inexpensive Laptop?

kenstogie · 09-20-2010, 02:00 PM

So my current budget laptop no longer works (bad display) It served me well for 6 years. So it's time for a new one. Not looking for a cutting edge but the under $500 range.

Where are the best places to buy a lower end laptop?
Anything to not buy?

(Netbooks are a good option for some but to small for me)

Ahbroody · 09-20-2010, 02:04 PM

Checkout microcenter. They are in your area and have a few large sub 500 laptops you can play with.

pektel · 09-20-2010, 02:10 PM

Funny, I'm in the market right now too. No computer at home, and think it's time for me to get with the times. I really only use the computer to go on the internet though. And upload/modify photos. I was actually looking at the laptops at walmart, and quickly walked away when I realized I was computer shopping at Walmart.

I can't offer any advice, just looking forward to what others recommend. I really wanted to get a macbook pro, but that's just out of my range.

kenstogie · 09-20-2010, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pektel

I really wanted to get a macbook pro, but that's just out of my range.

Me too.

VirtualSmitty · 09-20-2010, 02:16 PM

Something like this perhaps?

Linky

mosesbotbol · 09-20-2010, 02:24 PM

The weekly circular for the local tech store should server you best. You want to try them out first. Mouse and screen will vary brand to brand and is hard to quantify without seeing in person.

CasaDooley · 09-20-2010, 02:30 PM

I know others will chime in with more recommendations, but I have had good luck with Dell Products (3 home PC's and 2 laptops). You can find some pretty good deals on them for under $500. Just my

pektel · 09-20-2010, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mosesbotbol

The weekly circular for the local tech store should server you best. You want to try them out first. Mouse and screen will vary brand to brand and is hard to quantify without seeing in person.

I have no local tech store. I live in a town of 8000 people. The tech store here is either Target or Walmart.

09-20-2010, 02:54 PM

I have always liked Dell laptops. Mine lasted me about 6 years before either the backlight or the power inverter died. Other than that, I never had a problem with it.

I would buy myself a cheap laptop, because I miss having mine, but I really can't justify it. It's only purpose would be to surf the net while sitting outside having a cigar or in the recliner...

Mugen910 · 09-20-2010, 03:11 PM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834146606

For $600 you can go total opposite and get a power laptop.

8RHKHGLKT8BZ38 for $50 off

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellsto...565f9fp0c0s441

cricky101 · 09-20-2010, 04:35 PM

That Lenovo from New Egg looks like a great deal. I've been looking to upgrade from my bulky, old HP laptop and may have to pick that one up!

Smoking Dragon · 09-20-2010, 04:41 PM

I have been partial to toshiba computers lately. But I did have good lick with a gateway that I purchased at one of those traveling computer shows.

Salvelinus · 09-20-2010, 04:50 PM

Just got a gateway for under $500 at our local Bestbuy. Had a big bulky hp that I hated and needed something that I could cart to school and back.

It's this one, but the price is different online. Link

I also looked at essentially the same computer with a bigger screen and less hard drive space that was cheaper, just wanted to smaller screen really. No complaints thus far.

Ratters · 09-20-2010, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

I would buy myself a cheap laptop, because I miss having mine, but I really can't justify it. It's only purpose would be to surf the net while sitting outside having a cigar or in the recliner...

What more justification do you need?

I have a Gateway that I got for cheap from Best Buy. I'd do it again.

Eleven · 09-20-2010, 08:41 PM

The last 3 I have bought were all from Best Buy and all under $350. Me likey.

kenstogie · 09-24-2010, 01:32 PM

First I'd like to say thanks for everyone's help and opinions. Second I thought I'd let y'all know what I did end up getting.

Samsung R580
Specifications

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium
Processor Speed 2.27 GHz
Processor Name Intel Core i5-430M
RAM 4 GB DDR3
Graphics Card nVidia GeForce 310M
HD 500 GB
Networking Options 802.11n,b,g
Primary Optical Drive DVD+/-RW DL with Blu-Ray
HDMI out
SD/MMC card slot
4x USB2

I wasn't really in love with the color scheme but what do I care? It's not like I am all that vane so.

