Laptop Deals Master Thread

[mevinyavin]

https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/pdp/hp-spectre-x360-2-in-1-laptop-14t-ef200-135-771x5av-1

Is this decent for a 13 inch? It was $750 last night, minus whatever your can stack.

It's cheap for a Spectre, but you're paying a lot for the Spectre's advantages (its weight, primarily). If the screen size doesn't matter to you, you would be happier with something like this:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/MSI-Summit-E13FlipEvo-Intel-Core-i7-12th-Gen-1260P-2-10GHz-16GB-Memory-512-GB-NVMe-SSD-Iris-Xe-Graphics-13-4-Touchscreen-1920-x-1200-Convertible-2-in/831318769

[Sammy82]

https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/pdp/hp-spectre-x360-2-in-1-laptop-14t-ef200-135-771x5av-1

Is this decent for a 13 inch? It was $750 last night, minus whatever your can stack.

I think I like this.
1. What's the weight?
2. Did the price go up? I see 799.
3. Any coupons or codes available?

[shmooz]

It's cheap for a Spectre, but you're paying a lot for the Spectre's advantages (its weight, primarily). If the screen size doesn't matter to you, you would be happier with something like this:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/MSI-Summit-E13FlipEvo-Intel-Core-i7-12th-Gen-1260P-2-10GHz-16GB-Memory-512-GB-NVMe-SSD-Iris-Xe-Graphics-13-4-Touchscreen-1920-x-1200-Convertible-2-in/831318769

 weight is very important, and that's much heavier. Got 10% off so at $675 with touch, the hp seems to be good. Thanks

[mevinyavin]

Touch screen budget to mid range roundup, sponsored by @moko - All of these have touch screens, 2-in-1s only where noted.

$280, HP 15.6" with i3-12th gen, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD. https://www.bestbuy.com/site/hp-15-6-touch-screen-laptop-intel-core-i3-8gb-memory-256gb-ssd-natural-silver/6550428.p?skuId=6550428

$500, HP 15.6" with 13th gen i5, 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD. $515 shipped. If you play arund on HP direct you can probably match this and get stuff more to your liking (but no double warranty). https://www.costco.com/hp-pavilion-15.6%22-touchscreen-laptop---13th-gen-intel-core-i5-1335u---1080p---windows-11.product.4000138524.html

$600 ($615 shipped), Acer Aspire 5 (metal build), i5 13th gen, 16GB RAM, TB SSD. Get this if you don't need 2-in-1 functionality versus the Flex, you'll get a better build and better battery life.
https://www.costco.com/acer-aspire-5-15.6%e2%80%9d-touchscreen-laptop-%e2%80%93-13th-gen-intel-core-i5-1335u-%e2%80%93-1080p-%e2%80%93-windows-11.product.4000154466.html

Same price: Flex 5i (metal 2-in-1) with 13th gen i7 (almost exactly the same as the i5), 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD. https://www.costco.com/lenovo-flex-5i-16%22-touchscreen-2-in-1-laptop---13th-gen-intel-core-i7-1355u---windows-11---abyss-blue.product.4000217596.html

$620: Ideapad Slim 5 16" with Ryzen 7 7730U, 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD. This is worth the $5 difference over the Aspire 5 because slightly taller screen plus better battery life of AMD's processor. Also compare the dimensions of the two options and note that this only has 1 year warranty.
https://www.newegg.com/abyss-blue-lenovo-ideapad-slim-5-82xg0019us-home-personal/p/N82E16834840210?Item=N82E16834840210&SoldByNewegg=1

$650: HP Envy 2-in-1 15.6" if you like the idea of AMD over Intel - Ryzen 7 7730U 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD. https://www.bestbuy.com/site/hp-envy-2-in-1-15-6-full-hd-touch-screen-laptop-amd-ryzen-7-7730u-16gb-memory-512gb-ssd-nightfall-black/6535746.p?skuId=6535746

Also $650 comes in 14" from Dell: a 7000 series 14" Inspiron 2-in-1, Ryzen 7 7730U, 16GB RAM, TB SSD. Dell discounts available. https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-laptops/inspiron-14-2-in-1-laptop/spd/inspiron-14-7435-2-in-1-laptop/usi2hbts7435ggjz

