Brad Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 As always, we have several dedicated threads for the hotter items each Black Friday. Please try to keep all discussion related to these items in their official threads. Other threads posted will likely be merged into this main thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tracy0504 Posted September 6, 2017 Share Posted September 6, 2017 I bought a new laptop last year and within months my now 17 yo son messed it up (spilled something on the keyboard and it is awfully sticky) to the point that I stopped trying to use it...have to purchase a new one this BF because I'm still in school pursuing my MBA and welllll, kinda need a laptop...sigh...so this year it will be a need instead of a want...probably will go to QVC or HSN as usual...I only use my laptop to complete assignments for school, researching, maybe watching some DVDs and the occasional YouTube video...so I really don't need anything too fancy... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
riven3d Posted September 6, 2017 Share Posted September 6, 2017 I bought a new laptop last year and within months my now 17 yo son messed it up (spilled something on the keyboard and it is awfully sticky) to the point that I stopped trying to use it...have to purchase a new one this BF because I'm still in school pursuing my MBA and welllll, kinda need a laptop...sigh...so this year it will be a need instead of a want...probably will go to QVC or HSN as usual...I only use my laptop to complete assignments for school, researching, maybe watching some DVDs and the occasional YouTube video...so I really don't need anything too fancy... get an accident warranty on it so next time you can at least get your purchase price back, i bought one 2 years ago BF @Best Buy for $140 and paid the extra for the warranty for it knowing my DD has a bad record with them, i was right within a couple months sure enough she broke it. we replaced it with a more expensive unit and paid for the warranty again and then she spilled her drink on it was so nice not being out $500 this time. for laptops i will always recommend getting the warranty, usually its good 2-3 years 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kanyon71 Posted September 6, 2017 Share Posted September 6, 2017 You can possibly also just replace the KB on the laptop if it's still working. They are usually pretty cheap to buy online and fairly easy to replace. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tracy0504 Posted September 6, 2017 Share Posted September 6, 2017 get an accident warranty on it so next time you can at least get your purchase price back, i bought one 2 years ago BF @Best Buy for $140 and paid the extra for the warranty for it knowing my DD has a bad record with them, i was right within a couple months sure enough she broke it. we replaced it with a more expensive unit and paid for the warranty again and then she spilled her drink on it was so nice not being out $500 this time. for laptops i will always recommend getting the warranty, usually its good 2-3 years Good advice, thanks...I kid you not, my son is the exact same way with every laptop I have purchased...I guess I believed since he was "older" now he would be more careful...nope, not yet...lol... I will invest in a warranty this time as I am sure he will somehow find a way to sneak the new laptop into his room... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tracy0504 Posted September 6, 2017 Share Posted September 6, 2017 You can possibly also just replace the KB on the laptop if it's still working. They are usually pretty cheap to buy online and fairly easy to replace. I actually have looked into this, but never followed through...my son has pretty much monopolized it now so I still may look into a new KB, again...and still get a new one for myself... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
queenkishaa Posted September 6, 2017 Share Posted September 6, 2017 What's a good laptop for software developers. I have been using an old Dell laptop that I have had for quite sometime. It has gotten the job done but it is time for an upgrade. I would like to stick with Windows since I am accustomed to it, but I can always switch. Sent from my SM-G920T using GottaDEAL mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elmck Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 I want to get DD14 one for Christmas this year. Not sure what I want yet. She is not a gamer but does like design and is very artistic. Any suggestions on where to start?? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommy2twingles Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 One possibly 2 are on my list for the kids this year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pnambic Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 I actually have looked into this, but never followed through...my son has pretty much monopolized it now so I still may look into a new KB, again...and still get a new one for myself... I was enjoying lunch with my 17 yo son at Firehouse the other day. Somehow I ended up with a meatball in MY lap from HIS meatball sandwich... Some kids are just messy. