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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

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!!


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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 3151384 times)

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Re: Looking for cheap good Laptop deal
« Reply #920 on: August 03, 2012, 11:28:57 AM »
The gateway is actually a very nice and wel built computer and has usb 3.0 . the only reason I would take a dell is warranty and tech support is easier with dell than many other compnaies.
100%

Dell is by far the easiest and quickest.

Even with Dell it could be a pain, and hours on the phone, but there is people to speak to, (in India) and they are really on top of all warranty claims with callbacks and emails every step of the way

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Re: Looking for cheap good Laptop deal
« Reply #921 on: August 03, 2012, 11:29:47 AM »
The gateway is actually a very nice and wel built computer and has usb 3.0 . the only reason I would take a dell is warranty and tech support is easier with dell than many other compnaies.

@Name Changed: Agree? Disagree?
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Re: Looking for cheap good Laptop deal
« Reply #922 on: August 03, 2012, 11:33:29 AM »
@Name Changed: Agree? Disagree?
Agree that it is a nice build, slicker than the Dell R series. I do not know it the actual quality is up to par. (not that Dell it top of the line) I just fine gateway a "gateway to heaven"

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Re: Looking for cheap good Laptop deal
« Reply #923 on: August 03, 2012, 11:36:06 AM »
Agree that it is a nice build, slicker than the Dell R series. I do not know it the actual quality is up to par. (not that Dell it top of the line) I just fine gateway a "gateway to heaven"

So (with regards to this inquiry) you recommend against?
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Re: Laptop-Is this a good deal
« Reply #924 on: August 03, 2012, 11:36:50 AM »
How can I see how much this weighs?
If its not a heavy laptop the large screen is an advantage.

The resolution of the screen is good?

If I went with a 15inch is there a cheaper laptop I can get that is as good as this one?

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Re: Looking for cheap good Laptop deal
« Reply #925 on: August 03, 2012, 11:47:27 AM »
@name changed _ Don't ever call Dell! if I would have to be on the phone with them I would hate them as much as gateway. I got a tip for you that you will thank me for forever - Use Dell Chat!!! It takes 2 min and you can do other things in the meantime. I've used them for hundreds of computerws already! No accent, No hassle, and They do a better job. - They even get back to you later.

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Re: Looking for cheap good Laptop deal
« Reply #926 on: August 03, 2012, 11:48:58 AM »
Gateway actually used to be a top of the line company. They still make pretty good Laptops. In the order of companies I wouyld put Gateway a little weaker than dell - Stronger than compaq, Acer, and Asus

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Re: Looking for cheap good Laptop deal
« Reply #927 on: August 03, 2012, 11:53:18 AM »
Gateway actually used to be a top of the line company. They still make pretty good Laptops. In the order of companies I wouyld put Gateway a little weaker than dell - Stronger than compaq, Acer, and Asus

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Re: Looking for cheap good Laptop deal
« Reply #928 on: August 03, 2012, 11:58:30 AM »
I sold 45 Gateway laptops to a yehiva about a half a year ago - I didnt hear any complaints yet....

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Re: Looking for cheap good Laptop deal
« Reply #929 on: August 03, 2012, 12:04:44 PM »
Now now, if only there was a Dell (or HP/Lenovo) i5 (2/3g) 15.6" for $400/450...
wasnt this what u were asking for http://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=18681.0

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Re: Looking for cheap good Laptop deal
« Reply #930 on: August 03, 2012, 12:13:13 PM »
So (with regards to this inquiry) you recommend against?
Are you still looking for that laptop? 14" or 15.6"

Gateway actually used to be a top of the line company. They still make pretty good Laptops. In the order of companies I wouyld put Gateway a little weaker than dell - Stronger than compaq, Acer, and Asus
I would put Asus above Compaq, and Acer, But with every brand they make a lower product line... so its really relative when comparing.

@name changed _ Don't ever call Dell! if I would have to be on the phone with them I would hate them as much as gateway. I got a tip for you that you will thank me for forever - Use Dell Chat!!! It takes 2 min and you can do other things in the meantime. I've used them for hundreds of computerws already! No accent, No hassle, and They do a better job. - They even get back to you later.
True, I have used the chat in the past. I am not sure why I forgot about it, the last time I (about 2 weeks ago) I got a repair I called, The full call was an hour or so. (I was still doing other things during the call ;)) Basically that was it, they sent me a box to have the laptop shipped to them, I got the laptop repaired back in 6 Days.

