Buying a laptop for under $650?

Tom_malice

Im not sure whether this should go in H/A or the tech thread, so if this is the wrong thread please let me know. I have absolutely no experience buying computers, hardware, etc, but I recently got $650 to buy a laptop for school purposes. I need some recomendations for a decent laptop, primarily for school (so it has to have word, powerpoint, etc) but also for music, as I have a decent sized library on the computer im using now, and I'd like to transfer the songs over. I'd rather not have to order one in, but it is still an option. I live close to toronto though, so I know there are plenty of stores in the area, if anyone can recommend a place to buy from.

variant

What size? The new Dell mini 12 is only like $450.

You can also get a Studio 15 for <700 or a Vostro 14.

Stay away from HP/Compaq. I know 6 people that purchased HP/Compaq and all of them had to send it in for a major repair within a year.

Sony is good but expensive, Toshiba is good but slightly pricey, Asus and Lenovo are hit or miss on quality.

Ramen Noodle

Dell's pretty hit or miss on quality too, my sister's hard drive just failed 10 months in.

variant

If you stick to the Precision/Vostro lines, they're pretty reliable.


edit:
also check this out:

http://reviews.cnet.com/laptop-reviews/?filter=100021_9231540_1101502_8660184_&tag=mncol;srt&rpp=50&sort=edRating7+desc

pretty much has the full scoop on any laptop you would want to buy.

LavaKnight

You might look into the eee pc for your price. All you'll probably lose is the huge storage space, but it should be decent enough. It's pretty popular, and you could check the netbook threads in Moe's Tech subforum.

Improvolone

http://www.amazon.com/10-Inch-Netbook-Processor-Storage-Bluetooth/dp/B001QTXL82/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1239854556&sr=8-1
10 in, near full sized keyboard, 9.5 hr battery (probably 6-7 real world), 1GB ram, 160GB hdd, weighs a couple pounds, and under $400.

I'd Fuck Chuck Lidell Up

Ramen Noodle wrote: »

Dell's pretty hit or miss on quality too, my sister's hard drive just failed 10 months in.

all computers are.

dell uses the same parts any other company does. the only problem i have with dell is the customer support. if you know what you are doing with computers it's the same as any other. but i have heard a lot of horror stories about them trying to screw unknowing people out of warranties, or into buying new parts when not needed

Tomanta

Improvolone wrote: »

http://www.amazon.com/10-Inch-Netbook-Processor-Storage-Bluetooth/dp/B001QTXL82/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1239854556&sr=8-1
10 in, near full sized keyboard, 9.5 hr battery (probably 6-7 real world), 1GB ram, 160GB hdd, weighs a couple pounds, and under $400.

I just ordered one of these a couple of hours ago . It's not going to play any recent games but, unless the smaller screen/keyboard is a turnoff would be perfect for school. Small = easily portable, whereas many large laptops really aren't.

I'd Fuck Chuck Lidell Up

asus i like pretty well, there's a site called exoticpc that puts some of their stuff together, and my friend had that done to great effect.

if you can stand to wait till around christmas though, wait till black friday when you can get a $1000 pc for 650

Cptn Pants

Does it gotta be new? You can pick up a use MacBook for about that, sometimes with a warranty. Check out craigslist/ebay, I've seen some decent laptops on there for reasonably cheep.

VisionOfClarity

I got my Dell Inspiron 1525 for $549 because I got it during a sale. Saved about $400 because of that.

Tom_malice

I'm really liking that eee pc, and the price is definitely right. I don't plan on putting any games on it, so thats no worry either. Would I be able to find it in stores though? I can't order it from amazon.com because I live in canada, and I can't find it on amazon.ca. Or does anyone know a reliable site I could order this from? I don't want to order it and find out the site I bought it from scammed me or some such

wunderbar

ah yea I haven't found the 1000HE in Canada yet Looking for one for my parents to get.

Tom_malice

Just an update, I searched around, and Tigerdirect has it in stock, and all the reviews for them have been good, so im ordering from their site now. Thanks for everyones help, if a mod see this, this thread can be closed

Raziel

Get a Netbook.

In Canada, you can get a Dell netbook for under 400 bucks. Very basic thing, no graphics capabilities, huge hard drive, and no disc drive. Weighs just over a kilogram, so it's very portable.

Let me see if I can find one.

Here.

illig

i would recommend an eeePC and a large external monitor + external hard drive for those times in your dorm when a 10" screen just won't cut it, and you need a few terabytes of space

in my experience, small laptops get brought to class/library and used... large laptops get left at home b/c they're too heavy to lug around everywhere

Dog

I have the laptop Improvolone linked. I haven't touched my desktop in almost 3 months now because of it.

Sir Headless VII

Tiger direct.ca has them and I'm pretty sure they have an outlet in Mississauga where you can pick it up.

P.S. 469.99 CAD = 388.828 USD

Edit: they are an american company though so their prices are based on american prices. Check out a Canadian place to see if the canadian price is cheaper (I know for ipods it is).

Improvolone

robothero wrote: »

I have the laptop Improvolone linked. I haven't touched my desktop in almost 3 months now because of it.

Hell, I have an even smaller 901 and its functioned fine as my main computer. I would not be worried about size, especially on the 1000 models.

shadydentist

I would go for an eeePC and an external hard drive. As long as you're not planning on running serious games or massive calculations, it should server your needs just fine. And its real easy too carry around as well.