• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Best bang for buck on basic laptop? (under $400?)

You can get a Dell Inspiron with a Haswell Celeron for $299 at Dell's website. I believe there is a deal for $20 off so you can get the laptop for $279, though it says you have to have a Dell Preferred Account (a loyalty program). Not bad at all. The Pentium-based Inspiron that you linked is cheaper at Newegg than at Dell's site. Not sure if the extra $50 is worth it for you but for the tasks you described the Celeron should be good.

The Celeron is a Haswell based CPU while the Pentium is Ivy Bridge, so battery life might be slightly better with the Celeron. The Pentium has a higher clock speed and slightly better graphics performance though I'm not sure you'd be able to tell the difference in day to day use. Maybe, maybe not.

The Inspirons seem to get good user reviews.

http://www.dell.com/us/p/inspiron-15-3521/pd
 
Last edited:
fire400 said:
http://www.newegg.com/Store/Recertif...ed-PCs-Laptops

skip the tax/shipping and get an SSD installed with the money saved.

==

if you want dirt cheap;

ebay; t400s: $99
t400s ultrabay: $10
t400s power adapter: $10

128gb ssd: $50

sub $200 and install your own OS and buy office 2010 student edition for less than $70
Click to expand...

Yes but that is quite a bit old laptop. A newer one will have warranty, probably better performance, much better battery life.

pw257008, that's a good looking laptop. Good suggestion.
 
Search the hot deals on line. LaptopDeals / etc.

I picked up two $400-600 laptops recently that were great performers.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top