Purchase advice

[2occupant]

Looking at buying a laptop, would like something strictly for nongaming, email and some business apps. Just want it to be reliable, no bells and whistles needed- except DVD.

Was told buying refurbished Dell would give most bang for buck. Should I just go w/ cheapest laptop, or will I get big jump in quality at higher price level? Would like to stay under $1200, $800 would make me happier.

Also, what risks do I run into buying used laptop online? I know there are a few on this site that look good.


Any options I shouldnt do without? Apparently 9-12 cell batteries are important.

 

[Gibson486]

just buy one of those $500 laptops tha show up in the sunday ads.

 

[fords8]

1000.00 or less, look at Dell or HPs. I prefer laptops like Asus or MSI. I am not into the prebuilts. Acer has a few nice looking laptops for under 800.00.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Originally posted by: fords8
1000.00 or less, look at Dell or HPs. I prefer laptops like Asus or MSI. I am not into the prebuilts. Acer has a few nice looking laptops for under 800.00.

I will second that. the HP dv1000 (14" widescreen) or ze2000 (15" XGA) can be had for under $1000 easily, excellent value IMO

 

[lxskllr]

My Dell Inspirion 1000 is pretty good for what it is. Definately no gaming, but for buisness apps. and internet it works really well. It's got a 14" screen and a celeron 2.2ghz proc. You should be able to get it for $600-$700. Or like the other poster said keep an eye on the Sunday paper. They frequently have good deals at Besty Buy, Compusa, cCircuit City, etc.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Whatever you do stay away from any regular Celeron notebooks, which generally run 2GHz+. These are piss-poor performers and suck up some battery. If you have to go Celeron for a value notebook, look for Celeron M. The C-M is a crippled verion of the P-M and is much improved over the regular Celeron.

 

[2occupant]

started looking at HP dv1000, and priced some Dells out. Seems like the Inspiron 1000 line have the Celeron 2.2Ghz. Does it make sense to spend another $4-500, to get better/faster/durable laptop, or will I not need to, for basic applications.

Or on other end- can I get by with lowest price laptop I can find and not regret saving a few bucks.

Any info on Dell 700M?

 

[Keyvan]

that depends on you, if this will be your only computer, then the extra money will be worth it. but if you mostly use a desktop at home, and want a laptop to take with you and use it as an extension of the desktop, then a less-expensive one might be fine...
ie: if you have a good desktop, then you may not need to go for a dvd burner on your laptop, or a HDD over 40 gigs

 

[2occupant]

Dell Inspiron 1000 is cheaper, but has Celeron. 700m is Pentium M, but $200-300 more on outlet site.

Whatever you do stay away from any regular Celeron notebooks, which generally run 2GHz+. These are piss-poor performers and suck up some battery

Most people recommended the 1000. Any other thoughts about Celeron v. Pentium

DVD would be nice for travelling. the 1000 doesnt have dvd drive- is it possible to add one?

 

[roguerower]

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
Whatever you do stay away from any regular Celeron notebooks, which generally run 2GHz+. These are piss-poor performers and suck up some battery. If you have to go Celeron for a value notebook, look for Celeron M. The C-M is a crippled verion of the P-M and is much improved over the regular Celeron.

I second. However, the Celeron D's or the new ones that are based on the P-M chip (i think) are good. Best bet is dell or hp. I would recommend IBM but they cost more than your budget.

 

[RedWolf]

If you don't mind a rebate, the Gateway 320x is a very good deal. $799 after rebate with a 1.6 pentium m, 256 meg ram, 40gb harddrive, wireless g, dvd/cdrw, 15" screen. You can upgrade to an ultrabright screen for $20, a 1.6m for $20 (or a 1.7m for 40). Also, if you are willing to take the rebates, you can get a free epson printer, and a free wireless g router. About $500 in rebates but a great deal on a brand new laptop.