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

Dell:
Precision - Very powerful desktop replacements - great warranty, ridiculously expensive - Usually overpriced or overkill

Latitude - Good Laptops - Great warranty! Highly recommended for any Business environment - Sometimes expensive.

Vostro  - Lower end Business Machines - Better Priced - still durable - Usually 1 Year warranty.

XPS - The nicer looking dell machines, Some are better than others...

Inspiron - YMMV Every model is different

(Plain) Insprion Series - Dells lowest end laptop
(R) Insprion Series - Perfect Home use, dependable, decent build quality, recommended
(Z) Insprion Series - A little slimmer than the R series, Some are Ultrabooks (Very often don't include Optical Drives)

HP:

Spectre - Top of the line personal (dragonfly is the top of the line for business) - lightest laptops, and beautiful!

Pavilion - YMMV (Some better than others)

Probook - Stable durable business systems - Usually a little on the heavy side.

Elitebook - Business Higher end systems, usually pretty expensive

ENVY - Used to be the HP sleek and nicer systems, they pretty much replaced most of the standard pavilions now and call them either ENVY or sleekbooks

Sleekbook - like it sounds slimmer line of laptops

Lenovo:

Thinkpad Series - Very Dependable Business Machine, Expensive (Not Pretty but Durable)

IdeaPad Series -

S Series
U Series - Usually the slimmer line Ultrabooks, Doesn't always include DVD Drive
Y Series - Nice machines with good specs and features (Cool Backlit Keyboards)
Z Series - Step up from the G Series, all around decent build, priced nicely, great home use laptop
G Series - Lower end

Samsung:

Series 3
Series 5
Series 7
Series 9 - The nicest, sleekest looking laptops I've seen in a long time - Can pass for a Macbook!!


HT: Dh Data Recovery & Name Changed


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.
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 3208418 times)

Offline Name Changed

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Sep 2011
  • Posts: 4831
  • Total likes: 6
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 13
    • View Profile
  • Location: Lakewood
  • Programs: Avis Presidents Club, National Executive Elite, Hertz Presidents Circle, Sixt Platinum, SPG Gold, eBay Platinum
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2700 on: February 08, 2013, 01:08:02 PM »
Still looking for a 17" laptop, if anyone sees/hears of something good. HP is preferred, though not necessary.

Dell 17R $549

Coupon - 65Q?CLQFJW3N4K

Specs:
i5-3210M processor (3M Cache, up to 3.1 GHz)
6GB Shared Dual Channel DDR3 Memory
1TB 5400 RPM SATA Hard Drive
Intel® HD Graphics 4000
8X Tray Load CD/DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-R Drive)
Switch by Design Studio - Moon Silver
17.3" High Definition+ (900p) LED Display with Truelife
48 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Battery
Intel® Centrino® Wireless 2230, 2x2 bgn + Bluetooth

Offline sguitarist18

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jul 2011
  • Posts: 1838
  • Total likes: 895
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 6
    • View Profile
  • Location: NY
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2701 on: February 08, 2013, 01:09:13 PM »
Thank you!

Is this a good price for these specs?

Offline Name Changed

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Sep 2011
  • Posts: 4831
  • Total likes: 6
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 13
    • View Profile
  • Location: Lakewood
  • Programs: Avis Presidents Club, National Executive Elite, Hertz Presidents Circle, Sixt Platinum, SPG Gold, eBay Platinum
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2702 on: February 08, 2013, 01:10:56 PM »
Thank you!

Is this a good price for these specs?
Great price.

I rarely see this 17" model at this price

Offline Mimi K.

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
  • ******
  • Join Date: Apr 2012
  • Posts: 949
  • Total likes: 1
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: 08701
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2703 on: February 08, 2013, 01:15:55 PM »
Great Wiki. I think this wiki thing is making DDF user friendly again!  ;D
I have a Pavillion G6 it more than works for me as a home computer. I bought it in Costco for $400 for the 90 Return policy.  ;)
I was going to return it when I found a better deal but I never got around to it.  :-[

Now for the question,
Is there any way to hook up an external Monitor?
I only have 17" and I would love a bigger screen.

