New Laptop for Wife part 1

Solarstarshines

Hello everyone I was wondering if there are any decent laptops for under $450.00 that is pretty decent and will last for atleast 3-4 years

This Laptop would be for my wife for she doesn't game or do any major work besides burn movies pictures music and web cam to the phillipines on skype

Im assuming she wouldnt need a ultra powered system but i do want to get her something with in medium range that will get her going with no hang up I am looking into more of a AMD laptop so if anyone out there has a few suggestions please post


specs and price preferably

cpu 2ghz to 2.6 ghz

dvd/cd burner no need for blue ray at the moment but if it is a combo drive that supports all three fine

250 gb hd up to 350 fine

don't need to worry about graphics to much

wifi and windows 7 of 64 bit

ram atleast 3 gbs will also take 2 gb if i cant find anything with 3 in my price range

display atleast a 15.1 medium size

thank you whom ever replys i want to keep it under $500.00 that would be encluding the tax

once again she only does pics burn cd's /dvd's and web cam to native country

Petey7

I'd look at the Dell Inspiron 1525. They start at $400 and you customize it how ever you like. With the requirements you give, it looks like it would cost $424.99, before tax and shipping. Unfortunately, Dell only does free shipping on systems that cost $600 or more.

The Dell Online Store: Build Your System

EDIT: its an Intel CPU. Forgot that fast you said AMD. Most Dells are Intel. I'll keep looking around to see what else I can find for you.

The Howling Wolves

Laptops from Toshiba Direct | Netbooks, Notebooks & Laptop Accessories
Just make sure of their return policy and warranty.
I like the box stores like Sam's Club, Staples, Office Depot as they don't have a 15% return to stock policy. IMO

Bill2

Inspiron 15R Laptop Details | Dell~~

Slightly above your budget at $499 though.

Petey7

After following THWs link, it looks like this is exactly what you're looking for. And I've only heard and seen good things when it comes to Toshiba laptops.

Solarstarshines

thank you all im looking at the link and if you still have more suggestions please feel free im basicly looking to get this laptop early august prett much the next 2 weeks i want to have it ready for her

thanks a bunch and still any other suggestions welcome

and this is one of the laptops i came up with
Satellite C650D-BT2N11 399.99

The Howling Wolves

Here's another link to add to your confusion.
Best Laptops Under $500 - Yahoo! Shopping
I usually check Sunday's paper for tech item sales. Just to see what is out there.
I am sure whatever you get your wife she will appreciate it.

whs

This looks like a decent deal: Newegg.com - ASUS P50IJ-X3 NoteBook Intel Pentium dual-core T4500(2.30GHz) 15.6" 4GB Memory 320GB HDD 5400rpm DVD Super Multi Intel GMA 4500M But I also like Toshibas. Check with BestBuy (Sunday ads). They usually are very competitive.

The Howling Wolves

�� Quote: Originally Posted by whs

This looks like a decent deal: Newegg.com - ASUS P50IJ-X3 NoteBook Intel Pentium dual-core T4500(2.30GHz) 15.6" 4GB Memory 320GB HDD 5400rpm DVD Super Multi Intel GMA 4500M But I also like Toshibas. Check with BestBuy (Sunday ads). They usually are very competitive.

whs,
I like Best Buy too but they have that darn 15% return to stock policy and the extended warranties are expensive. IMO

whs

�� Quote: Originally Posted by The Howling Wolves

�� Quote: Originally Posted by whs

This looks like a decent deal: Newegg.com - ASUS P50IJ-X3 NoteBook Intel Pentium dual-core T4500(2.30GHz) 15.6" 4GB Memory 320GB HDD 5400rpm DVD Super Multi Intel GMA 4500M But I also like Toshibas. Check with BestBuy (Sunday ads). They usually are very competitive.

whs,
I like Best Buy too but they have that darn 15% return to stock policy and the extended warranties are expensive. IMO

True, the 2 week free return is cutting it close. Office Depot has 4 weeks, I believe.

CarlTR6

If you have a CompUSA store near you, check them out. You can also shop online with them. CompUSA.com - Computers, Laptops, Televisions, Software, and Electronics from the All-New CompUSA!

