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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Warning: most of the wiki that follows was written a very long time ago and the information on it can be outdated.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 3806129 times)

Offline mevinyavin

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15020 on: December 08, 2024, 08:29:16 AM »
Do your own research on these. If you can't figure out my shorthand notes, read the review yourself.

$700.
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/dell-inspiron-14-plus-copilot-pc-14-qhd-touch-laptop-snapdragon-x-plus-16gb-512gb-ssd-ice/6584131.p?skuId=6584131
Review
https://www.pcworld.com/article/2415368/dell-inspiron-14-plus-7441-review-another-copilot-pc.html
https://www.laptopmag.com/laptops/windows-laptops/dell-inspiron-14-plus-7441-snapdragon-x-plus
Review notes
14 25x16 IPS tch X1P64100 16x/512 3.17lbs 2xC 1xA audio mSD fred 17h *4K vid at 250nits 2ND OPINION: 18:20h Screen with horrible color but 470nits

$650
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/asus-vivobook-s-14-14-oled-laptop-copilot-pc-intel-core-ultra-5-16gb-memory-512gb-ssd-neutral-black/6595523.p?skuId=6595523
Review
https://www.laptopmag.com/laptops/asus-vivobook-s14-q423
Review notes
14 19x12 OLED 226V 16x/512 2.87lbs 17.5h 2xA 2xTB4 HDMI mSD audio 367nits glossy

$750
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/hp-omnibook-x-copilot-pc-14-2-2k-touch-screen-laptop-snapdragon-x-elite-16gb-memory-1tb-sdd-meteor-silver/6583279.p?skuId=6583279
Review
https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/ultrabooks-ultraportables/hp-omnibook-x-review
Review notes
14 24x14 tch X1E78100 16x/TB 2.97lbs 2xC 1xA audio lsser color 283nits 16h @ 150nits (mixed) but Intel's can also do this

$900
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/hp-omnibook-ultra-copilot-pc-14-2-2k-touch-screen-laptop-amd-ryzen-ai-9-365-32gb-memory-1tb-ssd-meteor-silver/6589592.p?skuId=6589592
Review notes - note not exact same model but screen, ports, weight, battery should be the same
14 22x14 IPS tch 60Hz 400nits glossy HX375 32/2TB 2xTb4 1xA audio wf7 fred 3.47lbs 18h (4Kvid at 250nits)
Quote from: ExGingi
Echo chambers are boring and don't contribute much to deeper thinking and understanding!

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15021 on: December 08, 2024, 08:30:42 AM »
And again, when reading reviews: if they complain about performance, make sure that you are doing something that will require that performance - otherwise ignore the complaint.
Quote from: ExGingi
Echo chambers are boring and don't contribute much to deeper thinking and understanding!

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15022 on: December 08, 2024, 11:36:13 AM »
Swift 16 for $900. Haven't even seen a review for this yet. (Only 3.3 lbs, OLED, somewhere between decent and ridiculous battery life)
The Swift 16 is the equivalent of a Swift 5 on the old naming scheme.
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/acer-swift-16-ai-16-3k-oled-touch-laptop-copilot-pc-intel-core-ultra-7-series-2-16gb-memory-1tb-ssd-ice-black/6598823.p?skuId=6598823
Quote from: ExGingi
Echo chambers are boring and don't contribute much to deeper thinking and understanding!

Offline nafnaf12

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15023 on: December 08, 2024, 08:36:37 PM »
These are better options. With AMEX, get the AMD instead - Core 7 has no advantage for its money.
had amex so got the dell, never had a laptop make this much noise. Is that normal?
A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.

Offline mevinyavin

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15024 on: December 09, 2024, 04:18:13 AM »
had amex so got the dell, never had a laptop make this much noise. Is that normal?
Could be. Hard to tell in advance which computers have constant fan noise and which don't (except reviews, but you don't always get them on every model). If it bothers you, return and try something else.
Quote from: ExGingi
Echo chambers are boring and don't contribute much to deeper thinking and understanding!

