best method to test laptop by buying and returning

Sonarcade

Member
Nov 2, 2002
139
0
0
Hi,

I was considering going about testing laptops' performance in regards to a program by buying it, seeing how it deals with it in comparison to my current desktop, which I bought last summer, then returning it, until I find the laptop that fits the bill. Unfortunately, most places that I know of charge restocking 15% fees and I was hoping to get some names of some places where I can purchase laptops to test them. Amongst the stores that don't charge this fee are Office Depot, Dell, Staples, and Fry's. To narrow the list, I have the following specs in mind:

must have:
usb 2.0
firewire
pcmcia
>p4 1.8 GHz
512 MB DDR ram

would like:
fairly quiet cooling system
s-video/rca/tv composite out

This computer's for audio production so not much is required in terms of video as long as it doesn't effect my audio adversely. I was looking at the Dell 5100 the most although a Centrino-like alternative would be preferable. If anyone knows where I might also be able to hook up a usb device and install a program onto a display laptop, I'd appreciate any information regarding this.
 
Jan 31, 2002
40,819
2
0
Originally posted by: Sonarcade
Hi,

I was considering going about testing laptops' performance in regards to a program by buying it, seeing how it deals with it in comparison to my current desktop, which I bought last summer, then returning it, until I find the laptop that fits the bill. Unfortunately, most places that I know of charge restocking 15% fees and I was hoping to get some names of some places where I can purchase laptops to test them. Amongst the stores that don't charge this fee are Office Depot, Dell, Staples, and Fry's. To narrow the list, I have the following specs in mind:

must have:
usb 2.0
firewire
pcmcia
>p4 1.8 GHz
512 MB DDR ram

would like:
fairly quiet cooling system
s-video/rca/tv composite out

This computer's for audio production so not much is required in terms of video as long as it doesn't effect my audio adversely. I was looking at the Dell 5100 the most although a Centrino-like alternative would be preferable. If anyone knows where I might also be able to hook up a usb device and install a program onto a display laptop, I'd appreciate any information regarding this.

CostCo has a fairly liberal return policy if you're not satisfied with the laptop.

Far as plugging in and installing software on a display book, you'd better damn well have permission first. :p

- M4H