Computer/best buy buying advice
 

My computer just died, so I'm going to buy a new one. It was a Dell laptop that I had had for 6 years. I want a new laptop.

I don't need much in the way of processor, graphics, etc. - all I really want is a pretty good screen and a decent amount of storage. I want to spend like $700-800. I might still play poker on it, but I don't do heavy gaming or video editing.

Should I order one custom made online from Dell, or should I just go get one premade at a store like Best Buy? I am going to be leaving Seattle to drive to school in Chicago on Tuesday, so I would like to have a laptop for the drive but it isnt critical. If I do get one from a store, what brand or store should I go to? I know Walmart has Dells. Also, can I haggle on the price at a store like Best Buy/Comp USA/Walmart/whatever?

Anything I should get in a computer that will be worth way more than I pay? Anything I should NOT get?


Also, please don't just give me a bunch of "OMG DELL SUCKS" if you're going to recommend a brand, say why.

Re: Computer/best buy buying advice
 

Sony VAIOs are reliable with great screens and there's always some special to get the lowest end for 600-700 bucks. You can probably pick up this special at any big electronics store like Best Buy or Circuit City.

I would browse Best Buy's website to find the special for the cheapest laptop and take note of the model number. Then check the websites for Circuit City, CompUSA, et al. to find out who's got the best deal for that model. Then call around and find out where it's in stock.

Oh and I recommend a VAIO because the screen is great on the eyes and it will stay crisp and clear for years.

Re: Computer/best buy buying advice
 

Also,

Should I/Do I need to get vista?

Re: Computer/best buy buying advice
 

sonys are crap. most bloatware of any company. they do have the best screens though.

Re: Computer/best buy buying advice
 

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Also,

Should I/Do I need to get vista?

[/ QUOTE ]

You're going to school right? It's probably easier to find pirated software (MS Office) for XP than for Vista. Vista adds no value for your needs.

Re: Computer/best buy buying advice
 

But am I going to want Vista two years from now and be annoyed I didn't get it with a new computer?

Re: Computer/best buy buying advice
 

I just got an HP Pavilion 6400series from Best Buy for around that (a little more, because of software bundle and extended warranty) and I couldn't be happier.

Vista is fine as long as you have someone to help you disable some of the more annoying features.

Re: Computer/best buy buying advice
 

Do not go to Best Buy or any similar store or use their websites unless you want to be ripped off so hard that your face will bleed. Use NewEgg or some such site or just order direct. The used section on the Dell website is a good option as well.

Re: Computer/best buy buying advice
 

[ QUOTE ]
I just got an HP Pavilion 6400series from Best Buy for around that (a little more, because of software bundle and extended warranty) and I couldn't be happier.

Vista is fine as long as you have someone to help you disable some of the more annoying features.

[/ QUOTE ]


Will older programs work on Vista? Like older copies of Office and The Sims? Also poker programs?

Re: Computer/best buy buying advice
 

Also, does anyone know anything about the Dell small business computers? Better value?

Re: Computer/best buy buying advice
 

And also, Intel or AMD processor?

Re: Computer/best buy buying advice
 

[ QUOTE ]
Also, does anyone know anything about the Dell small business computers? Better value?

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From what I remember it's a no go unless you actually have a business. I tried and they ask for your business bank account #, etc

Re: Computer/best buy buying advice
 

[ QUOTE ]
And also, Intel or AMD processor?

[/ QUOTE ]

doesn't matter, just get whatever's cheaper

Re: Computer/best buy buying advice
 

cool thanks for the info.

Re: Computer/best buy buying advice
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
And also, Intel or AMD processor?

[/ QUOTE ]

doesn't matter, just get whatever's cheaper

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Well, it matters...to a degree. Intel does have the best processors out there currently, and by a decent margin. It doesn't sound like you need a super-great processor, but I'd still lean intel unless AMD is significantly cheaper.

Re: Computer/best buy buying advice
 

I personally would pick intel over AMD for a laptop. I though I read that they are better chips...less power usage, and less heat.

