laptop for $1k or less?

[Baron Of Hell]

I'm not up to date on current trends in laptops. What I want is something to do modeling, graphic art, writing, and other minor things on. I'm not looking to play the latest unreal or doom on it.

Are there any good deals like this or where would be a good place to research laptops.

Oh yeah I'm currently using Gimp for graphics and bender for modeling.

[DonnachaOne]

I, too, am looking for a laptop. Whereas I'd much prefer a Mac, I understand that Microsoft ones are cheaper. I'm looking for one on which I can do rudimentary video editing.
I'd want a DVD writer drive, and at least: 80 gigabytes of hard drive space, a 14 inch screen, two USB ports, firewire, a processor of 1 Gigahertz speed, 512 megabytes of RAM and ability to connect to the internet wirelessly. That's what I'd like at least - of course, if I could get better I'd be very happy... I want to use this as my primary computer, and transfer all my VHS camcorder tapes to digital format so that I can edit them.

[D.Pham00]

a desktop would perform much better as a 3d modeling/ video editor than a laptop, given the same price range for both. with that said, if you must buy a laptop, and want a good deal, then wait a while, and surf around, and you'll find a good deal.

[PopcornTreeCt]

Keep an eye out for Dell coupons or some of those amazing 1 day only sales.

[Baron Of Hell]

I have a desktop that is just fine. The laptop is for mobility. I probably won't be using it at home much. Dell huh, I'll keep my eye out.

[PopcornTreeCt]

Yeah, I love my Dell laptop. Some may agree/disagree but it gets a thumbs up from me.

[digitalfreaknyc]

Any updates here? I think I'm in to get one soon.

[Deftones]

Best Buy always has a laptop on sale for bout $500. I got a pretty decent Gateway one there for that price.

AMD Turion 64. I had to add some more RAM, but it's worked well.

[digitalfreaknyc]

Best Buy always has a laptop on sale for bout $500. I got a pretty decent Gateway one there for that price.

AMD Turion 64. I had to add some more RAM, but it's worked well.

Yeah they're always on sale but are they any good? :)

I'd like to get a duo core one.

[JustinCleveland]

I dropped about 1350 for the dv9035 at Best Buy a month ago and have been completely satisfied.

[digitalfreaknyc]

I dropped about 1350 for the dv9035 at Best Buy a month ago and have been completely satisfied.

I want to pay more than $500 but less than 1k. It's not going to be my main machine. It's mostly going to be for emailing and some light audio work.

[TimeandTide]

I paid $739 at CC for a Compaq AMD Turion™ 64 X2 TL-50 with a 100GB HD. Has worked like a champ so far. No problems yet, but I've only been using it for iTunes, some light word processing and the internet. No idea if it has the muscle for modeling or music editing, etc., but perfect for what I've needed it for.

[Harold Wazzu]

http://www.gotapex.com/

Check there, they post dell deals every day

[shelland]

I've been hearing a lot about going with Centrino processor if you're going to be doing anything intense.

Costco has a coupon coming up for $100 of an HP making the final price $899. It has 2 GB of memory, a 160 GB hard drive and a DVD recorder. I don't have the coupon handy, so don't remember the dates.

[rdf8585]

You want -

Intel Core Duo, Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Turion 64 x2 processor
At least 1 GB RAM, preferably more
At least 80 GB HD, preferably over 100 GB
ATI, Nvidia Graphics card. Avoid Intel Graphics Media Acclerator.

[bballing]

Some points I would like to make:

1. Now is not the best time to buy a notebook. In a few months and this summer would be a better time. Because a bunch of new technologies are coming out-
1. Santa Rosa - new fourth-generation Centrino platform coming out in April/May
2. New Graphics cards coming out, DX10 graphics cards which will be equipped to handle the next generation games.
3. New wireless technology coming out 802.11n. Which will be improved, very good. Coming out in a few weeks for some companies, little bit later for others.

You can buy if you want to now if you don't care about having the latest stuff. Just be aware of the market.

Other keys when getting a notebook-

A) Avoid 4200 RPM hard drives. VERY Slow. 5400 and 7200 rpm drives are much better, and most notebooks come with 5400rpm, which is not that much slower than a 7200rpm.

B) Get a 1 gig of ram, preferably 1 slot of 1 gig and not 2 slots of 512 as that will be more of a pain when you decide to upgrade the memory

c) research, research, research. A lot of notebooks have issues, all brands. Problems like light leakage, poor view angles, heating issues, and on and on. Don't rush into a notebook purchase.

d) Take the proper steps to maintain your battery as many notebook batteries die within a year because of user mistakes.

[Kumar J]

I would wait just to get the New Wireless N built in laptops.

[dx23]

I've been hearing a lot about going with Centrino processor if you're going to be doing anything intense.