P.S. I was hoping one of you would have asome numbers to put in for the free usb cable but i don't really need it anyway!  :-[ :-[
"Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Free Stuff!" 8)

Offline sguitarist18

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jul 2011
  • Posts: 1838
  • Total likes: 895
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 6
    • View Profile
  • Location: NY
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2704 on: February 08, 2013, 01:23:15 PM »
Great price.

I rarely see this 17" model at this price

Thank you again - I have to discuss it with my better half (who would be the one using it), she may have a particular dislike for Dell...so if you see me back here asking again, please don't be offended - but thank you anyway!

Offline Name Changed

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Sep 2011
  • Posts: 4831
  • Total likes: 6
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 13
    • View Profile
  • Location: Lakewood
  • Programs: Avis Presidents Club, National Executive Elite, Hertz Presidents Circle, Sixt Platinum, SPG Gold, eBay Platinum
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2705 on: February 08, 2013, 01:27:42 PM »
Thank you again - I have to discuss it with my better half (who would be the one using it), she may have a particular dislike for Dell...so if you see me back here asking again, please don't be offended - but thank you anyway!
Big pro of Dell is their warranty. People might say they had a hard time dealing with them, but compared to other companies, Dell by far is the easiest

Now for the question,
Is there any way to hook up an external Monitor?
I only have 17" and I would love a bigger screen.
Yes. Either VGA or HDMI port that the laptop most likely has

Offline sguitarist18

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jul 2011
  • Posts: 1838
  • Total likes: 895
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 6
    • View Profile
  • Location: NY
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2706 on: February 08, 2013, 01:34:02 PM »
Big pro of Dell is their warranty. People might say they had a hard time dealing with them, but compared to other companies, Dell by far is the easiest

Do you mean the extended warranty, or the standard?

Offline Mimi K.

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
  • ******
  • Join Date: Apr 2012
  • Posts: 949
  • Total likes: 1
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: 08701
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2707 on: February 08, 2013, 01:36:09 PM »
Yes. Either VGA or HDMI port that the laptop most likely has
ok is that a good thing? or is that the minimum standard?
I don't need any special graphics I use it for Ebay,Excel, Google docs and DDF!
Plus Banks and Airlines
"Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Free Stuff!" 8)

Offline DH Data Recovery

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jul 2012
  • Posts: 4559
  • Total likes: 6
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 64
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2708 on: February 08, 2013, 03:43:20 PM »
Hp has the dv7tqe with i7 for about $785 Comes with 2yr warranty

Offline DH Data Recovery

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jul 2012
  • Posts: 4559
  • Total likes: 6
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 64
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2709 on: February 08, 2013, 03:44:56 PM »
Do you mean the extended warranty, or the standard?
Dell standard warranty is top of the line if you use Dell Chat Support - Beats any other warranty ime

Offline Chonye

  • DansDeals Copper Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: Dec 2012
  • Posts: 6
  • Total likes: 0
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: E.Y./U.S.A
NETBOOK
« Reply #2710 on: February 10, 2013, 08:10:09 AM »
I am doing a summer job that really starts now and needs a computer etc. That means internet usage, place where i can file documents and organize information, for examples different files, it doesnt have to be on the computer i dont mind holding an external hard/flash drive. I also want something thats up to date etc. Once im at it, i would also like to be able to watch stuff on the computer off the internet, so it would need real player or something like that. so i was told to get a netbook. I would like to spend somewhere in b/w $200-$350.  Any suggestions?

