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 3206572 times)

Offline cholent

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Aug 2014
  • Posts: 2705
  • Total likes: 524
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #9040 on: November 26, 2015, 03:22:46 PM »
I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to laptop specs, so help me out here please! Can someone tell me which is better, the $329 Asus laptop posted from Amazon 1-2 weeks ago or the $299 Dell touchscreen on sale at best buy?
Don't ask stupid questions and you won't get stupid answers

Offline TorontoGuy

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Mar 2015
  • Posts: 319
  • Total likes: 0
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: Toronto
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #9041 on: November 26, 2015, 03:51:28 PM »
I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to laptop specs, so help me out here please! Can someone tell me which is better, the $329 Asus laptop posted from Amazon 1-2 weeks ago or the $299 Dell touchscreen on sale at best buy?
Please either post links, or copy and paste specs. We would love to help.

Offline avromie7

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Feb 2014
  • Posts: 8299
  • Total likes: 2745
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 6
    • View Profile
  • Location: Lakewood
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #9042 on: November 26, 2015, 03:53:15 PM »
Is there less tax in NJ or NY and is there any codes to Microsoft to get cheaper
NJ sales tax is 7% NY is 8.xxx%
I wonder what people who type "u" instead of "you" do with all their free time.

Offline TorontoGuy

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Mar 2015
  • Posts: 319
  • Total likes: 0
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: Toronto
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #9043 on: November 26, 2015, 03:54:54 PM »
NJ sales tax is 7% NY is 8.xxx%
Even when shipped to Lakewood (In stores its 3.5%)?

Offline cholent

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Aug 2014
  • Posts: 2705
  • Total likes: 524
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #9044 on: November 26, 2015, 03:56:55 PM »
Please either post links, or copy and paste specs. We would love to help.

Thanks. Sorry, should have done that the first time.

Best buy: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/dell-inspiron-15-6-touch-screen-laptop-intel-core-i3-8gb-memory-1tb-hard-drive-black-gloss/4435200.p?id=1219751152481&skuId=4435200&cmp=RMX&ref=17&loc=11&CampaignID=761816&SubscriberID=42616183

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011KFQASE?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00


Amazon one is cheaper for me due to Amex offer but if Best Buy is noticeably better I would still go for that.
Don't ask stupid questions and you won't get stupid answers

Offline Saver2000

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Apr 2011
  • Posts: 7678
  • Total likes: 47
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #9045 on: November 26, 2015, 03:57:54 PM »
Even when shipped to Lakewood (In stores its 3.5%)?
Some stores (located in the UEZ) are 3.5%. But otherwise everywhere else is 7% .

Offline TorontoGuy

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Mar 2015
  • Posts: 319
  • Total likes: 0
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: Toronto
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #9046 on: November 26, 2015, 04:16:41 PM »
Some stores (located in the UEZ) are 3.5%. But otherwise everywhere else is 7% .
And if shipped within the UEZ?

Offline avromie7

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Feb 2014
  • Posts: 8299
  • Total likes: 2745
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 6
    • View Profile
  • Location: Lakewood
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #9047 on: November 26, 2015, 04:17:54 PM »
And if shipped within the UEZ?
still 7% only businesses in UEZ zone collect 3.5%
I wonder what people who type "u" instead of "you" do with all their free time.

Offline TorontoGuy

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Mar 2015
  • Posts: 319
  • Total likes: 0
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: Toronto
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #9048 on: November 26, 2015, 04:29:30 PM »
Thanks. Sorry, should have done that the first time.

Best buy: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/dell-inspiron-15-6-touch-screen-laptop-intel-core-i3-8gb-memory-1tb-hard-drive-black-gloss/4435200.p?id=1219751152481&skuId=4435200&cmp=RMX&ref=17&loc=11&CampaignID=761816&SubscriberID=42616183

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011KFQASE?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00


Amazon one is cheaper for me due to Amex offer but if Best Buy is noticeably better I would still go for that.
Power User - Dell; Home User - ASUS.
The Dell is definitely built better, and those 4GB of RAM make up for 1 generation difference. Also you will get 1TB with the Dell vs 500 MB from the ASUS.
However the ASUS has a full HD Screen (were as the Dell only has 1366x768), with a newer generation processor. The processor difference will give you a boost on the battery life due to the thinner lithography.
So from the way you asked your original question (and a little assumptions) I would say to get the ASUS from Amazon.