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pnambic Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 What's a good laptop for software developers. I have been using an old Dell laptop that I have had for quite sometime. It has gotten the job done but it is time for an upgrade. I would like to stick with Windows since I am accustomed to it, but I can always switch. Sent from my SM-G920T using GottaDEAL mobile app I found the most valuable attribute to me when it comes to coding on a laptop (which I try desperately not to do anyway) is a nice big screen with lots of pixels. That way I can see and use the toolbar at the top, the Projects and Navigator panes on the left, the Output pane on the bottom for troubleshooting and still have plenty of room to write and edit code (in NetBeans for example). As far as everything else, well, compiling code isn't normally a really resource intensive process, so you don't HAVE to spend the big bucks for big stats. Windows is of course all over the place and you can find IDE's for it at will. And it's super easy to make a laptop dual boot to something like Ubuntu or Mint to get a linux OS. Macs are fine machines, you just pay a premium for the perceived luxury. Were it my money, I'd target an i5 Windows laptop with a big screen and a big battery. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tracy0504 Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 I was enjoying lunch with my 17 yo son at Firehouse the other day. Somehow I ended up with a meatball in MY lap from HIS meatball sandwich... Some kids are just messy. LOL...absolutely... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
queenkishaa Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 I found the most valuable attribute to me when it comes to coding on a laptop (which I try desperately not to do anyway) is a nice big screen with lots of pixels. That way I can see and use the toolbar at the top, the Projects and Navigator panes on the left, the Output pane on the bottom for troubleshooting and still have plenty of room to write and edit code (in NetBeans for example). As far as everything else, well, compiling code isn't normally a really resource intensive process, so you don't HAVE to spend the big bucks for big stats. Windows is of course all over the place and you can find IDE's for it at will. And it's super easy to make a laptop dual boot to something like Ubuntu or Mint to get a linux OS. Macs are fine machines, you just pay a premium for the perceived luxury. Were it my money, I'd target an i5 Windows laptop with a big screen and a big battery.I will look at the Windows machine. Thanks for the insight. Sent from my SM-G920T using GottaDEAL mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MusicMama Posted September 19, 2017 Share Posted September 19, 2017 I ended up with a much better than BF laptop deal during the early November Best Buy sale last year. It was one of those in-store sales that even the employees didn't know anything about until I asked and then they had to go find the laptop bundle (which was actually in a bundle box). $299 for an HP 15.6" laptop with touchscreen and optical drive, good AMD processor, decent graphics and 8GB RAM. Accessories were way less important than the laptop itself. If you're looking for a laptop this year, I'd say fixate on your specs first, especially if you're not overly brand-loyal, and then just start looking at the weekly ads for price comparisons. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HanShotFirst Posted September 20, 2017 Share Posted September 20, 2017 I would agree with the pre-BF sales. I got my new HP laptop last year from Sam's during their early/mid November sale. 15.6" with optical drive, intel core I5 7th generation, 12GB RAM and 1TB hard drive, HD display. There might have been a better deal on BF itself for these specs but honestly I was happy to get it at $379 and get it off my plate before the BF rush. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
len_mullen Posted September 20, 2017 Share Posted September 20, 2017 I was enjoying lunch with my 17 yo son at Firehouse the other day. Somehow I ended up with a meatball in MY lap from HIS meatball sandwich... Some kids are just messy. No electronics at the table. It's a RULE. Now you know why. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
len_mullen Posted September 20, 2017 Share Posted September 20, 2017 What's a good laptop for software developers. I have been using an old Dell laptop that I have had for quite sometime. It has gotten the job done but it is time for an upgrade. I would like to stick with Windows since I am accustomed to it, but I can always switch. Sent from my SM-G920T using GottaDEAL mobile app It depends. First, you need to work out the minimum specs required for your work and make sure you get something that reasonably exceeds those specs. If you will be doing this coding in an office (home or at work), you probably want to ignore weight and battery life and focus on screen size and performance. If you are a road warrior, you might want to focus on battery life and ease of working off your lap (i.e., no Surface). 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bribri25 Posted October 11, 2017 Share Posted October 11, 2017 get an accident warranty on it so next time you can at least get your purchase price back, i bought one 2 years ago BF @Best Buy for $140 and paid the extra for the warranty for it knowing my DD has a bad record with them, i was right within a couple months sure enough she broke it. we replaced it with a more expensive unit and paid for the warranty again and then she spilled her drink on it was so nice not being out $500 this time. for laptops i will always recommend getting the warranty, usually its good 2-3 years You should just look into buying a one-time accidental warranty on DD... Sort of like AAA for accident-prone children. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