Costco has a coupon coming up for $100 of an HP making the final price $899. It has 2 GB of memory, a 160 GB hard drive and a DVD recorder. I don't have the coupon handy, so don't remember the dates.

Its valid from February 26 to March 8. I'm planning on buyiing that one unless somebody gives me a better recommendation.

[Deftones]

Yeah they're always on sale but are they any good? :)

I'd like to get a duo core one.

Yes. I use mine strictly for internet and poker playing. It's not a gaming machine by any means. But for what I need it to do, it does it well.

[digitalfreaknyc]

This needs to be bought before May.

Again, I'm not so concerned with getting the newest and the best, especially if it's going to cost me. This won't be my primary machine. If those things can be added and won't rape me, great. If they will, no thanks.

[mrmagoo]

Some points I would like to make:

1. Now is not the best time to buy a notebook. In a few months and this summer would be a better time. Because a bunch of new technologies are coming out-
1. Santa Rosa - new fourth-generation Centrino platform coming out in April/May
2. New Graphics cards coming out, DX10 graphics cards which will be equipped to handle the next generation games.
3. New wireless technology coming out 802.11n. Which will be improved, very good. Coming out in a few weeks for some companies, little bit later for others.

You can buy if you want to now if you don't care about having the latest stuff. Just be aware of the market.

Other keys when getting a notebook-

A) Avoid 4200 RPM hard drives. VERY Slow. 5400 and 7200 rpm drives are much better, and most notebooks come with 5400rpm, which is not that much slower than a 7200rpm.

B) Get a 1 gig of ram, preferably 1 slot of 1 gig and not 2 slots of 512 as that will be more of a pain when you decide to upgrade the memory

c) research, research, research. A lot of notebooks have issues, all brands. Problems like light leakage, poor view angles, heating issues, and on and on. Don't rush into a notebook purchase.

d) Take the proper steps to maintain your battery as many notebook batteries die within a year because of user mistakes.




I realize the point of your post, and there are many good points, but would it also stand to reason that if we wait until the new stuff comes out that the older stuff will be going on sale to make room for the new stuff?

I too am looking for a laptop as well and will only use it for basic surfing and e-mail, (although I am an avid gamer, but thats ok) I am just looking for something affordable.

[DJLinus]

d) Take the proper steps to maintain your battery as many notebook batteries die within a year because of user mistakes.

This is better suited for Tech Talk, but just out of curiosity, what are the proper steps?

I ordered a new laptop, which should arrive this week. One of the problems with my old one was a wonky battery.

[bballing]

This is better suited for Tech Talk, but just out of curiosity, what are the proper steps?

I ordered a new laptop, which should arrive this week. One of the problems with my old one was a wonky battery.

This will give you all the info you want-

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=91846&highlight=battery+guide

[bballing]

I realize the point of your post, and there are many good points, but would it also stand to reason that if we wait until the new stuff comes out that the older stuff will be going on sale to make room for the new stuff?

I too am looking for a laptop as well and will only use it for basic surfing and e-mail, (although I am an avid gamer, but thats ok) I am just looking for something affordable.


Yes, for sure. If I needed a notebook for simple surfing and basic applications, I would drop $500 on an HP or Compaq.

For around $600, you can get a pretty decent HP dv2000z series.

[Councelor]

I think this thing is a great bang for the buck....

http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=ET770UAR&cat=NBB

And way under $1k

Councelor

[schmedy]

I have been watching the thread and want to get a new laptop for my wife. The companies are real slow on offering 802.11n mini-pci cards. Any deals out there? I don't care if it is a little over 1k, but if it is then I would like to make sure that it is built for some gaming to with a decent video card.

[dvdempress]

I'm not up to date on current trends in laptops. What I want is something to do modeling, graphic art, writing, and other minor things on. I'm not looking to play the latest unreal or doom on it.

Are there any good deals like this or where would be a good place to research laptops.

Oh yeah I'm currently using Gimp for graphics and bender for modeling.

Did you ever find the laptop you were hoping to?

[dx23]

I don't know of this is nationwide or it was just here in Puerto Rico, but CompUSA is currently liquidating all their computer with Windows XP operating system. Last week i bought a HP Pavilion 6150 which includes 2GB of RAM, a 120 GB Hard Drive, Intel Centrino Duo, Lightscribe DVD-RW, Brightview 15.4" screen with Windows XP Media Center for $932.99. So people looking for notebooks for less than 1k, I suggest you check CompUSA.

[parrotheads4]

I've got to chime in with a "me too". I am looking for a $500 laptop for music, and wireless internet. I want to use it as a jukebox by my pool. I have a D-Link Extreme wireless router that I was hoping would cover the 100 ft distance to the jukebox location.