I would go with Dell over BB. If you do, google Dell Coupons, there are always deals for various Dells, and they expire and change all the time it seems.

Re: Computer/best buy buying advice
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
And also, Intel or AMD processor?

[/ QUOTE ]

doesn't matter, just get whatever's cheaper

[/ QUOTE ]

Well, it matters...to a degree. Intel does have the best processors out there currently, and by a decent margin. It doesn't sound like you need a super-great processor, but I'd still lean intel unless AMD is significantly cheaper.

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dude...it doesn't matter for like 99% of computer users...OP's not even planning to game really, never mind do anything really intensive

oh lol, actually now that i think of it, it does matter if he's getting a laptop...OP if you are getting a laptop go AMD

Re: Computer/best buy buying advice
 

Intel is like $50 more so I will probably go with that. And yea, I decided to just build my own dell.

Do most of the Inspirons come with open memory slots and are they easy to upgrade? because the Dell RAM is so frickin expensive.

Re: Computer/best buy buying advice
 

OK why AMD?


Dells are $50 less for the AMDs it seems.

Re: Computer/best buy buying advice
 

[ QUOTE ]
OK why AMD?


Dells are $50 less for the AMDs it seems.

[/ QUOTE ]

cheaper, and in laptops they run cooler...just don't get the desktop replacement chip, get a Celeron or whatever the next one in that line is

Re: Computer/best buy buying advice
 

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Intel is like $50 more so I will probably go with that. And yea, I decided to just build my own dell.

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Just a heads up, I've been researching a little for a new laptop, and have read that Dell has been having problems recently with timely shipping on certain models, especially with school starting soon - link.

Re: Computer/best buy buying advice
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
OK why AMD?


Dells are $50 less for the AMDs it seems.

[/ QUOTE ]

cheaper, and in laptops they run cooler...just don't get the desktop replacement chip, get a Celeron or whatever the next one in that line is

[/ QUOTE ]


wait... celeron is intel. Do you mean get the Intel for a laptop or get the AMD (insert name here) chip?

Re: Computer/best buy buying advice
 

At least when I bought mine, the top of the line AMD dual processor was significantly cheaper than the Intel dual - the guy basically asked me "are you doing anything with like AutoCAD? No? No good reason to get the intel then"

PS, PT PAHUD and various other programs all definitely work with Vista.

And dude, I just had a Dell, and let me tell you that I would not do so again. Seriously, I really think you get more bang for your laptop buck with HP or (from what I've heard) Toshiba.

Re: Computer/best buy buying advice
 

From the stuff I've read (mostly extremetech.com), I'd conclude that getting an intel laptop is worth $50 over getting an AMD in terms of both performance and power usage. If ilya has more/other/better data than I do, I'm interested to hear it. As a disclaimer, I had been an AMD fanboi, rooting for the underdog versus the evil empire, esp. when AMD did have a performance advantage over intel. But lately, it looks like AMD has dropped the ball.

Edit: And yeah, the latest I'd seen was that AMD chips were notoriously hotter than intel.

Re: Computer/best buy buying advice
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
OK why AMD?


Dells are $50 less for the AMDs it seems.

[/ QUOTE ]

cheaper, and in laptops they run cooler...just don't get the desktop replacement chip, get a Celeron or whatever the next one in that line is

[/ QUOTE ]


wait... celeron is intel. Do you mean get the Intel for a laptop or get the AMD (insert name here) chip?

[/ QUOTE ]

er oops my bad [img]/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img]

yeah i mean celeron

Re: Computer/best buy buying advice
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Intel is like $50 more so I will probably go with that. And yea, I decided to just build my own dell.

[/ QUOTE ]

Just a heads up, I've been researching a little for a new laptop, and have read that Dell has been having problems recently with timely shipping on certain models, especially with school starting soon - link.

[/ QUOTE ]


well it looks like I wouldn't be affected by the extra delays. I guess that's what you get for having to have a pink laptop lol.

Re: Computer/best buy buying advice
 

[ QUOTE ]
Also, does anyone know anything about the Dell small business computers? Better value?

