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Large screen laptop in the $800 range?

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TBSN

TBSN

Senior member
Nov 12, 2006
925
0
76
So I need some help. My girlfriend needs to get a new computer but if I don't tell her what to get she will buy what she thinks looks coolest.

She basically needs the computer for basic things like streaming video, internet and microsoft office. I would say the most important traits for the computer would be, in order of importance--

-$850 maximum
-nice-looking screen, anywhere above 15"
-not SUPER heavy (doesn't have to be light though)

I know these thing are kind of general, but I have really no idea where to start. I was thinking maybe a dell studio laptop? I really don't know. Any input would be awesome!
 
S

Skott

Diamond Member
Oct 4, 2005
5,730
1
76
I been eyeballing the Toshiba A505-S6980 at BB. 16" LCD, Integrated 4500 graphics, T6600 CPU, 4GB RAM, W7 64bit O/S, 500GB HD, DvD/CD RW drive, HDMI port, WebCam. 1.2mega pixel I think, and a 12cell battery for $629. It was on sale a little while back for $599.

I been reading up on it and the professional reviewers and the regular buyers are rating it pretty good. If you want more than just text reviews go to youtube and do a search for Toshiba A505-S6980 and you'll find them. So if you are looking for something other than a Dell the Toshiba A505 is a possible contender. There are many models in this series being sold at various electronic stores right now. BB also sells Dell laptops as well so if you want to let her touch and feel one take her to your local BB.
 
Schadenfreude

Schadenfreude

Lifer
Dec 28, 2001
11,391
3
0
That seems easy enough - a few glances find these;

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Gateway+...&skuId=9548661

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...ovo-_-34146609

Anyhow, how heavy is "not too heavy"?

EDIT: Think I found a good one for you - is 1" thick (so it means light and looks cool, which would be appreciated gathering from your post ;)) and fits the bill nicely with customizable color, and is currently on sale w/ $105 off.

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellst...CJ&cid=27811&lid=981910&acd=10704890-1727683-
 
Last edited:
TBSN

TBSN

Senior member
Nov 12, 2006
925
0
76
Thanks for the replies!

I'm sifting through those suggestions now. I think I was originally skeptical about the prices of the laptops available now, as if there had to be a catch. I guess I'm just surprised how much you can get for your money nowadays! Some of the MSIs I saw on their website struck me as very inexpensive and no-nonsense type computers. I didn't know you could get a laptop with a 16:9 screen, core2duo and a blue-ray drive for $700!

There are a lot of options, and I'm thinking that if I limit myself to the laptops I can check out in Best Buy, where we can physically play around with it, it may be easier to choose. Then we can always get a similar model with different specs online.

How about companies to stay away from? AFAIK HP makes some good machines, but I've heard some bad things about Dell, although sometimes people just have bad experiences and that colors their view from then on. The dells are a bit pricier but with some nice specs. Except for the inspiron, which is nice but the processor is a little anemic. What about Acer, Asus... SONY???? I have heard to STAY AWAY from sony from someone I very much trust about these things. They do make some sexy laptops though.
 
S

Skott

Diamond Member
Oct 4, 2005
5,730
1
76
TBSN said:
Thanks for the replies!


How about companies to stay away from? AFAIK HP makes some good machines, but I've heard some bad things about Dell, although sometimes people just have bad experiences and that colors their view from then on. The dells are a bit pricier but with some nice specs. Except for the inspiron, which is nice but the processor is a little anemic. What about Acer, Asus... SONY???? I have heard to STAY AWAY from sony from someone I very much trust about these things. They do make some sexy laptops though.
Click to expand...

PC manufacturers are similar to Auto manufacturers in that they all make some good models and they all make some bad models. Name any PC manufacturer and I bet they get their share of complaints from buyers. So unless you have a strong feeling for a certain manufacturer I'd say search in this way:

Try and figure out what components you want in a certain size and then look at all the various manufacturer's models that cover these specs and then research each of those models. You will find that some of the models in your list won't stand up to the others. Those that get better ratings go on your short list. At some point you will narrow it down to a couple or maybe a few. Then its a matter of just deciding based on what you know or possibly being able to go play with a model in a store somewhere or maybe a friend has. This is a long process but effective if you want the best of something.

Here is another tool for you to use in deciding. You read a review of a particular model or you heard it was really good but you want a visual but can't find one at a store. Look on Youtube. A lot of buyers are posting their own reviews of laptops (and pretty much anything else on earth) they bought and uploading a video on Youtube about it. I'm finding Youtube helpful in my search because I get to see through their eyes what, how and why about an item I'm interested in. Plus you can ask questions or leave a comment if you want.
 
E

Eos

Diamond Member
Jun 14, 2000
3,463
17
81
I just sent my buddy the money so he would buy this model for me (have to wait a few days to pick it up), but a co-worker has the previous Vista 64 bit Premium model and loves it. I was able to borrow it for a trip and can confirm it's a great machine. Snappy startup, HD video looks great through VLC, long battery life, an all around great machine. Especially for the price. Looking forward to Wednesday when I get to take delivery.

Skott said:
I been eyeballing the Toshiba A505-S6980 at BB. 16" LCD, Integrated 4500 graphics, T6600 CPU, 4GB RAM, W7 64bit O/S, 500GB HD, DvD/CD RW drive, HDMI port, WebCam. 1.2mega pixel I think, and a 12cell battery for $629. It was on sale a little while back for $599.

I been reading up on it and the professional reviewers and the regular buyers are rating it pretty good. If you want more than just text reviews go to youtube and do a search for Toshiba A505-S6980 and you'll find them. So if you are looking for something other than a Dell the Toshiba A505 is a possible contender. There are many models in this series being sold at various electronic stores right now. BB also sells Dell laptops as well so if you want to let her touch and feel one take her to your local BB.
Click to expand...
 
R

rajan1311

Junior Member
Nov 6, 2009
14
0
66
hey mate, check out this one:

HP G71-340US

Scroll down to read the review. Its just $550 and has a nice high resolution 17.3" screen. It weighs less too.
 
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