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 3151259 times)

Offline SearchGuy

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Dec 2012
  • Posts: 6254
  • Total likes: 205
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 103
    • View Profile
  • Location: Brooklyn exodus
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #4980 on: December 15, 2013, 11:33:31 PM »

Offline Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 67598
  • Total likes: 16909
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 16442
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: CLE
  • Programs: UA GS, AA EXP, DL Dirt, Hyatt Glob, Fairmont Lifetime Plat, DD Diamond, Blocked By @NeriaKraus
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #4981 on: December 15, 2013, 11:36:13 PM »
why not $30 or perhaps $60 with a gc?
https://enroll.amexnetwork.com/US/en/BestBuyHoliday2013/
Sorry
Unfortunately this campaign is by invitation only.
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

Offline dvol

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Jun 2009
  • Posts: 324
  • Total likes: 8
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 5
    • View Profile
« Last Edit: December 16, 2013, 10:12:59 AM by Dan »

Offline DH Data Recovery

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jul 2012
  • Posts: 4543
  • Total likes: 6
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 64
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #4983 on: December 16, 2013, 12:38:06 PM »
Here's another BestBuy Deal:

HP 17-e019dx - $379

17.3" LED-backlit high-definition display
4th Gen Intel® Core™ i3-4000M processor
4GB DDR3L SDRAM
750GB hard drive (5400 rpm)
Intel® HD Graphics 4600

Link
« Last Edit: December 16, 2013, 01:09:15 PM by jj1000 »

Offline how

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jun 2010
  • Posts: 1878
  • Total likes: 62
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 6
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #4984 on: December 16, 2013, 01:28:02 PM »
Here's another BestBuy Deal:

HP 17-e019dx - $379

17.3" LED-backlit high-definition display
4th Gen Intel® Core™ i3-4000M processor
4GB DDR3L SDRAM
750GB hard drive (5400 rpm)
Intel® HD Graphics 4600

Link
Is this the same one that was 399 for the past 2 weeks??

Offline how

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jun 2010
  • Posts: 1878
  • Total likes: 62
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 6
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #4985 on: December 16, 2013, 01:34:08 PM »
Is this the same one that was 399 for the past 2 weeks??
I checked its the same one. I guess $20 cheaper makes it a better deal...

Offline jj1000

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: Jun 2008
  • Posts: 13470
  • Total likes: 6095
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 29367
    • View Profile
  • Location: The value of a forum such as this one is not in that one can post a question and receive an answer, but in that the question has most likely been asked before, and the answer is available to him that will but only use the search function.
  • Programs: 1. Search on google. 2. Search in the right board of DDF with a general word or two. 3. Read the wiki. 4. Read the thread. 5. Ask away.
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #4986 on: December 16, 2013, 01:35:47 PM »
I checked its the same one. I guess $20 cheaper makes it a better deal...
ha, funny how that works.
See my 5 step program to your left <--

(Real signature under my location)

Offline DH Data Recovery

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jul 2012
  • Posts: 4543
  • Total likes: 6
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 64
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #4987 on: December 16, 2013, 01:49:52 PM »
It's $20 cheaper + $25 that makes it a better price. $399 for 17" i3 4th Gen is a decent deal, this makes it better.

Offline how

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jun 2010
  • Posts: 1878
  • Total likes: 62
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 6
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #4988 on: December 16, 2013, 01:51:16 PM »
It's $20 cheaper + $25 that makes it a better price. $399 for 17" i3 4th Gen is a decent deal, this makes it better.
the $25 was around then too....

Offline DH Data Recovery

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jul 2012
  • Posts: 4543
  • Total likes: 6
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 64
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #4989 on: December 16, 2013, 01:54:23 PM »
$355 still better than $375. Especially on low priced item

Offline how

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jun 2010
  • Posts: 1878
  • Total likes: 62
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 6
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #4990 on: December 16, 2013, 01:59:14 PM »
$355 still better than $375. Especially on low priced item
Just putting things in perspective!

