Question:
Compaq V5105US worth $650?
So I bought this laptop, its a compaq V5105US.
AMD Sempron 3300+
512mb RAM
80gb HD
15.4 Widescreen panel
802.11g
CDRW/DVD-ROM (my only complaint)
ATI X200 graphics
It was $629 + tax ($51) - $30 rebate = $650. ($680 as of right now)
My only gripe is no built in DVDRW I can get a Gateway Celeron M 370 laptop, with 512mb DDR2, 60gb HD + dvdrw, 15.4 WS, with S3 graphics (yuk) for the same price.
Should I keep this laptop (The compaq) and just buy an external DVDRW or return it and buy elsewhere?
toaster@pobox.com
Answer:
Re: Compaq V5105US worth $650?
You could upgrade the drive in the Compaq, check out www.newegg.com for optical bay drives. However, it wouldn't look quite right, it'd work fine.
Answer:
Re: Compaq V5105US worth $650?
My thoughts exactly. I suggest one of these if you go that route.
Answer:
Re: Compaq V5105US worth $650?
you might want to take a look at the e1505 and use the $300 off $999 coupon.
Answer:
Re: Compaq V5105US worth $650?
Hmm.. nice to see such great deals over at dell with that $300 off coupon code.
But like with everything (anything) else, once you start adding, the sky's the limit.... This all started as a $599 out the door laptop, then they were out of stock on that model.... so I started with the local store at $629 - $30 rebate, but had to add tax $51.... so here I am $680 later.
I really can't afford to spend any more right now. I'm glad to see I can add a dvd burner for cheap - but that will have to wait until later - I simply can't spend the extra money right now...
I guess what I want to know from you guys - the laptop experts - is this laptop worth keeping at this price? or would I be better served returning it for a refund - and buying somewhere else. Obviously I'd like to have the E1705 17inch laptop ;) but have to keep $$$ in budget.
Oh, and since I'm in Texas (about 170 miles from Dell) I would have to pay 8.25% tax on the Dell purchase too :(
Answer:
Re: Compaq V5105US worth $650?
oh to add.... My last laptop was a HP ZT1290... wich has S3 shared memory graphics, which sucked sooo bad - I would NEVER own another laptop with S3 graphics again - I don't care!!!!
I want to make sure the "guts" are usable... as I understand it- the Sempron mobile 3300+ at 2.0ghz is a better choice than the Celeron M at 1.66ghz ? even with its bigger cache.
I'm sure the 1gb of ram is better than the 512mb this one has....
The screen on this Compaq is pretty nice, and I like the ATI graphics - even though they are shared, maybe its just me?
PLEASE CHIME IN WITH OPINIONS... I NEED TO MAKE MY DECISION BEFORE THE 20'th of MAY.
Answer:
Re: Compaq V5105US worth $650?
i would much rather get the dell than stick with the computer you currently have. especially if you play games. the 200m is an integrated card, and won't perform nearly to the level of the x1400 or even the x1300 in the dell. since you're already at 680, i would say that paying $20 for a dell would be more worth it b/c you would be getting more for your money....but that is just my opinion.
Answer:
Re: Compaq V5105US worth $650?
Looks like the $300 off coupons are not valid based on current pricing at dell.com :(
They (dell) are already offering 20% off on the E1505/E1705 models, and 34% off on the 710 models.... and its 1 offer per order. (ie: one coupon or the other - not both)
So, based on that- to get a dell e1505, with the true bright wide screen, x1300 graphics, is already higher than the $700 I've already spent.
If I could use the coupon - I'd be in GREAT shape. :) But to get the E1505, with base CPU, 1gb ram, X1300 graphics, DVD+RW, widescreen, etc... is nearly $1070........ so thats obviously more than I can (afford to) spend.
I've still got at least a week before my return period expires from my local store (fry's electronics). I'll continue to check this thread and see if any other suggestions come up :) I'd like to thank all of you who replied - the insight was helpful, and appreciated! In the event I keep this laptop, I now know I can buy a OEM DVDRW drive (albeit black/not silver)..............
THANKS AGAIN AND KEEP THOSE SUGGESTIONS COMING IN!!!! :D
Answer:
Re: Compaq V5105US worth $650?
The coupon works.
There is something wrong with the website so you might have to call/chat with a rep to use the coupon.
You can also get another $35 coupon from ebay for a dollar.
add x1300 to the cheapest model(core solo) and reinstallation CD to go over 999.
Remember
x1300>x200
core solo>sempron
1GB Ram>512mb
you can always upgrade the HD later so don't worry about the small size.
Regarding the dvd burner, yes this cheapest configuration will not give you a dvd burner, but your compaq doesn't have it either...
Answer:
Re: Compaq V5105US worth $650?
:confused: well, the e1505 core duo starts out at $759 right now. check this link: http://configure.us.dell.com/dellsto...e=ss&c=US&l=EN
Apparently DELL is offering a 20% discount right now, so I can either use the $300 off coupon or 20% discount. NOT BOTH.
I chose the e1505, added X1300, 80gb hd, dvd+rw, bluetooth and ultrasharp display... price ended up over $1000