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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

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 3186525 times)

Offline DH Data Recovery

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2980 on: March 24, 2013, 10:02:40 AM »
This has been discussed many times here. My feelings are that once you install the win 7 start menu (classic start or startmenu8 or other options) it feels just like win 7 and shouldn't give you any issues.

Offline SPLP

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2981 on: March 24, 2013, 11:21:16 AM »
thanks

Offline DH Data Recovery

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2982 on: March 30, 2013, 09:14:41 PM »
Dell Inspiron 15R Notebook (Inspiron 7520) - $635.99

System comes with additional $200 Dell Gift Card

Use Coupon Code: ?SR7RGSF91NZCS

Windows 8
3rd Generation Intel® Core™ i5-3210M processor (3M Cache, up to 3.1 GHz)
6GB Dual Channel DDR3 1600MHz
Backlit Keyboard with Multi-touch Touchpad
15.6" High Definition (720p) LED Display with Truelife
AMD Radeon™ HD 7730M 2GB
750GB 5400 RPM SATA Hard Drive
8X Tray Load CD/DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-R Drive)
Waves MaxxAudio 4 + Skullcandy Speakers
Intel® Centrino® Wireless 2230, 2x2 bgn + Bluetooth

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=fndom07ha&cs=19&c=US&l=EN&vw=list&dgc=CJ&cid=24471&lid=566643&acd=10550055-600263-

Offline dsw193

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2983 on: March 30, 2013, 10:44:43 PM »
I just bought this: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP---ENVY-15.6%22-Laptop---6GB-Memory---750GB-Hard-Drive---Natural-Silver/7701076.p?id=1218858735324&skuId=7701076
do you recommend exchanging for this? I need it primarily to run 3d options in photoshop   

Offline Saver2000

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2984 on: March 30, 2013, 10:55:12 PM »
I just bought this: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP---ENVY-15.6%22-Laptop---6GB-Memory---750GB-Hard-Drive---Natural-Silver/7701076.p?id=1218858735324&skuId=7701076
do you recommend exchanging for this? I need it primarily to run 3d options in photoshop   
I'm not a pro, but the experts here generally recommend to stay away from AMD processors.

Offline DH Data Recovery

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2985 on: March 30, 2013, 11:00:53 PM »
Although the a10 isn't such a bad processor, the Dell i5 + the 2gb graphics card is by far superior to the hp imo.

Offline dsw193

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2986 on: March 30, 2013, 11:03:47 PM »
I'm not a pro, but the experts here generally recommend to stay away from AMD processors.
I was told that amd is more into graphics and I won't find dedicated graphics for Intel in my budget so in my situation amd was a better bet until I saw this....

Offline DH Data Recovery

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2987 on: March 30, 2013, 11:08:22 PM »
True. But they don't know about ddf pricing:):)
Amd A10 is comparable to about an i3 of a little above. The dedicated AMD graphics is better than the dedicated intel, but the Dell I posted has a better processor and better GPU as well.

Offline dsw193

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2988 on: March 30, 2013, 11:31:50 PM »
So I guess exchange it is. Thanks

Offline DH Data Recovery

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2989 on: March 30, 2013, 11:34:33 PM »
The Dell warranty is much better than HP as well.

Offline jayny

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2990 on: March 31, 2013, 12:31:02 AM »
Dell Inspiron 15R Notebook (Inspiron 7520) - $635.99

System comes with additional $200 Dell Gift Card

Use Coupon Code: ?SR7RGSF91NZCS

Windows 8
3rd Generation Intel® Core™ i5-3210M processor (3M Cache, up to 3.1 GHz)
6GB Dual Channel DDR3 1600MHz
Backlit Keyboard with Multi-touch Touchpad
15.6" High Definition (720p) LED Display with Truelife
AMD Radeon™ HD 7730M 2GB
750GB 5400 RPM SATA Hard Drive
8X Tray Load CD/DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-R Drive)
Waves MaxxAudio 4 + Skullcandy Speakers
Intel® Centrino® Wireless 2230, 2x2 bgn + Bluetooth

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=fndom07ha&cs=19&c=US&l=EN&vw=list&dgc=CJ&cid=24471&lid=566643&acd=10550055-600263-

You can make the deal even sweeter if you buy a dell gift card, there is a promo buy $400 get $75 promo gc for free- https://dell.cashstar.com/
$635-$200-$75=$360
But realize you will lose all the benefits of using a CC, i.e. insurance, return protection etc.

Offline joeb1

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2991 on: March 31, 2013, 12:55:16 AM »
does the 75 come instantly?

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2992 on: March 31, 2013, 01:11:16 AM »

Offline jayny

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2993 on: March 31, 2013, 01:17:42 AM »
does the 75 come instantly?
yes but it takes a little while to get the 400+75 gc. (sometimes it comes in a couple of minutes but it can officially take 24 hrs)

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2994 on: March 31, 2013, 01:23:31 AM »
yes but it takes a little while to get the 400+75 gc. (sometimes it comes in a couple of minutes but it can officially take 24 hrs)
If this is the first time you are buying it could take more than 24 hours. But if you bought in the past you should get them in minutes.


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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2995 on: March 31, 2013, 01:48:24 AM »
Just remember that by doing this (400+75) you are eliminating the option of using a cash back portal (can only use one gc per order online)

Offline joeb1

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2996 on: March 31, 2013, 02:26:07 AM »
Dell can only accept a limited number of Card(s) per purchase. Multiple Dell Gift Cards (Cards that were purchased by you or someone on your behalf and issued to you) can be consolidated into a single card by calling 1-800-624-9897. Please note that Dell Promotional Gift Cards (Cards that were not originally purchased but were given for free, as part of a promotion, incentive program, or otherwise) may not be merged with any Dell Gift Cards.

Offline Saver2000

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2997 on: March 31, 2013, 02:28:26 AM »
@joeb1
The $75 gc is promo gc which cannot be combined with a regular gc.

@dhdr
The $200 gc that comes with the laptop is also a promo gc, correct?

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2998 on: March 31, 2013, 03:07:27 AM »
@joeb1
The $75 gc is promo gc which cannot be combined with a regular gc.

I have combines the gift cards numerous times. You add the computer configuration to the cart and then chat or call dell, and they will gladly let you use both gift cards. And as always if they dont let,  HUACA.

Offline Saver2000

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #2999 on: March 31, 2013, 03:10:05 AM »
I have combines the gift cards numerous times. You add the computer configuration to the cart and then chat or call dell, and they will gladly let you use both gift cards. And as always if they dont let,  HUACA.
Okay.  Good to know.