What was the cost you may ask? Well typically you can get these for $750 or thereabouts but I bought a Refurb for $569, which is a fair amount of computer power for that coin.

CRIMPS · 09-28-2010, 12:46 PM

Refurb deals for computers/hardware (ipod's) make a LOT of sense.

Bill86 · 09-28-2010, 01:02 PM

Go to tigerdirect.com or newegg and start peeking around, usually can find some great deals there.

dwoodward · 09-28-2010, 03:09 PM

Awesome deal on that laptop. Glad you got one that works out for you. That i5 will knock your socks off. My girlfriends laptop has an i7 and it is extremely powerful, the i5 is 2nd best, a great chip.

amlique · 09-28-2010, 05:16 PM

newegg.com is always the go to place for eletronics online. They have incredible coustomer service, super fast ship times, and always the most competitive prices. Plus most reviews are from tech junkies, so you can't go wrong.

09-20-2010, 02:00 PM	#1
kenstogie following the whiterabbit Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Albany, NY Posts: 1,325 Trading: (3)	inexpensive Laptop? So my current budget laptop no longer works (bad display) It served me well for 6 years. So it's time for a new one. Not looking for a cutting edge but the under $500 range. Where are the best places to buy a lower end laptop? Anything to not buy? (Netbooks are a good option for some but to small for me) __________________ I intend to live forever. So far, so good.

09-20-2010, 02:04 PM	#2
Ahbroody Daddy x 4 Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Mike Location: San Jose Posts: 3,708 Trading: (53)	Re: inexpensive Laptop? Checkout microcenter. They are in your area and have a few large sub 500 laptops you can play with.

09-20-2010, 02:10 PM	#3
pektel I'm nuts for the place Join Date: Jul 2010 First Name: Peter Location: Grand Rapids, MN Posts: 4,320 Trading: (28)	Re: inexpensive Laptop? Funny, I'm in the market right now too. No computer at home, and think it's time for me to get with the times. I really only use the computer to go on the internet though. And upload/modify photos. I was actually looking at the laptops at walmart, and quickly walked away when I realized I was computer shopping at Walmart. I can't offer any advice, just looking forward to what others recommend. I really wanted to get a macbook pro, but that's just out of my range. __________________ The problem is not the problem. The problem is your ATTITUDE about the problem.

09-20-2010, 02:16 PM	#5
VirtualSmitty WiP!? Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Joe Location: The Evil Empire Posts: 2,084 Trading: (0)	Re: inexpensive Laptop? Something like this perhaps? Linky __________________ We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid - Benjamin Franklin

09-20-2010, 02:24 PM	#6
mosesbotbol That's a Corgi Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Moses Location: Boston Posts: 6,171 Trading: (6)	Re: inexpensive Laptop? The weekly circular for the local tech store should server you best. You want to try them out first. Mouse and screen will vary brand to brand and is hard to quantify without seeing in person. __________________ Port Wine & Claret \| British Cars \| Welsh Corgi's

09-20-2010, 02:30 PM	#7
CasaDooley Herf Crew of 2 Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Kevin Location: The birthplace of Fathers Day Posts: 2,465 Trading: (41)	Re: inexpensive Laptop? I know others will chime in with more recommendations, but I have had good luck with Dell Products (3 home PC's and 2 laptops). You can find some pretty good deals on them for under $500. Just my __________________ *Founding member of the Lilac City Dedicated Herfers*

09-20-2010, 02:54 PM	#9
holli4pirating Guest Posts: n/a	Re: inexpensive Laptop? I have always liked Dell laptops. Mine lasted me about 6 years before either the backlight or the power inverter died. Other than that, I never had a problem with it. I would buy myself a cheap laptop, because I miss having mine, but I really can't justify it. It's only purpose would be to surf the net while sitting outside having a cigar or in the recliner...

09-20-2010, 03:11 PM	#10
Mugen910 I <3 Huy Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Location Location: First Name Posts: 8,387 Trading: (106)	Re: inexpensive Laptop? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834146606 For $600 you can go total opposite and get a power laptop. 8RHKHGLKT8BZ38 for $50 off http://configure.us.dell.com/dellsto...565f9fp0c0s441 __________________ I'm not antisocial, I just think people are stupid.

