DramaQueenLucy Posted June 15, 2008 Posted June 15, 2008 We are looking for a laptop about $500.00 that has duel core, at least 120GB hard drive, Home Premium is preferred, but Home Basic is acceptable, 2GB memory is preferred, 1GB is acceptable, a built in card reader would be nice and webcam a nice little extra. We are looking for a friend who recently lost her computer due to the flood waters. TIA
Kayakmom Posted June 15, 2008 Posted June 15, 2008 If it's not dual core, it might still be fine, too. We just want to get as much as we can for the money. Hopefully some new deals will come out in the Sunday ads. Thanks!
tokanm Posted June 15, 2008 Posted June 15, 2008 has anybody checked the dell outlets? I don't think she would mind a refurb as you cannot tell them from brand new plus they are fully warrantied etc. Warrantied..is that a word If I was computer savvy I would check it out, but I am not at all knowledgeable about the specs. I have just heard of people finding great deals at the Dell Outlet
Kayakmom Posted June 15, 2008 Posted June 15, 2008 I'm looking for deals and I'll post here as I find them, just to keep track. Circuit Cityhttp://www.circuitcity.com/rpsm/oid/199868/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do Acer Aspire AS5720-4126 15.4" Widescreen LaptopModel #: ACA AS57204126$529.96 SpecificationsAcer Aspire AS5720-4126 15.4" Widescreen LaptopProcessor Processor brand Processor brand: Intel®Refers to the company that manufactures the processor. View full glossary Processor brand: Refers to the company that manufactures the processor. Intel® Processor type Processor type: Pentium Dual CoreThe generation/basic model of the processor. View full glossary Processor type: The generation/basic model of the processor. Pentium Dual Core Processor speed Processor speed: 1.60GHzThe number of calculations that the processor can handle in one second measured in millions of cycles (MHz). View full glossary Processor speed: The number of calculations that the processor can handle in one second measured in millions of cycles (MHz). 1.60GHz Bus speed Bus speed: 533MHzThe maximum rate of communication between the processor and the rest of the system, measured in millions of cycles (MHz). View full glossary Bus speed: The maximum rate of communication between the processor and the rest of the system, measured in millions of cycles (MHz). 533MHz Level 2 cache 1MB Memory RAM 2GB RAM expandable to: Info unavailable Memory type (RAM) 533MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-4200) Expansion slots Info unavailable Available expansion slots N/A Storage/Drives Hard drive speed 5400RPM Hard drive size Hard drive size: 160GBHard drive space is typically measured in Gigabytes (GB) or storage; the larger the number, the more programs, games and data you can use on your computer. View full glossary Hard drive size: Hard drive space is typically measured in Gigabytes (GB) or storage; the larger the number, the more programs, games and data you can use on your computer. 160GB Burns DVDs Yes Graphics and sound Screen size (diagonal) Screen size (diagonal): 15.4"TV screens are measured diagonally, from corner to corner. HDTVs often look smaller than SDTVs with the same screen size because of the wider 16:9 aspect ratio. View full glossary Screen size (diagonal): TV screens are measured diagonally, from corner to corner. HDTVs often look smaller than SDTVs with the same screen size because of the wider 16:9 aspect ratio. 15.4" Maximum screen resolution 1280 x 800 Video memory 358MB Video memory type Shared Ports TV tuner TV tuner: NoA TV tuner lets you watch broadcast TV on the system. View full glossary TV tuner: A TV tuner lets you watch broadcast TV on the system. No Express card Yes S-video out Yes Media card slot Yes VGA Yes USB 2.0 USB 2.0: 4USB is a standard connection port on most PCs. This will allow you to quickly and easily connect and sync the device with your computer. View full glossary USB 2.0: USB is a standard connection port on most PCs. This will allow you to quickly and easily connect and sync the device with your computer. 4 Firewire Firewire: 1FireWire (or IEEE 1394) is a type of data transfer. Devices with FireWire output can transfer footage directly to a PC with a compatible cable. View full glossary Firewire: FireWire (or IEEE 1394) is a type of data transfer. Devices with FireWire output can transfer footage directly to a PC with a compatible cable. 1 Infrared port Infrared port: YesThis port uses an infrared sensor to wirelessly transfer information to other computers. View full glossary Infrared port: This port uses an infrared sensor to wirelessly transfer information to other computers. Yes PC card No Internet/networking Dial-up modem Included Ethernet Yes Wireless 802.11b/g Bluetooth No Built-in webcam Yes General features Operating system Windows® Vista Home Premium Fingerprint reader No Additional Features Video card: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 UPC 099802359553 Manufacturer's part number AS57204126 Dimensions Height 10.8 inches Width 14.4 inches Depth 1.7 inches Weight 6.2 lbs