14" comes without the 2-in-1 as an Evo-certified Swift 3 (my favorite type of laptop), 13th gen i7, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Amazon: here

Upgrade your 7000 series 2-in-1 Inspiron to 16" for $700, get a 28W 13th gen i7 (much more powerful than anything listed until now, take my word for it), at Dell:https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-laptops/inspiron-16-2-in-1-laptop/spd/inspiron-16-7630-2-in-1-laptop/usi2hbts7630gghf

Or not a 2-in-1, this is a great price on the Zenbook 14X OLED, has a 35W 13th gen i7 (even more powerful) and a beautiful 14.5" screen that gives you 14" portability but more vertical space. $700 at Best Buy.  https://www.bestbuy.com/site/asus-zenbook-14x-14-5-2-8k-oled-touch-laptop-intel-evo-platform-i7-13700h-16gb-memory-512gb-ssd-inkwell-gray/6543526.p?skuId=6543526

A really portable and built like a tank MSI Summit 13.4" 2-in-1, Evo certified, 28W 12th gen i7 (better than everything except the last two entries), 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD, $750 at WalMart. https://www.walmart.com/ip/MSI-Summit-E13FlipEvo-Intel-Core-i7-12th-Gen-1260P-2-10GHz-16GB-Memory-512-GB-NVMe-SSD-Iris-Xe-Graphics-13-4-Touchscreen-1920-x-1200-Convertible-2-in/831318769

Don't forget the Spectre listed above. Another alternative is the LG Gram 14 2-in-1, comes with 13th gen i5, 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD, from Amazon. link

I'm signing off until tomorrow, so direct your questions elsewhere. I expect that half of these will not be on sale tomorrow when I next see your questions.

[shmooz]

I think I like this.
1. What's the weight?
2. Did the price go up? I see 799.
3. Any coupons or codes available?

3 lbs
Yes
Amex chase have discounts

[moko]

Prefer 15.6" - 16", or is 14" okay?

14 is preferable

[moko]

Touch screen budget to mid range roundup, sponsored by @moko - All of these have touch screens, 2-in-1s only where noted.

$280, HP 15.6" with i3-12th gen, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD. https://www.bestbuy.com/site/hp-15-6-touch-screen-laptop-intel-core-i3-8gb-memory-256gb-ssd-natural-silver/6550428.p?skuId=6550428

$500, HP 15.6" with 13th gen i5, 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD. $515 shipped. If you play arund on HP direct you can probably match this and get stuff more to your liking (but no double warranty). https://www.costco.com/hp-pavilion-15.6%22-touchscreen-laptop---13th-gen-intel-core-i5-1335u---1080p---windows-11.product.4000138524.html

$600 ($615 shipped), Acer Aspire 5 (metal build), i5 13th gen, 16GB RAM, TB SSD. Get this if you don't need 2-in-1 functionality versus the Flex, you'll get a better build and better battery life.
https://www.costco.com/acer-aspire-5-15.6%e2%80%9d-touchscreen-laptop-%e2%80%93-13th-gen-intel-core-i5-1335u-%e2%80%93-1080p-%e2%80%93-windows-11.product.4000154466.html

Same price: Flex 5i (metal 2-in-1) with 13th gen i7 (almost exactly the same as the i5), 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD. https://www.costco.com/lenovo-flex-5i-16%22-touchscreen-2-in-1-laptop---13th-gen-intel-core-i7-1355u---windows-11---abyss-blue.product.4000217596.html

$620: Ideapad Slim 5 16" with Ryzen 7 7730U, 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD. This is worth the $5 difference over the Aspire 5 because slightly taller screen plus better battery life of AMD's processor. Also compare the dimensions of the two options and note that this only has 1 year warranty.
https://www.newegg.com/abyss-blue-lenovo-ideapad-slim-5-82xg0019us-home-personal/p/N82E16834840210?Item=N82E16834840210&SoldByNewegg=1

$650: HP Envy 2-in-1 15.6" if you like the idea of AMD over Intel - Ryzen 7 7730U 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD. https://www.bestbuy.com/site/hp-envy-2-in-1-15-6-full-hd-touch-screen-laptop-amd-ryzen-7-7730u-16gb-memory-512gb-ssd-nightfall-black/6535746.p?skuId=6535746

