Need $900 TOTAL Laptop - Good Deal?

[SuperG]

Hi guys,

I am needing to get a laptop which is right around $900 (+-$20) including any tax and shipping. I have been trying to find something that fits this, but have been seeing to many with just the Intel Celeron processors. I finally stumbled across one that seems like a good deal. I was hoping you guys could take a look at it, and see if it is indeed worth it. Here it is:

Toshiba Satellite (which I have heard mostly good about) A105-S4384

Specs:

Processor - Core 2 Duo 1.6GHz 667MHz FSB 2MB L2 Cache

RAM - 1GB 533MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-4200)

Hard Drive - 160GB 4200RPM

Graphics and Sound - Integrated (128 MB shared video & 3D audio)

Screen size - 15.4" 1280 x 800

Wireless - 802.11a/b/g & Bluetooth

Standard 1 year warranty


That laptop, including tax would cost me $915 ($849 before tax).


So with those specs in mind (which is pretty much as good as I would need it, could even go down to a Core Duo instead of Core 2 Duo, 512 MB RAM, & smaller hard drive (low as 80GB), even a smaller screen (14.1 inches) if that saved a descent amount of $$$), is that considered a good deal, or are there much better deals to be had out there?

Thanks to all who read and respond.

SuperG

[ZaZ]

Perhaps you should consider the FAQ and post back.

[SuperG]

Perhaps you should consider the FAQ and post back.

I am confused, why do I need to consult the FAQ? I pretty much said everything on that FAQ.

Budget = $900 (including tax and shipping)

Specs = What I posted above, with the possible changes (i.e. lower processor, RAM, HD, and Screen Size)


Most importantly though, I want to know if what I posted is a good deal for the price. That has nothing to do with the FAQ. If I posted this message in the wrong forum, I apologize, and ask to be redirected to wherever is correct.

SuperG

[LancerEvoX]

It'd be nice to know what you plan to use the notebook for, for example. Then we can give you advice on the possible changes.

[SuperG]

It'd be nice to know what you plan to use the notebook for, for example. Then we can give you advice on the possible changes.

For College use with little to no gaming.

No hard core video editing either.

I am not really sure what else to say here?

SuperG

[Jason]

Try the E1405.

[SuperG]

Try the E1405.

Jason,

Thanks for the suggestion. However, when I went to the link for the e1405, it was $799 base price, which only had 512MB RAM and a Core Duo. The Toshiba I stated above, which I was trying to decide on, has 1 GB RAM and a Core 2 Duo, for $849, which definitely seems like a better deal then the Dell e1405, or am I missing something?

Any other opinions?

SuperG

[chrisyano]

I am confused, why do I need to consult the FAQ? I pretty much said everything on that FAQ.

Budget = $900 (including tax and shipping)

Specs = What I posted above, with the possible changes (i.e. lower processor, RAM, HD, and Screen Size)


Most importantly though, I want to know if what I posted is a good deal for the price. That has nothing to do with the FAQ. If I posted this message in the wrong forum, I apologize, and ask to be redirected to wherever is correct.

SuperG

Getting the answers from you for the FAQ would help us better select a suitable system for your needs. It is really very simple and only takes a minute or two to fill out.

The Toshiba you're looking at is not a bad deal. I don't really like the A-series though, and I really don't like 4200 RPM HDs.

For College use with little to no gaming.

No hard core video editing either.

I am not really sure what else to say here?

SuperG

Any other programs you intend to use? Size/weight preferences? Screen resolution preference? These are the parameters that the FAQ helps to set, among others.

Jason,

Thanks for the suggestion. However, when I went to the link for the e1405, it was $799 base price, which only had 512MB RAM and a Core Duo. The Toshiba I stated above, which I was trying to decide on, has 1 GB RAM and a Core 2 Duo, for $849, which definitely seems like a better deal then the Dell e1405, or am I missing something?

Any other opinions?

SuperG

There are Dell coupons available here that can help with an Inspiron's price.

I'd suggest you take a look at the Compaq V3000z or V6000z. They're solid basic systems that start off being excellent deals. You should be able to upgrade rather nicely with your budget.

If possible, the HP dv2000 or dv6000 series are also worth looking at. Personally, I'd prefer either the Compaq or HP systems in your situation.

[JacktheCrow]

For College use with little to no gaming.

No hard core video editing either.

I am not really sure what else to say here?

SuperG

Then how about a Dell 6400 dual core, which starts at 629$ before coupons and taxes. Or if you still want to save some bucks, you can try systems that incorporate AMD Turion 64 x2 processors, since they should be significantly cheaper now. Plus, they would still have more power than what you need, judging from your usage descriptions.

[wearetheborg]

Dell Inspiron 6400, Core Duo 1.6GHz, 1GB RAM, 15" WXGA, 120GB, 128MB Vid, $699 at SMB
Dell Inspiron 6400, Core Duo 1.6GHz, 1GB RAM, 15" WXGA, 120GB, 128MB Vid, $699 at SMB