cheap laptops...

[techs]

Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor
My only contention to techs' post is that Core Duo is the best processor Intel makes and you can't even get it on a desktop. E1505's have been around $700 and that's a LOT of notebook for the money and could easily replace all but a high end video gaming desktop.

I see your point. Yet, a cheap machine now lets you get a cheap machine WITH a core duo (or whatever is around then) in three years. And the core duo's true strengths won't show up til Vista.

 

[HeroOfPellinor]

Originally posted by: techs

Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor
My only contention to techs' post is that Core Duo is the best processor Intel makes and you can't even get it on a desktop. E1505's have been around $700 and that's a LOT of notebook for the money and could easily replace all but a high end video gaming desktop.

I see your point. Yet, a cheap machine now lets you get a cheap machine WITH a core duo (or whatever is around then) in three years. And the core duo's true strengths won't show up til Vista.

Yeah, it's hard to recommend buying anything right now with Merom, Vista, Turion X2, and DX10 looming.

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: allisolm
None have integrated wireless, but I've never paid more than $5 for a notebook card.

You are my hero :beer:

 

[BurnItDwn]

I bought a used p3 450mhz laptop on the FS/FT forum here a couple of years back for around $300 or so.
I'm sure you could probably get something similar to that for about $200 to $250 now.

It runs Linux and Win2k just fine. It plays DVDs and has never given me any problems. The 192MB of ram is somewhat of a limiting factor, as is the 192MB of ram, but it works just fine for surfing or typing papers.

If you really just want a cheap typing machine, go with an older used model. if you want dirt cheap, you can probably find a Pentium 100 to 200 mhz lappie with win98 for around $100.

If you want a warranty, and you don't want to deal with slowness, then spend $500 or so on something newwer.


Example FS post with nicely priced used Laptop

Another FS post, this lappie is very beat up, however the price is rather low ..

 

[maddogchen]

Do they have any $500 notebooks with those really nice, glossy, reflective xbrite screens? Not sure what thats called. xga or something?

edit: the ones you see on display at stores and wonder wow how they get the screen so nice and shiny?

 

[BurnItDwn]

Originally posted by: maddogchen
Do they have any $500 notebooks with those really nice, glossy, reflective xbrite screens? Not sure what thats called. xga or something?

edit: the ones you see on display at stores and wonder wow how they get the screen so nice and shiny?

xga just means 1024x768 resolution.

 

[HeroOfPellinor]

Originally posted by: maddogchen
Do they have any $500 notebooks with those really nice, glossy, reflective xbrite screens?

No way. It usually accompanies high res screens which are pricier options.
(I take that back....many of the Compaq/HP laptops have that as an affordable upgrade)

The funny thing is, above $1200 it becomes difficult to find one without the glossy screen.

 

[maddogchen]

Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor


No way. It usually accompanies high res screens which are pricier options.
(I take that back....many of the Compaq/HP laptops have that as an affordable upgrade)

The funny thing is, above $1200 it becomes difficult to find one without the glossy screen.

affordable as in total around $800-1000 range?

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: maddogchen

Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor


No way. It usually accompanies high res screens which are pricier options.
(I take that back....many of the Compaq/HP laptops have that as an affordable upgrade)

The funny thing is, above $1200 it becomes difficult to find one without the glossy screen.

affordable as in total around $800-1000 range?

Yes they have laptops in the $800 price range with TrueBrite or "glossy" technology displays.

Search FW Hot Deals for M140

 

[Acanthus]

Recent deal had Core Duo laptops, with an upgraded battery, 512MB, 60GB 7200rpm, Intel accelerated graphics... etc.. for ~$700 after $602 off @ Dell.

I think they extended the sale, its still going as far as i know, the E1505 is the laptop.

 

[Acanthus]

Originally posted by: RossMAN

Originally posted by: maddogchen

Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor


No way. It usually accompanies high res screens which are pricier options.
(I take that back....many of the Compaq/HP laptops have that as an affordable upgrade)

The funny thing is, above $1200 it becomes difficult to find one without the glossy screen.

affordable as in total around $800-1000 range?

Yes they have laptops in the $800 price range with TrueBrite or "glossy" technology displays.

Search FW Hot Deals for M140

I upgraded the E1505 in the deal i mentioned above to the new display.

E1505 Dual Core
Intel® Core? Duo processor T2300 (2MB Cache/1.66GHz/667MHz FSB), Genuine Windows® XP Home Qty: 1
Unit Price: $1,372.00
Inspiron E1505 Intel® Core? Duo processor T2300 (2MB Cache/1.66GHz/667MHz FSB)

LCD Panel 15.4 inch UltraSharp? Wide Screen SXGA+ Display with TrueLife?