[/ QUOTE ]

not necessarily. I bought my current laptop through small business about 2 years ago, because it was a better value than through home (I paid 1k). My gf just got a new computer a month ago, and home had the better deal.

and you can definitely order through small business even without one. They only ask for a business name, just make something up. And, that's not cheating their rules or anything, they told me over the phone to just make up a name.

Re: Computer/best buy buying advice
 

Actually, you can find some great deals at Best Buy in the Sunday insert ads. And Best Buy does not carry those crappy mail in rebates- all rebates are instant. I bought my Toshiba laptop for a mere $600 and am quite happy with it..

If you're going to be doing web surfing, writing emails, the latest and greatest laptop with lots of horsepower is not neccessary.. I think all laptops come with Vista, so your options are limited with the OS.

Re: Computer/best buy buying advice
 

Get XP if you can, vista is a nightmare & you can always update at a later date when its safe/stable.

Re: Computer/best buy buying advice
 

[ QUOTE ]
Get XP if you can, vista is a nightmare & you can always update at a later date when its safe/stable.

[/ QUOTE ]

Can you elaborate on why vista is a bad choice now? Most of the customizable laptops I like only offer versions of Vista and I'm not familiar with non Windows systems. Specifically, if I'm just a basic user - no special skills or requirements from my computer - how will Vista affect me? How is it not safe?

Re: Computer/best buy buying advice
 

You may as well get Vista, it will be standard and apps will be written specifically for it before you get a new lappy. The interface is different enough from XP that I would highly recomend picking up a Vista book. Go to any large chain and thumb through a few of the 3" books on it till you see one you like the style of. Will run about 50 bucks.

Re: Computer/best buy buying advice
 

I've had lots of Dells and always been happy with them. I agree not to get it from Best Buy though -- you can probably get a MUCH better deal online. Look for some of the online coupons and deals at sites like gotapex.com, etc.

I had a Vaio laptop once and was very happy with it -- but Sony support sucks imo... At least it did 5-6 years ago when I needed support from them. Dell support is pretty awesome -- especially if you get the extended warranty that covers everything on your laptop, including spills, drops, etc.

If you have the money, I would definitely buy a Mac! It's going to run you at least $1100 though ... however, I would say that it is completely worth it. I got a Macbook Pro back in November after working (and programming) on PCs for years and I haven't regretted it one bit.

Macs are more stable and easier to use (from a standpoint of installing software, not having to configure drivers, etc.). You can also run VMWare Fusion or Parallels to run Windows (or run Bootcamp and dual-boot into Windows) when you want to run Windows only software like PokerStars (although they are working on a Beta), PokerTracker, HUD, etc.

Re: Computer/best buy buying advice
 

Just a few thoughts - I bought a laptop last year and here are some things I'd want to make sure:

(1) Look at all the screens carefully. I hate my current laptop because the vertical viewing angle is REALLY picky and if you angle it just slightly the screen looks very different.

(2) Play with the keyboards a lot. If you don't like the feel of the keyboard, it's going to be annoying to use the laptop.

(3) Specs:
- AMD or intel doesn't really matter. Both are tons fast for most laptop users. The one processor I would avoid is the T2060/T2080 - this is the "crippled" intel chip with less cache. For the same money you'd probably be better off getting the AMD.
- Get at least 1gb of ram
- Get a 6-cell battery. A lot of the cheapo deals at best buy use a 4-cell and battery-life is quite short for these.
- Make sure it has s-video out. For some crazy reason, mine didn't.

There's no reason you can't get a great laptop for < $600 these days.

To reiterate, make sure you look at the screen from many angles and play with the keyboard. This will make a much bigger difference in your daily use than having 120gb of hd space vs. 100gb.

Re: Computer/best buy buying advice
 

Quick hijack:

If I use MANY windows-only programs, is it worth buying a mac?

Re: Computer/best buy buying advice
 

So I just got one from Dell.

