Computer Buying Help Needed

[FullyMT]

Ok....
I'm searching to buy a laptop/notebook for when I go to college. The university sells it's own notebook, with everything you need. There are some things I wish were a little better (like having anti-virus software, but I that's cheap, right?)

I was wondering if somebody could tell me if I'm being ripped off for this:

Operating System: Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Pro (T1200)
Processor: Intel Pentium M processor 735 (1.70GHz, 2MB Cache, 400FSB)
Memory: 1024 MB 333 MHz DDR 2 SO-DIMM
Hard Drive: 40GB 9.5mm Hard Drive (5400RPM)
CD-ROM/DVD: DVD/CD-RW Combo Drive TransPort T1200
No Floppy Drive
Video Card: Integrated Intel(R).Extreme Graphics 2
Display: 14.1" XGA Active Matrix Display
Modem: Integrated 56K v.92 modem
Network Card:Integrated 10/100 LAN
Wireless Networking: INTEL.PRO/WIRELESS 2200BG (802.11b/g MINI-PCI WLAN)
No Anti-Virus Software Installed
4 year warranty
+Nylon Backpack Case (I don't have anything yet to carry books paper, etc, so I figured it wouldn't be a bad idea)
+ 1 Gig Key for external harddrive
(comes with some sort of 4J cable, whatever it's called)
Total current price: $1,640
-----------------
Is this a good deal, or should I try someplace else?

 

[Athanasian Creed]

That price is a total rip-off !!!

Try Dell http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/category.aspx/notebooks?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs
They seem to have some decent prices on laptops at far less a price (and other incentives)


Ray

 

[superfly]

windows is always a rip off

why do you want to spend money for a system that gets infected in less than 12 minutes (do a search, it's been proven)?? first thing i would do is to install linux on there.

but then that's just me...

 

[simplicity]

Did you mention the brand? If it's a no-name brand, I think that price is really on the expensive side. You should be able to get it several hundred dollars cheaper at least. Now if it's true what I read and you don't even get any software (apart from the OS), just walk away dude. That's not a good deal at all. And the asking price is at level I consider downright impolite to use a euphemism.

 

[Psalms34]

The video on that is a bit sad, at least for me since I like to play games, myself. You may want to check out www.pricewatch.com and compare there. It's a directory listing of many sellers and it has reviews and ratings by people who buy form the seller listed.

As for anti-virus, the best out there IMO is AVG and it's free. It takes up little resources and has a high rating for doing its job.

 

[Niz]

i wouldn't go with a laptop(it's a personal reason). You can buy an elite desktop for half that amount.
Here's what you can buy:
Prices come from newegg.com
AMD XP +3000 - $100.00
MSI K7N2 Delta2 Plat. - $110.00
1GB PC 3200 - $145.00
320 GB Hard Drive - $140.00
ATI 9800 PRO - $170.00
17" LCD Moniter - $189.00
DVD Burner - $50.00
Generic case - $40.00
Keyboard & mouse - $50.00

Total: $994.00
That's a GREAT PC for gaming, multimedia, or more, and it prolly wouldn't need to be updated for the next year or so. But if you're really wanting a laptop then they have great deals on them too.

 

[JordanF]

That price isn't so bad.

Niz, as for the laptop issue, what if he wants something portable (traveling, in-class, etc.)? I use a laptop because I travel around a lot and I like to work on contracts I have while traveling. It's also nice to be able to move around the house and still have network access wirelessly.

 

[Psalms34]

That price isn't so bad.

Niz, as for the laptop issue, what if he wants something portable (traveling, in-class, etc.)? I use a laptop because I travel around a lot and I like to work on contracts I have while traveling. It's also nice to be able to move around the house and still have network access wirelessly.

Yep, I dig my laptop and mny past ones as well. If I had to choose between laptop or desktop only, laptop with out a doubt.

 

[BohemianChris]

Spend the money and get an IBM Thinkpad or Apple iBook.

Best,
Chris

 

[zoziw]

If you live in Virginia you can get a used iBook for $50 on August 9, but you have to be there in person.

Link

I'd get there early!

 

[Shannonkish]

I bought my Dell Laptop for cheaper than that... Dell Inspirion 600m.

 

[Ellethidhren]

Get a new Dell. You get the support and you can pick what you want and what you don't. Everyone I know is happy with them. Check out their website.

I have a Sony laptop as a secondary computer and I never had a problem with it, but the free support is only for a limited time.

Yeah, the college is definitly ripping you off.

 

[Shannonkish]

I had a Sony Laptop...I hated it.

 

[simplicity]

I love my notebook computer. I have a cheap one, too - an Acer. I doubt I would ever buy a desktop again. I've already worn smooth the mat finish on the keyboard after just a couple of months. It's holding up pretty well given how much I program on it. I was sure I would burn something out by now. Taiwan makes great notebooks.

 

[Justin Horne]

Sometimes I hate being an Apple harlot, but the new iBooks (released two days ago, I believe) are great...

The 14 inch is 1499 with student discount, good price.. Here's the specs:
http://www.apple.com/ibook/specs.html

Really, a good computer, good price...

PS, post 500.

 

[theeyesoftammyfaye]

Sometimes I hate being an Apple harlot, but the new iBooks (released two days ago, I believe) are great...

The 14 inch is 1499 with student discount, good price.. Here's the specs:
http://www.apple.com/ibook/specs.html

Really, a good computer, good price...

PS, post 500.

it's okay, you couldn't force me at gunpoint to go back to using windows. i have a 15" powerbook 1.67 GHz. macs are a bit pricier than their PC counterparts, but you really do get what you pay for. and i tell you one thing, i REALLY don't miss the spyware/adware/viruses constantly attacking my computer. apple = best bet.

 

[Justin Horne]

it's okay, you couldn't force me at gunpoint to go back to using windows. i have a 15" powerbook 1.67 GHz. macs are a bit pricier than their PC counterparts, but you really do get what you pay for. and i tell you one thing, i REALLY don't miss the spyware/adware/viruses constantly attacking my computer. apple = best bet.

Ooh, you got the perfect laptop in my opinion... 12's are too small for my taste, 17s too big (though INCREDIBLE, I must say, having demo'd one.) I'm using a 1.25 G4 Powermac... It works fine, but I'd love a new one... Comp USA had a dual 2.5 connected to a 30 inch cinema display on demo... WOW.

 

[Justin Horne]

If ever I had a moment of pure jealousy and awe, this would be it:
http://neptunetrawls.com.au/comp3.jpg

Hail Steve and his Apple-y goodness...

 

[imawebmonkey]

I think $1640 is a rip-off for that particular laptop. Not to promote a certain brand name, but I bought an Averatec 6240 in January and paid less than $1200.

http://www.averatec.com/notebooks/6240series.htm

I would definitely shop around before paying $1640 for the one you listed.

 

[rubberchicken007]

it's okay, you couldn't force me at gunpoint to go back to using windows. i have a 15" powerbook 1.67 GHz. macs are a bit pricier than their PC counterparts, but you really do get what you pay for. and i tell you one thing, i REALLY don't miss the spyware/adware/viruses constantly attacking my computer. apple = best bet.

i agree. apple is a bit expensive, but it is worth every penny. i used IBM laptops in school, running windows, and that was enough. in my opinion, windows sucks. i would choose apple over windows any day.

anyway, i would not pay $50 for a used ibook. i doubt it is in good shape if it only costs $50