[Kumar J]

Dell is now offering Wireless N cards , I saw them when nI tried to configure the Inspiron 6400

[thejammy]

I took one of the other posters advice and went to gotapex.com they had a great deal on a inspirion 1501

Specs

amd turion 64 x2 dual-core mobile tech TL-50
vista home (not too happy about )
9 cell li-ion battery (approx 5.5)
15.4 wide screen xga with true-life (glossy)
1gb ddr2 sdram
80 gb hd
8x cd/dvd burner

2 yr economy mail in warranty and 2 yr accidental warranty

for about $888.00 plus local tax for me $960.20

Free shipping.

Pretty hot deal i think.

Good luck everyone. Hope you find what you are looking for.

[Brett]

CompUSA has the following for $599.99 after a $180 e-rebate (plus tax, free shipping)

Acer Aspire 5610-2013 Notebook

Intel Pentium Dual-Core Processor T2060, 1.6GHz, 1GB RAM, 120GB Hard Drive, 15.4-inch WXGA TFT Display, 8X DVD+/-RW Drive, Windows Vista Home Premium

Deal Ends Sat Mar 3rd.


http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=344286&pfp=feb25

[shelland]

I just picked up an HP this week at Costco. I'm still admittedly getting used to even having the portability of a laptop (never even had a network before), and haven't done anything very intense yet, but have been very happy so far.

Tomorrow is the last day for the $100 off coupon: coupon (http://www.costco.com/Service/FeaturePage.aspx?ProductNo=11199049&ec=BC-EC877-CatHome&pos=6)

Specs: HP dv6253cl (http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/genericDocument?docname=c00846935&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN)

[digitalfreaknyc]

how's this one?

http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?pfp=cat3&product_code=344235&Pn=Aspire_9410_2597_Notebook

[Brett]

how's this one?

http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?pfp=cat3&product_code=344235&Pn=Aspire_9410_2597_Notebook

So far the 15.4 " ACER that we just picked up last week seems pretty nice, but we've only had it a day. My dad picked one up too (earlier in the week) and he loves it.

Although, if I had known, I probably would have waited and got the 17-inch. :(

On the other hand, the 15.4 inch seems pretty big, nice clear crisp screen. And the thing is really light compared to my Thinkpad. The only thing I didn't like about it was that it didn't have the little red mouse-like button that I really like on the Thinkpads, just a touchpad.

My wife prefers the touchpad, and since the laptop was for my wife its not a problem. Only negative review I read about the ACER we got was the battery life is too short. My wife will mostly be using it a home where it can be plugged in, so its not really an issue for us.

[digitalfreaknyc]

What's the battery life like? how long?

[chino77]

I took one of the other posters advice and went to gotapex.com they had a great deal on a inspirion 1501

Specs

amd turion 64 x2 dual-core mobile tech TL-50
vista home (not too happy about )
9 cell li-ion battery (approx 5.5)
15.4 wide screen xga with true-life (glossy)
1gb ddr2 sdram
80 gb hd
8x cd/dvd burner

2 yr economy mail in warranty and 2 yr accidental warranty

for about $888.00 plus local tax for me $960.20

Free shipping.

Pretty hot deal i think.

Good luck everyone. Hope you find what you are looking for.

if you go to the dell webiste you can get that laptop right now with the following
free 120gb hd upgrade
free vista home premium upgrade
plus the same other specs you listed
make it over $999 and apply this coupon code 3T1P07DB496T2Q for 20% off
you might want to cancel your order and do that instead. comes out to $961 with tax.

i just ordered a e1505 for $1,090
120hd
ati x1400 256mb video card
vista home premium
1gb ram
Intel Core 2 Duo T5600 (1.83GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 667MHz FSB)
15.4 inch UltraSharp™ Wide Screen SXGA+ Display with TrueLife

its on its way right now. im just waiting for ups to ring my doorbell.

[Brett]

What's the battery life like? how long?

Specs say it should be 3 hours, but people were saying they got more like 2-2.5 hours depending on what they were doing. So YMMV.

[thejammy]

if you go to the dell webiste you can get that laptop right now with the following
free 120gb hd upgrade
free vista home premium upgrade
plus the same other specs you listed
make it over $999 and apply this coupon code 3T1P07DB496T2Q for 20% off
you might want to cancel your order and do that instead. comes out to $961 with tax.

i just ordered a e1505 for $1,090
120hd
ati x1400 256mb video card
vista home premium
1gb ram
Intel Core 2 Duo T5600 (1.83GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 667MHz FSB)
15.4 inch UltraSharp™ Wide Screen SXGA+ Display with TrueLife

its on its way right now. im just waiting for ups to ring my doorbell.


Thanks but you have to remember what drove up the cost on mine was the 2 year warranty and accidental breakage warranty. I am very clumsy with things, plus there is a baby on the way. :)