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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 3180382 times)

Offline PETERP

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #12020 on: July 30, 2019, 04:43:26 PM »

 I want to buy my Nephew a used Mac Book Pro Or Air 13 inch .
Would love some direction/advice.

Offline jose34

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #12021 on: July 30, 2019, 06:13:47 PM »
I'm hoping the experts can weigh in...I prefer the premium keyboard and bigger 14 inch screen of the Lenovo X1 carbon over the XPS 13 but the current generation is above my budget. Lenovo has the 5th gen for $849. If I'm spending that kind of money, does it make sense to buy a laptop that is 2.5 years old? The processor on the X1 is the Intel i5-6200U, whereas the XPS 13 (9380) has the i5-8265U, two generations newer...?
The 8265U processor is put in laptops that go for under $500;

Offline Thingywingy

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #12022 on: July 30, 2019, 09:14:46 PM »
The 8265U processor is put in laptops that go for under $500;
The XPS 13 seems to be highly recommended. If processing speed is very important to you, maybe it's not the best machine.  For me, a solid keyboard, great battery life and stable system are most important. My techie friends always tell me thinking $400 machines are similar to $800 machines based on processing speed is a huge mistake if reliability is important to you...
I am sometimes accused of overthinking things. I am still mulling over whether that accusation has merit.

Offline Miracle

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Offline jose34

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #12024 on: July 31, 2019, 09:03:23 AM »
The XPS 13 seems to be highly recommended. If processing speed is very important to you, maybe it's not the best machine.  For me, a solid keyboard, great battery life and stable system are most important. My techie friends always tell me thinking $400 machines are similar to $800 machines based on processing speed is a huge mistake if reliability is important to you...

Interesting; I always thought reliability had to more with the company ( Dell, Lenovo, HP etc...)  & Home ( such as XPS) or Biz ( such as Vostro) more then specs.

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Offline Miracle

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #12026 on: July 31, 2019, 04:33:12 PM »

Offline PETERP

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Offline Thingywingy

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #12028 on: July 31, 2019, 05:42:02 PM »
Lenovo Yoga 920 2-in-1: 13.9'' FHD IPS Touch, i7-8550U, 8GB DDR4, 256GB PCIe SSD, Thunderbolt 3, Active Stylus 2, Win10H Price: 799.99 - 60 (Coupon SAVE15) = 739.99. Not sure if coupon is still working.

I have seen this laptop recommended on Wirecutter Best Ultrabook post but have also seen briefly online that some people may have issues with them. Research before purchasing.
I am sometimes accused of overthinking things. I am still mulling over whether that accusation has merit.

Offline Luvtotravel

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #12029 on: August 01, 2019, 04:10:42 PM »
Is the ddms laptop+ gc deal worth getting?. Need quick reliable computer for Word and internet use
Don't wait for the perfect moment; take the moment and make it perfect.

Offline myi

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #12030 on: August 13, 2019, 01:27:03 AM »
Is this a good laptop for an everyday use for the basics, uploads downloads, basic internet work, from printing and storing pics and documents. Running multiple tabs at once.
 And preferably something that's is fast, hate a slow processor.

 Decent price?
I have a 14% coupon to use on top of this if that should make a difference in making me buy it, coupon doesn't have a cap, can be used for whatever.

$389 after $100 Visa Gc.

https://deals.dell.com/en-us/mpp/productdetail/2rku?prg=1&VEN1=13687113-9064264-4f5jslm8th82vzdwkym2W1wKtrptjtJI&AID=9064264&cjevent=9d788e8abd8711e9802a04240a240611&dgc=ss&dgseg=DHS&VEN3=151404668050012846&cid=249221&lid=63964&acd=12309249221639640

@Yisroel Tech
« Last Edit: August 13, 2019, 01:58:00 AM by myi »
Quote
Need your LG Exalt fixed? Cracked in half? Water damage? Or parts to repair yourself. 347.201.2501

Offline sysg1

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #12031 on: August 13, 2019, 07:25:11 AM »


Is this a good laptop for an everyday use for the basics, uploads downloads, basic internet work, from printing and storing pics and documents. Running multiple tabs at once.
 And preferably something that's is fast, hate a slow processor.

 Decent price?
I have a 14% coupon to use on top of this if that should make a difference in making me buy it, coupon doesn't have a cap, can be used for whatever.

$389 after $100 Visa Gc.

https://deals.dell.com/en-us/mpp/productdetail/2rku?prg=1&VEN1=13687113-9064264-4f5jslm8th82vzdwkym2W1wKtrptjtJI&AID=9064264&cjevent=9d788e8abd8711e9802a04240a240611&dgc=ss&dgseg=DHS&VEN3=151404668050012846&cid=249221&lid=63964&acd=12309249221639640

@Yisroel Tech

This is a good match for what you need.
The processor is a good processor.

