Hey guys,
Would really appreciate some advice on getting a decent machine for around $800. Prefer something slim, plan to get in an SSD later if it does not come with one.
I guess my most important requirement is that it stay cool, as I've lost two hard disks on my current Lenovo Y470.
Would a 1080 resolution screen be too much to ask for? I'm open to refurbs as well.
I'm studying in Brisbane, do let me know of any deals that may be around.
Thanks for the tip!
Any places where I could get search up on the Samsungs? The ones at JB Hi Fi, etc are wayyy too expensive.
I've seen them much priced much lower back at home and other places.
I'm sure you can get a decent machine for $500
Statement is pointless without examples :P
That would be awesome!
Could you let me know of any deals?
Time is your friend, my friend.
How urgent is it? If you can wait, there are usually bargains to be had from Dell, Lenovo and others.
Otherwise, the best price you'll find is online or from MSY.
JB HiFi and most brick and mortar retailers have under-spec'd and/or overpriced machines.
My Lenovo Y470 has been giving me quite a bit of trouble. Overheating mainly.
This is the second hard disk that it has killed. It's now running on a 250GB one that I swiped from an old netbook that was gathering dust.
I may have some time before this one gives out.
JB HiFi and most brick and mortar retailers have under-spec'd and/or overpriced machines.
Amen!
My machine is a 3rd generation i7, has 8GB of RAM and a 2GB dedicated graphics card which I bought in the Middle East for around $800. I would love to get something similar but everything I've seen at these places are so expensive!
I would echo the comments above regarding Dell. In my experience, their outlet for refurbs has had the best prices for the specs.
If you Google "Dell Outlet Australia" you will find it. Bookmark the site and check back often.
Thanks!
Think this is the site you mentioned?
They do seem to have some decent deals. If they had something similar for ThinkPads, I would be a happy man :) ! Though the Latitudes seem pretty rugged as well.
That's the one.
I like to lurk around the Dell, Lenovo and HP outlet shops 1-2 times a week to see what's on offer.
Figure I'll pull the trigger on something a week before EOFY. Hoping to get an i5 4670k range or above for a good price….
Just noticed a couple of i7 Laptops in there today too:
$760
Inspiron 15R 4th Generation Intel Core i7-4500U Processor (4M Cache, up to 3.0 GHz, 8670 2GB)
8GB Dual Channel DDR3L 1600MHz (4GBx2)
1TB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
Windows 8.1 (64Bit) English
$735
Inspiron 15R Special Edition 3rd Generation Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-3632QM processor (6M Cache, up to 3.2 GHz) 8GB 2 DIMM (4GB x 2) DDR3 1600Mhz
1.0TB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
Windows 8, English (64bit)
The community can tell you whether or not these prices are any good. I've been out of the loop so long that I'm clueless. As I'm still using an antiquated Dell Precision Workstation 360 (Socket 478 with AGP bus and WinXP)
Just about anything I buy is going to be like going from a Yugo to a Rocket Car.
I plan to get at least an i5 so I can go another 14 years without an upgrade. :-D
Nothing seems to be available at the Lenovo oulet :(
Can't seem to find anything at HPs either, chromebooks seem to be the trend there.
That ones that you noticed seem pretty good, I've never used a Dell. Your 14 year testament to it however convinces me to give it a shot :)
I should clarify that the 14 years is an estimate (based on WinXP) and that by "no upgrades" I mean the OS.
I'd guess my old Dell is at LEAST 10-12 years old. I moved to Oz from the US 10 years ago and the machine came with me.
My house was a 'Dell Shop' and every PC I ever purchased was from Dell. This, mind you was during the heyday of Dell. Back in the day, thanks to Slickdeals.net, you could often cheat the system and configure a brand new "Business System" for cheaper than the consumer systems.
I've only every purchased Dell towers (2 refurbs and 1 new) However, almost every business I've ever worked for in my 20+ year career used Dell so…from that standpoint I've been a heavy user of their laptops.
Where I work now is a Lenovo shop and I absolutely lust after the T430 I use. My problem is that I just can't see paying Lenovo prices for home use. But….I would SO love to have a T530 for home use.
Can't justify the price so this Old @$$ HP NW8440 that I'm typing on now does everything I NEED. Even though I could make a cup of tea while I wait for it to boot up (WinXP again).
Thanks to Ozbargain, if I can't find a good lappy by EOFY, I'm just gonna nab an SSD and slap Windows 7 on this old jallopy of a laptop. I figure I can hold out till Windows 9 comes around next year if I really needed to…
What size? 11", 13", 14" or 15"?
Ah, not too small, unless it's a STEAL :)
13" and above. Wouldn't mind a 15", if it includes a 1080 screen.
Hey sanstorm.
This just popped up recently:
Core i7 laptop for $799
Should be plenty to get you through Uni.
http://www.dell.com/au/p/inspiron-15-3537/pd?oc=dw511205au&m…
Appreciate it, bro!
I'm willing to delay some more, need to hold on to the cash at the moment :)
check DELL deals for decent value laptops,
or if you want a Full HD display, maybe look at some Samsungs, but you would probably need a 15.6" screen otherwise fonts will be too small.