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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Warning: most of the wiki that follows was written a very long time ago and the information on it can be outdated.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 4078079 times)

Offline AsherO

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15260 on: May 07, 2025, 08:47:58 AM »
(I think I never posted this. Apologies otherwise)
This may be a good price if you needed the monitor
Gram Book 15.6" with i5-1334U, 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD for $700 with free 27" monitor when both are purchased at the same time. Also, for some reason, $100 in Rinse credits, whatever those are.
https://www.lg.com/us/laptops/lg-15u50t-g.aas3u1-gram-laptop
https://www.lg.com/us/monitors/lg-27sr50f-w-smart-monitor (comes in white, pink - green is not free)

3.7lbs sounds like a fake/wannabe Gram, idk how I’m ever going to move on from my 2.2lb Gram…
DDF FFB (Forum From Birth)

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15261 on: May 07, 2025, 09:16:59 AM »
3.7lbs sounds like a fake/wannabe Gram, idk how I’m ever going to move on from my 2.2lb Gram…
They split the Gram book off from the Gram Pro, which is the lighter computer. But it is a trend. The orginal Galaxy Book Pro 15.6 was 2.5 lbs, the current gen is 3.4lbs.
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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15263 on: May 08, 2025, 02:48:50 PM »
Looking for
Down to $429

Is this plastic or aluminum build?
EDIT: Seems to be aluminum. Looks like a great deal, ty

I am looking for someone that wants slightly higher-end laptop than this.
Max 700$ budget. Is there enough benefit in this:
https://www.costco.com/.product.4000283402.html
 over the lenovo? Or any other suggestions?

« Last Edit: May 08, 2025, 03:01:19 PM by Jojo202 »
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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15264 on: May 08, 2025, 06:54:20 PM »
Looking for 
Is this plastic or aluminum build?
EDIT: Seems to be aluminum. Looks like a great deal, ty

I am looking for someone that wants slightly higher-end laptop than this.
Max 700$ budget. Is there enough benefit in this:
https://www.costco.com/.product.4000283402.html
 over the lenovo? Or any other suggestions?

Maybe if they want a touchscreen, which the Lenovo doesn't have. Otherwise, it would be difficult to justify.

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15265 on: May 08, 2025, 11:19:12 PM »
Maybe if they want a touchscreen, which the Lenovo doesn't have. Otherwise, it would be difficult to justify.

Went with the Lenovo. Thanks a lot.
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Quote from: ExGingi
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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15267 on: May 12, 2025, 08:55:12 AM »
Vivobook S 16 with CU9 285H (Arrow Lake), 16GB RAM and TB SSD, 2.8K OLED for $900 at Staples.
Arrow Lake H keeps the graphics gain of Lunar Lake but drops the battery to medium in exchange for greater processor performance. No review of this model, though other Arrow Lake Hs seem to hit something like 8-10 hours.
At least, if it isn't really a CU9 185H, which the rest of the listing seems to indicate (everything except the link name and the bolded title says 185H). Is the title of the listing a typo or did they forget to update the listing from the old Vivobook S 16 (such as where ASUS claims 16 hours of battery life)?
Anyone feel like buying one and finding out?
https://www.staples.com/asus-vivobook-s-16-2-8k-oled-laptop-copilot-pc-intel-core-ultra-9-285h-16gb-ram-1tb-ssd-backlit-keyboard-windows-11/product_24632444
Quote from: ExGingi
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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15268 on: May 13, 2025, 01:18:07 AM »
Looking for another 16-17", good build quality, 1tb ssd. Not much else required except to have a good processor, capable of handling moderate video editing (wondershare filmora) budget ~$700. Spring for the Lenovo again? What would be a step up in processing power?
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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15269 on: May 13, 2025, 03:08:07 AM »
https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-laptops/inspiron-16-plus-laptop/spd/inspiron-16-7640-laptop/useichbts7640gvtw

$800 starting at dell.com
Inspiron 16 Plus 7640
16gb ram
Choose either core Ultra 7 155H and 1TB or Ultra 9 185H and 512gb.

