Looking to purchase a laptop. As the title of the thread clearly states, I know next to nothing about computers outside of clicking the mouse and typing. Would like the computer to be semi-fast (at least), need nice amount of space (love music), and durable as I don't plan on purchasing another one for some time after this one. I noticed on craigslist that some were going for 350-500: that being said, Im looking to spend around 400-600. If I must spend more, then that's ok, but just noticed that it would seem I could get one for a nice bargain. Thanks for any helpful information.

2/3/2008 7:45:51 PM

http://outlet.us.dell.com/ARBOnlineSales/topics/global.aspx/arb/online/en/InventorySearch?c=us&cs=22&l=en&s=dfh

Plan on adding ~200-300 to the listed prices for shipping, tax & warranty. BTW, the warranty is worth every penny and I suggest CompleteCare as well.

You can get your productivity software cheaper from the bookstore than anyplace else, if you're a student or faculty member.

2/3/2008 8:04:26 PM

http://www.apple.com/getamac/

2/3/2008 9:23:08 PM

^yeah, that too.

2/3/2008 9:33:11 PM

if you truly "know nothing" about computers, then do NOT buy one from craigslist. for that matter, stay away from Best Buy, as well.

go to a major distributor like Dell.Com, or Apple.Com ... as has already been noted. spend an extra couple hundred dollars if you need to.

check with your college or departments requirements to see the minimum requirements.

the last thing you want to do is buy some crappy used laptop.

2/3/2008 11:36:48 PM

seriously just get one of those ones thats got rebates and shit and watch a deal for really good rebates


if you truely dont know shit you dont need it for shit anyway

2/4/2008 2:42:48 AM

i just got a HP dv2700t customized - $974.62 (after $500 instant coupon, taxes, no rebates or shipping)

- 14.1" WXGA HD (1280x800)
- Vista Home Premium (32-bit)
- Intel C2D T9300 (2.50ghz, 6mb cache, 800mhz FSB)
- 1gb DDR2 (2 DIMM)
- 128mb nVidia GeForce 8400M GS
- webcam/mic
- Intel 4965AGN (a/b/g/n) and bluetooth
- 160gb 5400rpm SATA
- DVD+RW DL (with LightScribe)
- HP ExpressCard ATSC/NTSC tv tuner (with remote)
- 12-cell battery (~7 hours of life, supposedly)
- recovery Vista DVD

seems like a good deal to me, and should remain more than usable for several years...upgrading the RAM and hard drive can be practically free if you wait for a deal and then sell your old stuff on craigslist (at least, that's what i do on a fairly regular basis)

despite DNL's post exploding with generic "shit", he's right in that might be a good way to go for you...pre-configured machines are cheaper after rebates, and you can usually find a couple a month that will more than suit your needs...check out circulars from best buy and circuit city every sunday or online

2/4/2008 10:30:01 AM

* Intel Core 2 Duo T5270 (1.4GHz/800Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
* Windows Vista Home Basic
* 15.4" Wide Screen XGA LCD Display
* 2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz
* 160GB 5400RPM Hard Drive
* 8X CD/DVD+RW Read and Burn CD and DVD
* Intel Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
* Dell Wireless 1390 802.11g Wi-Fi Mini Card
* 85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery (up to 7.5-hours battery life)


$400


http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?t=743802

2/12/2008 8:23:30 PM