Kayakmom Posted June 15, 2008 Posted June 15, 2008 Circuit City Acer Extensa EX5620-4020 15.4" Widescreen LaptopModel #: ACA EX56204020$569http://www.circuitcity.com/rpsm/oid/207714/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do SpecificationsAcer Extensa EX5620-4020 15.4" Widescreen LaptopProcessor Processor brand Processor brand: Intel®Refers to the company that manufactures the processor. View full glossary Processor brand: Refers to the company that manufactures the processor. Intel® Processor type Processor type: Pentium Dual CoreThe generation/basic model of the processor. View full glossary Processor type: The generation/basic model of the processor. Pentium Dual Core Processor speed Processor speed: 1.73GHzThe number of calculations that the processor can handle in one second measured in millions of cycles (MHz). View full glossary Processor speed: The number of calculations that the processor can handle in one second measured in millions of cycles (MHz). 1.73GHz Bus speed Bus speed: 533MHzThe maximum rate of communication between the processor and the rest of the system, measured in millions of cycles (MHz). View full glossary Bus speed: The maximum rate of communication between the processor and the rest of the system, measured in millions of cycles (MHz). 533MHz Level 2 cache 1MB Memory RAM 2GB RAM expandable to: 2GB Memory type (RAM) 533MHz DDR SDRAM (PC-4200) Storage/Drives Hard drive speed 5400RPM Hard drive size Hard drive size: 250GBHard drive space is typically measured in Gigabytes (GB) or storage; the larger the number, the more programs, games and data you can use on your computer. View full glossary Hard drive size: Hard drive space is typically measured in Gigabytes (GB) or storage; the larger the number, the more programs, games and data you can use on your computer. 250GB Burns DVDs Yes Graphics and sound Screen size (diagonal) Screen size (diagonal): 15.4"TV screens are measured diagonally, from corner to corner. HDTVs often look smaller than SDTVs with the same screen size because of the wider 16:9 aspect ratio. View full glossary Screen size (diagonal): TV screens are measured diagonally, from corner to corner. HDTVs often look smaller than SDTVs with the same screen size because of the wider 16:9 aspect ratio. 15.4" Maximum screen resolution 1280 x 800 Video memory 358MB Video memory type Shared Ports TV tuner TV tuner: NoA TV tuner lets you watch broadcast TV on the system. View full glossary TV tuner: A TV tuner lets you watch broadcast TV on the system. No Express card Yes S-video out Yes Media card slot Yes VGA Yes USB 2.0 USB 2.0: 4USB is a standard connection port on most PCs. This will allow you to quickly and easily connect and sync the device with your computer. View full glossary USB 2.0: USB is a standard connection port on most PCs. This will allow you to quickly and easily connect and sync the device with your computer. 4 Firewire Firewire: 1FireWire (or IEEE 1394) is a type of data transfer. Devices with FireWire output can transfer footage directly to a PC with a compatible cable. View full glossary Firewire: FireWire (or IEEE 1394) is a type of data transfer. Devices with FireWire output can transfer footage directly to a PC with a compatible cable. 1 Infrared port Infrared port: NoThis port uses an infrared sensor to wirelessly transfer information to other computers. View full glossary Infrared port: This port uses an infrared sensor to wirelessly transfer information to other computers. No PC card Yes Internet/networking Dial-up modem Included Ethernet Yes Wireless 802.11b/g Bluetooth No Built-in webcam Yes General features Operating system Windows® Vista Home Premium Fingerprint reader No UPC 099802481575 Manufacturer's part number EX56204020 Dimensions Height 10.5 inches Width 14.2 inches Depth 1.7 inches Weight 6.4 lbs.
