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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
Warning: most of the wiki that follows was written a very long time ago and the information on it can be outdated.
[Deleted post based on DH Data Recovery's experience dated 2013. Maybe I'll take a stab at replacing it with something similar at some point.]


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. EDIT: Unless there are no RAM slots for upgrading.
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 3737596 times)

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Re: Looking for cheap good Laptop deal
« Reply #80 on: November 25, 2011, 12:11:24 PM »
Its pricing a t 579- 100 =479. I dont want to do the gift cards for 75 because then im not buying it on amex for my 2nd year warranty.

You cant get everything  ;)

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Re: Looking for cheap good Laptop deal
« Reply #81 on: November 25, 2011, 12:19:10 PM »
You cant get everything  ;)
Still hoping on Saveology ;)

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Re: Looking for cheap good Laptop deal
« Reply #82 on: November 25, 2011, 12:21:52 PM »
Still hoping on Saveology ;)

A few weeks ago there was a promotion for geico members to get 25% off, similar to this saveology deal, just there was no coupon code - just call in and speak to a rep... I'm sure another such deal will come again

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Re: Looking for cheap good Laptop deal
« Reply #83 on: November 25, 2011, 12:23:08 PM »
A few weeks ago there was a promotion for geico members to get 25% off, similar to this saveology deal, just there was no coupon code - just call in and speak to a rep... I'm sure another such deal will come again
Hope so. Pm me please if something comes up. Thanks

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Re: Looking for cheap good Laptop deal
« Reply #84 on: November 26, 2011, 07:49:04 PM »
I got the Inspiron 15R that Name Changed mentioned (better build than the 15R you go directly to on Dell's site + you can't apply the $25 code on that one).

Was $859.98 originally
- Dell instant discount of $309.99
- $25 coupon code
- $26.25 (5% off today only)
- $75 gift card trick
+$44 tax
Free shipping

Grand total of $467.74 shipped!

When I was ready to pay I told him I have 2 gift cards.  Rep says, "let me guess, a $400 and a $75?". My stomach sank. But he let me do it anyway. Thanks so much Name Changed!
You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. - Dr. Seuss

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Re: Looking for cheap good Laptop deal
« Reply #85 on: November 26, 2011, 08:01:00 PM »
It's a good deal, but I personally value AMEX warranty too highly to mess with GCs on high-ticket items.
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.

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Re: Looking for cheap good Laptop deal
« Reply #86 on: November 26, 2011, 08:04:16 PM »
It's a good deal, but I personally value AMEX warranty too highly to mess with GCs on high-ticket items.

Not a problem when I'm buying for someone else :)
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Re: Looking for cheap good Laptop deal
« Reply #87 on: November 26, 2011, 09:49:31 PM »
It's a good deal, but I personally value AMEX warranty too highly to mess with GCs on high-ticket items.
I hear ya. But I can buy a 3 year squaretrade warranty right now for $45.49 with their BF 35% off sale (which I likely would have bought even had I used Amex).
You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. - Dr. Seuss

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Re: Looking for cheap good Laptop deal
« Reply #88 on: November 27, 2011, 10:00:44 AM »
I hear ya. But I can buy a 3 year squaretrade warranty right now for $45.49 with their BF 35% off sale (which I likely would have bought even had I used Amex).
Will squaretrade refund your entire purchase price in case of problems?
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.

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Re: Looking for cheap good Laptop deal
« Reply #89 on: November 27, 2011, 11:52:11 AM »
Will squaretrade refund your entire purchase price in case of problems?

Yes - If they cant fix it they refund you the full purchase price (even the $75 gift card)

@shmelly - enjoy ur new computer!

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Re: Looking for cheap good Laptop deal
« Reply #91 on: November 28, 2011, 12:48:29 PM »
So far, I ordered this Bestbuy one for $319- $10 egiftcard. Is it a good deal?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Lenovo+-+Laptop+/+Intel%26%23174%3B+Pentium%26%23174%3B+Processor+/+15.6%26%2334%3B+Display+/+4GB+Memory+-+Black/3604126.p?id=1218419327319&skuId=3604126

It's not a bad deal, but I'd prefer the Dells with the i3s that were available for ~$355 over the weekend.
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Re: Looking for cheap good Laptop deal
« Reply #92 on: November 28, 2011, 12:53:25 PM »
It's not a bad deal, but I'd prefer the Dells with the i3s that were available for ~$355 over the weekend.
K thanks. I must have missed those. They were also 4gb/500 dual core?

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Re: Looking for cheap good Laptop deal
« Reply #93 on: November 28, 2011, 12:56:38 PM »
K thanks. I must have missed those. They were also 4gb/500 dual core?

I think they were 4gb, not sure about HDD.
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Re: Looking for cheap good Laptop deal
« Reply #94 on: November 28, 2011, 01:37:05 PM »
I got the HP AMD A8 from best buy's BF sale.  It was $429.  If you see a deal that you would take over that then let me know.  Thanks.

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Re: Looking for cheap good Laptop deal
« Reply #95 on: November 28, 2011, 01:46:30 PM »
So far, I ordered this Bestbuy one for $319- $10 egiftcard. Is it a good deal?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Lenovo+-+Laptop+/+Intel%26%23174%3B+Pentium%26%23174%3B+Processor+/+15.6%26%2334%3B+Display+/+4GB+Memory+-+Black/3604126.p?id=1218419327319&skuId=3604126

Yea its a decent deal.

(I have purchased this one in the past for $300, But it usually is listed $350-$400)

I happen to think it a decent build and the specs are great for the price. The processor isnt the greatest, but for not heavy use it will do the job.


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Re: Looking for cheap good Laptop deal
« Reply #96 on: November 28, 2011, 03:35:13 PM »
I missed out on all deals when ever I decided already to get one they where all sold out I'm looking for something up to. 350 a notebook not interested on a netbook if someone sees a good deal pls keep me posted thanks

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Re: Looking for cheap good Laptop deal
« Reply #97 on: November 28, 2011, 06:45:59 PM »
Inspiron 15 for $349 is a good deal?

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Re: Looking for cheap good Laptop deal
« Reply #98 on: November 28, 2011, 06:49:44 PM »
Inspiron 15 for $349 is a good deal?

Brand new with an i3 and 4GB RAM, yes.

What specs are being offered? Got a linky?
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Re: Looking for cheap good Laptop deal
« Reply #99 on: November 28, 2011, 07:49:52 PM »
Inspiron 15 for $349 is a good deal?

Inspiron 15 or 15R?

The 15 is bulkier and not as updated as the 15R, also the i3 on the 15 is 2 generations older