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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!!


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 3179863 times)

Online thaber

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #9300 on: December 29, 2015, 12:37:46 AM »
Just to take a contrarian stand, take it or leave it: Generally speaking, according ot studies, extended warranties are generally not worthwhile. this is across the noard in every category. So, if you find yourself, with one particular brand, constantly blowing out th motherboard; wouldn't you consider that perhaps the answer isn't the extended warranty, rather it is to find a better built brand, even though you may not initially be as comfortable with it?
Avromie7 is i busy getting engaged, but he taught me about CPUbenchmark.com which compares all processors from different brands and generations against each other, can be very helpful.
Another thing I learnt is that in i7 can be overkill in a laptop, and they use more power. The U series may be an exception to this rule.

Offline etech0

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #9301 on: December 29, 2015, 08:17:49 AM »
I don't know why anyone would advise against these. Usually the one time extended warranty payment would pay for a single IT visit. So as long as long as you aren't currently short for cash, I would invest in it. (Even I get it! It's cheaper to get the Protection then to replace a motherboard - which I have a habit of blowing!)
How many years do you usually buy?
Workflowy. You won't know what you're missing until you try it.

Offline avromie7

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #9302 on: December 29, 2015, 08:29:26 AM »
Just to take a contrarian stand, take it or leave it: Generally speaking, according ot studies, extended warranties are generally not worthwhile. this is across the noard in every category. So, if you find yourself, with one particular brand, constantly blowing out th motherboard; wouldn't you consider that perhaps the answer isn't the extended warranty, rather it is to find a better built brand, even though you may not initially be as comfortable with it?
Avromie7 is i busy getting engaged, but he taught me about CPUbenchmark.com which compares all processors from different brands and generations against each other, can be very helpful.
Another thing I learnt is that in i7 can be overkill in a laptop, and they use more power. The U series may be an exception to this rule.
The u series is no exception
I wonder what people who type "u" instead of "you" do with all their free time.

Offline SLMYRCB

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #9303 on: December 29, 2015, 08:37:20 AM »
Just to take a contrarian stand, take it or leave it: Generally speaking, according ot studies, extended warranties are generally not worthwhile. this is across the noard in every category. So, if you find yourself, with one particular brand, constantly blowing out th motherboard; wouldn't you consider that perhaps the answer isn't the extended warranty, rather it is to find a better built brand, even though you may not initially be as comfortable with it?
Avromie7 is i busy getting engaged, but he taught me about CPUbenchmark.com which compares all processors from different brands and generations against each other, can be very helpful.
Another thing I learnt is that in i7 can be overkill in a laptop, and they use more power. The U series may be an exception to this rule.
Just to take a CONTRARIANT stand, take it or leave it:
Extended warranties are almost always worth while. It is where the risk factor is working against you. If the manufacturer was confident enough in their product they would have lengthened the originally included warrantee to gain customers.
Obviously if there is a constant issue with a particular brand then the best thing to do is to stay away and avoid any extra hassles you will be privy to with their product but if you aren't going to stay away (that is the best product in your budget) you best make sure you have that warrantee to balance the great risk.
Processors are one of many things that go bad with a computer. I haven't checked out this CPU tool. But how the computer is built and which graphic or sound chips and technology is used can greatly affect a processor, a good one or mediocre one.

Offline TorontoGuy

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #9304 on: December 29, 2015, 09:49:53 AM »
In regard to the i7 being an overkill on a laptop: Intel specifically designed the mobile version for laptops! If you need some power on the go, add 16GB of RAM and watch her go! Secondly, I agree that the U series doesn't compare to an i3, however if you are the type that sometimes just uses it to browse and for word processing, but then will also open the occasional Adobe Illustrator or InDesign on the go - go ahead with the i7U.

Online thaber

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #9305 on: December 29, 2015, 09:51:24 AM »


Just to take a CONTRARIANT stand, take it or leave it:
Extended warranties are almost always worth while. It is where the risk factor is working against you. If the manufacturer was confident enough in their product they would have lengthened the originally included warrantee to gain customers.
Obviously if there is a constant issue with a particular brand then the best thing to do is to stay away and avoid any extra hassles you will be privy to with their product but if you aren't going to stay away (that is the best product in your budget) you best make sure you have that warrantee to balance the great risk.
Processors are one of many things that go bad with a computer. I haven't checked out this CPU tool. But how the computer is built and which graphic or sound chips and technology is used can greatly affect a processor, a good one or mediocre one.

To nitpick:
Contrariant is usually used when describing 2 opinions,  not when describing your stand. 
Warrantee is the גברא not the חפצא.
And ""From a purely economic standpoint, it usually doesn't make sense to buy an extended warranty," says Rajiv Sinha, a marketing professor at the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University."
From http://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2013/12/19/when-you-should-and-shouldnt-buy-an-extended-warranty
Recently read a very scientific consumer reports article on this, not available online.

