Looking for a New Laptop...

[Incogneto]

I am looking at buying a new laptop (Yay Tax Return!), and am wondering if anyone here knew of any good deals, or knew of any coupons for buying online.

I am leaning towards an Inspiron 6000 from Dell.

TIA.

[lazy_programmer]

This site usually lists good deals:

http://www.redflagdeals.com/deals/main.php/electronics

Just look for dell coupons down the page, here's the current deal:

http://www1.ca.dell.com/content/topi...HS1&l=en&s=dhs

As a general rule, I would personally avoid the 'consumer' line of any company's laptop. They are generally poorer built and won't last as long. The 'business' line products usually built much sturdier with some type of metal or metal composite material as opposed to plastic. This site will give you all the info you need: http://www.notebookreview.com/

-Paul

[Incogneto]

Why is it that this laptop:
http://www1.ca.dell.com/content/prod...HS1&l=en&s=dhs

is worth $600 MORE with the link you have provided? Makes no sense, does it?

[GreenTeaFrapp]

If you're looking for a Dell, try the open box laptops at dfsdirect.ca (but not the off-lease returns). I got a 700m that seems brand new for < $1150 with 1GB of RAM, 80GB HD, DVD/CD-RW, Upgraded battery, Floppy Drive, 128MB USB Key, mouse and case.

A good site to look at is notebookreviews.com.

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by InCoGnEtO

Why is it that this laptop:
http://www1.ca.dell.com/content/prod...HS1&l=en&s=dhs

is worth $600 MORE with the link you have provided? Makes no sense, does it?

I actually clicked through his link back to the "home & home office" and then onto laptops to see it at the same price. http://www1.ca.dell.com/content/prod...HS1&l=en&s=dhs

The link that LP gave does include a coupon code for $450 off. I wonder if you could order the 6000 for $1199, then use the coupon code for $250 off?

Myself for laptops; Dell ot Toshiba is how I'd go. Memory Express was reasonably priced on Toshiba IIRC.

[Bill Bumface]

If your looking for durable, go with an IBM T series. You can beat the sh*t out of these things (trust me, I had one for work that got replaced for free if I broke it... I put it through a lot).

From notebook reviews on the latest T series:

The ThinkPad T60 is a premium product with a durable build. For somebody that travels a lot or relies on their notebook to earn a livelihood, the difference between a sub $1,000 starter notebook and a premium workhorse is obvious. The ThinkPad T60 stands out with its durability via choice of components, very sturdy case material and a strong protective chassis. You pay a lot more for these features of a T60, but if you're on the road, away from support, and miss a time sensitive opportunity because of hardware problems -- you might just wish you had spent extra dollars for a better built notebook such as the T60.
So how does the T60 excel build-wise? Basically the same as its predecessor T-series notebooks did. The T60 body is a rugged plastic that does not flex. The magnesium reinforced lid won't flex and provides amazing protection for the screen. The keyboard does not flex -- at all. The thick metal hinges that attach the screen are very rigid and ensure the screen does not wobble. The keyboard is spill proof and has two drain holes to make sure if you do happen to spill your morning Starbucks coffee, the liquid is carried away from sensitive components and out through the bottom of the notebook. The hard drive is shock mounted and the entire chassis is a newly designed magnesium "roll cage" (it offers 30% more protection that past T-series chassis), and even if your T60 is dropped and broken the Active Protection System (APS) will stop hard drive activity to prevent data loss. The double screen latch system locks securely to make sure the screen stays down when being carried around. In other words, there's no shortcuts being used in build quality from past ThinkPad notebooks since the Lenovo takeover of IBM -- only enhancements.

[Calgary Flames]

Toshiba's are nice. I had a Compaq/HP and it was great for me. Good manufacturers warrenty.

[Bobblehead]

Last year around this time I got an IBM T42p for under $2K by getting a refurb. Considering that it listed on the site as valued at $4500, it was a good deal and has been an excellent laptop. I know that no way in hell anyone would have bought it for that list price, but even looking at other sources it was a heck of a deal (and I had been looking for months).

Edit: Immediately after posting this, I read an article saying that as of this morning Lenovo (who took over IBM's computer/laptop manufacturing last year) has indicated that they are going to compete head to head with Dell and begin a aggressive pricing strategy.

We may be in for a bit of a price war starring Dell v Lenovo.

[Incogneto]

Thanks for the help, boys....Gonna keep my eyes peeled for a while looking for the right deal.