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Warning: most of the wiki that follows was written a very long time ago and the information on it can be outdated.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 4120369 times)

Online Jojo202

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jun 2020
  • Posts: 1030
  • Total likes: 491
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: Brooklyn, NY
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15280 on: May 14, 2025, 12:36:21 AM »
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.

So what would be that in Intel terms because I honestly dont understand..
 And would you say its worth it or not?
My real Username is Flippy but I dont know how to change it...

Online mevinyavin

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Sep 2022
  • Posts: 3776
  • Total likes: 4786
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 5
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
    • Laptop help/deal request template
  • Location: Yerushalayim
  • Programs: Windows 10 and 11 Home, Word/Excel/Publisher 2021, Wordweb, McGill English Dictionary of Rhyme, VLC, Torat Emet, 7-Zip, Lightshot, Calibre, FDM, FreeFileSync, Teracopy, Handbrake, Lightshot
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15281 on: May 14, 2025, 01:06:50 AM »
So what would be that in Intel terms because I honestly dont understand..
 And would you say its worth it or not?
Almost all of the processor nuance is beyond anyone using the computer for work. $550 for a modern midrange laptop is a good price.
Quote from: ExGingi
Echo chambers are boring and don't contribute much to deeper thinking and understanding!

Online mevinyavin

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Sep 2022
  • Posts: 3776
  • Total likes: 4786
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 5
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
    • Laptop help/deal request template
  • Location: Yerushalayim
  • Programs: Windows 10 and 11 Home, Word/Excel/Publisher 2021, Wordweb, McGill English Dictionary of Rhyme, VLC, Torat Emet, 7-Zip, Lightshot, Calibre, FDM, FreeFileSync, Teracopy, Handbrake, Lightshot
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15282 on: May 14, 2025, 03:33:52 AM »
MSI Thin 15 tends to underperform due to low wattage applied to the specs. As such, $650 is actually the right price for such a system.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/MSI-Thin-15-6-inch-FHD-144Hz-Gaming-Laptop-Intel-Core-i5-13420H-NVIDIA-GeForce-RTX-4060-16GB-DDR4-512GB-SSD-Gray-2025/14673204103
Quote from: ExGingi
Echo chambers are boring and don't contribute much to deeper thinking and understanding!

Online Jojo202

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jun 2020
  • Posts: 1030
  • Total likes: 491
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: Brooklyn, NY
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15283 on: May 14, 2025, 01:28:41 PM »
Almost all of the processor nuance is beyond anyone using the computer for work. $550 for a modern midrange laptop is a good price.
Agree. But would you say this one is better than this:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1811273-REG/lenovo_83fw0007us_16_ideapad_slim_5.html
The go-to slim 16 is on sale for $449. good choice.

Or what would you say is a bump up in processing power that is actually worth paying for, if you have the budget (for basic video editing, etc)
My real Username is Flippy but I dont know how to change it...

Online mevinyavin

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Sep 2022
  • Posts: 3776
  • Total likes: 4786
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 5
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
    • Laptop help/deal request template
  • Location: Yerushalayim
  • Programs: Windows 10 and 11 Home, Word/Excel/Publisher 2021, Wordweb, McGill English Dictionary of Rhyme, VLC, Torat Emet, 7-Zip, Lightshot, Calibre, FDM, FreeFileSync, Teracopy, Handbrake, Lightshot
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15284 on: May 14, 2025, 01:50:07 PM »
Agree. But would you say this one is better than this:

Or what would you say is a bump up in processing power that is actually worth paying for, if you have the budget (for basic video editing, etc)
It is significantly more powerful than the Lenovo, not least because because it is a higher wattage processor, but you might (hard to tell with no reviews) pay for that in battery life.
Also, the Radeon graphics processor is worlds better (regarding basic video editing, certainly).
Quote from: ExGingi
Echo chambers are boring and don't contribute much to deeper thinking and understanding!

Offline Chuchum Ainer

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Apr 2020
  • Posts: 1102
  • Total likes: 699
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile

Offline Darth1

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Mar 2017
  • Posts: 665
  • Total likes: 312
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
  • Location: Jerusalem
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15286 on: May 18, 2025, 06:43:33 AM »
Back at that price when selecting Core 7 150, windows pro, basic screen. https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-laptops/inspiron-14-laptop/spd/inspiron-14-5440-laptop/useicpbts5440gssr
10% code, 13% amex offer drops it to $430.
https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-laptops/inspiron-14-2-in-1-laptop/spd/inspiron-14-7445-2-in-1-laptop/usei2hbts7445gxcp#customization-anchor
The 2 in1 with Ryzen™ 5 8640HS starts at $499 before discounts. (only 8gb ram but is upgradable)

Online mevinyavin

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Sep 2022
  • Posts: 3776
  • Total likes: 4786
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 5
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
    • Laptop help/deal request template
  • Location: Yerushalayim
  • Programs: Windows 10 and 11 Home, Word/Excel/Publisher 2021, Wordweb, McGill English Dictionary of Rhyme, VLC, Torat Emet, 7-Zip, Lightshot, Calibre, FDM, FreeFileSync, Teracopy, Handbrake, Lightshot
Quote from: ExGingi
Echo chambers are boring and don't contribute much to deeper thinking and understanding!