Kayakmom Posted June 15, 2008 Posted June 15, 2008 CompUSA Acer Aspire 5520-5912 Refurbished Notebook PC - AMD Turion™ 64 X2 Dual-Core Mobile TL-58 1.9GHz, 802.11b/g Wireless, 2GB DDR2, 160GB HDD, DVDRW, 15.4" WXGA, Webcam, Windows Vista Home Premium$519http://www.compusa.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3883604&CatId=17 Specifications Condition: Refurbished Operating Systems: Windows® Vista™ Home Premium Platform: Notebook PC Expansion Ports: 1 - Express Card Slot/54 PS/2 Keyboard Connectors: N/A PS/2 Mouse Connectors: N/A Serial Communication Ports: N/A Parallel Ports: N/A USB Ports: 4 FireWire Ports: 1 Fast Infrared Ports (FIR): 1 - Consumer IR LAN Ports: 1 Modem Ports: 1 Audio Out Jacks: 1 - SPDIF Line In Jacks: 1 Microphone Jacks: 1 VGA Ports: 1 S-Video Connectors: 1 DVI Video: N/A Port Replicator/Connector: N/A Processor Brand: AMD Processor Class: Turion™ 64 X2 Dual-Core Mobile Technology TL-58 Processor Speed: 1.9Ghz Processor FSB: up to 1600MHz Processor Cache: 2 x 512KB L2 Additional Technologies: HyperTransport™ Technology Memory Type: DDR2 Memory Size: 2GB (1GB X 2) Memory Speed: DDR2 667 Memory Slots (Total): 2 Memory Slots (Available): 0 Maximum Memory Supported: 4GB Capacity: 160GB Optical Drive Type: DVD±RW Supplemental Drive Type: Media Reader Capacity: 5 Media Types: SecureDigital Memory Stick xD-Picture Card Memory Stick PRO Multi Media Card Audio Description: Integrated Audio Graphics Description: Integrated Graphics GPU/VPU: NVIDIA GeForce Go 7000M Communications Description: Integrated LAN Integrated Modem Integrated Wireless LAN Interface Type: RJ-11 Phone Connector RJ-45 Ethernet Connector 802.11b/g Wireless Networking Data Transfer Rate: 56Kbps Modem 10/100/1000Mbps Network 54 Mbps Protocols: V.92 802.11b 802.11g Width: 14.4" Height: 1.7" Depth: 10.8" Weight: 6.2 lbs Mouse Type: Touch Pad Display Type: WXGA with CrystalBrite Technology Viewable Screen Size: 15.4" Maximum Resolution: 1280 x 800 Battery Type: 6-Cell Lithium-ion Battery Life: Up to 3 hours
Kayakmom Posted June 15, 2008 Posted June 15, 2008 WalmartHP 15.4" Pavilion dv6809wm Laptop PC w/ AMD Turion 64 X2 Dual-Core Processor TL-60$598 (Rollback from $698)http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=9720310 This one is really nice, but a bit too far out of budget. So far I see a few that are do-able, so we'll definitely find something in our price range. :)
Kayakmom Posted June 15, 2008 Posted June 15, 2008 I found a deal. :) I didn't post it here because I don't want anyone snapping it up before we get it, lol. I will post it here after I buy, though, which will be in about an hour due to some logistics we're trying to work out.
Fishboysmom Posted June 15, 2008 Posted June 15, 2008 Best Buy has this on sale in store only. Sony - VAIO Laptop with Intel® Pentium® Dual-Core Processor T2370 - Granite Model: VGN-NR310E/S | SKU: 8779538 Product FeaturesIntel® Pentium® Dual-Core mobile processor T2370 with 533MHz frontside bus, 1MB L2 cache and 1.73GHz processor speed 1GB PC2-4200 DDR2 memory for multitasking power, expandable to 2GB Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL media; also supports DVD-RAM 15.4" WXGA LCD widescreen display with XBRITE-ECO technology and 1280 x 800 resolution 160GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 rpm) Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 with 251MB video memory as allocated by Windows Vista; VGA out with Smart Display sensor A/V mode for one-touch access to your frequently used media i.LINK (IEEE 1394) port and 4 USB 2.0 ports for fast digital video, audio and data transfer; Memory Stick PRO with MagicGate functionality and Secure Digital card slots Built-in Atheros wireless network connection (802.11b/g); 10Base-T/100Base-TX Fast Ethernet LAN with RJ-45 connector; V.90/V.92 high-speed modem Weighs 6.3 lbs. and measures just 1.5" thin for portable power; lithium-ion battery and AC adapter Granite case finish with fabric-like textured design Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition operating system with Service Pack 1 (SP1) preinstalled; software package included with Sony Click to Disc, Microsoft Works SE 9.0 and more http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8779538&st=8779538&lp=1&type=product&cp=1&id=1204332500361
