advice on inexpensive laptop?

Posted by darkvictoryarmory at: 2008-03-12 15:05:29
Please help! I need some advice on purchasing a laptop (it's a gift for my hubby). I've never purchased or even owned one before. I need it to be as inexpensive as possible and he'll use it mainly for surfing the internet, playing poker on one of those online sites like Bodog or Full Tilt, and we need to use it to e-mail pictures from our digital camera while we're on vacation (so we may need to store some pics on it, too). Might want to watch DVD's on it, too. Any advice on brands, stores, web sites, particular models, etc.? I was looking at Acer's cheaper laptops. Would they have enough memory, speed, etc.? Should I go refurb?

Posted by laptoper at: 2008-03-12 17:28:38
When I go looking for good deals, I usually visit techbargains.com. And having just done that in a quick search for you I was pleased to see that they have spotted a great deal on a refurb Sony Vaio. I've had first hand experience with them and found that Sony makes a GREAT product that will be sure to please your husband. Also quite inexpensive for what you are getting. Here's the quote from Techbargains Sony VAIO VGN-NR160E/S Intel Core 2 Duo T5250 15.4 inch Laptop (Refurb) $584.95 Free Shipping, Mar. 12 1 PM Sonystyle has the Factory Refurbished Sony VAIO VGN-NR160E/S Intel Core 2 Duo T5250 15" Widescreen Notebook PC for a low $584.95 with 10% off Coupon Code: AFFB10 (Exp 3/15). Free Shipping. Tax in most states. 6.2lbs; 15.4"; Intel Core 2 Duo T5250 @ 1.50GHz; 1GB RAM; 160GB HDD; 802.11a/b/g; Vista Home Premium; card reader Pretty sweet. Below is the link to the deal, but jump on it soonish as it expires 3/15/08 and they also might sell out quickly at that price.

Posted by Jake A at: 2008-03-12 15:16:06
You should definitely look at newegg.com. They have great deals. You can also specify your searches, like how many rams you want and the processors you want. The cheapest processors are from AMD. Don't buy Pentium processors, try to get dual core(X2) from either AMD or Intel. Also, HP and Dell have great computers at a decent cost. There are usually 'Deals' at Best Buy or Circuit City. You should look at the processors(cpu), the frame, the ram, and gpu. I think you should look for processors with 1.8GHz or higher. I think 1.66 GHz is just too low. Also try to get at least 2 GB of Ram. Vista is usually install in the new laptops and it's an energy hog. There is a laptop at HP that is an AMD X2 2.1 GHz and 3 gigs of Ram for under $750.

Posted by Charles L at: 2008-03-12 15:36:32
Hi there,check this link http://www.cheaphomepc.com/ they have most of the latest bargains listed and updated. (all trusted online stores). also check the hp links as they have some really nice machines and low prices.most of them will be capable of all the things you mentioned but find one with lots of ram and also the biggest hard drive good luck hope this was of help to you ps:refurb should be ok if you get some kind of warranty

Posted by Me at: 2008-03-12 15:23:25
Well depending on speed and other features laptops range from $300 to $2000, its all about the speed, processor and features. Going refurbished is a good idea. I have a Toshiba Satellite A200 its got all the things you need and its about $700 Canadian so i could imagine what it is priced in the States or were ever your located.