Offline Chuchum Ainer

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Apr 2020
  • Posts: 1102
  • Total likes: 699
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15289 on: May 19, 2025, 08:53:56 PM »
https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/pdp/hp-pavilion-aero-laptop-13-bg0087nr
Hp Pavilion aero with a Ryzen 7.
2.2lbs 13.3inch
Sort of upper mid-range
$650 after code MDSPC50
Chase offer for $50

Online mevinyavin

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Sep 2022
  • Posts: 3776
  • Total likes: 4786
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 5
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
    • Laptop help/deal request template
  • Location: Yerushalayim
  • Programs: Windows 10 and 11 Home, Word/Excel/Publisher 2021, Wordweb, McGill English Dictionary of Rhyme, VLC, Torat Emet, 7-Zip, Lightshot, Calibre, FDM, FreeFileSync, Teracopy, Handbrake, Lightshot
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15290 on: May 20, 2025, 04:41:27 AM »
Predator Helios Neo 14.5", CU9 185H and RTX 4070 for $1020 at Woot (and a bunch of other great prices that sold out immediately)
https://computers.woot.com/offers/acer-predator-helios-neo-14-gaming-laptop-3?ref=w_cnt_wp_0_1
Quote from: ExGingi
Echo chambers are boring and don't contribute much to deeper thinking and understanding!

Online mevinyavin

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Sep 2022
  • Posts: 3776
  • Total likes: 4786
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 5
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
    • Laptop help/deal request template
  • Location: Yerushalayim
  • Programs: Windows 10 and 11 Home, Word/Excel/Publisher 2021, Wordweb, McGill English Dictionary of Rhyme, VLC, Torat Emet, 7-Zip, Lightshot, Calibre, FDM, FreeFileSync, Teracopy, Handbrake, Lightshot
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15291 on: May 20, 2025, 05:40:34 AM »
Lenovo Slim 7i 15.3" with CU7 (Lunar Lake) on sale for $1000 at Lenovo. Not a 2 in 1.
https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/p/laptops/yoga/yoga-slim-series/yoga-slim-7i-gen-9-aura-edition-15-inch-intel/83hm0001us
Quote from: ExGingi
Echo chambers are boring and don't contribute much to deeper thinking and understanding!

Online cozmohoot

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jan 2012
  • Posts: 4536
  • Total likes: 113
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 5
    • View Profile
  • Location: NY
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15292 on: May 22, 2025, 01:49:41 PM »
299 after coupon code

https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/p/laptops/ideapad/ideapad-300/lenovo-ideapad-slim-3i-gen-9-15-inch-intel/len101i0097

good deal?

IDEAPAD3FUN

IdeaPad Slim 3i (15″ Intel) - Arctic Grey
     Processor Intel® Core™ 5 120U Processor (E-cores up to 3.80 GHz P-cores up to 5.00 GHz)
    Operating System Windows 11 Home 64
    Graphic Card Integrated Intel® Graphics
    Memory 8 GB DDR5-5200MHz (Soldered)
    Storage 512 GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe Gen4 TLC
    Display 15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080), IPS, Anti-Glare, Touch, 45%NTSC, 300 nits, 60Hz, Narrow Bezel

Online DaasTora

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Nov 2022
  • Posts: 558
  • Total likes: 392
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 5
    • View Profile
  • Location: Brooklyn
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15293 on: May 22, 2025, 01:52:56 PM »
299 after coupon code

https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/p/laptops/ideapad/ideapad-300/lenovo-ideapad-slim-3i-gen-9-15-inch-intel/len101i0097

good deal?

