all מומכים here
I don't need specifically a laptop, I t can be a desktop or anything else
the laptop I currently have is about 10 year old i3
I dont NEED it for work related but I would love to use it what I enjoy, which includes android studio, vs code, visual studio, MySQL, (maybe sql sever), and browser tabs, and camera viewing program

I would also use Linux, I currently have dual boot but if possible i would rather use Linux within windows (WSL) so I don't need to shut down windows to use Linux

I currently don't use most of the things mentioned above because I would need to wait 2 years for something to load
I think it boils down to RAM

(i have $750 put away for a new  PC)
so is this the best option https://www.walmart.com/ip/HP-Pavilion-15-6-FHD-Touch-Intel-Core-i7-1165G7-8GB-RAM-512GB-SSD-Lunar-Gold-15-eg0070wm/823285811

lets go start the ריתחא

I have an external Monitor keyboard and mouse too
« Last Edit: January 28, 2022, 10:50:05 AM by yesitsme »
["-"]

Online Yo ssi

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Aug 2019
  • Posts: 7885
  • Total likes: 3308
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 67
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #13377 on: January 28, 2022, 10:48:48 AM »
I know someone with the new HP spectre OLED, and they are really enjoying it the battery life being very decent at least for now. (It's 4k but the usually turn it down to 1080)

When it comes to battery vs screen i would personally take the screen being that my laptop is usually plugged in. And I don't think I'm the only one, it really depends on what you use it for.
_    ,
' )  /
 /  / __   _   _   o
(__/_(_)  /_)_/_)_<_
 //
(/

Online Yo ssi

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Aug 2019
  • Posts: 7885
  • Total likes: 3308
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 67
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #13378 on: January 28, 2022, 10:51:51 AM »
ok so all מומכים here
I don't need specifically a laptop, I t can be a desktop or anything else
the laptop I currently have is about 10 year old i3
I dont NEED it for work related but I would love to use it what I enjoy, which includes android studio, vs code, visual studio, MySQL, (maybe sql sever), and browser tabs, and camera viewing program

I would also use Linux, I currently have dual boot but if possible i would rather use Linux within windows (WSL) so I don't need to shut down windows to use Linux

I currently don't use most of the things mentioned above because I would need to wait 2 years for something to load
I think it boils down to RAM

(i have $750 put away for a new  PC)
so is this the best option https://www.walmart.com/ip/HP-Pavilion-15-6-FHD-Touch-Intel-Core-i7-1165G7-8GB-RAM-512GB-SSD-Lunar-Gold-15-eg0070wm/823285811

lets go start the ריתחא

I have an external Monitor keyboard and mouse too
A desktop will get you more bang for your buck, will last longer and is more powerful. (I currently use a laptop :D)
_    ,
' )  /
 /  / __   _   _   o
(__/_(_)  /_)_/_)_<_
 //
(/

Offline yesitsme

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Dec 2014
  • Posts: 5130
  • Total likes: 2247
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 4
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #13379 on: January 28, 2022, 11:01:48 AM »
A desktop will get you more bang for your buck, will last longer and is more powerful. (I currently use a laptop :D)
Link?
you very rarely see desktop posts  on dansDeals
["-"]