Also $650 comes in 14" from Dell: a 7000 series 14" Inspiron 2-in-1, Ryzen 7 7730U, 16GB RAM, TB SSD. Dell discounts available. https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-laptops/inspiron-14-2-in-1-laptop/spd/inspiron-14-7435-2-in-1-laptop/usi2hbts7435ggjz

14" comes without the 2-in-1 as an Evo-certified Swift 3 (my favorite type of laptop), 13th gen i7, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Amazon: here

Upgrade your 7000 series 2-in-1 Inspiron to 16" for $700, get a 28W 13th gen i7 (much more powerful than anything listed until now, take my word for it), at Dell:https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-laptops/inspiron-16-2-in-1-laptop/spd/inspiron-16-7630-2-in-1-laptop/usi2hbts7630gghf

Or not a 2-in-1, this is a great price on the Zenbook 14X OLED, has a 35W 13th gen i7 (even more powerful) and a beautiful 14.5" screen that gives you 14" portability but more vertical space. $700 at Best Buy.  https://www.bestbuy.com/site/asus-zenbook-14x-14-5-2-8k-oled-touch-laptop-intel-evo-platform-i7-13700h-16gb-memory-512gb-ssd-inkwell-gray/6543526.p?skuId=6543526

A really portable and built like a tank MSI Summit 13.4" 2-in-1, Evo certified, 28W 12th gen i7 (better than everything except the last two entries), 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD, $750 at WalMart. https://www.walmart.com/ip/MSI-Summit-E13FlipEvo-Intel-Core-i7-12th-Gen-1260P-2-10GHz-16GB-Memory-512-GB-NVMe-SSD-Iris-Xe-Graphics-13-4-Touchscreen-1920-x-1200-Convertible-2-in/831318769

Don't forget the Spectre listed above. Another alternative is the LG Gram 14 2-in-1, comes with 13th gen i5, 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD, from Amazon. link

I'm signing off until tomorrow, so direct your questions elsewhere. I expect that half of these will not be on sale tomorrow when I next see your questions.

wow. I'll look through these

[cozmohoot]

How about this for 699?

14" 2.8K (2880x1800) 16:10 120Hz 400-nits,100% sRGB Dolby Vision, Touchscreen IPS Display (glossy finish)
13th Gen Intel Core i5-1340P 12-CoreC (4 Performance + 8 Efficiency) / 16 Thread Processor
16GB Soldered LPDDR5-5200 MHz RAM
1TB M.2 2242 PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe Solid State Drive / SSD
Intel Iris Xe Graphics (80 EUs)
Windows 11 Pro
802.11ax WiFi 6E (2x2) | Bluetooth 5.1
FHD 1080p + IR Webcam w/ ToF Sensor & Privacy Shutter
Backlit Keyboard


https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/p/laptops/lenovo/lenovo_slim_series/lenovo-slim-7i-gen-8-(14-inch-intel)/83a40005us


Looking for lightweight good specs and touch not needed but would be nice..

Build quality is important.
Tia

[majeec]

Touch screen budget to mid range roundup, sponsored by @moko - All of these have touch screens, 2-in-1s only where noted.

$280, HP 15.6" with i3-12th gen, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD. https://www.bestbuy.com/site/hp-15-6-touch-screen-laptop-intel-core-i3-8gb-memory-256gb-ssd-natural-silver/6550428.p?skuId=6550428

$500, HP 15.6" with 13th gen i5, 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD. $515 shipped. If you play arund on HP direct you can probably match this and get stuff more to your liking (but no double warranty). https://www.costco.com/hp-pavilion-15.6%22-touchscreen-laptop---13th-gen-intel-core-i5-1335u---1080p---windows-11.product.4000138524.html

$600 ($615 shipped), Acer Aspire 5 (metal build), i5 13th gen, 16GB RAM, TB SSD. Get this if you don't need 2-in-1 functionality versus the Flex, you'll get a better build and better battery life.
https://www.costco.com/acer-aspire-5-15.6%e2%80%9d-touchscreen-laptop-%e2%80%93-13th-gen-intel-core-i5-1335u-%e2%80%93-1080p-%e2%80%93-windows-11.product.4000154466.html