IDEAPAD3FUN

IdeaPad Slim 3i (15″ Intel) - Arctic Grey
     Processor Intel® Core™ 5 120U Processor (E-cores up to 3.80 GHz P-cores up to 5.00 GHz)
    Operating System Windows 11 Home 64
    Graphic Card Integrated Intel® Graphics
    Memory 8 GB DDR5-5200MHz (Soldered)
    Storage 512 GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe Gen4 TLC
    Display 15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080), IPS, Anti-Glare, Touch, 45%NTSC, 300 nits, 60Hz, Narrow Bezel
Could’ve been a great deal but prob isn’t due to soldered RAM imho.
“In G-d we trust; all others must bring data”
- Edwin R. Fisher

Online mevinyavin

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Sep 2022
  • Posts: 3776
  • Total likes: 4786
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 5
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
    • Laptop help/deal request template
  • Location: Yerushalayim
  • Programs: Windows 10 and 11 Home, Word/Excel/Publisher 2021, Wordweb, McGill English Dictionary of Rhyme, VLC, Torat Emet, 7-Zip, Lightshot, Calibre, FDM, FreeFileSync, Teracopy, Handbrake, Lightshot
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15294 on: May 23, 2025, 01:05:48 AM »
299 after coupon code

https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/p/laptops/ideapad/ideapad-300/lenovo-ideapad-slim-3i-gen-9-15-inch-intel/len101i0097

good deal?

IDEAPAD3FUN

IdeaPad Slim 3i (15″ Intel) - Arctic Grey
     Processor Intel® Core™ 5 120U Processor (E-cores up to 3.80 GHz P-cores up to 5.00 GHz)
    Operating System Windows 11 Home 64
    Graphic Card Integrated Intel® Graphics
    Memory 8 GB DDR5-5200MHz (Soldered)
    Storage 512 GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe Gen4 TLC
    Display 15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080), IPS, Anti-Glare, Touch, 45%NTSC, 300 nits, 60Hz, Narrow Bezel
https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=140017.msg2943364#msg2943364

Could’ve been a great deal but prob isn’t due to soldered RAM imho.
The screen, right?
Quote from: ExGingi
Echo chambers are boring and don't contribute much to deeper thinking and understanding!

Online mevinyavin

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Sep 2022
  • Posts: 3776
  • Total likes: 4786
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 5
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
    • Laptop help/deal request template
  • Location: Yerushalayim
  • Programs: Windows 10 and 11 Home, Word/Excel/Publisher 2021, Wordweb, McGill English Dictionary of Rhyme, VLC, Torat Emet, 7-Zip, Lightshot, Calibre, FDM, FreeFileSync, Teracopy, Handbrake, Lightshot
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15295 on: May 23, 2025, 01:07:24 AM »
Quote from: ExGingi
Echo chambers are boring and don't contribute much to deeper thinking and understanding!

Online mevinyavin

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Sep 2022
  • Posts: 3776
  • Total likes: 4786
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 5
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
    • Laptop help/deal request template
  • Location: Yerushalayim
  • Programs: Windows 10 and 11 Home, Word/Excel/Publisher 2021, Wordweb, McGill English Dictionary of Rhyme, VLC, Torat Emet, 7-Zip, Lightshot, Calibre, FDM, FreeFileSync, Teracopy, Handbrake, Lightshot
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15296 on: May 25, 2025, 07:48:49 AM »
Dell 16 Plus (fomerly Inspiron 16 Plus) with CU7 256V (Lunar Lake), 16GB RAM and TB SSD for $700 at Dell before discounts.
https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-laptops/dell-16-plus-laptop/spd/dell-db16250-laptop
Quote from: ExGingi
Echo chambers are boring and don't contribute much to deeper thinking and understanding!

Offline aryeh1

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jan 2011
  • Posts: 4993
  • Total likes: 31
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
  • Location: DDF
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15297 on: May 25, 2025, 08:51:43 AM »

Online mevinyavin

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Sep 2022
  • Posts: 3776
  • Total likes: 4786
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 5
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
    • Laptop help/deal request template
  • Location: Yerushalayim
  • Programs: Windows 10 and 11 Home, Word/Excel/Publisher 2021, Wordweb, McGill English Dictionary of Rhyme, VLC, Torat Emet, 7-Zip, Lightshot, Calibre, FDM, FreeFileSync, Teracopy, Handbrake, Lightshot
Quote from: ExGingi
Echo chambers are boring and don't contribute much to deeper thinking and understanding!

Offline Tzfas

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Apr 2011
  • Posts: 404
  • Total likes: 8
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 4
    • View Profile
  • Location: New York
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #15299 on: May 26, 2025, 08:45:13 AM »
Dell 16 Plus (fomerly Inspiron 16 Plus) with CU7 256V (Lunar Lake), 16GB RAM and TB SSD for $700 at Dell before discounts.
https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-laptops/dell-16-plus-laptop/spd/dell-db16250-laptop
Or this staples laptop you previously posted now down to $849  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. Whitch is a better one to chose ?