Forum Discussion
Is anyone laptop shopping over the Memorial Day weekend?
I am busy working on a course over the holiday so I am consoling myself with a bit of retail therapy. I am in desparate need of a new laptop but never seem to find the time to look. I noticed a number of sales currently going on with the holiday and would love to purchase something and be done with it. I am looking for a laptop that will be somewhat portable so weight is a bit of an issue, though not a deal breaker. Otherwise, decent ram, graphics card, nice battery and a backlit keyboard would be nice. I am sure that it is the same specs as most of us around here.
Here are a couple that I have been looking at. Any thoughts or suggestions??? Laptop purchasing drives me insane. Way, way too many options. Thanks!
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1753822&SRCCODE=BIZRATE&cm_mmc_o=2mHCjCmtB5ObkkzCjCVqHCjCdwwp&cpncode=26-141749109-2 --- will need to upgrade RAM
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2359664&sku=H24-15271
I also have a couple of Dells bookmarked but am having a hard time getting the specs to copy in. They are a bit higher in price.
| XPS 15z | XPS 15z |
| Operating System | Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64-Bit, English |
| Processor | 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ i5-2450M processor (2.50 GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 3.10 GHz) |
| Memory | 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 1333MHz |
| Keyboard | Backlit Keyboard - English |
| LCD & Color | Elemental Silver Aluminum 15.6" HD (720P) WLED Display with Webcam |
| Video Card | NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 525M 1GB graphics with Optimus |
| Hard Drive | 750GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive |
| Integrated Network Adapter | Integrated 10/100/1000 Network Card |
| Adobe Reader | Adobe® Reader X |
| Optical Drive | 8X Slot Load CD/DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-R Drive) |
| Sound | Waves Maxx Audio 3 |
| Wireless | Intel© Centrino© Advanced-N 6230 & Bluetooth 3.0 |
| XPS 15z | XPS 15z |
| Operating System | Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64-Bit, English |
| Processor | 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ i5-2450M processor (2.50 GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 3.10 GHz) |
| Memory | 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 1333MHz |
| Keyboard | Backlit Keyboard - English |
| LCD & Color | Elemental Silver Aluminum 15.6" HD (720P) WLED Display with Webcam |
| Video Card | NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 525M 1GB graphics with Optimus |
| Hard Drive | 750GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive |
| Integrated Network Adapter | Integrated 10/100/1000 Network Card |
| Adobe Reader | Adobe® Reader X |
| Optical Drive | 8X Slot Load CD/DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-R Drive) |
| Sound | Waves Maxx Audio 3 |
| Wireless | Intel© Centrino© Advanced-N 6230 & Bluetooth 3.0 |
My personal recommendation would be to go with an i7 processor if you can swing it. The multi-threading capabilities makes a big difference when you are running a lot of different apps and it also helps with publishing speeds.
I guess Tom beat me to it! Haha!
But I have to say I do like Dell from a personal view, as they have great technical support and a lot of customisation options to get the right machine for you.
The new range of Dell XPS 15’s is an option that you could look in to. They are excellent machines but considering the sealed battery issue that Tom mentioned (which is a serious fault on Dell’s part in the design) then maybe in the long run the Lenovo may be better... Especially as they are priced around the same and the specs aren’t too far apart.
Just thought I’d chuck my opinion in the mix! Also referring to your comment about ASUS laptop’s, they are actually very good machines and cheaper than most competitors from what I have seen.
Laptop searching is a pain… this is why I stick to Desktop machines as I just make my own. It’s considerably cheaper that way. But life is forcing me to get a laptop, so Tom’s suggestion has actually helped me in my decision also. So thanks Tom!!
Jordan.
@Tom -- did you see the Y480 deal for $799? Here is the link and the coupon code --
Let me knkow what you think --
I'm in the market for a new laptop and stumbled across this post. I totally agree with the statement "Laptop purchasing drives me insane. Way, way too many options." The technology changes so quickly it is very difficult to keep up with what is current for processors, graphics cards, etc. and the options are overwhelming. My needs are very similar to what Wendy posted above. What did you end up purchasing?