Offline mmermss

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Nov 2011
  • Posts: 4032
  • Total likes: 2
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: Israel
Re: NETBOOK
« Reply #2711 on: February 10, 2013, 08:21:34 AM »
I am doing a summer job that really starts now and needs a computer etc. That means internet usage, place where i can file documents and organize information, for examples different files, it doesnt have to be on the computer i dont mind holding an external hard/flash drive. I also want something thats up to date etc. Once im at it, i would also like to be able to watch stuff on the computer off the internet, so it would need real player or something like that. so i was told to get a netbook. I would like to spend somewhere in b/w $200-$350.  Any suggestions?
Once you're at it you could've searched and posted it in the right thread  ;)
It's not about the quantity of your posts.  It's about the quality.

Offline AI-TRAVEL

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Aug 2012
  • Posts: 1573
  • Total likes: 0
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: New jersey
So not A tech guy
« Reply #2712 on: February 10, 2013, 09:49:27 AM »
Hi everybody need a little help with buying a computer. I want to spend 400-450 dollars. I have no idea what's good for that price range. Any suggestions.

Offline mmermss

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Nov 2011
  • Posts: 4032
  • Total likes: 2
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: Israel
Re: So not A tech guy
« Reply #2713 on: February 10, 2013, 09:55:43 AM »
Hi everybody need a little help with buying a computer. I want to spend 400-450 dollars. I have no idea what's good for that price range. Any suggestions.
I understand your not a tech guy but searching doesn't require you to be a tech guy
http://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=11287.0
It's not about the quantity of your posts.  It's about the quality.

Offline Yeshivish CPA

  • Dansdeals Bronze Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: Dec 2011
  • Posts: 25
  • Total likes: 0
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: Lakewood it's pashut
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2714 on: February 10, 2013, 12:07:41 PM »
Whats the warranty on Dell outlet laptops?

Offline Name Changed

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Sep 2011
  • Posts: 4831
  • Total likes: 6
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 13
    • View Profile
  • Location: Lakewood
  • Programs: Avis Presidents Club, National Executive Elite, Hertz Presidents Circle, Sixt Platinum, SPG Gold, eBay Platinum
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2715 on: February 10, 2013, 12:12:58 PM »
Whats the warranty on Dell outlet laptops?
Warranty Support
We give you the same limited hardware warranty* and service that comes with new products, plus a 21-day return policy on all Dell Outlet Products.

Typically 1 year

Offline sguitarist18

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jul 2011
  • Posts: 1838
  • Total likes: 895
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 6
    • View Profile
  • Location: NY
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2716 on: February 10, 2013, 02:18:28 PM »
Hp has the dv7tqe with i7 for about $785 Comes with 2yr warranty

A bit above my price range - looking for less than $600, ideally less than $500.

Offline DH Data Recovery

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jul 2012
  • Posts: 4559
  • Total likes: 6
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 64
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2717 on: February 10, 2013, 03:08:10 PM »
Toshiba S855-S5378 15.6" Laptop - $575
Use Coupon Code: 99279

3rd generation Intel® Core™ i7-3630QM up to 3.4GHz with Turbo Boost Technology 6M Cache Processor
8GB DDR3 1600MHz Memory, Expandable to 16GB
750GB 5400RPM Serial ATA Hard Disk
15.6” diagonal HD widescreen TruBrite® TFT LED-backlit display (1366 x 768)
Windows 8

http://www.staples.com/Toshiba-S855-S5378-156-Laptop/product_984634

Offline DH Data Recovery

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jul 2012
  • Posts: 4559
  • Total likes: 6
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 64
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2718 on: February 10, 2013, 03:11:48 PM »
Staples has a $75 Coupon Code: 99279

Basically find any laptop or desktop and apply this Coupon for $75 off!

Offline DH Data Recovery

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jul 2012
  • Posts: 4559
  • Total likes: 6
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 64
    • View Profile
Re: So not A tech guy
« Reply #2719 on: February 10, 2013, 03:13:32 PM »
Hi everybody need a little help with buying a computer. I want to spend 400-450 dollars. I have no idea what's good for that price range. Any suggestions.
Regular Price for i3 is - $399 - $450 so you have lots of options. If you want an Good i5 for that budget, look here for when we post a deal.