Question:
Budget laptop
General Questions
1) What is your budget?
About $800, the cheaper the better, a bit more if it has a dedicated GPU.
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Internet, playing music, DLing music, multitasking, spreadsheets, schoolwork, etc.
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
Portability matters.
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
Not likely, though being able to play Oblivion (or something) would be a plus.
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
Not really, though if I can get build quality without sacrifing price, I'll take it.
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
2+ hours.
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
No.
9) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in?
USA
Screen Specifics
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
Doesn't matter.
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
Don't care.
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Don't care.
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
No.
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
A month or two from now, should last at least 3 years.
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB?
80 GB.
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
Yeah, I'd really like a DVD-CD/RW drive.
Basically, I'm looking for a dirt cheap Core Duo with 1 GB of RAM and wireless capability, as long as it doesn't completely suck build-wise. This will be for a college, so a student discount might be really nice.
Answer:
Re: Budget laptop
http://www.dell.com/content/products...=19&l=en&s=dhs
The Inspiron E1405 is pretty good for $639 and you could use the remaining money to upgrade to a core 2 processor!
Answer:
Re: Budget laptop
Actually it's $859............
Answer:
Re: Budget laptop
Well, with coupons. That's what I was looking at the first place. I really don't think anyone else can offer the price/performance Dell can, despite the inferior build.
Answer:
Re: Budget laptop
you could also check out the hp dv1000t or dv5000t. i would consider upgrading the ram aftermarket.
Answer:
Re: Budget laptop
I agree with ejl, sign up for an HP Academic Purchase Program account and take a look at HP's dv5000t, I just made this config that falls within all your wants that is about the same price as that Dell ($865) but will probably end up being about $900 (after rebates as well, if you're willing and able to deal with them) after taxes.
* – FREE Upgrade to Genuine Windows XP Media Center
* – Intel(R) Core(TM) Duo processor T2050 (1.60 GHz)
* – FREE Upgrade to 15.4" WXGA BrightView Widescreen!
* – 128MB NVIDIA(R) GeForce(R) Go 7400
* – FREE Upgrade to 1.0GB DDR2 SDRAM (2x512MB)!!
* – FREE Upgrade from 60 GB 5400 RPM to 80 GB 5400 RPM
* – Super Multi 8X DVD+/-R/RW w/Double Layer Support
* – Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection
* – No TV Tuner w/remote control
* – 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
* – Microsoft(R) Works/Money
* – Genuine Windows XP Media Center Edition Backup CD
* – HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope
All for 865.19, and if you need a printer, there's an offer for a free printer after rebates as well. I'm not sure if you can get a system comparable to that (with dedicated graphics) for that good a price. I don't how much Oblivion you'll be able to play, but it has the dedicated graphics card which will probably good enough if you're just a casual gamer. Hope that helps.
Answer:
Re: Budget laptop
A good deal for under $600...
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Re: Budget laptop
From what it appears, that ^ deal is dead for now.
Answer:
Re: Budget laptop
Correct. It's really 2 bad though. It was loaded with 1GB RAM, 100GB HD, DVD burner T2300 1.66 core duo etc. All for $606 or $555 if you use fatwallet and an AMEX card.
Answer:
Re: Budget laptop
Thanks for all the help. One last question: Is HP's build quality better than Dell's? I've heard some stuff about how lousy the build quality on Dell's laptops are, would a HP one last 6 extra months or so on average?