Hi all,
I'm on holiday in the US from the 16th to the 26th of May, and so figured I should pick up a new laptop while I'm there, as it is generally loads cheaper than in New Zealand (my current home) or the UK (my future home).
I'd prefer to purchase from a B&M store due to the fact that I'm only there for a small window of time, and most online stores (the big ones, anyway) don't seem to be able to assemble a machine and get it to me before the US. It's also complicated by the fact that I don't have a US credit card - only a US mailing address.
Anyway, I'm after a cheap laptop. Cheap is the priority, though I don't want to skip too much on spec.
Basic requirements are:
256MB ram (preferably in 1 slot so it's cheap to up to 512)
20GB disk is enough.
1024x768 14" screen is fine - I can handle a smaller screen if it means it'll be lighter.
Weight is not a problem - it's a desktop replacement.
No OS or other software is required - I have WinXP Pro already.
It'd be nice if it had a CDRW/DVD combo drive, but it isn't a necessity if price is compromised too much.
A ballpark for what I'm looking for pricewise is max US$1000, though I'd prefer $800 or less. That's with any CA sales tax included. Note that the machine will not be used in the US - it'll be taken immediately to the UK if that makes any difference on the tax front. (Not sure if it's refundable on exitting the country). I've found machines easily enough at CC/BestBuy/Staples etc. for around the $850 dollar mark (excluding tax) but I'm wanting a locals knowledge on the best places to shop, as I won't have too much time to look around - it is a holiday afterall!
Any suggestions will be gratefully received.
Thanks very much,
Jonathan
I'm on holiday in the US from the 16th to the 26th of May, and so figured I should pick up a new laptop while I'm there, as it is generally loads cheaper than in New Zealand (my current home) or the UK (my future home).
I'd prefer to purchase from a B&M store due to the fact that I'm only there for a small window of time, and most online stores (the big ones, anyway) don't seem to be able to assemble a machine and get it to me before the US. It's also complicated by the fact that I don't have a US credit card - only a US mailing address.
Anyway, I'm after a cheap laptop. Cheap is the priority, though I don't want to skip too much on spec.
Basic requirements are:
256MB ram (preferably in 1 slot so it's cheap to up to 512)
20GB disk is enough.
1024x768 14" screen is fine - I can handle a smaller screen if it means it'll be lighter.
Weight is not a problem - it's a desktop replacement.
No OS or other software is required - I have WinXP Pro already.
It'd be nice if it had a CDRW/DVD combo drive, but it isn't a necessity if price is compromised too much.
A ballpark for what I'm looking for pricewise is max US$1000, though I'd prefer $800 or less. That's with any CA sales tax included. Note that the machine will not be used in the US - it'll be taken immediately to the UK if that makes any difference on the tax front. (Not sure if it's refundable on exitting the country). I've found machines easily enough at CC/BestBuy/Staples etc. for around the $850 dollar mark (excluding tax) but I'm wanting a locals knowledge on the best places to shop, as I won't have too much time to look around - it is a holiday afterall!
Any suggestions will be gratefully received.
Thanks very much,
Jonathan
Facebook
Twitter