Guest Chappy Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 I am not the most computer savvy guy you'd ever meet and therefore, am reaching out to those more knowledgeable on the topic (which just might be everyone here). I'm looking to purchase a new laptop (best bang for it's buck) in the range of $500-$700 (maybe $800 but that's pushing it). I wouldn't be using it for anything but word/excel and access to the internet. Maybe I'd put a few games on it but I have another household PC that I'd use for anything more than that. Any suggestions/recommendations would be extremely helpful. TIA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randall Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 (edited) H8tank gives good advice in this area. Some Dells Edited March 26, 2008 by Randall Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Chappy Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 H8tank gives good advice in this area. Thanks for the input. Hopefully he stops by then and drops some knowledge on me. I sure could use it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kid Cid Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 I always advise people to buy as high up the food chain as thier budget can afford. No mtter what you buy it is obsolete by the time it gets to your house. So to get the longest serviceable life out of the computer, buy as good as you can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randall Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 $500 off $1250 Dell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocknrobn26 Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 I followed H8's advice on a Vostro 1500.... I maxed mine out for ~$1000 2 months ago. I have no regrets, but to get the Vostro vs the Inspiron, you need to have a business. This can be sidestepped by just giving them a made up Company name and when they ask for your tax number tell them your an author, consultant, and carry no inventory nor are you in sales/resale. The Vostro's big advantage is they have no "Bloatware/Demo" crap s/w, but they only come in Black no colors. Plus you can still get XP S2 on it. Best bang for the buck I found. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moneymakers Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 Whatever you buy. add extra 100.00 for Office 2007. Word/Excel will not be included in most purchases. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randall Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 (edited) I followed H8's advice on a Vostro 1500.... I maxed mine out for ~$1000 2 months ago. I have no regrets, but to get the Vostro vs the Inspiron, you need to have a business. This can be sidestepped by just giving them a made up Company name and when they ask for your tax number tell them your an author, consultant, and carry no inventory nor are you in sales/resale. The Vostro's big advantage is they have no "Bloatware/Demo" crap s/w, but they only come in Black no colors. Plus you can still get XP S2 on it. Best bang for the buck I found. The 17" Vistro dual with XP is about $750. Within his price range. He can use his SS# as empoyer tax ID. Open office free. Microsoft Office is an extra $150. I have a copy of Office I never use anymore I could send him for free though. PM if interested. Edited March 26, 2008 by Randall Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
budlitebrad Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 (edited) I bought the Vostro 1500 a few months back, but I don't remember having to fake a business or anything. Edited March 26, 2008 by budlitebrad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westvirginia Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 I would not buy office 07 unless I was tied to the mouse. I've only played with it a couple times but the hotkey shortcuts seemed to be not quite there for excel. As a bean counter who cut his teeth on Lotus 123 a mouse just slows me down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocknrobn26 Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 I bought the Vostro 1500 a few months back, but I don't remember having to fake a business or anything. I actually didn't fake a business, as I AM an author and a consultant. I still get some royalties , but don't do the consulting anymore. Actually it was the first question they asked me, but they didn't require my SS# after I told them what my business entailed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H8tank Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 I always advise people to buy as high up the food chain as thier budget can afford. No mtter what you buy it is obsolete by the time it gets to your house. Wow, that's bad advice. Something is never obsolete until it ceases to do something you need it too. Stick to mullets and hair bands wiener boy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
