I need a laptop. Need tech-geek help ;)

[Elwood_Blues]

So my current laptop is on its way out and I need a new one. I want to spend $300-$400, preferably 15.6" screen, not smaller than 14".OS has to be Windows 7. I will only use it to surf net, store some pictures and video.

Any input greatly appreciated.


EDIT: No Touch Screen

[jrara]

Did you want Touch Screen?

[Elwood_Blues]

Did you want Touch Screen?

Nope, forgot to mention that.

[pluke the 2]

cant use a touch screen with win 7 anyway. honestly, i'd suggest saving a little more and buying a 600 dollar laptop vs a 400 because that extra 200 bucks will make a difference as far as bang for the buck and longevity.

[pluke the 2]

if you have cash you should look into second hand laptops on craigslist that have newer manufactured dates. prolly be better than buying a cheapo

[MaHoTex]

You could go with Windows 8 and put "Start8" on it. Some look and feel as Windows 7.

Look at the Asus K55 series. Got one for my mother back in February at BestBuy for under $300.

[Elwood_Blues]

if you have cash you should look into second hand laptops on craigslist that have newer manufactured dates. prolly be better than buying a cheapo

I did, but not sure what to look for. Newer manufacture date being 2012, 2013?

[ExtremeX]

if you have cash you should look into second hand laptops on craigslist that have newer manufactured dates. prolly be better than buying a cheapo

+1

Id look at laptops sold on ebay from liquidation companies who refurbish and/or resell off lease or system that come from larger organizations.

[ExtremeX]

I did, but not sure what to look for. Newer manufacture date being 2012, 2013?

You need to become a bit more familiar in terms of what to look for from a specs standpoint and not just year of manufacture.

Basically look at the generation of processor being offered, ram, hdd, screen resolution, and whatever else.

I would skip over anything core2duo and look for something at least in the i series (i3/i5/i7) of intel processors.

Looking at the intel ark will gives you an idea of when a processor was released. As an example...

http://ark.intel.com/products/family/65504/3rd-Generation-Intel-Core-i5-Processors#@Mobile

Even a newly manufactured cheap laptop may have lesser hardware than something which is older but was once considered higher end.

Processor benchmark reviews is also another good reference.

http://www.cpubenchmark.net/

[pluke the 2]

^+++

what extreme said as well. i'd look into 13's and nothing older if youre paying cash.

[Elwood_Blues]

Thanks to all! Extreme, very helpful info.

I'm considering Ebay as at least I'll know how reliable the seller is and they can have options for return/30 days warranty and such.

[Javi]

You could go with Windows 8 and put "Start8" on it. Some look and feel as Windows 7.

Look at the Asus K55 series. Got one for my mother back in February at BestBuy for under $300.

I just got a new Lenovo today & I plan to pay the $5 after my Start8 trial is over. Can't stand Win. 8!

[ExtremeX]

Speaking of Lenovo / IBM Thinkpads... those are one of my favorite laptop manufactures... Their business class laptops are widely used by many corporate entities and often hit the liquidation circuit within 3 years or so.

Lots of opportunity's to pick up used laptops which are still in excellent working condition with plenty of service life left. I still have an IBM T40 which is over 10 years old and just wont die.

The higher end Dell Latitude and Mobile Precision Workstation laptops should also be under consideration depending on what you are looking for...

Basically, any business class laptop is worth looking at if the deal is right... I just stay away from the entry level consumer stuff regardless if its new or used; they just are not built the same.

[pluke the 2]

i hate absoluetly hate my lenovo laptop. i got a y510p. it's not in their business class but i'd never buy one again.

[Elwood_Blues]

i hate absoluetly hate my lenovo laptop. i got a y510p. it's not in their business class but i'd never buy one again.

And the reason(s) you hate it so much...