Laptop Question

[Partial]

I would think refurbished would be fine as long as it comes with a warranty and is certified by the manufacturer. As far as price differences between new and refurbished, I really don't know how much you'd end up saving to say if it's worth it or not.

Zool and Merlin know what they're talking about when it comes to computers, I'm sure they would have some good insight on this subject since they work with all kinds of them.

now THATS a slam


Apple has MacBook Pros for 40% off refurbished. They are an older model, but ultimately it is about a 10% performance difference. That is certainly worth saving 40%.

[GBRulz]

well, it's not meant to be, Partial. They actually have been very helpful to me several times about computer questions.

[Zool]

Partial feels slighted that you didnt include him in your reindeer games.

[Partial]

I do because that is deliberate spite. And that response is even more bitchy. I have helped that chick more times than I can count on my fingers via pm.

[Zool]

Easy big fella. Eeeeeasy does it.

[MadtownPacker]

I do because that is deliberate spite. And that response is even more bitchy. I have helped that chick more times than I can count on my fingers via pm.

You nned to watch your mouth kid. Have you thought maybe since Zool and Merlin actually WORK in IT that is why their advice is worth something?

Oh my bad, lets see what the department store salesboy thinks!!!!

[Partial]

[Merlin]

I've never bought a refurbished computer. I've upgraded the ones I built and purchased. I would think as long as it comes with a decent warranty that it should be okay. A local shop here sells refurbished Dells and they tell me that a lot of the times it's just a faulty motherboard and they replace it, other then that it's all good. Other times they say it was due to user error (e.g. spilling something on a laptop keyboard). Do some research online and read posts from people who have a lot of experience with refurbished machines.

I do know that refurbished servers are a craps shoot depending on who did the refurbishing but that may not apply to PC's.

[digitaldean]

As for the Wintel laptops, (and it may have already been stated) absolutely stay away from integrated graphics. They suck off your RAM for processing video.

I have co-workers that have Dells and love them, but most are boat anchors as for portability. Our sales staff that use PC laptops, go with HPs. They have been rock steady and reliable.

Here are some sites that can help regarding Dell coupons:
spoofee.com
gottadeal.com
gotapex.com

Another deal site I have found valuable is pricegrabber.com. Put in your zip code and you can find the cheapest price (including shipping) plus see the reliability of the stores. That's how I saved a bunch on my Xerox color laser printer.

A decent source for hardware and software online is newegg.com. We purchase quite a bit through them with very little hassles.

Don't forget about any security/anti-virus software. You can get a decent version of commercial anti-virus software for free through freeafterrebate.info. Usually CompUSA, Buy.com, or TigerDirect.com have links on this site for anti-virus, security or system maintenance software.

An alternative than the rebate track for security software is AFG Free (free for download at free.grisoft.com).

I also have an alternative computer option. I know you don't want Macs, though I am going to throw this out there.

I purchased a MacBook Pro with:
* 2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
* built in wireless card
* 1440 x 900 pixels - 15" screen
* 2GB memory
* 120GB hard drive
* 6x double-layer SuperDrive
* ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 graphics with 128MB SDRAM

For under $2200.

Buy a copy of WinXP/Vista and Parallels (or download BootCamp for free from Apple) and you can run Mac OS X and the Windows platform.

Either way, good luck in your computer search!

[BallHawk]

Computer geeks of PackerRats, I seek your help in search of a new laptop.

I've read this thread and can only translate so much.

Here's what I'm looking for......

Good screen for watching DVDs.

Comfortable keybord that can take a pounding.

I'm not a hardcore PC gamer, but I like to play a game every once in a while.

Good battery life.

I don't need an ultraportable, but I need something I can take to the coffee shop or the book store.

And finally, with a price tag of $700 or less. I would go to $800 if it was a really good deal.

Also, if now is not the time to buy a computer and it's worth waiting for, please tell. I don't need it ASAP, but I would like to have it, at the latest, but January.

All help is much appreciated.

[Freak Out]

Anbody have any thoughts on refurbished Laptops, are they worth it?

No. You can get a very well equipped new laptop with a great warranty for very few $$$ these days. Stay away from "refurbished" because something has gone so wrong they had to take it back.

[Freak Out]

Computer geeks of PackerRats, I seek your help in search of a new laptop.

I've read this thread and can only translate so much.

Here's what I'm looking for......

Good screen for watching DVDs.

Comfortable keybord that can take a pounding.

I'm not a hardcore PC gamer, but I like to play a game every once in a while.

Good battery life.

I don't need an ultraportable, but I need something I can take to the coffee shop or the book store.

And finally, with a price tag of $700 or less. I would go to $800 if it was a really good deal.

Also, if now is not the time to buy a computer and it's worth waiting for, please tell. I don't need it ASAP, but I would like to have it, at the latest, but January.

All help is much appreciated.

Your really not going to get anything worth gaming on at that price..what I mean is you are not going to get dedicated graphics and will be stuck with the intel chip which blows. ATI has released a chipset with built in graphics but it is not much better as far as new games are concerned. You can get the core 2 duo and enough ram but you will have to go at least $900-$1000 to get dedicated graphics and that is on sale.

[BallHawk]

If I can't play games, it's no big deal. I just need something reliable and efficient.

[Partial]

I would wait BH. The 45nm version of the Core 2 Duo (Peryn) is due out sometime this fall. This will offer increased efficiency, and up to 40% improvement in some media encoding, decoding, etc due to having a new and improved instruction set (SSE4).

What sort of games are you looking to play? As long as it is not the latest and greatest game, an integrated card works fine. Some computers have dedicated graphics processors which are are very powerful for 3d rendering. However, the GMA x3000 (intel current non-dedicated graphics option) is quite powerful and features pixel shader 3.0 and supports directx 10. For your average everyday computer user who likes to play counterstrike:source every now and again this is more than adequate. Trust me, I am a hardcore nerd and I think a GPU is pretty much useless unless you want the latest and greatest games. I normally play stuff that is 2 years old or older and that stuff runs fine on the integrated platforms.

I would definitely wait this one out. Prices will come down quickly once it is released and you can get a nice computer with wi-max, good graphics, 2gb ram, for prolly 800 if you're patient and look for the deals.


One apple updates the MacBooks with Peryn, I would check out the black friday sales or look at the refurbished ones they sell. I have never had a problem with refurbished products and Apple still offers the same warranties on them. I think the refurbished MacBooks run about 800.

[Scott Campbell]

The 45nm version of the Core 2 Duo (Peryn) is due out sometime this fall. This will offer increased efficiency, and up to 40% improvement in some media encoding, decoding, etc due to having a new and improved instruction set (SSE4).

I think the most important thing there is that the smaller core is likely to run cooler. And that's especially important on a laptop.

If you can wait until Black Friday, there are usually some killer deals to be had.