Same price: Flex 5i (metal 2-in-1) with 13th gen i7 (almost exactly the same as the i5), 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD. https://www.costco.com/lenovo-flex-5i-16%22-touchscreen-2-in-1-laptop---13th-gen-intel-core-i7-1355u---windows-11---abyss-blue.product.4000217596.html

$620: Ideapad Slim 5 16" with Ryzen 7 7730U, 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD. This is worth the $5 difference over the Aspire 5 because slightly taller screen plus better battery life of AMD's processor. Also compare the dimensions of the two options and note that this only has 1 year warranty.
https://www.newegg.com/abyss-blue-lenovo-ideapad-slim-5-82xg0019us-home-personal/p/N82E16834840210?Item=N82E16834840210&SoldByNewegg=1

$650: HP Envy 2-in-1 15.6" if you like the idea of AMD over Intel - Ryzen 7 7730U 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD. https://www.bestbuy.com/site/hp-envy-2-in-1-15-6-full-hd-touch-screen-laptop-amd-ryzen-7-7730u-16gb-memory-512gb-ssd-nightfall-black/6535746.p?skuId=6535746

Also $650 comes in 14" from Dell: a 7000 series 14" Inspiron 2-in-1, Ryzen 7 7730U, 16GB RAM, TB SSD. Dell discounts available. https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-laptops/inspiron-14-2-in-1-laptop/spd/inspiron-14-7435-2-in-1-laptop/usi2hbts7435ggjz

14" comes without the 2-in-1 as an Evo-certified Swift 3 (my favorite type of laptop), 13th gen i7, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Amazon: here

Upgrade your 7000 series 2-in-1 Inspiron to 16" for $700, get a 28W 13th gen i7 (much more powerful than anything listed until now, take my word for it), at Dell:https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-laptops/inspiron-16-2-in-1-laptop/spd/inspiron-16-7630-2-in-1-laptop/usi2hbts7630gghf

Or not a 2-in-1, this is a great price on the Zenbook 14X OLED, has a 35W 13th gen i7 (even more powerful) and a beautiful 14.5" screen that gives you 14" portability but more vertical space. $700 at Best Buy.  https://www.bestbuy.com/site/asus-zenbook-14x-14-5-2-8k-oled-touch-laptop-intel-evo-platform-i7-13700h-16gb-memory-512gb-ssd-inkwell-gray/6543526.p?skuId=6543526

A really portable and built like a tank MSI Summit 13.4" 2-in-1, Evo certified, 28W 12th gen i7 (better than everything except the last two entries), 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD, $750 at WalMart. https://www.walmart.com/ip/MSI-Summit-E13FlipEvo-Intel-Core-i7-12th-Gen-1260P-2-10GHz-16GB-Memory-512-GB-NVMe-SSD-Iris-Xe-Graphics-13-4-Touchscreen-1920-x-1200-Convertible-2-in/831318769

Don't forget the Spectre listed above. Another alternative is the LG Gram 14 2-in-1, comes with 13th gen i5, 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD, from Amazon. link

I'm signing off until tomorrow, so direct your questions elsewhere. I expect that half of these will not be on sale tomorrow when I next see your questions.

Any way we could get a comparison of these? Also, is today/tomorrow the absolute best time to pick up a laptop or are there similar deals year-round?

[Chuchum Ainer]

How about this for 699?

14" 2.8K (2880x1800) 16:10 120Hz 400-nits,100% sRGB Dolby Vision, Touchscreen IPS Display (glossy finish)
13th Gen Intel Core i5-1340P 12-CoreC (4 Performance + 8 Efficiency) / 16 Thread Processor
16GB Soldered LPDDR5-5200 MHz RAM
1TB M.2 2242 PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe Solid State Drive / SSD
Intel Iris Xe Graphics (80 EUs)
Windows 11 Pro
802.11ax WiFi 6E (2x2) | Bluetooth 5.1
FHD 1080p + IR Webcam w/ ToF Sensor & Privacy Shutter
Backlit Keyboard


https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/p/laptops/lenovo/lenovo_slim_series/lenovo-slim-7i-gen-8-(14-inch-intel)/83a40005us


Looking for lightweight good specs and touch not needed but would be nice..