riven3d Posted October 11, 2017 Share Posted October 11, 2017 You should just look into buying a one-time accidental warranty on DD... Sort of like AAA for accident-prone children. LOL luckily next year she turns 18 so all these problems can be her own when she has to buy stuff herself or replace in most cases... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kanyon71 Posted October 11, 2017 Share Posted October 11, 2017 LOL luckily next year she turns 18 so all these problems can be her own when she has to buy stuff herself or replace in most cases...Does that really work? Seems like one of those fantasies people talk about but it never really happens. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bossy1 Posted October 11, 2017 Share Posted October 11, 2017 Does that really work? Seems like one of those fantasies people talk about but it never really happens. Trust me when I tell you,After having been through it 3 TIMES(with 1 to go) ,I can unequivocally confirm that it is truly a fantasy. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kanyon71 Posted October 11, 2017 Share Posted October 11, 2017 Trust me when I tell you,After having been through it 3 TIMES(with 1 to go) ,I can unequivocally confirm that it is truly a fantasy. My daughter is only 6 but she has already informed us she is going to live with us forever. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dakotadenise Posted October 16, 2017 Share Posted October 16, 2017 I have 2 kids asking for laptops this year and need some advice on specs I should be looking for please! DD 14 - basically plays youtube music videos, searches/shops online, would like a program to help her with her writing short stories, and maybe plays Simms once in a while. She doesn't need a bunch of space to save stuff. DS 12 - Also watches youtube, likes gaming, way more of a "computer geek" than DD. May get into some programming in a few years. Would want a better graphics system, more storage, faster processor, etc than the other. Oh and on a budget! I know my little gamer's will cost a bit more, but like to keep them under $350. Thanks for any suggestions! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kellis4321 Posted October 16, 2017 Share Posted October 16, 2017 What is the price going to be this year for laptops? Hubby says he wants a new one. He uses it for everything just about, email, buying on-line, banking etc. Need a good one with memory, cheap!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pnambic Posted October 17, 2017 Share Posted October 17, 2017 I have 2 kids asking for laptops this year and need some advice on specs I should be looking for please! DD 14 - basically plays youtube music videos, searches/shops online, would like a program to help her with her writing short stories, and maybe plays Simms once in a while. She doesn't need a bunch of space to save stuff. DS 12 - Also watches youtube, likes gaming, way more of a "computer geek" than DD. May get into some programming in a few years. Would want a better graphics system, more storage, faster processor, etc than the other. Oh and on a budget! I know my little gamer's will cost a bit more, but like to keep them under $350. Thanks for any suggestions! In my personal opinion... 1.) getting your daughter a laptop under $350 should be easy. Some things to consider there would be weight (will she be carrying it around school?). Larger screens are nicer to look at, but they translate to heavier laptops and shorter battery life. A 13-14 inch laptop with a good 6 cell or more battery might last 10 hours or more where a 17 inch laptop with a 2 or 3 cell battery might only last 3 or fewer hours. Most any entry level laptop should be able to server the needs you described. We will be able to direct you better when the ads are out. 2.) getting your son a laptop for "gaming" under $350 will be really tough. I'd have to check the old charts from last year to be sure, but I don't think there were any laptops with discrete video cards (they game better than onboard video) under $450. Heck, a quality discrete video card for a laptop will cost a good deal more than $350 all by itself. If I recall correctly, I think $500 - $700 was the sweet spot for the best deals on laptops that might have been used for low to mid level gaming. Some things to consider here are discrete graphics, RAM, screen size and resolution, HDD speed/SSD, and processor. I haven't had the pleasure of using any of AMD's brand new processor options that seem to be pretty darn awesome, but traditionally, an i5 Intel processor or better has been what you should target for gaming. Programming doesn't really require heavy computing power, most any laptop will do there - though as I have mentioned before, the more pixels the better when coding - the better to have all the side bars and bottom debug panels and such visible.What is the price going to be this year for laptops? Hubby says he wants a new one. He uses it for everything just about, email, buying on-line, banking etc. Need a good one with memory, cheap!! I think its safe to say that laptop prices will range from about $200 to about $3,000.But for email, browsing the Internet, shopping online, etc, I suspect you will be able to choose from several options in the $300 - $400 range that would plenty powerful for your needs. