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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
Warning: most of the wiki that follows was written a very long time ago and the information on it can be outdated.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 3744328 times)

Offline Chuchum Ainer

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #13460 on: April 12, 2022, 05:03:51 PM »
Both probably sufficient
But I'd get one of these two
Cheaper, similar power and build $350 15 inch
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1663923-REG/lenovo_82h801ekus_ip3_15itl6_i3_1115g4_8gb.html

More premium laptop, $500 +$20 shipping 14inch
https://www.microcenter.com/product/647547/lenovo-ideapad-slim-7-14itl05-14-laptop-computer-grey

Offline Chuchum Ainer

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #13461 on: April 12, 2022, 05:07:09 PM »
Is this one below good enough for OTZAR HACHOCHMA?

https://www.dell.com/en-us/member/shop/dell-laptops/inspiron-15-3000-laptop/spd/inspiron-15-3511-laptop/nn3511ezwhh?view=configurations
If you go with that one, decline monthly service charge and use code save15 to get $403.60 final price

Offline wildcard

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #13462 on: April 12, 2022, 07:31:14 PM »
Both probably sufficient
But I'd get one of these two
Cheaper, similar power and build $350 15 inch
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1663923-REG/lenovo_82h801ekus_ip3_15itl6_i3_1115g4_8gb.html

Isn't this lenovo i3? how does that compare to the dell i5?

Offline wildcard

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #13463 on: April 12, 2022, 07:33:12 PM »
Also, between these 3 (dell, lenovo and lenovo 14") which one has best resolution?

Offline herb

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #13464 on: April 12, 2022, 10:30:37 PM »
Looking for good laptop for remote office work. Must have mobile broadband capability. Any suggestions? (I don't know anything about laptops) Money not a factor.
Tia!

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #13465 on: April 12, 2022, 10:47:08 PM »

Isn't this lenovo i3? how does that compare to the dell i5?

Last gen i5 vs newer i3. At the same price I'd probably go for the i5, not sure I'd pay more for it.

https://nanoreview.net/en/cpu-compare/intel-core-i5-1035g1-vs-intel-core-i3-1115g4

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #13466 on: April 12, 2022, 10:50:36 PM »
Also, between these 3 (dell, lenovo and lenovo 14") which one has best resolution?

They all have the same FHD resolution. Will probably look marginally sharper on a 14 inch, no real difference.
The brightness also seems to be around the same.
Color accuracy on the 14inch lenovo is better, it's also touch


Offline AsherO

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #13468 on: May 05, 2022, 08:54:20 AM »
$750 sounds nice, but if I’m getting the Gram then the 16/17” sounds much more compelling even for an extra $200-300.

The 2-in-1 is a curiosity, I want to try it but not sure how much value I’ll get from it.

So the 15.6” Gram is $749 at Costco and is part of a $150 Costco cash rebate for spending $751.01 on qualifying items (5/5-5/8 only). To sweeten the deal I already have $610 Costco cash from some other deals.

The question is, if I’m willing to wait a few months for the 12th-gen intel LG Grams to hit the US, and the 11th-gens to fall in price, will I get a similar/better deal on a 16” 2-in-1 or at least a 15.6”+ touchscreen Gram?

Basically settle for a good deal on the brand I want (bird in hand) or wait for something better a few months out (two in the tree)?

ETA: I just realized it’s “only” an 11th-gen i5, but that’s good enough for my needs

ETA2 that the $150 rebate is 5/5-5/8 only
« Last Edit: May 05, 2022, 10:03:14 AM by AsherO »
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Offline YitzyS

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #13469 on: May 05, 2022, 09:15:51 AM »
So the 15.6” Gram is $749 at Costco and is part of a $150 Costco cash rebate for spending $751.01 on qualifying items. To sweeten the deal I already have $610 Costco cash from some other deals.

The question is, if I’m willing to wait a few months for the 12th-gen intel LG Grams to hit the US, and the 11th-gens to fall in price, will I get a similar/better deal on a 16” 2-in-1 or at least a 15.6”+ touchscreen Gram?

Basically settle for a good deal on the brand I want (bird in hand) or wait for something better a few months out (two in the tree)?

ETA: I just realized it’s “only” an 11th-gen i5, but that’s good enough for my needs
Do birds even like gram crackers? And who is Gen?

Offline AsherO

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #13470 on: May 05, 2022, 10:02:21 AM »
Do birds even like gram crackers? And who is Gen?