DramaQueenLucy Posted June 15, 2008 Author Posted June 15, 2008 Best Buy has this on sale in store only. Sony - VAIO Laptop with Intel® Pentium® Dual-Core Processor T2370 - Granite Model: VGN-NR310E/S | SKU: 8779538 Product FeaturesIntel® Pentium® Dual-Core mobile processor T2370 with 533MHz frontside bus, 1MB L2 cache and 1.73GHz processor speed 1GB PC2-4200 DDR2 memory for multitasking power, expandable to 2GB Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL media; also supports DVD-RAM 15.4" WXGA LCD widescreen display with XBRITE-ECO technology and 1280 x 800 resolution 160GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 rpm) Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 with 251MB video memory as allocated by Windows Vista; VGA out with Smart Display sensor A/V mode for one-touch access to your frequently used media i.LINK (IEEE 1394) port and 4 USB 2.0 ports for fast digital video, audio and data transfer; Memory Stick PRO with MagicGate functionality and Secure Digital card slots Built-in Atheros wireless network connection (802.11b/g); 10Base-T/100Base-TX Fast Ethernet LAN with RJ-45 connector; V.90/V.92 high-speed modem Weighs 6.3 lbs. and measures just 1.5" thin for portable power; lithium-ion battery and AC adapter Granite case finish with fabric-like textured design Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition operating system with Service Pack 1 (SP1) preinstalled; software package included with Sony Click to Disc, Microsoft Works SE 9.0 and more http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8779538&st=8779538&lp=1&type=product&cp=1&id=1204332500361 This is the one we ordered Patty is picking it up today!! Jen did an great job, as did the fancy pants!
Kayakmom Posted June 15, 2008 Posted June 15, 2008 Actually, I didn't get that one because I couldn't order and pay for it online. This is what we got her: Compaq - Presario Laptop with Intel® Pentium® Dual-Core Processor T2370 Reg. Price:$599.99 You Save:$180.00 Sale:$419.99 Product Features Intel® Pentium® Dual-Core mobile processor T2370 with 533MHz frontside bus, 1MB L2 cache and 1.73GHz processor speed 1GB DDR2 memory for multitasking power, expandable to 2GB Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible media 15.4" WXGA high-definition LCD widescreen display with BrightView technology and 1280 x 800 resolution 160GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 rpm) Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 with up to 251MB shared video memory; S-video output; built-in Altec Lansing audio 3 high-speed USB 2.0 ports for fast digital video, audio and data transfer Built-in high-speed wireless LAN (802.11b/g); built-in 10/100Base-T Ethernet LAN (with RJ-45 connector); high-speed 56 Kbps modem Weighs 5.8 lbs. and measures just 1.6" thin for easy portability; 6-cell lithium-ion battery and AC adapter Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition operating system with Service Pack 1 (SP1) preinstalled; software package included with HP Photosmart Essentials, muvee autoProducer, Adobe Acrobat Reader and more Colleen is going to send her extra memory that she has and we also got her a Linksys router. Tokanm will be sending along an older laptop for her children and I'm going to dig around to find one of our wireless cards for that so that it will be able to have internet access, too. :) We were able to do the whole thing, out the door including the modem and tax, for $498.19, which was within the budget. Woohoo!
Kayakmom Posted June 15, 2008 Posted June 15, 2008 I just compared the two and it seems that they're almost exactly the same. The only difference I see that might have been better about the Vaio is that it comes with MS Works 9.0, which could be handy. The Compaq was $30 less, too. I have never personally had a Sony, but I like the Vaio's and eye them quite a bit, lol. We have several HP/Compaq products in our household and have been pleased with them all. Customer service has been relatively good. I just went back and checked ratings and the Vaio has a customer rating of 3.9 and the Presario has 4.7 starts, so I think we made the right choice. :)
Rockfordmom Posted June 15, 2008 Posted June 15, 2008 I just compared the two and it seems that they're almost exactly the same. The only difference I see that might have been better about the Vaio is that it comes with MS Works 9.0, which could be handy. The Compaq was $30 less, too. I have never personally had a Sony, but I like the Vaio's and eye them quite a bit, lol. We have several HP/Compaq products in our household and have been pleased with them all. Customer service has been relatively good. I just went back and checked ratings and the Vaio has a customer rating of 3.9 and the Presario has 4.7 starts, so I think we made the right choice. :)So for both of them you would need a wireless card and to upgrade to 2GB ram, correct? Which one do you think is better? The only real difference in the reviews is that one person rated one of them really poorly, the rest for both are about the same... both seem to have pros & cons.
