That Dell is similar to the Lenovo, but with a quad-core i7 CPU instead of a higher-clocked dual-core i5 CPU. It does have a slower, previous-generation GT 525M GPU instead of the GT 630M on the Lenovo. But that should still be fine for casual gaming on a laptop, especially with a relatively low-resolution 1366x768 display.
I'd say it's a toss-up. The Dell is a little overpriced for the specs vs. the Lenovo, but if it gets you a free Xbox 360, that more than makes up the difference. Go for it.
Looks like a good choice to me. The resolution isn't as high as it could be, but that's not something that you'll ever really be bothered by. Things will still look great on it.
And a free 360 makes it a sweet deal... very sweet indeed.... Hmm... How do they verify that you're a student I wonder?
And a $15 upgrade to Windows 8 sweetens the deal even more.
Only problem is that it's a Dell. And they aren't really known for longevity. Don't get me wrong, you still get a couple good years out of them with HEAVY use, I can attest to that. But Dell tends to use cheaper components to build their laptops, capacitors with shorter life ratings and such.
But again, that's also not really anything to worry about.
Note the 7690m is tested with newer and more gpu intensive games for the most part.
If I were you, I would go for this: www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82... The cpu isn't as impressive, but with a laptop you'll notice the gpu tapering out before the cpu does. In terms of other specs, all 3 laptops are fairly similar besides their cpu's and gpu's (and of course their brand). And the 555m is considered one of the high end gpu's of the 500m series. 555m: www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-GT-555M.41933.0.html
The laptop being cheaper is a big plus, but I'm not sure if that's worth a 360 to you. Having said that, you'd have money left over for a nice mouse, and pc games are generally cheaper to boot. Good luck deciding mate, I think you'll need it.
The bump in screen resolution alone is worth the price difference, and the GPU is definitely much nicer. HP and Dell are pretty similar in build quality. Neither is equal to Lenovo, Toshiba, or Samsung in my experience, but at the sub-$1000 level, you don't get carbon fiber or machined aluminum enclosures from anyone, so the differences are minor.
I think it really depends on what you primarily plan to use the laptop for. Email, web browsing, and creating documents on a full HD display is going to require a magnifying glass or a handy shortcut to the zoom key, since desktop operating systems (unlike mobile ones) don't scale to higher resolutions very well (yet). But for graphic design, photography, gaming, or watching videos, the higher resolution would be awesome.
Realistically, you probably have better choices for the money if you pass on the "free" Xbox 360, as Shinn pointed out, but it sounds like the Xbox is a key selling point for you. I'd say either laptop you linked would be fine, and it totally depends on your use case.
Groupon is offering this right now, and I need a tablet (yes, I actually do).
$319 for an ASUS TF101-X1 Android Transformer tablet (manufacturer refurbished) ($469.99 list price) with an ASUS TF101 keyboard dock ($159.99 list price; $629.98 total)
ASUS Android Tablet Tablet Specifications
Operating system: Android v3.0 (Honeycomb) Processor: NVIDIA Tegra 2 Processor Processor cache: 1MB L2 cache Bus speed: 667MHz Memory: 1GB system memory (LPDDR2) Hard drive: 16GB EMMC Multimedia drive: N/A Graphics: NVIDIA Tegra 2 Display: 10.1” IPS with Gorilla glass (1280x800 (WXGA)) View angle: 178 degree Webcam: Front: 1.2M / Rear: 5M Microphone: Yes Bluetooth: Bluetooth 2.1 Wireless Option: 802.11b/g/n Digital Media: Micro SD(SDHC) Audio: Hi-Definition Audio CODEC External Notebook Parts: G-sensor/ Light sensor/ E-compass/ Gyroscope 1 x 2-in-1 Audio Jack (Head Phone /Mic-in); 1 x mini HDMI port 1 x Card Reader 1 x Internal Microphone 1 x Stereo Speaker 10-finger capacitive touchscreen Finish: Black (front) / Brown (back)
Dimensions: 6.96" (L) x 10.67" (W) x 0.51" (D)
Weight: 2.21 lbs Battery: 8hrs (24.4 Wh) 3.3Ah *2 Li-Polymer Battery Power: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz universal Warranty and support: 90-day warranty Accessory: Battery notice, sleeve (optional), adapter and power cord, manual, warranty card Software: ASUS Launcher, MyLibrary, MyNet, MyCloud (Webstorage, SplashTop, @vibe), Polaris Office, ASUS Sync, File Manager, SRS, PressDirect
I think the only tablet actually shipping with Jelly Bean right now is the Google Nexus 7, which is also manufactured by Asus. Of course, there's a wide gap between 7" and 10" tablets and what use cases they're appropriate for. But it's tough to beat $200 for a quad-core Tegra 3 tablet.