Build quality is important.
Tia

I'm a fan. Though the ddms XPS might be better once you're at that price.
Check cashback sites

[Nowhat]

I'm a fan. Though the ddms XPS might be better once you're at that price.
Check cashback sites

15% at Rakuten.  Could have sworn Chase/Amex had some more.  Don't see it now.

[majeec]

Any thoughts on comparing these two?

https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/p/laptops/lenovo/lenovo_slim_series/lenovo-slim-7i-gen-8-(14-inch-intel)/83a40005us

https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/p/laptops/thinkpad/thinkpadl/thinkpad-l14-gen-3-(14-inch-amd)/21c6s4u600

[elazarmn]

my brother wants a laptop for writing notes on word and using Otzer Hachachmah. what would be the best cheapest option?

[yfr bachur]

Also, is today/tomorrow the absolute best time to pick up a laptop or are there similar deals year-round?

from my off line convos w/ @mevinyavin i gather that his general feeling is: barring some totaly way out there price mistake type deal - while you may not get the headline 65% off list deal year round you can get something close fairly regularly. (at least in the types of models I talk to him about...)

But we'll let him speak for himself in a couple of hours... 

[mevinyavin]

Any way we could get a comparison of these?

You mean, whatever is still available at the price listed yesterday? 

$280, HP 15.6" with i3-12th gen, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD. https://www.bestbuy.com/site/hp-15-6-touch-screen-laptop-intel-core-i3-8gb-memory-256gb-ssd-natural-silver/6550428.p?skuId=6550428 Plastic, large computer, not enough power for future proofing, mundane battery life, and you may find it doesn't have enough RAM for intense web-browsing

$500, HP 15.6" with 13th gen i5, 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD. $515 shipped. If you play arund on HP direct you can probably match this and get stuff more to your liking (but no double warranty). https://www.costco.com/hp-pavilion-15.6%22-touchscreen-laptop---13th-gen-intel-core-i5-1335u---1080p---windows-11.product.4000138524.html Same but double warranty and more future proofed, as well as enough RAM

$600 ($615 shipped), Acer Aspire 5 (metal build), i5 13th gen, 16GB RAM, TB SSD. Get this if you don't need 2-in-1 functionality versus the Flex, you'll get a better build and better battery life. Now $700 and a meh option
https://www.costco.com/acer-aspire-5-15.6%e2%80%9d-touchscreen-laptop-%e2%80%93-13th-gen-intel-core-i5-1335u-%e2%80%93-1080p-%e2%80%93-windows-11.product.4000154466.html

Same price $600 ($615 shipped): Flex 5i (metal 2-in-1) with 13th gen i7 (almost exactly the same as the i5), 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD. https://www.costco.com/lenovo-flex-5i-16%22-touchscreen-2-in-1-laptop---13th-gen-intel-core-i7-1355u---windows-11---abyss-blue.product.4000217596.html A 2-in-1 with metal build, slightly better processor and slightly taller screen than above

$620: Ideapad Slim 5 16" with Ryzen 7 7730U, 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD. This is worth the $5 difference over the Aspire 5 because slightly taller screen plus better battery life of AMD's processor. Also compare the dimensions of the two options and note that this only has 1 year warranty.
https://www.newegg.com/abyss-blue-lenovo-ideapad-slim-5-82xg0019us-home-personal/p/N82E16834840210?Item=N82E16834840210&SoldByNewegg=1 This is a non 2-in-1 version. Also powered by AMD. Both of those should contribute to better battery life at a slight cost to processing power, but you don't need that much power anyway (even for future proofing). I would guess it is lighter too but can't be bothered to look it up.

$650: HP Envy 2-in-1 15.6" if you like the idea of AMD over Intel - Ryzen 7 7730U 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD. https://www.bestbuy.com/site/hp-envy-2-in-1-15-6-full-hd-touch-screen-laptop-amd-ryzen-7-7730u-16gb-memory-512gb-ssd-nightfall-black/6535746.p?skuId=6535746 Similar to the above Ideapad but a 2-in-1.

