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New Laptop Advise, ~$550

cpeters

Junior Member
Hi, This is my first time actually posting asking for some options on this forum but i've been a lingerer for years.

I am in search of a mobile laptop to supplement my desktop. I have been building my own desktops for years now so am kind of shocked at the price/performance difference.

I am going to Grad School in the fall and need something to carry around during the day with me. I will have the desktop at home though. The key is mobility. I don't think I really want to drop to a netbook type though?

Intended Use:
-Microsoft Office: Powerpoint, Word, Excel
-Surfing the Net
-Listening to music (no editing)

Things I would like:
-13.5 to 14" screen about
-fairly lightweight, most are now under 5lbs for this size of screen
-decent quality construction
-possibly an HDMI but may not be possible at this price range

I would imagine that I could get an Intel i3 or AMD Phenom processor. I have been looking through the Dell Inspiron 14r, Toshiba Satellite series, and a few Acer laptops. I haven't come anywhere close to a decision. I seem to just be digging myself into an even deeper hole.

Is this doable for under $500? I could go to $600 max but It would have to be really awesome. Thank you for your consideration and input, I really appreciate your suggestions/comments.
 
You can get a i3 equipped Dell Inspiron 14r for 20% off $450, so $360 plus tax.

At Dell Home outlet. The refurbs are usually great and have the same warranty as new.

Coupon code for %20 off is N06H0?R17M35SB good thru 4/29. It's good for all laptops there, you might find a better deal too.

•Processor: Intel Core i3-380M (2.53GHz, 4Threads, 3M cache)
•Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium
•Inspiron 14R
•250 GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
•2 GB DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz (1 DIMMs)
•8X DVD +/- RW Drive
•Intel Graphics Media Accelerator HD
 
Wow,

That actually looks really attractive. I'm highly considering the Dell Inspiron 14R-N4010. For $360 with free shipping that is a pretty killer deal.

Thanks Tom.

The coupon code is much appreciated
 
Dell is currently selling the Vostro 3300 starting at $469. It is a business class laptop with a decent build quality and a one year next business day warranty. The specs for the entry level one are listed below.

Intel Core i3-370 2.4GHz
2GB DDR3 1066MHz
250GB 7200RPM SATA
8X DVD+/-RW Optical
Intel HD Graphics
13.3" 1366x768 Matte
Windows 7 Home Premium
 
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