Should I buy now, or wait?

[ScottyB]

Because of an available coupon, I can get a Dell 1420 (configuration below) for ~$1,100 after tax instead of ~$1,600. I will be replacing a Sony Vaio (configuration below) that doesn't perform all that well. I don't need a new computer until sometime this summer, but would like to have one for the time being as I am a little sick of the problems my current laptop gives me. The new one needs to last through grad school, and I would like to be able to do some games/graphics with it.

Really, I need to know if the regular prices will drop and/or the specs get better by summer, or it I should take the deal now.

New Dell specs:
Inspiron 1420
Intel C2 Duo 2.4 ghz with 3 MB cache
NVIDIA® GeForceTM Go 8400M GS with 128MB DDR3 dedicated graphic memory
3 GB DDR2 Ram
14.1" WXGA+ UltraSharpTM TFT Display with TrueLifeTM (1440x900)
120 GB 7200 RPM HD
DVD Burner
2 year warranty
5.4 lbs


Old Sony specs:
Vaio FS740/w
15.4" Widescreen (1280x800) - Screen has a pink line that runs vertically on the far right side
Intel Centrino 1.73ghz (pentium m chip) 2 mb cache
Headphone jack is FUBAR
1.5 GB DDR2 Ram
Intel 915GM video card with 128 MB shared RAM
80 GB 4200 RPM HD
No more warranty
6.3 lbs

 

[IlllI]

well if you've stuck it out this long.. whats a few more months? that price on the dell doesnt strike me as anything spectacular.
also, not sure what type of games you plan on playing but dont expect much with that 8400 gs

 

[ScottyB]

Originally posted by: clandren
well if you've stuck it out this long.. whats a few more months? that price on the dell doesnt strike me as anything spectacular.
also, not sure what type of games you plan on playing but dont expect much with that 8400 gs

Well, I can barely play flash games on the internet now, so anything better would be great.

 

[IlllI]

oh just flash games? if thats the case then how about something like this Text

it doesnt have an 8400 gs, but that video card would have no relevance on flash games anyway.

 

[ScottyB]

Originally posted by: clandren
oh just flash games? if thats the case then how about something like this Text

it doesnt have an 8400 gs, but that video card would have no relevance on flash games anyway.

I mean I can only play barely flash games. I would like to play some real games, but I don't need to have the fasted machine ever considering what I have now 😛

 

[IlllI]

cant play real games with an 8400.. its really not that great. i'd say just a hair above integrated graphics. probably 8600 minimum but even then setting would have to be on the low-ish side..

Text that link might be helpful

 

[onlyCOpunk]

Meh the price isn't spectacular. You can get a similarly spec'd Asus for the same price and with a better video card and warranty.

 

[VinDSL]

Originally posted by: ScottyB
I don't need a new computer until sometime this summer...

IMHO, wait "until sometime this summer!" 😉

Laptops are evolving at an exponential rate these days - 'this summer' is a long time away, in notebook years!

 

[Rottie]

How good is the coupon you have? If it still good until this summer then you can wait. If not what are you waiting for?