Solarstarshines

yeah i hate the return policy thats why im not going to buy online to be shipped more worried about they won't let me return and loosing more then getting what i paid i know one place fry's electronics they dont do a 15% best buy i think is a little bit over priced on some items but im willing to look since i can't build i laptop myself

I just dont want to be caught in a situation where i would have to tottaly loose my mind to get justice I basicly going to scout from what i hear from the forum and see if i can get the same price at a retailer that way i know i can take it back immediatly and with a reciept in thiere face they have to eat it which in the long run helps me since they are shipped in multiples to these companies

so im going through walmart.com bestbuy.com staples even sams club the best deal so far was the toshiba

seems like toshiba might be the choice after thinking about it more i can probally stretch another 150.00 just because most of the better one's are near the 600.00 dollar range but even with that increase im still round a 550.00 budget because im still keeping in mind the taxes are atleast another $ 60.00 on top of the $550.00

Solarstarshines

compusa had a pretty good deal on a refurbished celeron 900 but would it even be wise to go that route i mean that is a single core cpu isnt it ? CompUSA.com | RB-PSLY0U-03F02F | Toshiba Satellite L455-S5000 Refurbished Laptop PC I also was pondering this one as well CompUSA.com | PSLU0U-08D035 | Toshiba Satellite L505-LS5014 15.6 Notebook PC also im not really finding any deals with a amd based laptop intel seems to be dealing these pretty steadily http://www.compusa.com/applications/...&Sku=T71-15630

ok can someone tell me from highest to low on the rating wise or what would be more prominant choice

The Howling Wolves

Celeron is the bottom of the barrel for computers. IMO
Refurbished...BE CAREFUL. Might be buying someone else's problems even tho they have been checked out.
Take your time as you have over 2 weeks to make this big call.

Solarstarshines

that is very true i apreciate the wisdom

The right choice always leads to a happy day or rest of my anniversary lol

whs

I have never seen a decent PC in Walmart - so better obstain. The Lenovo looks OK, but I would not buy from CompUSA. NewEgg is the most decent company on the web. I never had any trouble returning things to them. I draw your attention again to the Asus from NewEgg that I posted earlier.

Solarstarshines

@whs are there any laptops with a higher rpm5400 i know im starting to relize that is pretty slow I wonder how fast startup would be ?

are most laptops drives at those speeds 5400rpm looks like alot of them are rated at that

Petey7

5400 rpm is normal for a laptop. Start-up is fine on my computer. I don't see any slowdowns that I think a higher RPM would fix.

whs

�� Quote: Originally Posted by Solarstarshines

@whs are there any laptops with a higher rpm5400 i know im starting to relize that is pretty slow I wonder how fast startup would be ?

are most laptops drives at those speeds 5400rpm looks like alot of them are rated at that

Yes, laptops with 7200RPM disks do exist. But they are outside your price range. There are even 17" HPs that have 2 disk bays so that you can add a SSD or fast HDD for the OS. The cost around $750 (last time I looked in BestBuy.
But I would not worry too much about the load time. Granted it is a little slower, but it is not a world of difference. On 2 of my 3 laptops I replaced the HDD with a 80GB SSDs because I had only 1 bay. But that costs another $150 (appr.).

Solarstarshines

@whs and petey7 Im so glad you guys are schooling me on this a desktop i could put together in my sleep but a laptop is a whole other animal

I used to think laptops were easy to choose from but as i find out more and more there are little details i have to consider very much unlike my desktop

Im very apreciative of this whole thread i been helped pretty much with the questions i will repost when i buy the laptop of course and show you what i ended up with

Petey7

Keep in mind in 99% of cases, you can only alter the RAM and HDD. If you get only 2GB of RAM, it usually isn't hard to upgrade. Just hold on to the old RAM in case you need to make a warranty claim.

thefabe

I usually buy from Newegg but whyen the prices are close and I can wait I'll order form Tiger. Since I live in California I have to pay tax on a Newegg purchase with Tiger I don't so it's sometimes worth it.
I don't know if anyone has linked this site cause I didn't read the entire thread, but with the information you've been provided this could give you some idea of what's avalible and pricing to expect. Laptops, Notebooks, Laptop Computers, Cheap Laptops, Notebook PC at TigerDirect.com Good hunting hope this will help some. Fabe

The Howling Wolves

�� Quote: Originally Posted by thefabe

I usually buy from Newegg but whyen the prices are close and I can wait I'll order form Tiger. Since I live in California I have to pay tax on a Newegg purchase with Tiger I don't so it's sometimes worth it.
I don't know if anyone has linked this site cause I didn't read the entire thread, but with the information you've been provided this could give you some idea of what's avalible and pricing to expect. Laptops, Notebooks, Laptop Computers, Cheap Laptops, Notebook PC at TigerDirect.com Good hunting hope this will help some. Fabe

Fabe,
In early posts we went over where to buy and what not to buy and check on return to stock and cost of warranties.
He's got a pretty good idea, I hope, on laptop for his wife. Going to be a surprise for her in 2 weeks. Nice gift huh?

thefabe

Very nice gift. Thanks for the heads up. Fabe

polarbear

Been using most laptops for many years... Toshiba and then Panasonic would be my choices... both Intel based... GL and hope the wife enjoys...

