questions → challenge: best deal on a laptop $550 or less

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Challenge: Best deal on a laptop $550 or less

Jun 22, 2011 4:53 PM

This is the one I am looking at right now
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?prodid=11618025&whse=BC&topnav=

Min Requirements:
Win OS 64 bit
3GB RAM
250GB Hard Drive
Larger Screen - will be used for watching movies
DVD Drive

Bonus Points
Blu-Ray
Good Speakers
Exenteded Life Battery
Graphics Card with dedicated Memorey
Extended / Accidental Warranties
Not HP havent had as much luck with their laptops but not a dealbreaker
webcam

I have SAMS and COSTCO if that helps

djbowman djbowman

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Here's one suggestion, this configuration of the Dell Vostro 3550:

http://www.dell.com/us/business/p/vostro-3550/pd?oc=bqct52a&model_id=vostro-3550&~ck=

Use the coupon code R975$?FPRF?31X and it knocks it down to $550 with free shipping (this should work with any machine that costs more than $899 to start).

novastarj novastarj
vote-for2vote-against

This one isn't bad: http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/controller/e/web/LenovoPortal/en_US/catalog.workflow:item.detail?GroupID=243&Code=43833PU

I really like the lenovo line, but I'm sure there are better deals and laptops available. This was just the only Essential line on their site for your price range.

capguncowboy capguncowboy
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I really like the lenovo line as well. mainly because I had a thinkpad at one of my jobs and that thing was rugged it didn’t ever seem to have issues ever. Vs the several HP's I have bought . It looks like though from the cost perspective I could get an Acer or an Asus type brand on Newegg for alot less. Thoughts on whether or not branding really matters for laptops or is it just my twisted version of random experiences.

djbowman djbowman
vote-for2vote-against

@djbowman: Asus, yes. Acer, it's not a bad brand, but it's middle of the road as far as performance and service goes.

capguncowboy capguncowboy
vote-for1vote-against

I think this is the one I am settling on. That coupled with a Squartrade warranty.

Any cons ?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220756

djbowman djbowman
vote-for1vote-against

@djbowman: One thing to pay attention to: It's "recertified," which means a SquareTrade warranty will be more expensive and shorter (compare it to the NewEgg price, in these instances it might be close). It also means it's more prone to problems.

Recertified products generally are returned products that go through a series of checks... but it's not uncommon for the original problem that caused the return to be overlooked in this process. So check the machine thoroughly early on after you get it.

novastarj novastarj
vote-for1vote-against

Good note. I didnt realize squaretrade would treat it diffrentley. Basicaly my budget has gone down to 550 with the 3 year accidental so based on that budget has gone down but I think the warranty is worth it.

djbowman djbowman
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So I ordered the recertified and true to form the thing came without an OS. What a pain. So this is what I am looking at in its place. ANy other thoughts

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834215126

@novastarj @capguncowboy ?

I am planning to do a squaretrade so that should help if there is issues with the warranty service with them

djbowman djbowman
vote-for1vote-against

@djbowman: No knowledge of that specific model (in fact it looks like a new model, as far as I can tell) but Acer tends to make pretty reliable budget notebooks.

The specs look fine for I think, and it should be able to play HD video. Take note that the battery life is pretty short, and you won't be able to do any real gaming on that model (though that doesn't seem to be a priority for you).

novastarj novastarj
vote-for1vote-against

To neweggs credit they are paying for the full return along with the shipping and gave me a $15 dollar gift card as an apology. That makes me feel better.

djbowman djbowman

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