Best deals on Laptops?

[burn_baby_burn]

My computer knowledge is average at best. My wife's laptop has had it and she needs a new one. I don't want to spend too much money on a new one. Basically all it ever gets used for is browsing the internet and storing pictures. So I don't need anything too fancy. Just something that works. Currently she is interested in a Gateway computer that is on sale for $499 at The Source. Is there any better buys out there for a similar unit? Or is that pretty much as good as your going to get (give or take $50)?

[MickMcGeough]

You will almost definitely find a better deal at NCIX.com, Newegg.ca, tigerdirect.ca, or even dell.ca on a laptop.

I've got a Gateway gaming laptop and it was really good for the price but the build quality is pretty suspect. I wouldn't highly recommend them.

[Rathji]

I always buy online. Simplifies warranty stuff because the store will just tell you to send it back to them most of the time anyway.

[MickMcGeough]

http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/...3d1c997633en02

Triple Core, 7200rpm drive and blu-ray. Pretty sweet machine for $549.

[burn_baby_burn]

Originally Posted by MickMcGeough

http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/...3d1c997633en02

Triple Core, 7200rpm drive and blu-ray. Pretty sweet machine for $549.

Refurbished means "used" doesn't it?

[keenan87]

Originally Posted by burn_baby_burn

Refurbished means "used" doesn't it?

Used but also has been checked on for every single aspect and looks new...

imo its better than the factory made new because someone actually looks at all parts for a refurbished one.

[burn_baby_burn]

How does this one look? Costco has 2 years warranty as well.

http://www.costco.ca/Browse/Product....A&Sp=C&topnav=

[MickMcGeough]

Originally Posted by burn_baby_burn

Refurbished means "used" doesn't it?

It means it was bought and taken back for some defect, then repaired at the factory and put through a more rigorous QA process than it did to begin with.

I've bought several refurbished/recertified computers and never had a problem.

[MickMcGeough]

Originally Posted by burn_baby_burn

How does this one look? Costco has 2 years warranty as well.

http://www.costco.ca/Browse/Product....A&Sp=C&topnav=

It's about as entry-level as it gets. Low-res screen, P6200 chip doesn't support hyperthreading (FWIW), crappy intel integrated graphics, 5400rpm drive.

I know you aren't looking for much in a laptop but you should be able to get a comparable entry-level machine for cheaper than this.

Did you check out any of the online options?

For $100 cheaper you can get a Dell Inspiron with a faster CPU and an LED backlit screen.

[Cheese]

Have an option to pick up this Lenovo laptop...
http://www.pricebat.ca/Lenovo-Ideapa...ows.u_2033264/

for $640.

thoughts?

[Cheese]

thoughts on above?

[MickMcGeough]

Originally Posted by Cheese

Have an option to pick up this Lenovo laptop...
http://www.pricebat.ca/Lenovo-Ideapa...ows.u_2033264/

for $640.

thoughts?

It's slightly above entry-level. It's got an LED backlit screen which you might consider a premium feature, but you really have to see it in person to decide if it's worth the extra cash or not. Otherwise, it's got little that separates it from the sub $500 crowd.

In my opinion, there's a range of prices in laptops (somewhere around $500-$750) that's a no-man's land as far as I'm concerned. The features the vast majority of machines in that price range offer above the sub-$500 market are ones that most people won't need/notice/utilize. Slightly larger (but not faster) HDs, i5 CPUs, maybe a gig of ram, etc. They can't do anything that a $499 (or less) laptop can't do.

Above $750 and you get premium features like blu-ray drives, powerful GPUs, high-res screens, high-end build quality, extended battery life, improved portability, etc.

If you don't want or need any of those premium features, you're looking for an entry-level laptop, so save yourself $150 and buy an entry-level laptop. There are plenty of very solid ones out there.