Okay, so my computer died on me yesterday. I'm looking for a laptop around the $500-$700 range, the cheaper the better. The main uses for it will be gaming and getting online. I've always gone with either Toshiba or a Dell. Are Macs any better for gaming? I know the RT guys said in one of the podcasts that the whole office uses Macs. Any advice?
Pick one. A cheap laptop isn't going to be much of a gaming machine. You could build a halfway decent gaming desktop for $500-$700, but laptops in that price range don't tend to have fast enough graphics cards for modern games.
Are Macs any better for gaming?
Yes, but a Mac is not happening in your price range, unless you buy used. And the used ones in your price range probably won't have fast enough graphics for gaming.
I'm not sure what Newegg's refurb policy is off the top of my head? 30 days/ 90 days. I'd say probably 30.
It might not be a bad idea to invest in the $69.99 extended 1 year warranty on that. With that and taxes you'd be looking at around $800 though.
Something to consider. There are some other choices for less and not refurbs, they're just not going to pack that kind of punch.
Truth be told though, this little guy looks like it would be nice choice. Cheap and fairly powerful. Though I don't know much about these new AMD A6 chips? Anyone want to chime in on them?
I should have specified I'm looking for a laptop. It barely fits on my desk as is. ;) It's not fully dead yet, but it's slowly languishing. One day when I turned it on, it had the blue screen of death, and it wouldn't go to the log-on screen. It would just show a gray screen and your mouse cursor. I tried doing a disc repair like it suggested, but it said it couldn't fix the problem it found. It's about 7 years old now anyways, so I'm going to just get a new one instead of wasting money trying to fix it. The battery is shot on it as well. Thanks for the ideas. I don't mind refurbished.
Thanks for the links! I have 4 USB ports right now and usually use at least two, so I'm trying not to downgrade in that area, otherwise that computer looks great. I took my laptop in yesterday to see if there is any chance at all that it's worth fixing. Like I said, there's multiple things wrong with it and I don't have my hopes very high.
I'm thinking of purchasing an HD TV. I don't want it to be that big. In fact, the smaller the better. The main thing is it has to be able to work with my avermedia game capture HD (which is essentially a hauppauge hd pvr). I'd like it to be $200 or under--I'm not sure how doable that is, so at least under $300. $300 is my maximum. Any ideas?
Ideas? Yes, hold off a bit. Black Friday isn't that far away, if you're willing to fight for it, and by that I mean wait in a really long line for several hours, then you can gets some RIDICULOUS deals.
My living room, bedroom, and moms house can all attest to this!
If you're in a "I NEEDZ IT NAO!!!!" situation then that's too bad.
Unfortunately this is one thing I really don't pay any attention to, so I won't be able to help out. Sorry.
So I need this www.amazon.com/3-5mm-Female-Stereo-Auxiliary... but for an Ipod touch. I can't seem to hunt one down. I see plenty of dock port to 3.5mm male with 3 feet of cord, but I'm really needing female and no cord.
Thanks, number 2 is just what I'm looking for. Though there seems to be a Fiio version for a few more bucks, it's a name I know and trust so I'll go with it.
I'm faced with a bit of a challenge: I'm looking for a Ethernet-connected color-laserprinter to replace the current crappy AIO used by my family, ideally one that doesn't lie about the remaining toner levels/doesn't have a page counter, or one that can be easily reset or firmware-flashed to omit those systems.
Since those features usually aren't advertised, I'd like to hear firsthand experiences: if you're using a networked color-laserprinter printer that meets those requirements (with or without modifications like firmware flashing or taping over a contact) and which is still in production, please share the brand and model, I'd be really grateful.
Hey, I am new to computer building, so I wanted to some advice on how my theoretical build looks, like if i should get a different part, what would work better, etc., etc
The Build: cpu= amd fx 4100- $110 motherboard=gigabyte am3+ 990X -$150 ram= g skill ripjaws x- $45 power supply- cooler master silent pro m700- $140 graphics card- MSi r7850 twin frozr- $260 dvd burner- lite on bluray/dvd/cd- $60 hard drives- SSD-Sandisk SDSSP 128g-g25- $125 HDD- seagate 1tb- $120 case- rosewill blackhawk- $100
Haha, yeah, wouldn't we all.
What kind of cash are you looking to throw at it?
I'd like to keep it under a grand, preferably around $500-$700.
Hmm... alrighty.
What do you think about this?
That Dell is similar to the Lenovo, but with a quad-core i7 CPU instead of a higher-clocked dual-core i5 CPU. It does have a slower, previous-generation GT 525M GPU instead of the GT 630M on the Lenovo. But that should still be fine for casual gaming on a laptop, especially with a relatively low-resolution 1366x768 display.