Solarstarshines

yeah I dont want to go lower then three gigs of ram because im getting a 64bit os unit 4 preferably but im working with a small budget

Also i am leaning towards toshiba since they seem to have a better build for a more reasonable price I see alot of other brands with not even half the specs that are priced more then they should will keep everyone posted in the next two weeks to see what i actually come up with

pbcopter

I just bought a new ACER Aspire 5251 from Walmart for $298.00. It has all you mentioned. It is not the fastest laptop I've ever seen but it meets all my needs. I got it at my local store and they had plenty of them.

Acer Support - Acer Aspire 5251 Notebook Series Specifications

Walmart.com: Acer 15.6" Aspire AS5251-1513 Notebook PC with AMD V-Series Processor, Webcam, HDMI Output and Windows 7 Home Premium: Computers

Petey7

�� Quote: Originally Posted by Solarstarshines

yeah I dont want to go lower then three gigs of ram because im getting a 64bit os unit 4 preferably but im working with a small budget

Also i am leaning towards toshiba since they seem to have a better build for a more reasonable price I see alot of other brands with not even half the specs that are priced more then they should will keep everyone posted in the next two weeks to see what i actually come up with

My family (including aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.) has bought exclusively from Dell for years and have always liked their customer service, but the next time I buy a laptop, I might go with Toshiba. That should give you an idea of how much their computers impress me.

Solarstarshines

wow that acer looks pretty good and has a good onboard graphics hd4250 256mb i could have 2 more gigs added for less cause of the money i would save the intergrated graphics caught my attention even though she won't use it for games

I'm sure the quality of movies and videos will look very impressive

whs

�� Quote: Originally Posted by pbcopter

I just bought a new ACER Aspire 5251 from Walmart for $298.00. It has all you mentioned. It is not the fastest laptop I've ever seen but it meets all my needs. I got it at my local store and they had plenty of them.

Acer Support - Acer Aspire 5251 Notebook Series Specifications

Walmart.com: Acer 15.6" Aspire AS5251-1513 Notebook PC with AMD V-Series Processor, Webcam, HDMI Output and Windows 7 Home Premium: Computers

I hope you will be happy with it. I would not have touched it. The combination Acer and Walmart is too much.

Quote:

I'm sure the quality of movies and videos will look very impressive

I don't think you will notice much of a difference.

Solarstarshines

yeah i understand i used to work for walmart though i know people even familly memebers im sure if i had a issue i can get it resolved but that was just a nice little deal i am considering

nothing is set in stone but it will be once everything is factored in

Tews

Which ever one you choose, Im sure she'll like it..

pbcopter

The only issue with the Acer is that it comes with only 2GB of RAM and it is a 2x 1GB dual channel set. Since there are only 2 slots, to upgrade, you must replace both or mix.

Solarstarshines

pbcopter That will be noted see yet again good advice that comes with in time before this purchase one more thing for me to watch out for and that is upgradable vs just get it already with the 4 gigs thank you once again

for turning the wheels one more time not just about price it is about what i truly want for that unit

whs

I like to throw in my 5 cents worth again. Acer is really bottom of the barrel. If you want top shelf, go with Toshiba, Asus and to a certain extent Dell. Your call, of course. In addition, they make special series for Walmart with the cheapest ingredients. How else can the price come about.

Petey7

I have to agree with whs all the way on this one.

Solarstarshines

actually i was just at wallmart by my house and i saw what they had to offer my best bet for 500.00 was the hp 3 gigs ram 2.2 ghz amd v series cpu and 250 gb hard drive webcam for 498 .00 and belive me i didnt ask any employess

Employees at walmart most not all have very and i mean very little knowlege about the product it would be like asking my dog how does my car drive

belive me i take alot of consideration in the information you all give me i take this serious and all comments and replys are taken with the deepest concerns the last thing i would want is to come up with a bad product

that is why im very fortunate i keep getting more and more answers and perspectives of what should be vs what it shouldnt

CarlTR6

�� Quote: Originally Posted by whs

I like to throw in my 5 cents worth again. Acer is really bottom of the barrel. If you want top shelf, go with Toshiba, Asus and to a certain extent Dell. Your call, of course. In addition, they make special series for Walmart with the cheapest ingredients. How else can the price come about.