budlitebrad Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 I actually didn't fake a business, as I AM an author and a consultant. I still get some royalties , but don't do the consulting anymore. Actually it was the first question they asked me, but they didn't require my SS# after I told them what my business entailed. Gotcha. I just built mine online and didn't need to give any details like that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trots Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 Gotcha. I just built mine online and didn't need to give any details like that. +1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keggerz Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 I bought the Vostro 1500 a few months back, me too and its great Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Chappy Posted March 27, 2008 Share Posted March 27, 2008 (edited) Whatever you buy. add extra 100.00 for Office 2007. Word/Excel will not be included in most purchases. The 17" Vistro dual with XP is about $750. Within his price range. He can use his SS# as empoyer tax ID. Open office free. Microsoft Office is an extra $150. I have a copy of Office I never use anymore I could send him for free though. PM if interested. Thanks for the info and offer. If I need the copy of Office, I will no doubt send you my info. However, I have a good friend who's an IT guy and has copies of MO that he would install for me. The reason why I've asked you guys for advice and not just go with what my friend says, is he's a bit consumed and I've been asking him for a while now and he hasn't been able to get around to it just yet. Wow, that's bad advice. Something is never obsolete until it ceases to do something you need it too. Stick to mullets and hair bands wiener boy. Good point and was something I was thinking about since I don't need it for much and therefore don't need many upgrades. If Word and Excel operate effectively for very basic purposes and I can surf the internet at a reasonable speed, then I'm fine. Anyway, H8, since you're the guy that some have said is the one to talk to, what are your thoughts about the best laptop I could purchase in my price range? Thanks to all others who have shared their advice. Edited March 27, 2008 by Chappy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Chappy Posted April 29, 2008 Share Posted April 29, 2008 Thanks for all the input guys in regard to what laptop I should buy. This is what I ended up with- Module Description Show Details Vostro 1400 Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T5270 (1.4GHz/800Mhz FSB/2MB cache) Operating System Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition, SP2 LCD Panel 14.1 inch Wide Screen XGA LCD Anti-Glare Display Memory 2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz, 2 DIMM Video Cards Intel® Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 Hard Drive 160GB 5400RPM Hard Drive Integrated NIC and Modem Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem Adobe Software Adobe® Acrobat® Reader Optical Drive 8X DVD Burner w/ double-layer DVD+R write capability, w/ Roxio Creator Sound Card Integrated High Definition Audio Wireless Networking Cards Dell Wireless 1395 802.11g Wi-Fi Internal Card Camera Integrated 2.0 mega pixel Web Camera Productivity Software No Pre-installed Productivity Software MediaDirect Dell Exclusive MediaDirect™ Instant Play Software Application Anti-Virus/Security Suite (Pre-Install) No Pre-installed Anti-Virus/Security Software Primary Battery 85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery Limited Warranty, Services and Support 1 Year Basic Limited Warranty plus 1 Year Mail-in Service Installation Services No Onsite System Setup Dell DataSafe Online Data Backup No Online Data Back Up Installed Automated PC Tuneup No Dell Automated PC Tune Up Installed Media No Media Software Purchase Intent Purchase is not intended for resale. Processor Branding Intel Core 2 Duo Processor Labels Windows XP™ Anything I turned down like Microsoft works, no anti-virus, etc. my brother is going to put in when I get it. Total cost was under $700. Thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avernus Posted April 29, 2008 Share Posted April 29, 2008 I have a site that updates deals and coupon codes....there are usually at least a handful on Dell laptops... http://www.xpbargains.com/sitecoupon.php I'm in the market for a Laptop, but am waiting for the Blu-ray drives to come down in price in a few months to make my move.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peepinmofo Posted April 29, 2008 Share Posted April 29, 2008 Chappy... Does that mean you already bought a laptop? I missed ths thread, but I have a spare I could sell for pretty cheap... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Chappy Posted April 29, 2008 Share Posted April 29, 2008 Chappy... Does that mean you already bought a laptop? I missed ths thread, but I have a spare I could sell for pretty cheap... Yup, just made the purchase last night. Thanks for the offer though and if I had known I just might've gone that route. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billay Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 Anybody want to try and talk me out of getting a new MacBook? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I Like Soup Posted May 17, 2008 Share Posted May 17, 2008 Anybody want to try and talk me out of getting a new MacBook? Dangit...H8 is still banned! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtomicCEO Posted May 17, 2008 Share Posted May 17, 2008 Anybody want to try and talk me out of getting a new MacBook? Go for it. Macs rule. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kpholmes Posted May 17, 2008 Share Posted May 17, 2008 Anybody want to try and talk me out of getting a new MacBook? Macs are far superior to PCs. They even run Windows better than PCs. I recommend staying away from the low end Macbook however, the $1099. Much more worth it to jump up to the next level. Send me a PM and we can chat more about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billay Posted May 17, 2008 Share Posted May 17, 2008 Surfing the web on my new MacBook! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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