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15026 on: December 15, 2024, 06:51:54 PM »

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15027 on: December 19, 2024, 09:40:09 AM »
@jj1000
Lenovo Slim 7 14", OLED touch, on sale for $600 from Lenovo (use code DECDEAL2). Core Ultra 5 125H, 16GB RAM (soldered), TB SSD, about 8 hours of real use according to reviews (which is great for an OLED at this price point).
https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/p/laptops/lenovo/lenovo_slim_series/lenovo-slim-7i-gen-9-(14-inch-intel)/83d80004us

Review of CU7 model here: https://www.notebookcheck.net/Lenovo-Yoga-Slim-7-14-G9-laptop-review-New-smaller-size-with-integrated-Co-Pilot-key.810216.0.html
Quote from: ExGingi
Echo chambers are boring and don't contribute much to deeper thinking and understanding!

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15028 on: December 19, 2024, 09:59:51 AM »
@jj1000
Lenovo Slim 7 14", OLED touch, on sale for $600 from Lenovo (use code DECDEAL2). Core Ultra 5 125H, 16GB RAM (soldered), TB SSD, about 8 hours of real use according to reviews (which is great for an OLED at this price point).
https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/p/laptops/lenovo/lenovo_slim_series/lenovo-slim-7i-gen-9-(14-inch-intel)/83d80004us

Review of CU7 model here: https://www.notebookcheck.net/Lenovo-Yoga-Slim-7-14-G9-laptop-review-New-smaller-size-with-integrated-Co-Pilot-key.810216.0.html

A @Mavinyavin approved deal!

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Offline mevinyavin

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15030 on: December 19, 2024, 11:39:02 AM »
Quote from: ExGingi
Echo chambers are boring and don't contribute much to deeper thinking and understanding!

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15031 on: December 19, 2024, 02:23:03 PM »
Par for the course, except maybe for the touch screen. Screen is only 250nits.
Also not FHD. Weak resolution, pass.

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15032 on: December 22, 2024, 06:10:49 AM »
Swift 16 for $900. Haven't even seen a review for this yet. (Only 3.3 lbs, OLED, somewhere between decent and ridiculous battery life)
The Swift 16 is the equivalent of a Swift 5 on the old naming scheme.
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/acer-swift-16-ai-16-3k-oled-touch-laptop-copilot-pc-intel-core-ultra-7-series-2-16gb-memory-1tb-ssd-ice-black/6598823.p?skuId=6598823
Now $850
Quote from: ExGingi
Echo chambers are boring and don't contribute much to deeper thinking and understanding!

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Quote from: ExGingi
Echo chambers are boring and don't contribute much to deeper thinking and understanding!

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15034 on: December 22, 2024, 10:15:25 AM »
$400 Aspire 5 12gb ram. Says ending in 3 hrs. https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16834360370?Item=N82E16834360370&SoldByNewegg=1
Got my hands on this model last night. It is built solid and very well made. Getting inside was harder than any other laptop that I've been inside barring those that I didn't need to close up afterwards. Has 2 DIMMS and 2 M2 2280s (1x4.0, 1x3.0). Got about 8 hours of intense browsing on it. Highly recommended at this price. FYI, Newegg will ship it straight to Israel for a reasonable (IMHO) cost (they charge you VAT directly).
Quote from: ExGingi
Echo chambers are boring and don't contribute much to deeper thinking and understanding!

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15035 on: December 23, 2024, 08:38:39 PM »
Various Ideapad 5 16" on sale:

$429 83FW0006US Intel Core 5 120U, 512gb Non touch
YMMV in-store pickup only
https://www.staples.com/lenovo-ideapad-slim-5-16iru9-16-laptop-intel-core-5-120u-16gb-memory-512gb-ssd-windows-11-home-83fw0006us/product_24592977

$479 83FW0007US Same as a above, but 1tb and available for shipping
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1851422-REG/lenovo_16_ideapad_slim_5i.html

$549 83DD002JUS Ryzen 7 8845HS, 1tb, Touchscreen
https://www.costco.com/lenovo-ideapad-slim-5-16%22-touchscreen-laptop---amd-ryzen-7-8845hs---wuxga-1920-x-1200---windows-11.product.4000253721.html

All three are metal, 57whr battery, 4.01lbs, and basic but decent 300 nit 45%ntsc screen, backlit Keyboard, fingerprint reader.