Offline zale

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Posts: 1424
  • Total likes: 374
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
    • View Profile
  • Location: Brooklyn, NY
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #4991 on: December 16, 2013, 02:12:17 PM »
I'm looking to get a laptop with the following minimum specs:

-15 inch, high resolution screen.
-4th gen i7
-slim form factor
-8gb RAM

I have a vague plan here, perhaps someone can help me put the pieces together:

This is currently at $879 http://bit.ly/J0gTWz (supposedly down from $1,080).

Combine with $15 coupon: $865

NY taxes: $76.68

Total: $940.68

Now, I want to combine this with the Amex OPEN 10% discount, but the discount requires a $1,000 minimum purchase, otherwise it's only 5%

First, is this a decent deal? second, any idea how to maximize the Amex discount?

Any help would be appreciated.


Offline jj1000

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: Jun 2008
  • Posts: 13470
  • Total likes: 6095
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 29367
    • View Profile
  • Location: The value of a forum such as this one is not in that one can post a question and receive an answer, but in that the question has most likely been asked before, and the answer is available to him that will but only use the search function.
  • Programs: 1. Search on google. 2. Search in the right board of DDF with a general word or two. 3. Read the wiki. 4. Read the thread. 5. Ask away.
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #4992 on: December 17, 2013, 12:46:40 AM »
See my 5 step program to your left <--

(Real signature under my location)

Offline YOSEF

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Nov 2009
  • Posts: 2185
  • Total likes: 27
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 16
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #4993 on: December 17, 2013, 08:00:33 AM »
Weird request, doesn't need to be a "deal"; more important to meet the specs:
1. Using the computer for office work such as internet and word etc, so it doesn't need to be super fast, but I don't want to be slowed down by the computer.
2. 15.6 inch screen or bigger.
3. Windows 7
4. "Flush" keyboard. I don't want spaces in between the keys.

Any help is much appreciated.

Thanks!

Offline zale

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Posts: 1424
  • Total likes: 374
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
    • View Profile
  • Location: Brooklyn, NY
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #4994 on: December 17, 2013, 01:51:44 PM »
Weird request, doesn't need to be a "deal"; more important to meet the specs:
1. Using the computer for office work such as internet and word etc, so it doesn't need to be super fast, but I don't want to be slowed down by the computer.
2. 15.6 inch screen or bigger.
3. Windows 7
4. "Flush" keyboard. I don't want spaces in between the keys.

Any help is much appreciated.

Thanks!

Why is Windows 7 a factor? You can buy any Windows 8 computer and install Windows 7. (obviously don't bother getting a touchscreen model)

Offline YOSEF

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Nov 2009
  • Posts: 2185
  • Total likes: 27
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 16
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #4995 on: December 17, 2013, 01:56:20 PM »
Why is Windows 7 a factor? You can buy any Windows 8 computer and install Windows 7. (obviously don't bother getting a touchscreen model)
Buying and installing isn't so cheap.

Offline zale

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Posts: 1424
  • Total likes: 374
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
    • View Profile
  • Location: Brooklyn, NY
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #4996 on: December 17, 2013, 02:01:35 PM »
Buying and installing isn't so cheap.

Installing is free, but if you don't know how to install it then I understand your concern. (It's really just a matter of installing and downloading some drivers to match your hardware).

As for buying... well, let's just say if you want to play it by the book, you can get a copy on ebay for approx $70.


Offline gozalim

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Oct 2008
  • Posts: 4255
  • Total likes: 812
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #4997 on: December 18, 2013, 01:10:22 AM »
Here's a cheap Toshiba http://www.staples.com/Toshiba-C55-A5384-15-inch-Laptop/product_276395 only $260+tx after coupon code 64888 at staples.
opinions?
http://www.dansdeals.com/archives/37096

I got in on this one, but won't be keeping it. before I return it, anyone want it?
$280 after tax (original price)
NY area

(purchased on amex)

Offline DH Data Recovery

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jul 2012
  • Posts: 4543
  • Total likes: 6
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 64
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #4998 on: December 18, 2013, 09:13:31 AM »
Sealed in box?

Offline gozalim

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Oct 2008
  • Posts: 4255
  • Total likes: 812
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #4999 on: December 18, 2013, 11:04:21 AM »
Sealed in box?
yes

On that note, is it correct that this processor is almost as powerful as the i5 from Microsoft store?(the gateway, Dell deals)?