I, too, concur with WHS.

Petey7

What you buy her shouldn't be a HP. Very poor quality in my opinion. My dad works at one the HP production plants in Richmond, VA and he won't touch any of their products besides printers. In fact, the computer they gave him to use at work is a IBM. that should tell you something right there.

whs

�� Quote: Originally Posted by Petey7

What you buy her shouldn't be a HP. Very poor quality in my opinion. My dad works at one the HP production plants in Richmond, VA and he won't touch any of their products besides printers. In fact, the computer they gave him to use at work is a IBM. that should tell you something right there.

This is funny. I worked for IBM for 35 years. Although I could get Lenovos with a company discount, I bought HP, Dell and Gateway. I have to admit that the HP laptop is so,so - but the desktop is great. I have already (easily) changed some of the inners (PSU, Graphics, SSD). Try that on a Dell. I just fought half a day to install a SSD in my Dell box. Both of the Gateways are laptops and the wife loves them. One is over 3 years old without problems. But my own next laptop is going to be a Toshiba - with backlit keys. Then I can see the keys, LOL.

Solarstarshines

backlit keys wow that is awesome feature

CarlTR6

�� Quote: Originally Posted by whs

�� Quote: Originally Posted by Petey7

What you buy her shouldn't be a HP. Very poor quality in my opinion. My dad works at one the HP production plants in Richmond, VA and he won't touch any of their products besides printers. In fact, the computer they gave him to use at work is a IBM. that should tell you something right there.

This is funny. I worked for IBM for 35 years. Although I could get Lenovos with a company discount, I bought HP, Dell and Gateway. I have to admit that the HP laptop is so,so - but the desktop is great. I have already (easily) changed some of the inners (PSU, Graphics, SSD). Try that on a Dell. I just fought half a day to install a SSD in my Dell box. Both of the Gateways are laptops and the wife loves them. One is over 3 years old without problems. But my own next laptop is going to be a Toshiba - with backlit keys. Then I can see the keys, LOL.

WHS, if got one of those Toshibas, would it help me type faster?

whs

Quote:

WHS, if got one of those Toshibas, would it help me type faster?

It would help me type at all with my 2 finger "seek the key" system. I have less than 50% vision and so that is a useful feature for me.

CarlTR6

I can understand that would be a big help. I found that a black keyboard with withe letters helped me see the keys better.

Solarstarshines

well the backlit key option sounds great based on i have a 1 year old in our room and she sleeps very lightly this is our alternitive to my well lit 22" screen it would keep alot of light away from my kid so she wont be disturbed i need to look into that very good idea cause keeping the room dark would keep her nice and quiet

almost like the effect when you throw a blanket over a parrot make him sleep lol

Solarstarshines

Well everyone that I had posted and chatted with Thank you

I would like to commend each of you for good arguments based on what i should get so finally this is what i got

I ended up asking her what would she prefer and she said she swould love a new tv
so i ended up getting a 37 in vizio true hd srs surround sound 5.1 energey star 2 hdmi ports 1 usb 1 pc and for the price 468.00 i couldn't go wrong

basicly i was better off going this route i am going to use EYEFINITY and buy a few xbox gamming pads and do most of my gamming and movie watching through hdmi to the tv and my wife can play on the computer with the 22 in and do multiple task or vice versa so ultimatly i think i made a better decision then buying another machine

my specs prove worthy enough of this techonlogical feet so i am very stoked pleased if you will

THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN FORUM MEMBERS i will be posting pics in the near future after the whole set up is complete up and running thanks

CarlTR6

That was a smart move in asking the lady what she wanted.

Solarstarshines

yes better me asking now then to be regretting it later for years to come lol

profdlp

�� Quote: Originally Posted by Solarstarshines

yes better me asking now then to be regretting it later for years to come lol

You are a very wise man.

Pusspa

lol happy wife happy life!

CarlTR6

�� Quote: Originally Posted by Pusspa

lol happy wife happy life!

No doubt in my mind!

Solarstarshines

yes indeed when she saw it she was very happy i don't think she has ever made the wow expression before so it was kinda cool thanks again everyone

polarbear

Great to hear... Happy wife and marriage...