There is also a 2in1 for $549, but that is part plastic and heavier, with a weaker 7 150u chip as opposed to the other $549 one.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1811270-REG/lenovo_83du0007us_16_ideapad_5_multi_touch.html

If you want a 2in1 this is probably better, better cpu and metal $599
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/hp-envy-2-in-1-16-2k-touch-screen-laptop-amd-ryzen-7-16gb-memory-1tb-ssd-meteor-silver/6571083.p

https://www.notebookcheck.net/Intel-Core-7-150U-performance-debut-Lenovo-IdeaPad-Slim-5-16IRU9-laptop-review.865481.0.html
« Last Edit: December 23, 2024, 08:45:06 PM by Chuchum Ainer »

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15036 on: December 23, 2024, 09:01:29 PM »
Someone sent me an Aspire 16, part metal, with entry dedicated GPU was $549, though it looks out of stock.

https://www.costco.com/acer-aspire-16%E2%80%9D-laptop-%E2%80%93-intel-core-7-150u-%E2%80%93-geforce-rtx-2050---1200p-%E2%80%93-windows-11.product.4000257314.html

https://www.notebookcheck.net/Acer-Aspire-16-2024-review-Multimedia-all-rounder-without-a-multimedia-worthy-screen.896824.0.html

To me it seems like in the weighing of power vs battery life vs build quality at this price point, this one is a compromise in all the wrong ways. Like, too week for gaming or real heavy video editing, too much power so too short battery for productivity users, and all wrapped in a mediocre package not a super solid or nice/light one.
But the notebook check reviews seems to put in same or better as the IdeaPad 16 in all areas

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15037 on: December 24, 2024, 12:33:29 AM »
Someone sent me an Aspire 16, part metal, with entry dedicated GPU was $549, though it looks out of stock.

https://www.costco.com/acer-aspire-16%E2%80%9D-laptop-%E2%80%93-intel-core-7-150u-%E2%80%93-geforce-rtx-2050---1200p-%E2%80%93-windows-11.product.4000257314.html

https://www.notebookcheck.net/Acer-Aspire-16-2024-review-Multimedia-all-rounder-without-a-multimedia-worthy-screen.896824.0.html

To me it seems like in the weighing of power vs battery life vs build quality at this price point, this one is a compromise in all the wrong ways. Like, too week for gaming or real heavy video editing, too much power so too short battery for productivity users, and all wrapped in a mediocre package not a super solid or nice/light one.
But the notebook check reviews seems to put in same or better as the IdeaPad 16 in all areas
I think the only advantage of this model (in all its iterations - there's been a 13th gen version and a 12th gen version) is that the dedicated video makes certain tasks run a bit faster. It is certainly better for someone who games if they don't take gaming seriously. But it is at least as good as the standard metal models if it sells for a similar price.
Quote from: ExGingi
Echo chambers are boring and don't contribute much to deeper thinking and understanding!

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15038 on: December 24, 2024, 04:15:29 AM »
Good price on well-built 13.3" model
https://www.adorama.com/ihp7z1m7ut.html
Elitebook 630 G10, i5-1335U, 16GB RAM (2 DIMMS, one empty), 256GB SSD - $700
Screen's not very bright
3 year warranty
Quote from: ExGingi
Echo chambers are boring and don't contribute much to deeper thinking and understanding!

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15039 on: December 24, 2024, 07:36:24 AM »
Quote from: ExGingi
Echo chambers are boring and don't contribute much to deeper thinking and understanding!