1 223-0553 Inspiron 1520, Intel Core 2 Duo T7100, 1.8GHz, 800Mhz, 2M L2 Cache $997.57
1 313-5395 Jet Black Color with Matte Finish $0.00
1 311-7213 1GB, DDR2, 667MHz 2 Dimm $0.00
1 320-5462 High Resolution, glossy widescreen 15.4 inch display (1680x1050) $0.00
1 320-5457 Intel Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator 3100 $0.00
1 341-4768 120G 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive $0.00
1 420-6556 Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition, English $0.00
1 310-9093 DELL RESOURCE DVD,BACK-UP INSP 1520 $0.00
1 420-5769 Internet Search and Portal $0.00
1 420-5924 Icon Consolidation Application $0.00
1 420-6436 Vista, PC-Restore, Dim/Insp $0.00
1 420-6995 DELL SUPPORT 3.4,DIM/INSP $0.00
1 463-2282 Dell Owners Manual installed on your system,click on icon after system set-up to access $0.00
1 420-7024 Media Direct 3.3 $0.00
1 420-7244 Dell Support Center 1.0 $0.00
1 430-0493 Integrated 10/100 Network Cardand Modem, for Inspiron $0.00
1 412-0917 Adobe Acrobat Reader 7.0, for Inspiron $0.00
1 313-5197 8X DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Drive $0.00
1 420-6464 Roxio Creator Basic $0.00
1 313-4783 Integrated High Definition Audio 2.0 $0.00
1 430-2334 Intel 3945 WLAN (802.11a/g) Mini Card $0.00
1 320-5691 Integrated 2.0M Pixel Webcam $0.00
1 412-0968 Creative Earbud EP630 $0.00
1 412-0940 Security 30-day trial $0.00
1 312-0526 85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery, for Inspiron 1520 $0.00
1 461-3063 No ISP Requested $0.00
1 420-6589 Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student Edition $0.00
1 950-3337 1 Year Limited Warranty $0.00
1 950-9057 No Warranty, Year 2 and 3 $0.00
1 987-5437 Dell Hardware Warranty Plus Return To Depot, Initial Year $0.00
1 983-3090 Type 12- Mail-InService, 24x7 TechnicalSupport, Initial Year $0.00
1 960-2780 Warranty Support,Initial Year $0.00
1 466-7698 Thank you for choosing Dell $.00
1 430-2348 Dell Wirless 355 Bluetooth Mod $14.43
1 320-5806 Jet Black color w/ 2.0M pixel Camera $.00
1 310-9348 Intel Centrino Core Duo Processor $.00
1 310-8628 You have chosen a Windows Vista Premium System $.00
1 420-7091 DataSafe Online Dim/Ins/XPS $.00
1 420-7092 DataSafe Online Dim/Ins/XPS 1YR-FREE $.00
1 987-4817 Insp Datasafe 3GB,1YR(Incl in price),DHS $0.00
1 988-0099 To activate your online backupaccount, go to Start, Programs, DataSafe Online $.00

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
View My Orders

Sub-Total : $1012.00
Shipping : $.00
Tax : $63.26

Order Total :
$1075.26



I found a $325 off of Inspiron notebooks coupon, so I fell like I got a pretty good deal on this.

I can't wait for it to arrive!

Re: Computer/best buy buying advice
 

[ QUOTE ]
So I just got one from Dell.