Offline cholent

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Aug 2014
  • Posts: 2705
  • Total likes: 524
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #9049 on: November 26, 2015, 05:18:16 PM »
Power User - Dell; Home User - ASUS.
The Dell is definitely built better, and those 4GB of RAM make up for 1 generation difference. Also you will get 1TB with the Dell vs 500 MB from the ASUS.
However the ASUS has a full HD Screen (were as the Dell only has 1366x768), with a newer generation processor. The processor difference will give you a boost on the battery life due to the thinner lithography.
So from the way you asked your original question (and a little assumptions) I would say to get the ASUS from Amazon.
Thanks. I wouldn't consider myself a power user, but processing time is probably more important to me than screen resolution. And I usually keep it plugged in. So sounds like the Dell would actually be better for me
Don't ask stupid questions and you won't get stupid answers

Offline Zevi16

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Mar 2015
  • Posts: 2161
  • Total likes: 78
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #9050 on: November 26, 2015, 05:26:35 PM »
Where can I find a decent deal under 500.
i5 5 th gen or higher
15.6" min
Good enough graphics for simple PS use?
TIA


Bump
As I was putting in my CC info to Microsoft they went out of stock!! I need another one like the 399 one.. I'm talking about the DDMS Post

Offline Yehuda25

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Dec 2013
  • Posts: 6091
  • Total likes: 78
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 9
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #9051 on: November 26, 2015, 06:25:36 PM »

Bump
As I was putting in my CC info to Microsoft they went out of stock!! I need another one like the 399 one.. I'm talking about the DDMS Post
I have extra if anyone needs, cost price. PM me.
“To avoid criticism say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.”


― Aristotle

Offline shadchan

  • Dansdeals Bronze Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: Aug 2015
  • Posts: 25
  • Total likes: 0
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile

Offline Shevs177

  • DansDeals Copper Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: Mar 2014
  • Posts: 11
  • Total likes: 0
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #9053 on: November 27, 2015, 12:18:21 AM »
Good buy?

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/pdp/Dell-Inspiron-15-i5548-1671SLV-Signature-Edition-Laptop/productID.323774000

$500
Dell Inspiron 15 i5548-1671SLV Signature Edition Laptop
Intel Core i5-5200U
8GB memory/1TB HDD

Offline avromie7

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Feb 2014
  • Posts: 8299
  • Total likes: 2745
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 6
    • View Profile
  • Location: Lakewood
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #9054 on: November 27, 2015, 12:20:39 AM »
Good buy?

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/pdp/Dell-Inspiron-15-i5548-1671SLV-Signature-Edition-Laptop/productID.323774000

$500
Dell Inspiron 15 i5548-1671SLV Signature Edition Laptop
Intel Core i5-5200U
8GB memory/1TB HDD
I love this laptop and it's a nice price but I wouldn't pay the extra $100 over the other dell from Microsoft store
« Last Edit: November 27, 2015, 12:56:13 AM by avromie7 »
I wonder what people who type "u" instead of "you" do with all their free time.

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 #9055 on: November 27, 2015, 12:59:10 AM »
What's up guys? What have I missed ;)

Offline TimT

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 20K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Dec 2013
  • Posts: 22692
  • Total likes: 7191
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 12
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #9056 on: November 27, 2015, 01:00:00 AM »
What's up guys? What have I missed ;)
Welcome Home

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 #9057 on: November 27, 2015, 01:01:00 AM »

Offline avromie7

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Feb 2014
  • Posts: 8299
  • Total likes: 2745
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 6
    • View Profile
  • Location: Lakewood
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #9058 on: November 27, 2015, 01:02:19 AM »
Wow nice to have you back  8)
I wonder what people who type "u" instead of "you" do with all their free time.

Offline thaber

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 3915
  • Total likes: 467
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 4
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #9059 on: November 27, 2015, 01:03:22 AM »
One of the issues with i7 in laptops is that it creates too much heat for its own good, and can't cool it fast enough - thereby forcing the CPU to slow down.
Address Bus. The i5s largest address bus is capable of handling 16GB of RAM, were as some i7s can handle 32GB.
Clock Speed. i7s have higher clock speeds, meaning more operations per cycle, so unless you are generating QB reports for massive conglomerates, you should be fine.
L1 Cache. The largest cache on any i5 is 3MB, were as on i7 its either 4MB or 6MB. This may help if you are doing a lot of PS, however if it has a decent integrated graphics (SERIES 3000 or better) you should be fine.

this was generally very helpful, thanks!