Memory 512MB Shared Single Channel DDR2 SDRAM 533MHZ, 1 DIMM

Video Card Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950

Hard Drive 60GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive

Operating System (Office software not included) Genuine Windows® XP Home

Network Card and Modem Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem

Combo/DVD+RW Drives 24X CD Burner/DVD Combo Drive

Wireless Networking Cards Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 802.11a/g Mini Card (54Mbps)
IP3945

Primary Battery 85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
9BAT

Hardware Warranty 1Yr Ltd Warranty, 1Yr Mail-In Service, and 1Yr HW Warranty Support
ST111RR

Mobile Broadband No Broadband Expresscard technology is available in the market now
NOBB

Save $602 Instantly! Hurry, offer expires at 4/7/2006 11:59PM CT!
Expires on 2006-04-08 10:59:59 - $602.00



ADDITIONAL DISCOUNTS AND COUPONS



Dell Home Customers: Free Ground Shipping on Dell Inspiron System orders!
Expires on 2006-04-13 11:59:59 - $49.00



Sub-Total $770.00
Shipping Discount -$49.00

Shipping $ 0.00

Tax $46.20
Total $816.20

Edit: took out some of the stupid software packages and all the serial numbers so my post isnt so huge and cluttered.

 

[Philippine Mango]

I think we should create a sticky thread about 'cheap laptops'. It gets so annoying seeing threads like this, it's pretty simple really, either get a highend used laptop or get an elcheapo new one. Personally, I'll choose the high end used one over a brand new cheap one, you get what you paid for.. It's like choosing a BMW 5/7 series from 1999 or so, or a brand NEW saturn! Or hundai! :roll: I'd pick the BMW..

 

[Acanthus]

Originally posted by: Philippine Mango
I think we should create a sticky thread about 'cheap laptops'. It gets so annoying seeing threads like this, it's pretty simple really, either get a highend used laptop or get an elcheapo new one. Personally, I'll choose the high end used one over a brand new cheap one, you get what you paid for.. It's like choosing a BMW 5/7 series from 1999 or so, or a brand NEW saturn! Or hundai! :roll: I'd pick the BMW..

You honestly believe any laptop 2+ years old could compete with the one i just listed at anything but 3d games?

 

[Philippine Mango]

Originally posted by: Acanthus

Originally posted by: Philippine Mango
I think we should create a sticky thread about 'cheap laptops'. It gets so annoying seeing threads like this, it's pretty simple really, either get a highend used laptop or get an elcheapo new one. Personally, I'll choose the high end used one over a brand new cheap one, you get what you paid for.. It's like choosing a BMW 5/7 series from 1999 or so, or a brand NEW saturn! Or hundai! :roll: I'd pick the BMW..

You honestly believe any laptop 2+ years old could compete with the one i just listed at anything but 3d games?

Yes. If you don't play games on your laptop, there is really no need for anything spectacularly fast.. What are you doing, autocad? If so, then you need a decent video card, something that laptop doesn't have. Most people just do school shiet and chat on aim about nothing, with web browsing on myspace and crap, do you really think they need anything over 1ghz? I beg to differ... The point of getting a used laptop is because if you get a really high end one like an IBM, the build quality will be there, will be lighter, better battery life and overall nicer despite it's lack of speed.

Getting an elcheapo laptop that is bulky due to using cheap plastic, poor design and "cheap" in mind in something extremely undesireable in my mind and one I'd avoid at all costs. If the laptop I buy falls apart or breaks, it isn't worth a dime to me IMO.

 

[zanieladie]

Originally posted by: FrankyJunior
Dell FTW. $500 is good for a starter laptop if you want it new.

Just be cautious about Dell. They are really good about selling you stuff but not so great when it comes to providing the customer service that you need.

 

[Acanthus]

Originally posted by: Philippine Mango

Originally posted by: Acanthus

Originally posted by: Philippine Mango
I think we should create a sticky thread about 'cheap laptops'. It gets so annoying seeing threads like this, it's pretty simple really, either get a highend used laptop or get an elcheapo new one. Personally, I'll choose the high end used one over a brand new cheap one, you get what you paid for.. It's like choosing a BMW 5/7 series from 1999 or so, or a brand NEW saturn! Or hundai! :roll: I'd pick the BMW..

You honestly believe any laptop 2+ years old could compete with the one i just listed at anything but 3d games?

Yes. If you don't play games on your laptop, there is really no need for anything spectacularly fast.. What are you doing, autocad? If so, then you need a decent video card, something that laptop doesn't have. Most people just do school shiet and chat on aim about nothing, with web browsing on myspace and crap, do you really think they need anything over 1ghz? I beg to differ... The point of getting a used laptop is because if you get a really high end one like an IBM, the build quality will be there, will be lighter, better battery life and overall nicer despite it's lack of speed.

Getting an elcheapo laptop that is bulky due to using cheap plastic, poor design and "cheap" in mind in something extremely undesireable in my mind and one I'd avoid at all costs. If the laptop I buy falls apart or breaks, it isn't worth a dime to me IMO.

While i agree that i wont use the speed, why not have the speed for the same price... as well as a better display, and likely faster overall.

Edit: with similar weight and longer battery life... as well as up to date features (802.11g wireless, expresscard slot)

 

[Philippine Mango]

Originally posted by: Acanthus

Originally posted by: Philippine Mango

Originally posted by: Acanthus

Originally posted by: Philippine Mango
I think we should create a sticky thread about 'cheap laptops'. It gets so annoying seeing threads like this, it's pretty simple really, either get a highend used laptop or get an elcheapo new one. Personally, I'll choose the high end used one over a brand new cheap one, you get what you paid for.. It's like choosing a BMW 5/7 series from 1999 or so, or a brand NEW saturn! Or hundai! :roll: I'd pick the BMW..

