Topic Wiki

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 3151864 times)

Offline Miracle

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Dec 2012
  • Posts: 2318
  • Total likes: 5
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 5
    • View Profile
  • Location: Israel
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #3700 on: May 31, 2013, 05:31:42 AM »
Yup its a nice piece but bear in mind it weighs close to 6 pounds not exactly a light load...
thanks Shlomo but that didn't answer whether it's a good, decent, or excellent price :)

Offline ShlomoM

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: May 2013
  • Posts: 358
  • Total likes: 3
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #3701 on: May 31, 2013, 06:04:02 AM »
thanks Shlomo but that didn't answer whether it's a good, decent, or excellent price :)
Good specs and great price for those specs-my brother just ordered one

Offline MEIR613

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Aug 2012
  • Posts: 4593
  • Total likes: 6
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 7
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #3702 on: May 31, 2013, 11:16:12 AM »
@DH, any luck?

Offline myb821

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Mar 2011
  • Posts: 7570
  • Total likes: 28
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
  • Location: New York
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #3703 on: May 31, 2013, 11:20:10 AM »
Have there been any deals on the x1 carbon

Offline Centro

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: May 2012
  • Posts: 2935
  • Total likes: 8
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 33
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #3704 on: May 31, 2013, 02:10:06 PM »
What are the downsides of the business computers ( Latitude, Vostro etc. ) vs home computers ( Inspiron ) except that it may be heavier?

Offline tripper

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: Jan 2010
  • Posts: 217
  • Total likes: 0
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #3705 on: May 31, 2013, 02:18:07 PM »
woot.com has the asus 11.6" that was going for $400 new 2 months ago for $300 refurbished.

Offline DH Data Recovery

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jul 2012
  • Posts: 4543
  • Total likes: 6
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 64
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #3706 on: May 31, 2013, 02:46:32 PM »
More expensive, Matte Screen.

Offline DH Data Recovery

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jul 2012
  • Posts: 4543
  • Total likes: 6
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 64
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #3707 on: May 31, 2013, 02:46:48 PM »
woot.com has the asus 11.6" that was going for $400 new 2 months ago for $300 refurbished.
Was going for $350 new

Offline Centro

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: May 2012
  • Posts: 2935
  • Total likes: 8
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 33
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #3708 on: May 31, 2013, 03:30:08 PM »
More expensive, Matte Screen.
The price I'll deal with, but that's an interesting point what you're saying about the matte screen, is it harder to work on it or what?
Is it so on every business type of laptop?
And at least, would you recommend to not take it in consideration if a business pc is not a must but a plus?

Thanks!

Offline sky121

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: May 2011
  • Posts: 11513
  • Total likes: 168
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 12
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #3709 on: May 31, 2013, 03:31:59 PM »
The price I'll deal with, but that's an interesting point what you're saying about the matte screen, is it harder to work on it or what?
Is it so on every business type of laptop?
And at least, would you recommend to not take it in consideration if a business pc is not a must but a plus?

Thanks!


IME matte screens are easier on the eyes and are also great for getting rid of glare.
"Not all who wander are lost"

Offline DH Data Recovery

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jul 2012
  • Posts: 4543
  • Total likes: 6
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 64
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #3710 on: May 31, 2013, 03:34:42 PM »
Most Dell, HP & Lenovo business laptops come with matte screens. If you're going to use the laptop for working extended periods of time and not movies, I would def recommend Matte screen.
I love the Dell Latitude line of Laptops - every time they have a sale at the outlet store I buy 5-10 laptops.

Offline MEIR613

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Aug 2012
  • Posts: 4593
  • Total likes: 6
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 7
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #3711 on: May 31, 2013, 03:47:45 PM »
I ended up getting this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834200781&IsVirtualParent=1
for $390 all in.

I needed it ASAP. Hope I didn't get to ripped off.

Offline DH Data Recovery

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jul 2012
  • Posts: 4543
  • Total likes: 6
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 64
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #3712 on: May 31, 2013, 03:50:04 PM »
Nope you didn't

Offline Centro

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: May 2012
  • Posts: 2935
  • Total likes: 8
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 33
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #3713 on: May 31, 2013, 04:29:42 PM »
I was chatting with Dell and this is what they recommended me http://www.dell.com/us/business/p/inspiron-15r-5521/pd, any word on this one regarding ( price, and ) using it for some mild business work ( and a lot of remotely work )?

Offline DH Data Recovery

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jul 2012
  • Posts: 4543
  • Total likes: 6
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 64
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #3714 on: May 31, 2013, 04:42:52 PM »
That's not a biz laptop

Offline Centro

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: May 2012
  • Posts: 2935
  • Total likes: 8
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 33
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #3715 on: May 31, 2013, 05:00:04 PM »
That's not a biz laptop
Here's part of my chat with Dell;

 joe: "isnt inspiron a home model?"

Agent (Princess J): "Inspiron is an entry level model recommended for home/ small office use."

Agent (Princess J): "It may not have the business laptop features such as fingerprint reader, Solid State harddrive, Smart Card reader etc but specs wise, it can support business applications/softwares too."

joe: "what is the difference btw inspiron and the latitute or vestro?"

Agent (Princess J): "Latitude offers dedicated docking station, option to upgrade SATA harddrive to solid state harddrive, option to add fingerprint reader and smart card reader, option for a dedicated video card. ( all this is not offered in inspiron 15R)"

Agent (Princess J): "Vostro on the other hand is the equivalent of inspiron system. The only difference between the two is that most vostro package includes fingerprint reader by default."



And he went on and on that this is just as good as the business models, is he right/wrong?

Offline jack12

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Dec 2008
  • Posts: 1139
  • Total likes: 5
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 8
    • View Profile
  • Programs: National Emerald Club Executive Elite, Hertz #1 Club Gold Presidents Circle, Sixt Platinum
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #3716 on: May 31, 2013, 05:14:48 PM »
I ended up getting thisfor $390 all in.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834200781&IsVirtualParent=1
I needed it ASAP. Hope I didn't get to ripped off.
+1 Bought it as well. Total $390.99 with free shipping via Shop Runner

Offline DH Data Recovery

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jul 2012
  • Posts: 4543
  • Total likes: 6
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 64
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #3717 on: May 31, 2013, 05:28:39 PM »
He's dead wrong, but he's prob a sales chat agent from Dell home so he's trying to sell his product. The Vostro is superior to the inspiron series any day. The Latitude is way superior, but much more expensive.

Offline myb821

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Mar 2011
  • Posts: 7570
  • Total likes: 28
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
  • Location: New York
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #3718 on: May 31, 2013, 05:31:01 PM »
Have there been any deals on the x1 carbon
bump

Offline Centro

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: May 2012
  • Posts: 2935
  • Total likes: 8
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 33
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Laptop Deals Master Thread
« Reply #3719 on: May 31, 2013, 05:33:40 PM »
He's dead wrong, but he's prob a sales chat agent from Dell home so he's trying to sell his product. The Vostro is superior to the inspiron series any day. The Latitude is way superior, but much more expensive.
OK, got it.

While you're on the line ( ;) ) can you recommend me off hand a typical good machine, i5, 4gb, 500gb ( basically ), or you can't just throw an answer?