He said the motherboard blew,  not the processor.


Offline TorontoGuy

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #9306 on: December 29, 2015, 09:58:31 AM »




He said the motherboard blew,  not the processor.
I blow any motherboard I see, generally within 2-4 years. Occasionally it is the CPU, but most of the time it's not worth replacing anyways.
I still haven't got around to getting a desktop, so I just always overheat my laptops. Then, when I need it critically, the windows failsafe pops up, I disable it..... Then some time later..... POP!!! And the glorious smell of burnt electronics fills the room.
So, its not Dell's fault that I need new parts constantly.

Offline Iz

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #9307 on: December 29, 2015, 10:03:21 AM »
Would somebody explain briefly: What is the U series, and how is it different than the others? Thanks.

Offline avromie7

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #9308 on: December 29, 2015, 10:07:00 AM »
Would somebody explain briefly: What is the U series, and how is it different than the others? Thanks.
Ultra low power
I wonder what people who type "u" instead of "you" do with all their free time.

Offline Iz

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #9309 on: December 29, 2015, 10:19:28 AM »

Offline talmid chuchem

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #9310 on: December 29, 2015, 12:48:01 PM »
anyone wants to buy this   Dell Inspiron 15 Signature Edition Full HD Touchscreen Core i5 Laptop: $399 DDMS laptop

-15.6″ Full HD LED touchscreen with Truelife (1920 x 1080)
-10-finger multi-touch support
-Intel Core i5-4210U up to 2.70 GHz
-8GB RAM
-1TB Hard Drive
-Windows 10 Home, 64-bit
-CD/DVD Burner
-SD card reader
-HD webcam
-802.11a/b/g/n/ac
-Bluetooth 4.0
-Signature Edition PC: No Junkware or 3rd party trialware

selling it for the price it was sold on black Friday, I need to know ASAP if not i need to send it back.

Offline Yisroel Tech

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #9311 on: December 29, 2015, 12:50:51 PM »
Buzz buzz, "Iz" said yesterday he's waiting for a Dell deal.

Offline Iz

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #9312 on: December 29, 2015, 01:02:02 PM »
Buzz buzz, "Iz" said yesterday he's waiting for a Dell deal.
:) Thinking about it...

Offline talmid chuchem

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #9313 on: December 29, 2015, 01:10:18 PM »
:) Thinking about it...
gotta think fast
I need to know ASAP if not i need to send it back.

Offline Yisroel Tech

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #9314 on: December 29, 2015, 01:12:09 PM »
:) Thinking about it...
If you want a Dell, and a budget price, go for it ASAP...

Offline talmid chuchem

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #9315 on: December 29, 2015, 01:21:38 PM »
anyone wants to buy this   Acer Aspire 15.6″ Signature Edition Touchscreen i5 Laptop: $399 DDMS laptop

-15.6″ LED touchscreen (1366 x 768)
-10-finger multi-touch support
-Intel Core i5-5200U up to 2.70 GHz
-6GB RAM
-500GB Hard Drive
-Windows 10 Home, 64-bit
-CD/DVD Burner
-SD card reader
-Integrated webcam
-802.11ac/a/b/g/n
-Bluetooth 4.0
-Backlit keyboard

selling it for the price it was sold on black Friday, I need to know ASAP if not i need to send it back.
« Last Edit: December 29, 2015, 01:26:29 PM by talmid chuchem »

Offline TorontoGuy

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #9316 on: December 29, 2015, 02:20:07 PM »
If you want a Dell, and a budget price, go for it ASAP...
+1

Offline Iz

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #9317 on: December 29, 2015, 02:24:02 PM »
+1
Thanks for weighing in.
2 things holding me back:
1 - Presumably, I can't use a Dell GC (which I could get discounted), or an Amex (for PP, RP, etc.).
2 - I'm not sure if I can get an extended warranty on this, since it comes from MS Store. I asked Dell, and they said it depends which warranty MS is offering on it...

Offline ah giten

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #9318 on: December 29, 2015, 02:25:05 PM »
I'm looking for a good laptop with the most specs possible is this one considerable for this price range? http://www.amazon.com/dp/B012IBODT2/ref=twister_B0142KUNNC?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Offline Iz

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #9319 on: December 29, 2015, 02:26:58 PM »
If you want a Dell, and a budget price, go for it ASAP...
BTW, Dell told me that although they don't have this model in stock, this one is comparable: http://www.dell.com/us/p/inspiron-15-5558-laptop/pd?oc=fncwv2380h&model_id=inspiron-15-5558-laptop
And, Dell's model is not touch, so it really is a good deal...