1 223-0553 Inspiron 1520, Intel Core 2 Duo T7100, 1.8GHz, 800Mhz, 2M L2 Cache $997.57
1 313-5395 Jet Black Color with Matte Finish $0.00
1 311-7213 1GB, DDR2, 667MHz 2 Dimm $0.00
1 320-5462 High Resolution, glossy widescreen 15.4 inch display (1680x1050) $0.00
1 320-5457 Intel Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator 3100 $0.00
1 341-4768 120G 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive $0.00
1 420-6556 Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition, English $0.00
1 310-9093 DELL RESOURCE DVD,BACK-UP INSP 1520 $0.00
1 420-5769 Internet Search and Portal $0.00
1 420-5924 Icon Consolidation Application $0.00
1 420-6436 Vista, PC-Restore, Dim/Insp $0.00
1 420-6995 DELL SUPPORT 3.4,DIM/INSP $0.00
1 463-2282 Dell Owners Manual installed on your system,click on icon after system set-up to access $0.00
1 420-7024 Media Direct 3.3 $0.00
1 420-7244 Dell Support Center 1.0 $0.00
1 430-0493 Integrated 10/100 Network Cardand Modem, for Inspiron $0.00
1 412-0917 Adobe Acrobat Reader 7.0, for Inspiron $0.00
1 313-5197 8X DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Drive $0.00
1 420-6464 Roxio Creator Basic $0.00
1 313-4783 Integrated High Definition Audio 2.0 $0.00
1 430-2334 Intel 3945 WLAN (802.11a/g) Mini Card $0.00
1 320-5691 Integrated 2.0M Pixel Webcam $0.00
1 412-0968 Creative Earbud EP630 $0.00
1 412-0940 Security 30-day trial $0.00
1 312-0526 85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery, for Inspiron 1520 $0.00
1 461-3063 No ISP Requested $0.00
1 420-6589 Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student Edition $0.00
1 950-3337 1 Year Limited Warranty $0.00
1 950-9057 No Warranty, Year 2 and 3 $0.00
1 987-5437 Dell Hardware Warranty Plus Return To Depot, Initial Year $0.00
1 983-3090 Type 12- Mail-InService, 24x7 TechnicalSupport, Initial Year $0.00
1 960-2780 Warranty Support,Initial Year $0.00
1 466-7698 Thank you for choosing Dell $.00
1 430-2348 Dell Wirless 355 Bluetooth Mod $14.43
1 320-5806 Jet Black color w/ 2.0M pixel Camera $.00
1 310-9348 Intel Centrino Core Duo Processor $.00
1 310-8628 You have chosen a Windows Vista Premium System $.00
1 420-7091 DataSafe Online Dim/Ins/XPS $.00
1 420-7092 DataSafe Online Dim/Ins/XPS 1YR-FREE $.00
1 987-4817 Insp Datasafe 3GB,1YR(Incl in price),DHS $0.00
1 988-0099 To activate your online backupaccount, go to Start, Programs, DataSafe Online $.00

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
View My Orders

Sub-Total : $1012.00
Shipping : $.00
Tax : $63.26

Order Total :
$1075.26



I found a $325 off of Inspiron notebooks coupon, so I fell like I got a pretty good deal on this.

I can't wait for it to arrive!

[/ QUOTE ]

Somehow it seems like you overpaid. I got almost the same computer with a slightly less powerful processor but a 17" widescreen 1920x1200 display for like $1k flat. I guess you paid for Office which seems dumb given the freeness of OpenOffice. I also got an extra battery which you didn't.

Re: Computer/best buy buying advice
 

Emon: I think you overpaid by at least $200.

Re: Computer/best buy buying advice
 

For comparison here is what I got (left the dumb [censored] out):

1 223-0957 Inspiron 1720, Intel Core 2 Duo T5250, 1.5GHz, 667Mhz 2M L2 Cache
1 313-5473 Jet Black Color with Matte Finish
1 311-7217 1GB, DDR2, 667MHz 2 Dimm
1 320-5504 High Resolution, glossy widescreen 17.0 inch display (1920 x 1200)
1 320-5467 128MB NVIDIA GeForce Go 8400
1 341-4708 120G 5400RPM SATA hard drive 5400RPM
1 430-0493 Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem, for Inspiron
1 341-4716 8X DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Drive
1 313-4783 Integrated High Definition Audio 2.0
1 430-2307 Dell Wireless 1390 802.11g Mini Card
1 312-0526 85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery, for Inspiron 1520
1 312-0528 85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Additional Battery, for Inspiron 1520
1 430-2348 Dell Wirless 355 Bluetooth Mod

I paid $1,100 including tax, shipping, and retarded California environmental fees.

Also grabbed 4GB of RAM off of NewEgg for about $250.