Question:
$500 Laptop Unrealistic?
I used a laptop for several years in school, but haven't had one for about six years. I hope to use 802.11g for the email and surfing. I will use a wireless router at home and hotels on the road. I won't travel much, but would like to be able to have connectivity when visiting relatives or travelling.
1) What is your budget? $500
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
I would prefer Thin and Light, but don't mind Mainstream.
a. Ultraportable; 12" screen or less
b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
d. Desktop Replacement; 17"+ screen
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
I would like to purchase an inexpensive laptop for email, word processing, and web surfing.
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk? Taking it with me. This is not a desktop replacement.
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games? My wife probably will play solitare on it.
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like? No.
7) How many hours of battery life do you need? 2-4 would be minimum. I would prefer 4-6.
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? US
Screen Specifics
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen? I think I would prefer a standard but don't object to a widescreen.
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
Standard
a. XGA -1024x768 - Large and easy to read text + graphics icons, but you fit less stuff on the screen.
b. SXGA - 1400x1050 - Compromise resolution between XGA and UXGA.
c. UXGA - 1600x1200 - Very small text and graphics icons, you can fit lots of stuff on the screen.
Probably XGA
Widescreen
d. WXGA or WXGA+ - 1280x768/800 or 1440x900; Wider viewing version of XGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
e. WSXGA+ - 1680x1050; Wider viewing version of SXGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
f. WUXGA - 1920x1200; Wider viewing version of UXGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
Probably WSXGA, but WXGA would be okay.
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
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? I could purchase it in the next month. I expect there will be back-to-school and Labor Day specials. I would expect it to last at least two years and would like to be able to use it for as long as four years.
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB? 40GB is okay. 60 would be fine.
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive? There probably isn't a NEED, but a DVD-CDR/W would be good.
Answer:
Re: $500 Laptop Unrealistic?
Forget getting a thin and light for 500$. You can get a cheap notebook that is fairly decent for around 550$ from Compaq (bascially HP.com, owned by HP). I believe its the dv1000t
Answer:
Re: $500 Laptop Unrealistic?
www.tigerdirect.com sells refurbished laptops for as low as $450... but I'm not sure I'd recommend them. They are rather ill-reputed.
C.
Answer:
Re: $500 Laptop Unrealistic?
www.tigerdirect.com sells refurbished laptops for as low as $450... but I'm not sure I'd recommend them. They are rather ill-reputed..
I caught Tigerdirect fraudulently adding a charge to my visa card weeks after my order had shipped. I disputed the charge with my bank and they investigated and reversed the charge. When I contacted TigerDirect about the problem (before disputing the charge with my bank), they were rude and unhelpful.
Additionally, TigerDirect charges a huge amount of shipping and handling. Overall, I strongly advise that you shop with a more reputable organisation.
Answer:
Re: $500 Laptop Unrealistic?
You can definitely get a laptop for $500. Frys offers a "GQ ZX-3310" for $400. They also carry a Compaq v2710US for $530 before a $30 rebate.
However, you aren't going to be able to be AT ALL picky with what you get. Thin and light? Forget it, maybe for a few hundred more. At $500, you are looking for the ABSOLUTE BOTTOM END laptop. You may be able to get 512 megs of RAM (and thus, an operating system that is actually just about usable) but you ain't getting no frills at this price point.
Answer:
Re: $500 Laptop Unrealistic?
500 might be a tiny bit too low. Increase it to to $600, hang out at
http://forums.slickdeals.net/forumdisplay.php?f=9
They often have very good deals (maybe under 500$) for laptops.
Answer:
Re: $500 Laptop Unrealistic?
try the Dell Inspiron 1300 or Acer Aspire 3613LCi
Answer:
Re: $500 Laptop Unrealistic?
If you add in APP discounts; the Compaq v2000 comes under 440.00(thats the base model though) and you can customize it as well.
Answer:
Re: $500 Laptop Unrealistic?
By looking at your price range, I would go for basic system from HP, Dell and Toshibas.
I haven't played with other brands, but I had an opportunity to play with brand new Inspiron B130 for couple of days. Even though it was celeron, its servering its user well (Internet, Offices Programs, watching DVD, basic photo editing and listening to music). If you have a little time you might get a special deal upgrade to Pentium M processor for right price. Hope this helps.
Answer:
Re: $500 Laptop Unrealistic?
Thanks your advice and information. I decided I may have been unrealistic looking for a $500 laptop and added some more money to my budget. I just purchased a Dell D620 with 1GB RAM, a Core Duo 1600 processor, XP Pro, and a 9 cell battery for $709 from the Dell Outlet. The final kicker for me was the 3 year next-business day warranty.