The time before hand, I had a new laptop that had a faulty track pad. I prob spent 2+ hours on the phone, cuz they "had" to log in remotely to diagnose, and they wouldn't take my word right away for it. But in the end I convinced the rep to give me a brand new replacement as I dont want a new laptop getting repaired. This laptop was basically 2 month old, so it was past the 21 day return... I ended up getting the Newer i5, with more ram, and a bigger HD, as the other specs weren't avail :D

How can I see how much this weighs?
If its not a heavy laptop the large screen is an advantage.

The resolution of the screen is good?

If I went with a 15inch is there a cheaper laptop I can get that is as good as this one?
Its pretty heavy - Weight: Starting at 3.36kg / 7.41lbs (with 6-cell battery); 3.53kg/ 7.79lbs (with 9-cell battery)
(scroll down)

The res is 900p - typical for 17.3"

A 15" in XPS 15 runs $700 Range, and 17 in the $800 Range (after coupons, retail is more)

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Re: Looking for cheap good Laptop deal
« Reply #931 on: August 03, 2012, 12:31:45 PM »
wasnt this what u were asking for http://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=18681.0

I buy lots of laptops for people. In this case I'm looking for a 15.6", the best value under $500 AI.

Are you still looking for that laptop? 14" or 15.6"

I haven't bought anything yet, and Tishrei is looming... 15.6" please.
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Re: Looking for cheap good Laptop deal
« Reply #932 on: August 03, 2012, 12:33:39 PM »
I buy lots of laptops for people. In this case I'm looking for a 15.6", the best value under $500 AI.

I haven't bought anything yet, and Tishrei is looming... 15.6" please.
and would the one i linked to not work for you? its a 15.6" with
- Generation Intel® Core™ i5-3210M 2.5GHz 3MB L3 Cache Processor
- 8GB DDR3 Installed Memory
- 750GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
- 15.6" HD LED-backlit Display (1366 x 768)
- Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium

all for 399

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Re: Looking for cheap good Laptop deal
« Reply #933 on: August 03, 2012, 12:36:29 PM »
and would the one i linked to not work for you? its a 15.6" with
- Generation Intel® Core™ i5-3210M 2.5GHz 3MB L3 Cache Processor
- 8GB DDR3 Installed Memory
- 750GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
- 15.6" HD LED-backlit Display (1366 x 768)
- Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium

all for 399

I didn't realize what you meant. That one is a great deal (especially with 5x UR on office supplies), hence it's OOS.
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Re: Looking for cheap good Laptop deal
« Reply #934 on: August 03, 2012, 12:39:27 PM »
I didn't realize what you meant. That one is a great deal (especially with 5x UR on office supplies), hence it's OOS.
its in stock in my local store if u want me to pick one up for you

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Re: Looking for cheap good Laptop deal
« Reply #935 on: August 03, 2012, 12:42:06 PM »
its in stock in my local store if u want me to pick one up for you

That's a really generous offer. I think it's worth it for me, despite losing out on the benefits of ordering it on my card and using URM. I don't need it anytime soon, any idea how we'll get it to Brooklyn?

I guess I'd have to get the rebate stuff (proof-of-purchase/UPC) pretty soon so I can send it all off, unless you're offering to do that or me as well :P
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Re: Looking for cheap good Laptop deal
« Reply #936 on: August 03, 2012, 12:50:41 PM »
That's a really generous offer. I think it's worth it for me, despite losing out on the benefits of ordering it on my card and using URM. I don't need it anytime soon, any idea how we'll get it to Brooklyn?

I guess I'd have to get the rebate stuff (proof-of-purchase/UPC) pretty soon so I can send it all off, unless you're offering to do that or me as well :P
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Congrats on 15k posts!

I would really go for that Lenovo - even at $499 still an amazing price

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Re: Looking for cheap good Laptop deal
« Reply #937 on: August 03, 2012, 01:09:25 PM »
agreed Lenovo making great machines right now. I do believe you only get the $399 with a student id or student .edu account though

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Re: Looking for cheap good Laptop deal
« Reply #938 on: August 03, 2012, 01:17:36 PM »
@AsherO

Congrats on 15k posts!

I would really go for that Lenovo - even at $499 still an amazing price

Thanks!
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Re: Looking for cheap good Laptop deal
« Reply #939 on: August 03, 2012, 01:18:59 PM »
agreed Lenovo making great machines right now. I do believe you only get the $399 with a student id or student .edu account though

i cann prob help u out with the .edu if needed let me know