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jesusluvu Posted October 17, 2017 Share Posted October 17, 2017 Looks like im in for 1 or 2 of these this year. Dd are getting older and needs them for school.....so they say Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cinnamon16201 Posted October 17, 2017 Share Posted October 17, 2017 I would agree with the pre-BF sales. I got my new HP laptop last year from Sam's during their early/mid November sale. 15.6" with optical drive, intel core I5 7th generation, 12GB RAM and 1TB hard drive, HD display. There might have been a better deal on BF itself for these specs but honestly I was happy to get it at $379 and get it off my plate before the BF rush. I will definitely have to keep this in mind. DH (66yo) needs a new one as he has beat my old one to death and I'm tired of hearing him swear at it. Amazing how I pass on perfectly good items and he manages to kill them off. I guess little boys never grow up, their toys just get more expensive. And he takes forever to make a decision about something (his car is falling apart, yet he has dallied on buying something else for 3 years), so maybe just buying one for him is the best way to go, especially since I'm the one that has to "fix" things when he screws them up. He is far from a geek, he just does email, puzzles, and surfs a lot, so nothing spectacular is needed. And probably not a touch screen either as mine drives him crazy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kanyon71 Posted October 17, 2017 Share Posted October 17, 2017 In my personal opinion... 1.) getting your daughter a laptop under $350 should be easy. Some things to consider there would be weight (will she be carrying it around school?). Larger screens are nicer to look at, but they translate to heavier laptops and shorter battery life. A 13-14 inch laptop with a good 6 cell or more battery might last 10 hours or more where a 17 inch laptop with a 2 or 3 cell battery might only last 3 or fewer hours. Most any entry level laptop should be able to server the needs you described. We will be able to direct you better when the ads are out. 2.) getting your son a laptop for "gaming" under $350 will be really tough. I'd have to check the old charts from last year to be sure, but I don't think there were any laptops with discrete video cards (they game better than onboard video) under $450. Heck, a quality discrete video card for a laptop will cost a good deal more than $350 all by itself. If I recall correctly, I think $500 - $700 was the sweet spot for the best deals on laptops that might have been used for low to mid level gaming. Some things to consider here are discrete graphics, RAM, screen size and resolution, HDD speed/SSD, and processor. I haven't had the pleasure of using any of AMD's brand new processor options that seem to be pretty darn awesome, but traditionally, an i5 Intel processor or better has been what you should target for gaming. Programming doesn't really require heavy computing power, most any laptop will do there - though as I have mentioned before, the more pixels the better when coding - the better to have all the side bars and bottom debug panels and such visible. I think its safe to say that laptop prices will range from about $200 to about $3,000.But for email, browsing the Internet, shopping online, etc, I suspect you will be able to choose from several options in the $300 - $400 range that would plenty powerful for your needs.I think if you can get one of the new AMD APU based machines then it should be ok for mid level gaming. Now you aren't going to run any of the new AAA titles with all the features turned on high at anything close to acceptable frame rates. I think she should be able to find something in the price range needed but as stated this will not be a powerhouse machine and as you stated there will be no discreet video, though AMD's APU is very much acceptable now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kellis4321 Posted October 17, 2017 Share Posted October 17, 2017 In my personal opinion... 1.) getting your daughter a laptop under $350 should be easy. Some things to consider there would be weight (will she be carrying it around school?). Larger screens are nicer to look at, but they translate to heavier laptops and shorter battery life. A 13-14 inch laptop with a good 6 cell or more battery might last 10 hours or more where a 17 inch laptop with a 2 or 3 cell battery might only last 3 or fewer hours. Most any entry level laptop should be able to server the needs you described. We will be able to direct you better when the ads are out. 2.) getting your son a laptop for "gaming" under $350 will be really tough. I'd have to check the old charts from last year to be sure, but I don't think there were any laptops with discrete video cards (they game better than onboard video) under $450. Heck, a quality discrete video card for a laptop will cost a good deal more than $350 all by itself. If I recall correctly, I think $500 - $700 was the sweet spot for the best deals on laptops that might have been used for low to mid level gaming. Some things to consider here are discrete graphics, RAM, screen size and resolution, HDD speed/SSD, and processor. I haven't had the pleasure of using any of AMD's brand new processor options that seem to be pretty darn awesome, but traditionally, an i5 Intel processor or better has been what you should target for gaming. Programming doesn't really require heavy computing power, most any laptop will do there - though as I have mentioned before, the more pixels the better when coding - the better to have all the side bars and bottom debug panels and such visible. I think its safe to say that laptop prices will range from about $200 to about $3,000.But for email, browsing the Internet, shopping online, etc, I suspect you will be able to choose from several options in the $300 - $400 range that would plenty powerful for your needs.Well, Shoot! I was hoping for a cheap one for around 199. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jesusluvu Posted October 17, 2017 Share Posted October 17, 2017 Well, Shoot! I was hoping for a cheap one for around 199. I'm looking for something cheap too, but cheap sometimes mean spending more to get it to run the way you need it to i.e office suites Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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