Looking for a Laptop to replace my desktop? Dell/HP/ASUS

[miggs721]

Hey guys,

I've been doing some research, and am looking for my 1st laptop. I like some Dell models, but their shipping time seems pretty stupid. The basic uses would be internet, and microsoft works programs, plus downloading pictures. HP seems like they have some decent models...Any suggestions

[1992casey]

Test a few in the stores before ordering online. I ran across a new HP model that runs Windows 7 way too slowly. You'll want to get an idea of how much "oomph" is necessary. That way, you'll avoid having to return, exchange, or put up with a product you're not happy with.

[mothershipconnection]

I got sweet deal on a Sony Vaio NW from newegg, and I think they've run the deal since then. Windows 7, 250GB, 4GB, $550 with free shipping & no sales tax. I buy Sony products any time they're comparably priced, as I've yet to have any Sony product fail prematurely. Of course, the proprietary parts (produo cards for cameras, etc) irk a lot of people, but you can often find those cheap enough online.

[endaround]

Yeah check in store first. All portables are not laid out the same way and you don't want to get stuck with a keyboard layout that's terrible to use for you.

[owbc]

I am very happy with my Dell Studio 1550. The only problem is that it tends to get too warm if I use it for more than 30 minutes, but I propped it up with some coasters and it is ok now. I did also have that one video issue as mentioned in the Windows 7 thread, but I was happy with the response from a single call to Dell service.

 

If you buy online, try using Bing Cashback. I used their 20% cash back sale in December and got an additional $250 rebate on top of the other Black Friday discounts. The original price was around $1700 and I got it for about $1050.

 

Buying online takes lots of shipping time (2 weeks or so) but you can customize everything about the laptop. I highly recommend getting a back light on the keyboard. They also had a Brewers laptop design available, but I decided to save the additional $60 and put it toward a nice sound/video card.

[UndraftedFA]

Did you actually get the Bing Cashback? I bought a tablet on ebay for $700 with 8% cashback. I guess I haven't checked paypal to see if it actuallu showed up though. As far as laptops I have been purchasing HP's with decent luck. I am writing this from a convertible tablet computer. It's pretty cool. A lot of co-workers keep asking about it, but I tell them don't get a tablet unless you have a good reason for it. I am a engineering student, so it comes in handy for school. Overall HP's have been good to me. I am not opposed to other brands though.

[owbc]

It is on my cashback account but I have to wait 60 days to claim it. I used the 20% on 2 purchases--one for a 24" monitor that I ended up getting for about $160 and the other for the laptop. The laptop originally didn't show up (it should show up as soon as the order ships) so I emailed the Bing customer service and it was resolved within 24 hours. The issue is that you have to click on the Bing icon to get to the website, so it does not always go through properly.

[RockCoCougars]

Toshiba laptops are not the fanciest things in the world, but they are priced right and I've been pleased with their battery life and durability.