I'd say it's a toss-up. The Dell is a little overpriced for the specs vs. the Lenovo, but if it gets you a free Xbox 360, that more than makes up the difference. Go for it.
Looks like a good choice to me. The resolution isn't as high as it could be, but that's not something that you'll ever really be bothered by. Things will still look great on it.
And a free 360 makes it a sweet deal... very sweet indeed.... Hmm... How do they verify that you're a student I wonder?
And a $15 upgrade to Windows 8 sweetens the deal even more.
Only problem is that it's a Dell. And they aren't really known for longevity. Don't get me wrong, you still get a couple good years out of them with HEAVY use, I can attest to that. But Dell tends to use cheaper components to build their laptops, capacitors with shorter life ratings and such.
But again, that's also not really anything to worry about.
In reply to crazy4AWDs, #7206:
Alright thanks guys. I'll probably mull it over a little before I decide for sure.
You have to submit the code with a .edu email address and they verify the college.
It has the i5 core instead, but is it worth another hundred?
If you want to compare the gpu performance, look at the benchmarks near the bottom of these pages:
525m:
www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-GT-525M.43889.0.html
7690m:
www.notebookcheck.net/AMD-Radeon-HD-7690M.67737.0.html
Note the 7690m is tested with newer and more gpu intensive games for the most part.
If I were you, I would go for this:
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Ite
The cpu isn't as impressive, but with a laptop you'll notice the gpu tapering out before the cpu does.
In terms of other specs, all 3 laptops are fairly similar besides their cpu's and gpu's (and of course their brand).
And the 555m is considered one of the high end gpu's of the 500m series.
555m:
www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-GT-555M.41933.0.html
The laptop being cheaper is a big plus, but I'm not sure if that's worth a 360 to you.
Having said that, you'd have money left over for a nice mouse, and pc games are generally cheaper to boot.
Good luck deciding mate, I think you'll need it.
The bump in screen resolution alone is worth the price difference, and the GPU is definitely much nicer. HP and Dell are pretty similar in build quality. Neither is equal to Lenovo, Toshiba, or Samsung in my experience, but at the sub-$1000 level, you don't get carbon fiber or machined aluminum enclosures from anyone, so the differences are minor.
I think it really depends on what you primarily plan to use the laptop for. Email, web browsing, and creating documents on a full HD display is going to require a magnifying glass or a handy shortcut to the zoom key, since desktop operating systems (unlike mobile ones) don't scale to higher resolutions very well (yet). But for graphic design, photography, gaming, or watching videos, the higher resolution would be awesome.
Realistically, you probably have better choices for the money if you pass on the "free" Xbox 360, as Shinn pointed out, but it sounds like the Xbox is a key selling point for you. I'd say either laptop you linked would be fine, and it totally depends on your use case.
Groupon is offering this right now, and I need a tablet (yes, I actually do).
$319 for an ASUS TF101-X1 Android Transformer tablet (manufacturer refurbished) ($469.99 list price) with an ASUS TF101 keyboard dock ($159.99 list price; $629.98 total)
ASUS Android Tablet
Tablet Specifications
Operating system: Android v3.0 (Honeycomb)
Processor: NVIDIA Tegra 2 Processor
Processor cache: 1MB L2 cache
Bus speed: 667MHz
Memory: 1GB system memory (LPDDR2)
Hard drive: 16GB EMMC
Multimedia drive: N/A
Graphics: NVIDIA Tegra 2
Display: 10.1” IPS with Gorilla glass (1280x800 (WXGA))
View angle: 178 degree
Webcam: Front: 1.2M / Rear: 5M
Microphone: Yes
Bluetooth: Bluetooth 2.1
Wireless Option: 802.11b/g/n
Digital Media: Micro SD(SDHC)
Audio: Hi-Definition Audio CODEC
External Notebook Parts:
G-sensor/ Light sensor/ E-compass/ Gyroscope
1 x 2-in-1 Audio Jack (Head Phone /Mic-in);
1 x mini HDMI port
1 x Card Reader
1 x Internal Microphone
1 x Stereo Speaker
10-finger capacitive touchscreen
Finish: Black (front) / Brown (back)
Dimensions: 6.96" (L) x 10.67" (W) x 0.51" (D)
Weight: 2.21 lbs
Battery: 8hrs (24.4 Wh)
3.3Ah *2 Li-Polymer Battery
Power: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz universal
Warranty and support: 90-day warranty
Accessory: Battery notice, sleeve (optional), adapter and power cord, manual, warranty card
Software: ASUS Launcher, MyLibrary, MyNet, MyCloud (Webstorage, SplashTop, @vibe), Polaris Office, ASUS Sync, File Manager, SRS, PressDirect
I did some sleuthing and it doesn't seem like that good a deal.