RossMAN Posted June 15, 2008 Posted June 15, 2008 So for both of them you would need a wireless card and to upgrade to 2GB ram, correct? Which one do you think is better? The only real difference in the reviews is that one person rated one of them really poorly, the rest for both are about the same... both seem to have pros & cons.Both laptops come with WiFi cards built-in, so a wireless card is not necessary. Sony VAIO:Built-in Atheros wireless network connection (802.11b/g) Compaq Presario:Built-in high-speed wireless LAN (802.11b/g) 2GB RAM is recommended but not required. You can free up some RAM by decrapifying the laptop or better yet, reformat and re-install Windows Vista without all the extra bloatware, trial software, spyware, and other junk.
Rockfordmom Posted June 15, 2008 Posted June 15, 2008 Both laptops come with WiFi cards built-in, so a wireless card is not necessary. Sony VAIO: Compaq Presario: 2GB RAM is recommended but not required. You can free up some RAM by decrapifying the laptop or better yet, reformat and re-install Windows Vista without all the extra bloatware, trial software, spyware, and other junk.So RossMAN if you were going to go with one or the other which one would you pick? And I know you don't have to go to 2GB RAM, I was asking about what you recommended.
RossMAN Posted June 15, 2008 Posted June 15, 2008 So RossMAN if you were going to go with one or the other which one would you pick?Compaq Presario without a doubt. Every manufacturer has a small minority of angry customers. Sony VAIO laptops consistently receives poor ratings for reliability and support according to numerous reviews I've read and Consumer Reports. I would never buy a Sony VAIO laptop. Unless you're going to pay more for an Apple MacBook, IBM/Lenovo ThinkPad or Dell Latitude you aren't likely to get a perfect problem free PC. It just doesn't work that way. If you do buy a laptop remember to pay for it with a credit card which usually offers free 1 year extended warranty. That will give you a total of 2 years warranty coverage for free :)
Rockfordmom Posted June 15, 2008 Posted June 15, 2008 Compaq Presario without a doubt. Every manufacturer has a small minority of angry customers. Sony VAIO laptops consistently receives poor ratings for reliability and support according to numerous reviews I've read and Consumer Reports. I would never buy a Sony VAIO laptop. Unless you're going to pay more for an Apple MacBook, IBM/Lenovo ThinkPad or Dell Latitude you aren't likely to get a perfect problem free PC. It just doesn't work that way. If you do buy a laptop remember to pay for it with a credit card which usually offers free 1 year extended warranty. That will give you a total of 2 years warranty coverage for free :)My son has had an Apple Laptop for about 2 years and LOVES! it and still can't stop talking about how great it is and their customer service. He hasn't had a single complaint about them, when he had a desktop was rebuilding it every couple of months and always wants the newest phone & ipod, but he still loves his laptop. He'd be a great salesman for them!
RossMAN Posted June 15, 2008 Posted June 15, 2008 My son has had an Apple Laptop for about 2 years and LOVES! it and still can't stop talking about how great it is and their customer service. He hasn't had a single complaint about them, when he had a desktop was rebuilding it every couple of months and always wants the newest phone & ipod, but he still loves his laptop. He'd be a great salesman for them!Windows laptops still give you more bang for your buck assuming you buy a quality Lenovo ThinkPad or Dell Latitude. My fully loaded Dell Latitude D630 for $1,100 including 3 year warranty is faster than the average Apple laptop. Is it better? That's a matter of personal preference. When Apple stops charging a premium for their brand name and "hip" lifestyle I'll definitely buy a MacBook laptop. Until then I'm a Lenovo/Dell kinda guy :)
DramaQueenLucy Posted June 15, 2008 Author Posted June 15, 2008 I just compared the two and it seems that they're almost exactly the same. The only difference I see that might have been better about the Vaio is that it comes with MS Works 9.0, which could be handy. The Compaq was $30 less, too. I have never personally had a Sony, but I like the Vaio's and eye them quite a bit, lol. We have several HP/Compaq products in our household and have been pleased with them all. Customer service has been relatively good. I just went back and checked ratings and the Vaio has a customer rating of 3.9 and the Presario has 4.7 starts, so I think we made the right choice. :)I agree it was the right choice and Patty is thrilled with her gift! She told me a little while ago that she is dying to start posting deals again...lol Thanks to Mary-Ellen for the laptop for the kiddos....geez we gottadealers can do just about anything once we put our minds to it.
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