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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 3152029 times)

Offline Mikes@Micro

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #12460 on: June 22, 2020, 05:33:13 PM »
I have it. Very portable and great battery life. But you're probably right
If both have 16gb ram why is it so much more powerful?  Bc of the graphics card?

Would either of them be able to handle occasionally rending with premiere?
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Offline Yo ssi

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #12461 on: June 22, 2020, 05:41:35 PM »
If both have 16gb ram why is it so much more powerful?  Bc of the graphics card?

Would either of them be able to handle occasionally rending with premiere?
Yes because of the graphics and CPU for that matter, and yes obviously the 2nd laptop would crush in that category, but for occasional use it should be fine
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Offline Mikes@Micro

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #12462 on: June 22, 2020, 05:55:43 PM »
Yes because of the graphics and CPU for that matter, and yes obviously the 2nd laptop would crush in that category, but for occasional use it should be fine
This might be a dumb question but I assume:

 the Asus would be better for rendering than the Dell even if I would self upgrade to 32gb ram.?

And  the 32gb dell would be better for multiple work tasks then the 16gb Asus?
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Offline Yo ssi

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #12463 on: June 22, 2020, 05:57:49 PM »
This might be a dumb question but I assume:

 the Asus would be better for rendering than the Dell even if I would self upgrade to 32gb ram.?

And  the 32gb dell would be better for multiple work tasks then the 16gb Asus?
Yes correct, more or less.
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Offline El Capitan

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #12464 on: June 22, 2020, 06:15:49 PM »
This might be a dumb question but I assume:

 the Asus would be better for rendering than the Dell even if I would self upgrade to 32gb ram.?

And  the 32gb dell would be better for multiple work tasks then the 16gb Asus?
In general, as long as you're not maxing out the RAM it doesn't really make such a difference besides for the actual speed of the RAM (DDR4, how many mhz. etc.) but things like 32gb vs 16gb won't make such a difference if you're only using below 16gb.
CPU, SSD, GPU (when necessary) are what really change the game.
Still looking for a good MS method :)

Offline ExGingi

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #12465 on: June 22, 2020, 06:22:01 PM »
In general, as long as you're not maxing out the RAM it doesn't really make such a difference besides for the actual speed of the RAM (DDR4, how many mhz. etc.) but things like 32gb vs 16gb won't make such a difference if you're only using below 16gb.
CPU, SSD, GPU (when necessary) are what really change the game.

Unless you're talking a huge gap in CPU performance, I believe increase in RAM will give a more noticeable performance boost than a marginally better CPU. There will be a lot more processing done in RAM without the need to temporarily write to the hard drive. That being said, you are correct that an SSD will probably give a huge noticeable performance boost.

Also, one needs to keep in mind regarding RAM that in order to make full use of large amounts of RAM one needs to be using an OS (and software) that can take advantage of it, i.e. a 64 bit OS as opposed to a 32bit OS.
I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
-- Dan

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #12466 on: June 22, 2020, 06:24:02 PM »
Unless you're talking a huge gap in CPU performance, I believe increase in RAM will give a more noticeable performance boost than a marginally better CPU.
Read, the discussion is about a Intel Core i7 Vs. a AMD Ryzen 9... If that's not a major gap than what is?
Still looking for a good MS method :)

Offline El Capitan

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #12467 on: June 22, 2020, 06:27:00 PM »
Also, one needs to keep in mind regarding RAM that in order to make full use of large amounts of RAM one needs to be using an OS (and software) that can take advantage of it, i.e. a 64 bit OS as opposed to a 32 bit OS.
Do they even make 32 bit laptops anymore? Haven't seen them in a while...
That being said regardless of 32 or 64 bit Premiere Pro sure knows how to use RAM!
Still looking for a good MS method :)

Offline ExGingi

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #12468 on: June 22, 2020, 06:38:03 PM »
Read, the discussion is about a Intel Core i7 Vs. a AMD Ryzen 9... If that's not a major gap than what is?

The question is for what use.

If use is gaming or graphic design, then CPU and GPU will make a major impact. But if the use isn't graphics heavy, then I'm not so sure the CPU difference will be so noticeable. If he's using a single app that's using 8GB of RAM, you want to make sure active programs can remain in RAM without need to temporarily write to a hard drive (or even SSD for that matter).

The biggest drags on performance I see in my office are from multiple open browser tabs (I believe some of these browsers have a serious memory leak or other memory management issue) and Quickboos. Obviously the occasional attempt at a graphics program will be slow, but absent that, I would say the biggest differentiators in the end-user experience are RAM and SSD.

Do they even make 32 bit laptops anymore? Haven't seen them in a while...
That being said regardless of 32 or 64 bit Premiere Pro sure knows how to use RAM!

I'm not sure what you meant over here. The question is are we using a 64 bit version of the OS, and a 64 bit version of whatever software we're using. If it's not 64 bit, it is limited in the use of RAM (and even Hard Disk or SSD space) it can directly address.
I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
-- Dan

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #12469 on: June 22, 2020, 06:41:28 PM »
The question is for what use.

If use is gaming or graphic design, then CPU and GPU will make a major impact. But if the use isn't graphics heavy, then I'm not so sure the CPU difference will be so noticeable. If he's using a single app that's using 8GB of RAM, you want to make sure active programs can remain in RAM without need to temporarily write to a hard drive (or even SSD for that matter).