It really depends on how many tabs you will be running at once.

Cons of this laptop.
HD screen
WiFi chip isn't that great (not sure you will even notice it)

For $389 it's a good deal.

Offline myi

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #12032 on: August 13, 2019, 04:20:12 PM »

This is a good match for what you need.
The processor is a good processor.

It really depends on how many tabs you will be running at once.

Cons of this laptop.
HD screen
WiFi chip isn't that great (not sure you will even notice it)

For $389 it's a good deal.
Thanks, what do you mean by HD screen? And wifi chip not good, means the wifi going to go on and off when connected? Not a steady connection?
Quote
Need your LG Exalt fixed? Cracked in half? Water damage? Or parts to repair yourself. 347.201.2501

Offline sysg1

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #12033 on: August 13, 2019, 04:25:10 PM »
Thanks, what do you mean by HD screen? And wifi chip not good, means the wifi going to go on and off when connected? Not a steady connection?
HD is usually 1366x768 pixels in a screen vs FHD which is 1920x1080. FHD is common these days and is clear. HD isnt as clear so it might bother you.
WiFi chip not that great, is that it isnt amazing specs. its on the lower end of the specs for WiFi. if you stream videos and its slow that is probably your point of failure.  wont fail just not as good.
 

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #12034 on: August 13, 2019, 05:19:09 PM »
HD is usually 1366x768 pixels in a screen vs FHD which is 1920x1080. FHD is common these days and is clear. HD isnt as clear so it might bother you.
WiFi chip not that great, is that it isnt amazing specs. its on the lower end of the specs for WiFi. if you stream videos and its slow that is probably your point of failure.  wont fail just not as good.
 
Gotchya, once I'm spending money will be willing to spend some more on something that will work for all instances.
 Would stream live games on it(baseball,football,BB), would want a clear crisp screen and a fast wifi connection, same way I would want a fast processor, not always going to be at home with a Cat5 wire connected to the laptop.
 Guess I'll have to look further, thanks.

 Out of curiosity when would one want an i7 or i9 vs an i5?
Quote
Need your LG Exalt fixed? Cracked in half? Water damage? Or parts to repair yourself. 347.201.2501

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #12035 on: August 15, 2019, 10:58:00 AM »
HD is usually 1366x768 pixels in a screen vs FHD which is 1920x1080. FHD is common these days and is clear. HD isnt as clear so it might bother you.
WiFi chip not that great, is that it isnt amazing specs. its on the lower end of the specs for WiFi. if you stream videos and its slow that is probably your point of failure.  wont fail just not as good.
 
This any better?
https://www.dansdeals.com/shopping-deals/electronics/dell/dell-inspiron-15-6-core-i7-1tb-hdd-128gb-ssd-laptop-just-527-99-stacking-422-off-low-375-19-business-platinum-cardholders/

 As well is it so old school to have the ability to run a cd from the actual computer? Nowadays the standard is w/o a cd drive.
Quote
Need your LG Exalt fixed? Cracked in half? Water damage? Or parts to repair yourself. 347.201.2501

Offline sysg1

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #12036 on: August 15, 2019, 11:27:52 AM »
This any better?
https://www.dansdeals.com/shopping-deals/electronics/dell/dell-inspiron-15-6-core-i7-1tb-hdd-128gb-ssd-laptop-just-527-99-stacking-422-off-low-375-19-business-platinum-cardholders/

 As well is it so old school to have the ability to run a cd from the actual computer? Nowadays the standard is w/o a cd drive.
Much better, I doubt it has a CD drive.

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #12037 on: August 15, 2019, 11:30:52 AM »
Much better, I doubt it has a CD drive.
Is it a fantastic deal or If I could wait until Nov, then I should?

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #12038 on: August 15, 2019, 11:43:25 AM »
Is it a fantastic deal or If I could wait until Nov, then I should?
at $375 its an amazing deal.
very hard to get those specs under $500

Offline normathej

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #12039 on: August 15, 2019, 01:07:50 PM »
Which is better - this one,

https://www.dansdeals.com/shopping-deals/electronics/dell/dell-inspiron-15-6-core-i7-1tb-hdd-128gb-ssd-laptop-just-527-99-stacking-422-off-low-375-19-business-platinum-cardholders/

or this one?

https://store.hp.com/us/en/pdp/hp-laptop-15t-value-5jr88av-1

They come out to be about the same price for me ($500), so just want whichever is a better buy.  Not a heavy laptop user...
« Last Edit: August 15, 2019, 01:32:57 PM by normathej »