You honestly believe any laptop 2+ years old could compete with the one i just listed at anything but 3d games?

Yes. If you don't play games on your laptop, there is really no need for anything spectacularly fast.. What are you doing, autocad? If so, then you need a decent video card, something that laptop doesn't have. Most people just do school shiet and chat on aim about nothing, with web browsing on myspace and crap, do you really think they need anything over 1ghz? I beg to differ... The point of getting a used laptop is because if you get a really high end one like an IBM, the build quality will be there, will be lighter, better battery life and overall nicer despite it's lack of speed.

Getting an elcheapo laptop that is bulky due to using cheap plastic, poor design and "cheap" in mind in something extremely undesireable in my mind and one I'd avoid at all costs. If the laptop I buy falls apart or breaks, it isn't worth a dime to me IMO.

While i agree that i wont use the speed, why not have the speed for the same price... as well as a better display, and likely faster overall.

Edit: with similar weight and longer battery life... as well as up to date features (802.11g wireless, expresscard slot)

You quoted me yet you apparently did read the whole post.

 

[Acanthus]

Originally posted by: Philippine Mango

Originally posted by: Acanthus

Originally posted by: Philippine Mango

Originally posted by: Acanthus

Originally posted by: Philippine Mango
I think we should create a sticky thread about 'cheap laptops'. It gets so annoying seeing threads like this, it's pretty simple really, either get a highend used laptop or get an elcheapo new one. Personally, I'll choose the high end used one over a brand new cheap one, you get what you paid for.. It's like choosing a BMW 5/7 series from 1999 or so, or a brand NEW saturn! Or hundai! :roll: I'd pick the BMW..

You honestly believe any laptop 2+ years old could compete with the one i just listed at anything but 3d games?

Yes. If you don't play games on your laptop, there is really no need for anything spectacularly fast.. What are you doing, autocad? If so, then you need a decent video card, something that laptop doesn't have. Most people just do school shiet and chat on aim about nothing, with web browsing on myspace and crap, do you really think they need anything over 1ghz? I beg to differ... The point of getting a used laptop is because if you get a really high end one like an IBM, the build quality will be there, will be lighter, better battery life and overall nicer despite it's lack of speed.

Getting an elcheapo laptop that is bulky due to using cheap plastic, poor design and "cheap" in mind in something extremely undesireable in my mind and one I'd avoid at all costs. If the laptop I buy falls apart or breaks, it isn't worth a dime to me IMO.

While i agree that i wont use the speed, why not have the speed for the same price... as well as a better display, and likely faster overall.

Edit: with similar weight and longer battery life... as well as up to date features (802.11g wireless, expresscard slot)

You quoted me yet you apparently did read the whole post.

Ahh so dell laptops fall apart now? I can see youre a reasonable person :roll:

Last i recall its HPs and alienwares that have piss poor cooling design.

and bulky? 6.1 lbs and 1.6" thick is bulky?

Youve obviously done your research.

Edit: hell, lets look at brand new lenovos compared to the dell laptop above.

Lenovo Thinkpad T60 with a core duo processor... $1499, the only discount available is free 512MB of memory.

It comes with a 6 cell battery, dell is 9 cell, it comes with a standard display (1024x768), i upgraded mine (SXGA+ and truelife), comes with a 5400rpm HD, dells is 7200rpm. Weight 5.08lbs (makes no mention of if it has a battery or not) Dell is 6.1lbs with a 6 cell battery installed. The Lenovo is 1" thick, the Dell is 1.6" thick. So given a modern comparison to two brand news, you have a slightly slimmer laptop with inferior features for twice the money.

And that image sure looks like its made of plastic to me.

Im not understanding your argument, at all.

So in essence, you have an equal laptop for double the money, oh, and with lenovo, you have to pay for any warrenty at all, dell gives you a free year.

 

[HeroOfPellinor]

Originally posted by: Acanthus
Ahh so dell laptops fall apart now? I can see youre a reasonable person :roll:

Last i recall its HPs and alienwares that have piss poor cooling design.

and bulky? 6.1 lbs and 1.6" thick is bulky?

Youve obviously done your research.

Dude, Dell is a successful business, therefore they are in league with the devil and George W Bush and are evil and their product sucks.

You really want a good laptop, buy one made by good old union workers....it'll only cost you $8,000.

 

[Acanthus]

Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor

Originally posted by: Acanthus
Ahh so dell laptops fall apart now? I can see youre a reasonable person :roll:

Last i recall its HPs and alienwares that have piss poor cooling design.

and bulky? 6.1 lbs and 1.6" thick is bulky?

Youve obviously done your research.

Dude, Dell is a successful business, therefore they are in league with the devil and George W Bush and are evil and their product sucks.

You really want a good laptop, buy one made by good old union workers....it'll only cost you $8,000.

I just dont see the "build quality" argument for laptops. There are pieces of crap out there, but Dell isnt putting them out. HP/Compaq, alienware, and others are.