I think the only tablet actually shipping with Jelly Bean right now is the Google Nexus 7, which is also manufactured by Asus. Of course, there's a wide gap between 7" and 10" tablets and what use cases they're appropriate for. But it's tough to beat $200 for a quad-core Tegra 3 tablet.
Pick one. A cheap laptop isn't going to be much of a gaming machine. You could build a halfway decent gaming desktop for $500-$700, but laptops in that price range don't tend to have fast enough graphics cards for modern games.
Yes, but a Mac is not happening in your price range, unless you buy used. And the used ones in your price range probably won't have fast enough graphics for gaming.
Agreed, getting something with some grunt for under $700 is going to be impossible.
And Macs would be a waste of time and money %100. And WAY above your price range.
To be clear are you looking for a laptop or desktop? Because like the princess said you can build a pretty powerful desktop for $700.
Out of curiosity how exactly did your computer die?
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Ite
I'm not sure what Newegg's refurb policy is off the top of my head? 30 days/ 90 days. I'd say probably 30.
It might not be a bad idea to invest in the $69.99 extended 1 year warranty on that. With that and taxes you'd be looking at around $800 though.
Something to consider. There are some other choices for less and not refurbs, they're just not going to pack that kind of punch.
Truth be told though, this little guy looks like it would be nice choice. Cheap and fairly powerful. Though I don't know much about these new AMD A6 chips? Anyone want to chime in on them?
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Ite
And bear in mind that with these new (non refurb) laptops you get a $15 copy of Windows 8 when it comes out. So that's a nice little deal.
I should have specified I'm looking for a laptop. It barely fits on my desk as is. ;) It's not fully dead yet, but it's slowly languishing. One day when I turned it on, it had the blue screen of death, and it wouldn't go to the log-on screen. It would just show a gray screen and your mouse cursor. I tried doing a disc repair like it suggested, but it said it couldn't fix the problem it found. It's about 7 years old now anyways, so I'm going to just get a new one instead of wasting money trying to fix it. The battery is shot on it as well. Thanks for the ideas. I don't mind refurbished.
Haha, yeah, better just replace it then. That thing's ancient!
Let us know which way you go.
If you're willing to spend an extra 79.99, then I would suggest this:
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Ite
It'll play everything, most with decent settings and always with more than acceptable framerates.
Check out the benchmarks near the bottom of this page:
www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-GT-640M-LE.72199.0.html
The 640m le performs admirably for a mid-range gpu.
Ideas? Yes, hold off a bit. Black Friday isn't that far away, if you're willing to fight for it, and by that I mean wait in a really long line for several hours, then you can gets some RIDICULOUS deals.
My living room, bedroom, and moms house can all attest to this!
If you're in a "I NEEDZ IT NAO!!!!" situation then that's too bad.
Unfortunately this is one thing I really don't pay any attention to, so I won't be able to help out. Sorry.
Has anyone ever come across something like this?
I found a few options for you.
Dock with line out
Adapter with line out (no cable)
Adapter with line out (short cable) paired with 3.5mm female coupler
Thanks, number 2 is just what I'm looking for. Though there seems to be a Fiio version for a few more bucks, it's a name I know and trust so I'll go with it.
I'm faced with a bit of a challenge: I'm looking for a Ethernet-connected color-laserprinter to replace the current crappy AIO used by my family, ideally one that doesn't lie about the remaining toner levels/doesn't have a page counter, or one that can be easily reset or firmware-flashed to omit those systems.
Since those features usually aren't advertised, I'd like to hear firsthand experiences: if you're using a networked color-laserprinter printer that meets those requirements (with or without modifications like firmware flashing or taping over a contact) and which is still in production, please share the brand and model, I'd be really grateful.
No, going paperless is not an option :s
The Build:
cpu= amd fx 4100- $110
motherboard=gigabyte am3+ 990X -$150
ram= g skill ripjaws x- $45
power supply- cooler master silent pro m700- $140
graphics card- MSi r7850 twin frozr- $260
dvd burner- lite on bluray/dvd/cd- $60
hard drives- SSD-Sandisk SDSSP 128g-g25- $125
HDD- seagate 1tb- $120
case- rosewill blackhawk- $100
Links(newegg, just because, if you have a better site, let me know)-
cpu: www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Ite
motherboard: www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Ite
ram: www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Ite
power: www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Ite
graphics card: www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Ite
dvd burner: www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Ite
ssd: www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Ite
hdd: www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Ite
case: www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Ite
Thanks for any help you guys can give