09-20-2010, 04:35 PM	#11
cricky101 Micro brew tester Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Chris Location: St. Paul, Minnesota Posts: 684 Trading: (8)	Re: inexpensive Laptop? That Lenovo from New Egg looks like a great deal. I've been looking to upgrade from my bulky, old HP laptop and may have to pick that one up! __________________ "A witty saying proves nothing." - Voltaire

09-20-2010, 04:41 PM	#12
Smoking Dragon formerly sergeant smoky Join Date: Dec 2008 First Name: John Location: Maryland Posts: 648 Trading: (67)	Re: inexpensive Laptop? I have been partial to toshiba computers lately. But I did have good lick with a gateway that I purchased at one of those traveling computer shows.

09-20-2010, 04:50 PM	#13
Salvelinus Have My Own Room Join Date: Dec 2009 First Name: Brendan Location: Vermont Posts: 1,116 Trading: (12)	Re: inexpensive Laptop? Just got a gateway for under $500 at our local Bestbuy. Had a big bulky hp that I hated and needed something that I could cart to school and back. It's this one, but the price is different online. Link I also looked at essentially the same computer with a bigger screen and less hard drive space that was cheaper, just wanted to smaller screen really. No complaints thus far.

09-20-2010, 08:41 PM	#15
Eleven Solid As The Sun Join Date: Aug 2009 First Name: Scott Location: SW Ohio Posts: 1,859 Trading: (23)	Re: inexpensive Laptop? The last 3 I have bought were all from Best Buy and all under $350. Me likey. __________________ CA: putting the 'man' in bromance since 2008! --markem.

09-24-2010, 01:32 PM	#16
kenstogie following the whiterabbit Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Albany, NY Posts: 1,325 Trading: (3)	Re: inexpensive Laptop? First I'd like to say thanks for everyone's help and opinions. Second I thought I'd let y'all know what I did end up getting. Samsung R580 Specifications Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Processor Speed 2.27 GHz Processor Name Intel Core i5-430M RAM 4 GB DDR3 Graphics Card nVidia GeForce 310M HD 500 GB Networking Options 802.11n,b,g Primary Optical Drive DVD+/-RW DL with Blu-Ray HDMI out SD/MMC card slot 4x USB2 I wasn't really in love with the color scheme but what do I care? It's not like I am all that vane so. What was the cost you may ask? Well typically you can get these for $750 or thereabouts but I bought a Refurb for $569, which is a fair amount of computer power for that coin. __________________ I intend to live forever. So far, so good.

09-28-2010, 12:46 PM	#17
CRIMPS Benn/Seguin best friends Join Date: Sep 2010 First Name: Zach Location: North Texas Posts: 1,520 Trading: (50)	Re: inexpensive Laptop? Refurb deals for computers/hardware (ipod's) make a LOT of sense.

09-28-2010, 01:02 PM	#18
Bill86 Snob Join Date: Jul 2010 First Name: Bill Posts: 6,704 Trading: (67)	Re: inexpensive Laptop? Go to tigerdirect.com or newegg and start peeking around, usually can find some great deals there.

09-28-2010, 03:09 PM	#19
dwoodward Gentlemen, you may smoke! Join Date: Jul 2010 First Name: Derrick Location: South Dakota Posts: 1,868 Trading: (26)	Re: inexpensive Laptop? Awesome deal on that laptop. Glad you got one that works out for you. That i5 will knock your socks off. My girlfriends laptop has an i7 and it is extremely powerful, the i5 is 2nd best, a great chip.

09-28-2010, 05:16 PM	#20
amlique Just in from the Storm Join Date: Sep 2010 First Name: Jon Location: South Carolina Posts: 36 Trading: (1)	Re: inexpensive Laptop? newegg.com is always the go to place for eletronics online. They have incredible coustomer service, super fast ship times, and always the most competitive prices. Plus most reviews are from tech junkies, so you can't go wrong.