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 3204622 times)

Offline jayny

  • Dansdeals Silver Elite
  • **
  • Join Date: Nov 2010
  • Posts: 92
  • Total likes: 0
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #6400 on: July 02, 2014, 02:38:17 PM »
Is it worth it to upgrade the battery?

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 #6401 on: July 02, 2014, 02:41:18 PM »
The upgraded processor option is actually worse.
It's the graphics card that seems to get better but ... I don't really know what I'm talking about


Thanks!!!!

Offline Miracle

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Dec 2012
  • Posts: 2321
  • Total likes: 5
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 5
    • View Profile
  • Location: Israel
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #6402 on: July 02, 2014, 04:02:13 PM »
when purchasing, it says:
unable to accept your order
Thank you for your recent order with HP Home & Home Office Store. We regret that we are unable to accept this order.

but when I checked my amex card, it says online the order when through and pending...


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 #6403 on: July 02, 2014, 04:36:16 PM »
I am reluctant, in part, because of 8 vs. 7.  Is it that big a deal?  I never used 8.

Offline Red

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Sep 2011
  • Posts: 2380
  • Total likes: 3
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: Yerushalayim
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #6404 on: July 02, 2014, 05:22:23 PM »
when purchasing, it says:
unable to accept your order
Thank you for your recent order with HP Home & Home Office Store. We regret that we are unable to accept this order.

but when I checked my amex card, it says online the order when through and pending...
Had the same problem, they don't like foreign ip addresses. Worked with a proxy.

Offline YY

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Sep 2013
  • Posts: 628
  • Total likes: 4
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 6
    • View Profile
  • Location: New York
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #6405 on: July 02, 2014, 06:55:50 PM »
Was able to purchase with added options (to get over $700) and split between two amex cards to get $75 back on each

Offline Miracle

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Dec 2012
  • Posts: 2321
  • Total likes: 5
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 5
    • View Profile
  • Location: Israel
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #6406 on: July 03, 2014, 12:17:17 AM »
Had the same problem, they don't like foreign ip addresses. Worked with a proxy.
I had to call in. They are reviewing my order and manually going to approve. So far haven't seen any 'approvals.."

Does anyone know if it would work via hidemyass.com?

Offline Super Speed

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jul 2013
  • Posts: 4857
  • Total likes: 50
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 4
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Programs: SPG Gold, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Platinum, Marriott Gold, Hertz Presidents Circle, Avis First, National Executive Elite, Sixt Platinum.
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #6407 on: July 03, 2014, 12:34:28 AM »
I am reluctant, in part, because of 8 vs. 7.  Is it that big a deal?  I never used 8.
My opinion is get used to it now because you'll one day have to get used to it anyways...


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 #6408 on: July 03, 2014, 10:23:24 AM »
What's the big deal, install startmenu8 by iobit and it looks exactly like Windows 7

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 #6409 on: July 03, 2014, 12:21:52 PM »
Just got a shipment of the new Dell Inspiron 15 5000 series. Looks really nice, very good design, very sleek. No optical drive and has the new annoying touchpad but other than that it looks really sharp.

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 #6410 on: July 03, 2014, 08:23:12 PM »
@DHDataRecovery

Thanks for helping me select my new laptop; I am very happy with it.

I am now in the market for a 17" inch screen (he likes the big screen) laptop for my dad. A few things to note. Dell is currently running a promotion, which gives $50 off $700, and that is the range that I am looking at. Also, I have like $500 in dell gc's from recent purchases which I would like to use. Finally, the Dell Factory Outlet is running a 30% July 4th weekend sale.

What do you recommend?

I was doing some research today on Dell's website and came across the following. I chatted with them and said that they would upgrade the processor to reach the $700, so I could get the $50 promotion. Here is the models and important specs etc.... Inspiron 5748,  4th Generation Intel Core i3-4030U processor (3M Cache, 1.9 GHz), FY15C3 UMA,  500GB 5400 rpm SATA Hard Drive       
619-ADTB, Windows 8.1 64-bit English.

This doesn't seem like a great deal, which is why I am asking you for your suggestions.

As always, thanks in advance for your help. 
To the nOObs out there, feel free to PM with q's. #AlwaysTakesTheHighRoad #LovesHashTags

Offline Cw3323

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Feb 2012
  • Posts: 372
  • Total likes: 9
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 4
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: NJ
  • Programs: UR, MR, UA, AA, JB, HH.
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #6411 on: July 03, 2014, 08:28:24 PM »
Don't even look on lower then Intel core 5

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 #6412 on: July 03, 2014, 10:20:42 PM »
The HP I posted a few days ago was a good deal

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 #6413 on: July 03, 2014, 10:22:46 PM »
The HP I posted a few days ago was a good deal

Is it still alive? I can always cash out my Dell GC's for around 75 percent
To the nOObs out there, feel free to PM with q's. #AlwaysTakesTheHighRoad #LovesHashTags

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 #6414 on: July 03, 2014, 10:24:36 PM »
The dell was an awful deal.
Dell Outlet - you need to look well if you want something, they generally raise the prices when they have coupons available.

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 #6415 on: July 03, 2014, 10:26:47 PM »
The dell was an awful deal.
Dell Outlet - you need to look well if you want something, they generally raise the prices when they have coupons available.

Got it. It appeared to me as well that the Dell was a terrible deal. I am happy your confirmed my initial thinking.
To the nOObs out there, feel free to PM with q's. #AlwaysTakesTheHighRoad #LovesHashTags

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 #6416 on: July 03, 2014, 10:30:35 PM »
The HP I posted a few days ago was a good deal

I would get him the HP; however, for some reason he is adamant about getting a 17 inch screen. Can't explain why as I like it a little smaller, but that's what he prefers.
To the nOObs out there, feel free to PM with q's. #AlwaysTakesTheHighRoad #LovesHashTags

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 #6417 on: July 03, 2014, 10:37:59 PM »
What about this HP, http://www.shopping.hp.com/en_US/home-office/-/products/Laptops/HP-ENVY/G0U59AV?HP-ENVY-17t .

I would use two Amex Cards to knock it down to $600.
To the nOObs out there, feel free to PM with q's. #AlwaysTakesTheHighRoad #LovesHashTags

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 #6418 on: July 03, 2014, 10:41:03 PM »
I would get him the HP; however, for some reason he is adamant about getting a 17 inch screen. Can't explain why as I like it a little smaller, but that's what he prefers.
The HP I posted was a 17" for very cheap.

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 #6419 on: July 03, 2014, 10:43:16 PM »
The HP I posted was a 17" for very cheap.

Okay. Sorry about that-- I was looking at the wrong one. I think I am going to pull the trigger on this one.
To the nOObs out there, feel free to PM with q's. #AlwaysTakesTheHighRoad #LovesHashTags