best laptop deal?

[joecool]

so i'm wanting to get a low-end laptop, performance not an issue so long as it can run winxp. will be used for quicken, light ms office stuff (small word and excel documents), backing up pix from digicam away from home, and surfing the net. may be used for dvd movies sometimes when traveling. cost is a factor but also don't want a complete pos. needs built-in wireless and decent battery life a must. bigger lcd would be nice but not required.

i've seen some decent adds at the big box stores lately for ~$700 after rebates for several different models, now somebody posted a very low end device from wallmart for $550 with no rebates to hassle with. pretty basic machine but the price and no rebates is tempting.

what do you guys think? what other sources (besides wally-world) are there for inexpensive laptops?

thanks in advance,

joe

 

[MrChad]

Dell

 

[ElFenix]

search hot deals for dell...

 

[joecool]

i was thinking dell but they don't seem to have laptops under $1k. i know they're good but that's more than i want to spend. any other ideas?

 

[amdskip]

You will get what you pay for. Thinkpad>Toshiba>Dell

Put up a wtb ad in FS/FT

 

[huesmann]

Hot Deals forums you morons!

 

[RossMAN]

You're asking a lot for a budget laptop.

Dell Inspiron 1150 for $598

2.6GHz Intel Celeron
256MB Memory
30GB HD
Free Upgrade! 24X CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive with Sonic RecordNow Special Offer
XP Home
Productivity Pack
90-Day Mail-in Service

Here is a nice Gateway for $899 but it has integrated graphics and 15.0" XGA

 

[joecool]

Originally posted by: huesmann
Hot Deals forums you morons!

man who peed in your wheaties?! it's the off topic forum, does it really hurt you if i post this question here?!

jerk

 

[allisolm]

Originally posted by: RossMAN
You're asking a lot for a budget laptop.

Dell Inspiron 1150 for $598

2.6GHz Intel Celeron
256MB Memory
30GB HD
Free Upgrade! 24X CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive with Sonic RecordNow Special Offer
XP Home
Productivity Pack
90-Day Mail-in Service

Here is a nice Gateway for $899 but it has integrated graphics and 15.0" XGA

and if you want to go lower, Dell has the Inspiron 1000 for $549 with similar specs except for Mobile Celeron 2.2GHz.

 

[joecool]

yeah, thanks, i noticed that. i'm thinking the bb toshiba was a better deal, tho, despite the MIR hassles. bigger hd (60gb), bigger screen (15" widescreen), included wireless, better warranty (1 year). how does toshiba rate against dell? i know i hate dell customer service phone support. think i should try to score the toshiba at the store if i can find it somewhere.

 

[dullard]

Originally posted by: joecool
i know i hate dell customer service phone support.

Dell desktop support is consistantly rated #2 (with Apple consistantly getting #1). However Dell support for laptops is very lacking. They are rated near the back of the pack by customers. Dell really has dropped the ball on their laptop lines - not as sturdy or nice as other companies and horrible customer service.

I'm a big Dell fan for desktops - in most situations no one can beat their price for a given performance. But for laptops, I'm not impressed.

 

[RossMAN]

I agree with dullard.

For laptops I am a loyal Compaq/HP/IBM whore.