Also $650 comes in 14" from Dell: a 7000 series 14" Inspiron 2-in-1, Ryzen 7 7730U, 16GB RAM, TB SSD. Dell discounts available. https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-laptops/inspiron-14-2-in-1-laptop/spd/inspiron-14-7435-2-in-1-laptop/usi2hbts7435ggjz
A 14" 2-in-1 version of the above, more space, Dell discounts are applicable, and should be built better than everything so far

14" comes without the 2-in-1 as an Evo-certified Swift 3 (my favorite type of laptop), 13th gen i7, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Amazon: here Also 14" built extremely well but not a 2-in-1. Evo certification means excellent battery life is guaranteed (its other ramifications are not nogea here), and the i7 has more raw power than the equivalent gen/wattage Ryzen 7, not that the former is not more than sufficient.

Upgrade your 7000 series 2-in-1 Inspiron to 16" for $700, get a 28W 13th gen i7 (much more powerful than anything listed until now, take my word for it), at Dell:https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-laptops/inspiron-16-2-in-1-laptop/spd/inspiron-16-7630-2-in-1-laptop/usi2hbts7630gghf
If you like the idea of a 2-in-1 built very well but want more screen space. Also has far more processing power which you still don't need

Or not a 2-in-1, this is a great price on the Zenbook 14X OLED, has a 35W 13th gen i7 (even more powerful) and a beautiful 14.5" screen that gives you 14" portability but more vertical space. $700 at Best Buy.  https://www.bestbuy.com/site/asus-zenbook-14x-14-5-2-8k-oled-touch-laptop-intel-evo-platform-i7-13700h-16gb-memory-512gb-ssd-inkwell-gray/6543526.p?skuId=6543526
Not a 2-in-1, splits the advantage of the 14" size with more screen space, built very well, Evo certfied, and even more power than the last entry

A really portable and built like a tank MSI Summit 13.4" 2-in-1, Evo certified, 28W 12th gen i7 (better than everything except the last two entries), 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD, $750 at WalMart. https://www.walmart.com/ip/MSI-Summit-E13FlipEvo-Intel-Core-i7-12th-Gen-1260P-2-10GHz-16GB-Memory-512-GB-NVMe-SSD-Iris-Xe-Graphics-13-4-Touchscreen-1920-x-1200-Convertible-2-in/831318769
Also built very well and also 2-in-1 and also Evo but an even smaller 13.4" screen

Don't forget the Spectre listed above. Extremely light for a 2-in-1 but less in the specs department as a result.

Another alternative is the LG Gram 14 2-in-1, comes with 13th gen i5, 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD, from Amazon. link
Even lighter but feels like it was built less well (it wasn't). Battery life should be rediculously long. Similar in specs to the Spectre.

Added options:

How about this for 699?
...
https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/p/laptops/lenovo/lenovo_slim_series/lenovo-slim-7i-gen-8-(14-inch-intel)/83a40005us

Based on reviews I've read for both, I would go for the Zenbook (for no 2-in-1) or the 7000 series Dell (for 2-in-1) over this.

Any thoughts on comparing these two?
https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/p/laptops/lenovo/lenovo_slim_series/lenovo-slim-7i-gen-8-(14-inch-intel)/83a40005us
https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/p/laptops/thinkpad/thinkpadl/thinkpad-l14-gen-3-(14-inch-amd)/21c6s4u600

The L-series Thinkpad doesn't truly deserve the Thinkpad moniker. It is also overpriced IMHO (for that reason). But it should give you better battery life.

my brother wants a laptop for writing notes on word and using Otzer Hachachmah. what would be the best cheapest option?

The cheapest computer with an i3 11th gen or Ryzen 4000 or newer and 8GB of RAM you can find. If you think you might upgrade it to 2TB or 4TB so you can store Otzar Hachochma inside the computer, make sure to find one that you can easily get into and is upgradeable.

Also, is today/tomorrow the absolute best time to pick up a laptop or are there similar deals year-round?