The biggest drags on performance I see in my office are from multiple open browser tabs (I believe some of these browsers have a serious memory leak or other memory management issue) and Quickbooks. Obviously the occasional attempt at a graphics program will be slow, but absent that, I would say the biggest differentiation in the end-user experience are RAM and SSD.
He mentioned he'd like to do the occasional premiere pro render...
The browser thing is old news. Chrome and Firefox have had this issue for years...
SSD always makes major difference. Period.
Still looking for a good MS method :)

Offline Yo ssi

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #12470 on: June 22, 2020, 10:31:32 PM »
Okay okay! The bottom line is it's really very program specific, and based on @Mikes@Micro's needs, it seems 16GB RAM is enough, alongside even a core i5.

(I still would recommend a desktop as better bang for the buck, and would outlast a laptop)
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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #12471 on: June 23, 2020, 12:12:50 AM »
Thank you so much א גרוסע ישר כח
(Not necessarily in order)
@stooges44  @El Capitan  @ExGingi  @Yo ssi

I understand a whole lot more about PC specs now!

It seems likes BestBuy.com primarily has home grade PCs not business. Seems that designed for buissnes has stronger external build quality AND Iinternal - like the same specs will just work better.
I am saying this based on using the lnewer enovo x1 carbons and their quality blows me away but the price seems to start st 2000s for entry level.


After browsing Dell and reading the wiki I narrowed it down some more:

- 15.6 display (should fit in carryon as the newer bezels are thinner.)

- USB-c PD charging should be standard. (Dell doesnt seem to have adopted this yet.... they had it as a 2nd option in a few laptops the lenovo has like 4 ports)

- 16gb i7 intel RAM

-512gb SSD

OPTIONAL: (but would be nice)

- backlit keyboard
-Wifi 6 AX, Bluetooth 5.0
-Touchscreen
Quote or engagement  equals full throated endorsement and vote!
H/t PinchosL

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #12472 on: June 23, 2020, 12:27:40 AM »
Thank you so much א גרוסע ישר כח
(Not necessarily in order)
@stooges44  @El Capitan  @ExGingi  @Yo ssi

I understand a whole lot more about PC specs now!

It seems likes BestBuy.com primarily has home grade PCs not business. Seems that designed for buissnes has stronger external build quality AND Iinternal - like the same specs will just work better.
I am saying this based on using the lnewer enovo x1 carbons and their quality blows me away but the price seems to start st 2000s for entry level.


After browsing Dell and reading the wiki I narrowed it down some more:

- 15.6 display (should fit in carryon as the newer bezels are thinner.)

- USB-c PD charging should be standard. (Dell doesnt seem to have adopted this yet.... they had it as a 2nd option in a few laptops the lenovo has like 4 ports)

- 16gb i7 intel RAM

-512gb SSD

OPTIONAL: (but would be nice)

- backlit keyboard
-Wifi 6 AX, Bluetooth 5.0
-Touchscreen
Let me also recommend getting something with a good no-glare display. I got an HP deal on Black Friday and am kicking myself so hard every time I use it for not opting for an upgraded display. While performance is important, the display and the keyboard are where the machine interacts with you. Don't get anything that will be torture every time you use it.
I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
-- Dan

Offline Mikes@Micro

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #12473 on: June 23, 2020, 12:39:01 AM »
Do you reccomend higher resolution than HD or just the coatings?

Also how do you determine keyboard quality?

I know apple makes a big deal about macbook keyboards but dont see much thought (or quality design) given to anything windows
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Offline halluc1nati0n

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #12474 on: June 23, 2020, 02:07:21 AM »
Do you reccomend higher resolution than HD or just the coatings?

Also how do you determine keyboard quality?

I know apple makes a big deal about macbook keyboards but dont see much thought (or quality design) given to anything windows
HD == 1366x768 ~= 720p.
I'd go for at least 1080p = FullHD (FHD) = 1920x1080.

All the cheap 14-15.6inch laptops would usually be at the 1366x768 resolution.

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #12476 on: June 23, 2020, 11:13:46 AM »




I know apple makes a big deal about macbook keyboards but dont see much thought (or quality design) given to anything windows

In general keyboards are better on premium laptops. For example the X1 carbon supposedly has a great keyboard too
Still looking for a good MS method :)


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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #12478 on: June 28, 2020, 12:13:08 PM »
How good of a deal is this?

https://www.costco.com/dell-inspiron-15-5000-series-touchscreen-laptop---10th-gen-intel-core-i7-1065g7---geforce-mx330--1080p.product.100579360.html

Features:
10th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-1065G7 Processor 1.3GHz
2GB NVIDIA® GeForce® MX330 Graphics
16GB 3200MHz DDR4 RAM
512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive
15.6" Touchscreen Anti-glare LED Backlit FHD (1920 x 1080) Display
Intel® Wi-Fi 6 (2x2) Gig + and Bluetooth® 5.0
Silver Backlit Keyboard

$799.99

Offline sysg1

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Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #12479 on: June 28, 2020, 12:16:49 PM »
How good of a deal is this?

https://www.costco.com/dell-inspiron-15-5000-series-touchscreen-laptop---10th-gen-intel-core-i7-1065g7---geforce-mx330--1080p.product.100579360.html

Features:
10th Gen Intel Core i7-1065G7 Processor 1.3GHz
2GB NVIDIA GeForce MX330 Graphics
16GB 3200MHz DDR4 RAM
512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive
15.6" Touchscreen Anti-glare LED Backlit FHD (1920 x 1080) Display
Intel Wi-Fi 6 (2x2) Gig + and Bluetooth 5.0
Silver Backlit Keyboard

$799.99
Pretty good deal, especially for these days