My pet parrot gennifer bas polly loves Gram crackers, it apparently runs in the family
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Offline cozmohoot

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #13471 on: May 05, 2022, 07:25:09 PM »
Can someone recommend a laptop with high end specs at a price between 1500 and 2k?
I7, 16gb , 512ssd should be at least these specs.. want a machine that will last

Offline AsherO

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #13472 on: May 05, 2022, 07:32:15 PM »
Can someone recommend a laptop with high end specs at a price between 1500 and 2k?
I7, 16gb , 512ssd should be at least these specs.. want a machine that will last

None of those specs will ensure a laptop will last. What other priorities do you have in the laptop other than longevity and those specs?

I’d say nearly all (Intel) laptops you’d buy for $1,500+ will have those specs, but the build quality could differ. Im not proficient in laptop builds so I’ll leave it to others to make recommendations. What I could say is that business laptops are often built better.
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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #13473 on: May 06, 2022, 01:22:55 AM »
Can someone recommend a laptop with high end specs at a price between 1500 and 2k?
I7, 16gb , 512ssd should be at least these specs.. want a machine that will last

The top consumer offerings from hp dell and lenovo are solid. HP spectre, dell xps, lenovo yoga. I'm partial to the yoga, but they're all pretty amazing once you go over $1200.

The Samsung galaxy pro 360 is nice too.

What size? 13 14 15 or 16+?

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #13474 on: May 06, 2022, 01:38:42 AM »
So the 15.6” Gram is $749 at Costco and is part of a $150 Costco cash rebate for spending $751.01 on qualifying items (5/5-5/8 only). To sweeten the deal I already have $610 Costco cash from some other deals.

The question is, if I’m willing to wait a few months for the 12th-gen intel LG Grams to hit the US, and the 11th-gens to fall in price, will I get a similar/better deal on a 16” 2-in-1 or at least a 15.6”+ touchscreen Gram?

Basically settle for a good deal on the brand I want (bird in hand) or wait for something better a few months out (two in the tree)?

ETA: I just realized it’s “only” an 11th-gen i5, but that’s good enough for my needs

ETA2 that the $150 rebate is 5/5-5/8 only

~$610 is a very good price for the lg gram.

I dont think the 16 or 17 inch go below $1100 or $1k, correct me if you've seen it. (Maybe the 8gb ram versions, but those are obviously not worth it)

Offline Sammy82

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #13475 on: May 06, 2022, 12:43:32 PM »
So the 15.6” Gram is $749 at Costco and is part of a $150 Costco cash rebate for spending $751.01 on qualifying items (5/5-5/8 only). To sweeten the deal I already have $610 Costco cash from some other deals.

The question is, if I’m willing to wait a few months for the 12th-gen intel LG Grams to hit the US, and the 11th-gens to fall in price, will I get a similar/better deal on a 16” 2-in-1 or at least a 15.6”+ touchscreen Gram?

Basically settle for a good deal on the brand I want (bird in hand) or wait for something better a few months out (two in the tree)?

ETA: I just realized it’s “only” an 11th-gen i5, but that’s good enough for my needs

ETA2 that the $150 rebate is 5/5-5/8 only
Keep in mind if you pay with the Costco credit card, u will get an additional 24 months of warranty coverage (total of 4 years). I generally use Costco cash/gift card for everyday purchases. For electronics and large purchases, def worth using the CC (not to mention the  additional up to 2% back from Citi)

Offline AsherO

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #13476 on: May 06, 2022, 01:36:24 PM »
Keep in mind if you pay with the Costco credit card, u will get an additional 24 months of warranty coverage (total of 4 years). I generally use Costco cash/gift card for everyday purchases. For electronics and large purchases, def worth using the CC (not to mention the  additional up to 2% back from Citi)

TY, good to know. I’m not a Costco regular and don’t have the CC.
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Offline AsherO

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #13477 on: May 06, 2022, 01:37:29 PM »
~$610 is a very good price for the lg gram.

I dont think the 16 or 17 inch go below $1100 or $1k, correct me if you've seen it. (Maybe the 8gb ram versions, but those are obviously not worth it)

A competing deal site had some comments about how good a deal this is, I ordered yesterday. 8gb is a dud considering it’s a single soldered RAM slot.
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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #13478 on: May 06, 2022, 03:15:53 PM »
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Acer-Swift-3-SF314-511-51A3-14-Full-HD-11th-Gen-Intel-Core-i5-1135G7-8GB-LPDDR4X-512GB-NVMe-SSD/534855652
$430

Anyone have experience with the acer swift line?

Seems like a good deal. 300nit 100%srgb screen, light, metal, thunderbolt, decent battery size.

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #13479 on: May 06, 2022, 03:54:39 PM »
Can someone recommend a laptop with high end specs at a price between 1500 and 2k?
I7, 16gb , 512ssd should be at least these specs.. want a machine that will last
What I have heard from an IT professional is that business grade laptops are built to last much better than personal grade.