It is definitely cheaper but not so much cheaper that you MUST wait for this season nor that the world has ended if you missed it. Assuming you are not meshubad to a particular company (but rather, the specs in a similar build), my experience has been that the "$500 computer" is purchasable all year for $350 easy, sometimes $300, $280 during the Black Friday season, and $250 on Friday morning. This doesn't stop them from announcing "50% OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THE CHEAPEST WE EVERY SOLD THIS [very precise model but we've sold similar computers for even cheaper last week]!" The same applies to (almost) every range. So you tell me...

from my off line convos w/ @mevinyavin i gather that his general feeling is: barring some totaly way out there price mistake type deal - while you may not get the headline 65% off list deal year round you can get something close fairly regularly. (at least in the types of models I talk to him about...)
But we'll let him speak for himself in a couple of hours... 

[mevinyavin]

$415 HP 14" touch with Ryzen 7 5700U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Costco
https://www.costco.com/.product.4000196519.html?EMID=B2C_2023_1127_CyberMonday1&correlationId=5d07eed5-a5f7-4a38-af8c-ebeaa80613c3-0

$715 Zenbook 14 (not X), 28W 13th gen i7, 16GB RAM and TB SSD, Costco. This is not as good as the Best Buy version (especially 14" instead of 14.5") but still a great buy, especially if you are a Costco person and extra warranty. https://www.costco.com/.product.4000220103.html?EMID=B2C_2023_1127_CyberMonday1&correlationId=5d07eed5-a5f7-4a38-af8c-ebeaa80613c3-0

$715 Gram 15.6", 28W 13th gen i5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, touchscreen, Costco. https://www.costco.com/lg-gram-15.6%22-touchscreen-laptop---13th-gen-intel-core-i5-1340p---1080p---windows-11.product.4000218364.html

[Nowhat]

"Upgrade your 7000 series 2-in-1 Inspiron to 16" for $700, get a 28W 13th gen i7 (much more powerful than anything listed until now, take my word for it), at Dell:https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-laptops/inspiron-16-2-in-1-laptop/spd/inspiron-16-7630-2-in-1-laptop/usi2hbts7630gghf
If you like the idea of a 2-in-1 built very well but want more screen space. Also has far more processing power which you still don't need"

Is it worth paying $100 less for the i5?  And, aside from the cool factor, what does the 2-1 do to battery life?

And, thanks very much for your input.  I spent a number of hours comparing models, processors (hence my question), and screens (250 nits seems useless in the sunlight), and your input is very helpful.

[Nowhat]

The dell is oos.

[mevinyavin]

Is it worth paying $100 less for the i5?  And, aside from the cool factor, what does the 2-1 do to battery life?

$100 less for an i5 when an i5 is way more than you need? Sure. But the downgrade to 8GB of non-upgradeable RAM that you get with it makes it a horrible deal. Never buy a laptop with 8GB of non-upgradeable RAM if it isn't really cheap, and even then there are usually better options.
2-in-1s, when all other factors are equal, will drain your battery faster (1. the gyroscope 2. the touch screen), will weigh more (half a pound average) and introduces a design flaw (the more complicated cable between the motherboard and the screen) which if broken requires replacing the screen, which will cost you 70% of the computer's price.
However, a 2-in-1 Inspiron 7000 series will be much better built than an Inspiron 3000 series (not sure about 5000 series) that is not a 2-in-1. Also, an expensive 2-in-1 will often have a larger battery than a cheap regular laptop, the power management may be finessed more so that it sips power compared to a rough-and-ready cheap laptop, etc.
One practical example of this phenomenon: When I purchased my last computer for work, I was going to get a cheap metal laptop (~$550 at the time with the limitations on where I could shop and how fast I could get it - I had a plane to catch). However, my local Best Buy had an open box Galaxy Book Pro 2-in-1 for $650. There is no doubt that the build quality is better on the latter, the weight was less (it weighs 3 lbs and it is 15.6"), and the battery life can only be called ridiculous. I am sure I would have been happier getting the non 2-in-1, but that was only available for upwards of $1000.
(Agav, it has been 1.25 years, and the touch screen functionality has indeed managed to annoy me.)

[majeec]

 
The L-series Thinkpad doesn't truly deserve the Thinkpad moniker. It is also overpriced IMHO (for that reason). But it should give you better battery life.
 

But since these two are similarly priced, would you recommend one over the other? Or is there something else you'd recommend in this price range?