Can also choose between
16", Non-Touch, 16:10 2.5K 2560x1600, 120Hz screen
16", Touch, FHD+ 1920x1200, 60Hz screen
Lichora unless you're very sure you prefer touch, the nontouch is the better screen.

Large screen, good build, powerful cpu .
At retail, it's not worth $350 more than the $449 Lenovo slim 16 from B&H. After 10% email code it's $720, minus either amex 13%, amex credits, discounted gift cards, and/or portals, and it's easily worth the price.

No number pad, which is something I'd want in a 16inch.
Back at $800 starting for the Core Ultra 9/512/choice of screens

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15270 on: May 13, 2025, 09:01:39 AM »
Swift 16 with CU7 256V (Lunar Lake), 16GB RAM, TB SSD and 2.8K OLED for $850 at Best Buy.
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

Also open box is a steal if you live near a branch with one.
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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15271 on: May 13, 2025, 12:27:13 PM »
anything good recently and a 350 to 500 range?

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15272 on: May 13, 2025, 01:35:05 PM »

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15273 on: May 13, 2025, 02:25:28 PM »
If someone wants something dirt cheap.
https://sellout.woot.com/offers/asus-vivobook-14-i3-laptop-1?ref=w_cnt_wp_0_67
$152.96
Sold out.
Without mention of IPS screen, I'd assume a TN.
Ram says up to 24gb, so upgradeable?

Regardless, good price and deal

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15274 on: May 13, 2025, 02:26:44 PM »
anything good recently and a 350 to 500 range?
Size? Planned usage?

The $429 Slim 5 16" from B&H upthread is a good option in that range

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15276 on: May 13, 2025, 02:52:28 PM »
https://www.costco.com/hp-omnibook-5-16%22-ai-laptop---amd-ryzen-ai-7-350---copilot+-pc---2k-(1920-x-1200)-touchscreen---16gb-memory---1tb-ssd---windows-11-home.product.4000359615.html
Going on sale for $550 tomorrow.
(2k is a fake term)

Good for me?

Looking for another 16-17", good build quality, 1tb ssd. Not much else required except to have a good processor, capable of handling moderate video editing (wondershare filmora) budget ~$700. Spring for the Lenovo again? What would be a step up in processing power?
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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15277 on: May 13, 2025, 03:05:50 PM »
Good for me?
I'm honestly not sure. I don't have any personal experience with the omnibook line, and most reviews I see focus on the ultra or flip versions.
The cpu is strong, and the price is good for what's at least a midrange. How premium it is, I'm not sure. Maybe check it out in store?

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15278 on: May 13, 2025, 10:30:34 PM »
https://www.walmart.com/ip/5098188355
$209 chromebook, availability seems limited. i3-1215u
Only buy shipped and sold by Walmart, not third party

https://www.costco.com/acer-chromebook-plus-14%E2%80%9D-touchscreen-laptop-%E2%80%93intel-core-i3-n305---protective-sleeve-included.product.4000252543.html
Down to $240, has gone to $220 before. Touchscreen. Which the walmart one is not, but this has a slightly weaker i3-N305 chip, and ufs storage.

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15279 on: May 14, 2025, 12:24:32 AM »
I'm honestly not sure. I don't have any personal experience with the omnibook line, and most reviews I see focus on the ultra or flip versions.
The cpu is strong, and the price is good for what's at least a midrange. How premium it is, I'm not sure. Maybe check it out in store?
Based on this, it should be the equivalent of Pavilion Plus (2=no-name, 3=Pavilion, 5=Pav+, 7=Envy...)
https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=136398.msg2826191#msg2826191

The AI 350 is a 45W built on Zen 5 but 4 of the cores are E cores, resulting in multi-core performance similar to the high-wattage Zen 3s (5800H, 7735H) but single thread performance that is in with the modern processors.
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