Question:
$600 - No Gaming - College Use Laptop - Is this a Good Deal?
Hi guys,
I just want to know what everyone thought of this. This just came on a closeout deal, $599 after $100 rebate. It has an AMD Turion (which I don't really know too much about). Here it is:
ACER ASPIRE 5100
? AMD Turion? 64 Mobile Technology MK-36 2GHz 512K Cache
? 1 GB DDR2 memory
? 80GB 4200 RPM hard drive
? DVD Burner
? Built-in 802.11b/g wireless LAN
? 5:1 media reader for fast, easy file transfers
? Windows? XP Media Center Edition
? 15.4 inch CrystalBrite Wide Screen
? ATI Radeon Xpress 1100 Integrated Video
? Sound Blaster Pro Integrated Audio
Now from what I have heard / read, the Turion 64 is basically comparable to an Intel Core Solo, is that about right? If so, this seems like a steal to me, unless there is something wrong with it that I am not seeing (aside from maybe the 4200 RPM hd, but since it will be for no gaming, and relatively low power hungry apps, probably isn't a big deal).
Please advise. Thanks in advance.
SuperG
Answer:
Re: $600 - No Gaming - College Use Laptop - Is this a Good Deal?
How about a Compaq V3000z or V6000z? They should be easy to find at any PC shop and will be rather inexpensive. They are great little systems for the budget users.
Answer:
Re: $600 - No Gaming - College Use Laptop - Is this a Good Deal?
How about a Compaq V3000z or V6000z? They should be easy to find at any PC shop and will be rather inexpensive. They are great little systems for the budget users.
Thanks for the quick response. I should first mention, that I need to buy this laptop within the next 2-3 days, so no customization places are possible. I will need to go into a store, buy, and walk out with the laptop. Also, I checked out the website of a couple of stores in my area, and I don't see the Compaq V3000z or V6000z. Would the Compaqs come with 1 GB RAM and still be equal to or cheaper than $600? Also, would you consider Acer or Compaq the better brand?
Anyone other opinions?
SuperG
Answer:
Re: $600 - No Gaming - College Use Laptop - Is this a Good Deal?
I know about your time crunch. Most PC shops have some variation of the V3000 or V6000 series in stock. That's why I suggested it. Wal-Mart, for instance, was selling the V3000z for $380 on Black Friday.
They won't be called V3000 or V6000 specifically, that's what the customized systems are called. The pre-configured ones will be like V3234 (example only). Just search by manufacturer, and they should be easy to find.
Good luck.
Answer:
Re: $600 - No Gaming - College Use Laptop - Is this a Good Deal?
I know about your time crunch. Most PC shops have some variation of the V3000 or V6000 series in stock. That's why I suggested it. Wal-Mart, for instance, was selling the V3000z for $380 on Black Friday.
They won't be called V3000 or V6000 specifically, that's what the customized systems are called. The pre-configured ones will be like V3234 (example only). Just search by manufacturer, and they should be easy to find.
Good luck.
chrisyano,
Thanks, I will check out Walmart, etc. One question for you though. Just so I get an idea from other people. I have always heard Compaq = slightly less quality. So would you say Compaq or Acer is the better brand, in your opinion of course. Thanks.
SuperG
Answer:
Re: $600 - No Gaming - College Use Laptop - Is this a Good Deal?
Compaq = HP, quality and build are decent at that price point. Checkout the reviews on both.
Answer:
Re: $600 - No Gaming - College Use Laptop - Is this a Good Deal?
I have tried looking at many different sites for a comparable Compaq laptop, such as the v3000 or v6000 series. However, after searching sites like bestbuy, circuit city, compusa, office depot, office max, and even walmart, I still only found one model, which is currently sold out at best buy, which makes it difficult since I need it right away. This model had an Intel Core Solo for $599. It had comparable specs to the Acer model I posted originally, with a couple exceptions. First, the Compaq had a 5400 RPM hd, while the Acer had a 4200 RPM hd. Secondly, the Compaq had 512 MB RAM, while the Acer had double that with 1 GB RAM.
So...,
Compaq w/ Core Solo, faster hard drive, less RAM
vs
Acer w/ AMD Turion, slower hard drive, double RAM
both of which are $599.
Just looking at it, I would say the Acer seems like a better deal, assuming the Turion is equivalent to the Core Solo, is it?
Anyone else have a comment on the Acer, and if it is a good deal.
Thanks,
SuperG
Answer:
Re: $600 - No Gaming - College Use Laptop - Is this a Good Deal?
The Acer Aspire's are not known for having the best build quality or cooling systems. I would say the Compaq's are going to give you an overall better ownership experience.
There are always going to be notebooks that offer the on-paper specifications for a low price--but at what cost? Usually it's quality or support.
It's a shame that your purchase is so last minute, because the Christmas prices for the Compaqs with decent configurations were really good.
Here's the page from HP's website, where the prices are still pretty good (they did go up a little since then).
http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/sh...37;20computing
The bottom line is to get something you'll be happy with, so if you prefer the specs on the Acer...go for it.
Good luck.