Question:
Explain "Off Brand" Notebooks to me.......
I keep seeing people saying that Asus, Compal, Sager, etc. are the "best bang for the buck" and "best quality", etc.
But when I go to all of the reccomended sites, I see that these computers come as basic units with very low amounts of RAM, very small HD, and without an OS or any software. Once you add on the "normal" things a user needs, the price is well over $2K for anything decent.
Am I missing something here?
I have been looking at the HP 9000 series and the Dell 1705 series, and I can easily load them up and be WELL under $2K (more like $1500 with discounts).
So, please explain to me what I am doing wrong on these "off brand" sites.
**And yes, I do realize that Compal and Asus make most everyone elses components.
Answer:
Re: Explain "Off Brand" Notebooks to me.......
Could you provide links and configurations? I almost never exceed $2,000 for what I consider decent.
Answer:
Re: Explain "Off Brand" Notebooks to me.......
Just a quick example. The base unit with NOTHING in it cost $1500. By the time you add an OS, Ram HD, etc. you are way over $2k. Not exactly the $1500 they show on the front page.
http://www.rjtech.com/miva/merchant.mv?
Answer:
Re: Explain "Off Brand" Notebooks to me.......
I don't know a ton, but I've been looking for a notebook and tried several configurations for some Asus, Compal, and Sager models. If you choose a "bare bones" or basic model that's under 800, configuring it with some good specs should keep you under $1500. Try FlawlessNotebooks. I'm probably getting a Clevo(Sager) that started at $440, and after adding 2GB of ram, 120GB hard drive, Core 2 Duo processor, XP Media Center, and some other good stuff, I came out at $1250. I didn't choose any Microsoft productivity software, so that helps. (Go OpenOffice!)
Answer:
Re: Explain "Off Brand" Notebooks to me.......
Those are somewhat overpriced. Here's an example of what I consider a great buy: http://www.xoticpc.com/product_info....wconfigure=yes
It's a great laptop, and with nothing in it, it only costs $600-$700. When you make a decent configuration it's close to $1,500.
What models are you shopping for?
Answer:
Re: Explain "Off Brand" Notebooks to me.......
Those are somewhat overpriced. Here's an example of what I consider a great buy: http://www.xoticpc.com/product_info....wconfigure=yes
It's a great laptop, and with nothing in it, it only costs $600-$700. When you make a decent configuration it's close to $1,500.
What models are you shopping for?
I am looking to buy a 17" with at least a WSXGA screen, 2 GB RAM, 100HD, Core 2 Duo running at least 5200, and a decent 256 MB video card (not integrated), at least a 9 cell Hi-Cap battery, and a decent abg or N wireless card. I also need XP Media, and MS Works.
Configured as such, I can EASILY get an HP or Dell for $1500.
What gives? I would think that since these companies actually build them, they would be less expensive, not more expensive.
Answer:
Re: Explain "Off Brand" Notebooks to me.......
I really think it's all where you go online. Discount Laptops has models that start at 800-1000$, and then you customize. Mine cost about 1700$ [from them], which included a 3 yr extended warranty and pre-installed WinXP Home. Not at all bad for a portable mid-high level gaming machine. (Well, it's almost a year old now so it might not look like such a great deal to you. :P)
It seems to me that it just might be where you're going. Most people I've met here recommend these sites:
http://www.discountlaptops.com/
http://www.powernotebooks.com/
Answer:
Re: Explain "Off Brand" Notebooks to me.......
What do you mean by running at least 5200?
And I guess it's because they're higher quality than Dells or HPs. Just buy the cheapest one and be happy? :)
Answer:
Re: Explain "Off Brand" Notebooks to me.......
What gives? I would think that since these companies actually build them, they would be less expensive, not more expensive.
The reason that Dell, HP can put their prices so low is that they sell so much more than a relatively small company like Sager. As the quantity goes up, the price per unit goes down. The companies who make the "off-brand" notebooks aren't producing them in one million unit+ contract orders like Dell and HP do. They make much less (not sure of the exact numbers). On top of that, the off-brand notebooks have . . .
-better build materials
-more sophisticated designs
-more features
All that adds to cost.
It's like saying why doesn't the non-chain mom + pop store down the street sell stuff for as low prices as Wal-Mart does? Mom + pop buy products in 10, 20 unit quantities. Wal-Mart buys products by the millions. Who's going to pay more per unit?
Getting a decent configuration in most off-brand notebooks certainly does not cost $2,000, no idea where you get that from. Now, if you're looking at the Clevo M570U, or the Clevo D900K, then sure, those will go over because the components that go in there cost that much. And if you are going for full specifications, then sure, some of them will trickle over $2k. But the mainstream-sized, 14" - 15.4" notebooks with a reasonable configuration will go for around $1,500 or so (Compal HEL80/HGL30, Asus S96J/Z96J). And if you get non-gaming notebooks, then the prices will be less than that.
Answer:
Re: Explain "Off Brand" Notebooks to me.......
And of course, the fact of the matter is, you get what you pay for.