Sub $500.00 and even sub $400.00 notebook / laptop computers

Lpeter on 13/06/2014 - 09:49
Last edited 13/06/2014 - 10:01

I'm making do with a Microsoft Surface RT plugged into an old keyboard at the moment, the keyboard is an old desktop keyboard and looks enormous but it does the job; I'm using a keyboard because the touch screen can be fiddly and unresponsive, this is only an interim measure. I've seen very few OzBargain notebook/laptop specials lately but a recent flood of specials in the newspapers and catalogues in the sub $500.00 and even sub $400.00 range.

For example, Harvey Norman 24May2014: Acer Aspire Notebook, AMD E1, 4GB RAM, 500GB HDD, DVD burner, 15.6" screen, Windows 8.1 $393.00

I'm not a gamer, did I just miss a bargain? Could we please have more notebooks/laptops in the $400-$500 price range on OzBargain?

Computing Computer Laptop

Comments

  • Riczter on 13/06/2014 - 10:26

    $389 + Shipping http://www.ple.com.au/ViewItem.aspx?InventoryItemId=615178 with better processor than the E1. Only a couple left though.

    • peter on 13/06/2014 - 10:45

      Thanks

  • mrmarkau67 on 13/06/2014 - 10:41

    Rather than a cheap new PC, I'd rather spend my $400 or so on

    one of these: http://www.graysonline.com/lot/0001-801652/computers-and-it-…
    A matching dock
    A new SSD
    A cheap LCD screen if you don't already have one

    You get a 4GB of RAM, a high quality case, a beautiful keyboard and 13" screen, a i5 processor, SSD performance, 2nd screen productivity. Tradeoff is battery life, warranty, graphics performance.

    • Riczter on 13/06/2014 - 10:51

      Ugh i bought around 12 or 15 HP Refurb laptops from greys in the space of 2 years ages back… 60-70% had problems within the first year. I'd never buy from them again. My experience, YMMV.
      Also watch out for the added cost after the total bid amount. There's a buyers premium of 22%!!! that goes to Greys and of course delivery fees are high as well..
      But if you find a reliable laptop model at a really cheap price then i guess go for it..

      • peter on 13/06/2014 - 11:34

        All good to know, thanks.

  • peter on 13/06/2014 - 10:48

    Depends on where the bidding goes to. What's the max you'd recommend bidding on one of these?

    • mrmarkau67 on 13/06/2014 - 11:07

      Refer to what Riczter has said above. It is a risk; I've had 3 great laptops from 3; I get "business class" Dells - Latitudes or Precision - not Inspiron or Vostro crap. For the 4310 I linked to, I'd be happy with $250 drive away - watch the "buyer's premium" and freight!

      If you are patient, E6410s come up frequently. You get a 14" HD+ screen and more ports on those.

      In general (the occasional great deal excepted), I think its crazy to buy Windows notebooks new - the depreciation on them is hellish, so with some patience you can always find a nice machine at a great price.

  • peter on 13/06/2014 - 11:13

    Thanks, actually I'm getting used to the screen size on the Surface RT, so I can struggle on a little longer! You make a good point about depreciation too.

  • xyron on 13/06/2014 - 11:43
    +2

    I still think this is a great deal if you need a basic, compact laptop that isn't completely gimped up with an AMD E-series processor.

    http://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/acer-v5-132-1…

  • p1 ama on 13/06/2014 - 12:57
    +1

    You're almost better off looking at 2nd hand models rather than new ones.

    You can get a pretty decent last generation notebook for less than $400. I managed to get my hands on a Lenovo T420 for $400 last year, Core i5 Sandy Bridge, 4GB RAM. I ended up upgrading to 8GB RAM and putting an SSD in there and the thing flies. Will easily beat anything under $400 now.

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