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 3201396 times)

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 #6380 on: July 02, 2014, 11:36:31 AM »
thoughts?  I like the fact that its still Windows 7.

http://www.dansdeals.com/archives/46862
Use code :PC599Q2 to take $25 off making it $449 after Amex $75 offer

Offline Sowhat

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
  • ******
  • Join Date: Dec 2011
  • Posts: 768
  • Total likes: 3
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: NY
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #6381 on: July 02, 2014, 12:26:11 PM »
Thanks.  Any thoughts on the machine, price?

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 #6382 on: July 02, 2014, 12:32:52 PM »
Thanks.  Any thoughts on the machine, price?
Leave that for DH

Offline ilherman

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Jun 2013
  • Posts: 8948
  • Total likes: 228
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 35
    • View Profile
  • Location: Brooklyn
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #6383 on: July 02, 2014, 12:33:23 PM »
DDF'ers have reported that they will claw back the credit.
Not IME.
You can say what you think when you think what you say.

Offline joey123

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Mar 2013
  • Posts: 1784
  • Total likes: 0
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: Modern Mashgiach at Chovevei (YCT) #ResidentMashgiach
  • Programs: Daven for the Chayalim #IStandWithIsrael
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #6384 on: July 02, 2014, 12:58:19 PM »
Not IME.

Your opinion, or experience?
To the nOObs out there, feel free to PM with q's. #AlwaysTakesTheHighRoad #LovesHashTags

Offline Sowhat

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
  • ******
  • Join Date: Dec 2011
  • Posts: 768
  • Total likes: 3
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: NY
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #6385 on: July 02, 2014, 01:15:50 PM »
Leave that for DH

Paging Dr. DH.

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 #6386 on: July 02, 2014, 01:49:15 PM »
Judging by the pictures, looks like plastic type of build,

Offline Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 68917
  • Total likes: 17294
  • 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 #6387 on: July 02, 2014, 01:51:03 PM »
Judging by the pictures, looks like plastic type of build,
At $404-$449 with Win7 is that a deal-breaker?
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 AJK

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 20K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Posts: 25499
  • Total likes: 723
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 15
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Programs: United Concierge Key; Delta Global Services; American Chairman; US Airways 1K; Hilton Sapphire; Hyatt Tritium; Marriott Californium; Starwood Kryptonium; Hertz Plutonium; National Adamantium, Avis Executive Proactanium
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #6388 on: July 02, 2014, 01:51:54 PM »
Looking for a 14 inch notebook, light, and long battery life (not Mac).

Would love to use the $75 off HP AMEX offer.

Any leads?
2015: 116K bkd | 1.6M brnd | F: OZ,NH,AA,EK | J: UA,CA,TK,DL,TN,AF,VA | LIH,NRT,ROR,PEK,CNS,BOB,MEL,TLV & Pacific Hopper

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 #6389 on: July 02, 2014, 01:53:58 PM »
HP Envy 15t - $604
$75 off with amex twitter - $529
Coupon Code: PC599Q2

4th generation Intel® Core™ i7-4710HQ Quad Core Processor + Intel® HD Graphics 4600
8GB DDR3L System Memory (1 Dimm)
1TB 5400 rpm Hard Drive
DVD Burner
15.6-inch diagonal HD BrightView WLED-backlit Display (1366x768)

This is the new Envy line and comes with a good processor and they started including optical drives again

Additional Savings if you have Amex with Open
« Last Edit: July 02, 2014, 02:17:40 PM by Dan »

Offline Sowhat

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
  • ******
  • Join Date: Dec 2011
  • Posts: 768
  • Total likes: 3
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: NY
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #6390 on: July 02, 2014, 01:55:09 PM »
Judging by the pictures, looks like plastic type of build,

Is that a deciding factor?  And I'd prefer 7, I think.

Offline Sowhat

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
  • ******
  • Join Date: Dec 2011
  • Posts: 768
  • Total likes: 3
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: NY
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #6391 on: July 02, 2014, 01:58:48 PM »
This seems to have the touchpad you don't like.  The Pavillion has two keys.

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 #6392 on: July 02, 2014, 01:59:19 PM »
At $404-$449 with Win7 is that a deal-breaker?
That's the question, I never worked with this model yet.

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 #6393 on: July 02, 2014, 02:00:18 PM »
This seems to have the touchpad you don't like.  The Pavillion has two keys.
True, but looks like a nicer build

Offline jack

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jun 2008
  • Posts: 509
  • Total likes: 10
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #6394 on: July 02, 2014, 02:01:15 PM »
HP Envy 15t - $604
$75 off with amex twitter - $529
Coupon Code: PC599Q2

4th generation Intel® Core™ i7-4710HQ Quad Core Processor + Intel® HD Graphics 4600
8GB DDR3L System Memory (1 Dimm)
1TB 5400 rpm Hard Drive
DVD Burner
15.6-inch diagonal HD BrightView WLED-backlit Display (1366x768)

This is the new Envy line and comes with a good processor and they started including optical drives again

http://www.shopping.hp.com/en_US/home-office/-/products/Laptops/HP-ENVY/G0T95AV?HP-ENVY-15t

Additional Savings if you have Amex with Open

Is this powerful enough for sketchup etc.?
Also when upgrading the processor it goes from quad core to dual but has a better graphics card for $140?
« Last Edit: July 02, 2014, 02:07:16 PM by jack »

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 #6395 on: July 02, 2014, 02:03:58 PM »
Very Solid processor.
I would add backit keyboard as well, it's pretty useful

Offline jack

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jun 2008
  • Posts: 509
  • Total likes: 10
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #6396 on: July 02, 2014, 02:09:06 PM »
Very Solid processor.
I would add backit keyboard as well, it's pretty useful
Should I upgrade or stay as you set it?

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 #6397 on: July 02, 2014, 02:25:46 PM »
I would add backlit kb and if you want 1080p screen

Offline jack

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jun 2008
  • Posts: 509
  • Total likes: 10
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #6398 on: July 02, 2014, 02:30:26 PM »
I would add backlit kb and if you want 1080p screen
Wondering about the processor and hard drive - to upgrade or not?

Thank you so so much!

Offline Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 68917
  • Total likes: 17294
  • 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 #6399 on: July 02, 2014, 02:34:33 PM »
Wondering about the processor and hard drive - to upgrade or not?

Thank you so so much!
The upgraded processor option is actually worse.
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.