If I need a Laptop for September, should I wait to buy?

[DigDug]

What are the expected price decreases, if any, that laptops will undergo in the next few months?
Do laptops suffer depreciation as fast as desktops do?

 

[RossMAN]

<< What are the expected price decreases, if any, that laptops will undergo in the next few months?

Yes, I would definitely WAIT as long as you can. A co-worker of mine needed a laptop for school, I told her to wait, of course she didn't listen and bought an IBM ThinkPad (Celeron 600/128/20/DVD) for $1,100 back in October. She didn't need the laptop until this month, she could now buy a P3/1GHz with better LCD display, NIC/56k modem, DVD, and Windows XP pre-loaded for the same price.



<< Do laptops suffer depreciation as fast as desktops do? >>



Yes, more so. A desktop you can easily upgrade by buying standard components from newegg.com

 

[Viper22]

I would say wait till about a month before you need it and then Order/Buy it. Prices can drop like a rock and more than likely faster processors and better components will come out between now and then.

Viper22

 

[vi edit]

I really see no reason to buy now. There are always *some* advancements, and prices are constantly falling. My guess is waiting 5 months will save you upwards of $500 for the same exact equipment, not to mention you can stretch your warranty out farther.

Dell will be introducing their new models shortly as well, pushing their older styles into the budget bracket.

If you don't have any need for half a year, just wait till you do.

 

[hans007]

you should wait. the p4 1.4 and 1.5 -M chips should be out by then, and also the p4-1.7m . most high end laptops now should cost around $400 less then

 

[manly]

<<


<< Do laptops suffer depreciation as fast as desktops do? >>



Yes, more so. A desktop you can easily upgrade by buying standard components from newegg.com >>


I disagree, name-brand laptops do not depreciate as quickly as desktops.

I do agree that you shouldn't buy *any* computer product 5 months in advance.

 

[Ameesh]

Yes, Wait.

 

[ElFenix]

p3-m might be coming out in higher speeds as well, as the p3 is available in xeon form at 1.4GHz.

for september if you're ordering it custom like from dell probably mid-july to ensure it gets there. if you're getting it at beast buy you can walk in the day you need it of course.

 

[DigDug]

Thanks for the help. I definitely won't buy, especially considering that I want to go "budget" on it too.

I notice the IBM ebay auctions aren't what they used to be. Friends and Family connections anyone?