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Help me choose a laptop

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Stuck.in.ohio
Posts: 331 - Karma: 36

First off I don't want a mac so don't even suggest one.

I'm going to college next year and would like to get one mainly for that reason. I'll be in business so I don't need a gaming laptop, just one that will do ordinary functions and perform them fast. I'm looking to spend between $500-$700

The main brand I'm looking at is Dell and want to know what you guys think about getting one that is refurbished from their online outlet. Other than Dell what is a good brand to go with

The main things I want to be in it is:

4GB RAM

At least 250GB hard drive

Dual Core Processor

Windows 7

13"-15" screen

I'm looking at this one from Best Buy but a similar one that is refurbished at Dell's Outlet is about $100 less but I'm unsure of the warranty, reliability, etc.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Dell+-+Studio+Laptop+with+Intel%26%23174%3B+Core%26%23153%3B2+Duo+Processor+-+Midnight+Blue/9539154.p?id=1218120538238&skuId=9539154

Any help would be much appreciated

Oct 31 2009 1:25PM
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Crock360
Posts: 2100 - Karma: 23
Even though I want to recommend a mac, i'll refrain.

If you're not looking to do any sort of gaming, media rendering etc, I personally think 4gigs of ram is way overkill. And as far as buying refurbished, I looked at the Dell site, and from what I understand you get the same warranty as you do with buying a new computer. This is awesome, because not only are you getting a computer for less, but it's been through more testing than one that just rolled off the assembly line, so much less chance of getting one DOA, having dead pixels etc...

I bought my macbook from the refurbished apple page, and couldn't be happier. It saved me a ton of money in the long run, and I couldn't tell it had been used when I got it.

So I vote for a refurb one to save the $$$, but I really dont think you need 4gigs of ram for your computer needs. that being said, it's up to you, get what makes you happy.
Oct 31 2009 4:56PM
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cultrara
Posts: 5147 - Karma: 46,850
def get the dell studio 14z. my friend has it and loves it. its light, powerful, and a good price
Oct 31 2009 8:11PM
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glenplakejr
Posts: 110 - Karma: 18
do some research on Newegg.com I got my computer for college for around 600 meeting the specs your looking for.
Nov 1 2009 3:13PM
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KarmaInitiative
Posts: 2028 - Karma: 174
if ur getting 4gb of ram, ur gonna want a 64bit computer, otherwise it will only recognize 3gb of it

and ive always been happy with hp
Nov 1 2009 5:03PM
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Stuck.in.ohio
Posts: 331 - Karma: 36

Thanks for advice, I was just assuming that I'd need 4 GB of RAM but I've researched a little more and was wondering if 2 or 3 GBs would work I'm thinking 2

And the Dell Outlet is looking pretty good, but I was wondering if I could find a better deal with the day after Thanksgiving sale I dont know if any of you have gotten laptops there

thanks

Nov 1 2009 7:51PM
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Microm1987
Posts: 7 - Karma: 10
MAC. Come to the light side
Nov 3 2009 6:22AM
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Atypical
Posts: 1339 - Karma: 45
drop down to 3gb and stay 32 bit. New laptops running windows 7 are light speeds faster than vista and you don't need as much ram to keep it running smooth.

Also, I would recommend getting an external harddrive. That way if your laptop goes down you don't have everything on it.
Nov 3 2009 9:21AM
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glenplakejr
Posts: 110 - Karma: 18
true external is the way to go
Nov 3 2009 10:29AM
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Stuck.in.ohio
Posts: 331 - Karma: 36

Yeah I was definitely going to pick up an external to back it all up

I looked at the Dell Outlet and it seems that none of the ones I want have Windows 7 so I'm probably just getting the Inspiron 15 off their site and customizing it a little

Thanks for the help

Nov 3 2009 8:53PM
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drumbumocdp
Posts: 3229 - Karma: 1,098
dells are the worst computers ever. you will need something fixed within the first month. if your stuck with pc i would suggest Toshiba or hp... but seriously, try a mac
Nov 3 2009 9:17PM
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chapz
Posts: 10182 - Karma: 66
sony vaio fw

i have a fw450j and it is perfect. 4gb ram, 320 hd, ati4650 hd card with 512mb, 16.4 inch screen(16 by 9 resolution), blueray player and dvd+-rw, 2.1ghz(choose higher if you prefer), windows 7 obviiiii, firewire, bluetooth.... the list goes on.
Nov 3 2009 10:11PM
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glenplakejr
Posts: 110 - Karma: 18
dell does suck to some extent but keep in mind when you go to college the tech help may be specific to the more generic brands.  At my school its dell hp and lenovo for pc that they will service, everything else there is only a slight chance.  So check with your universities tech policy. 
Nov 3 2009 10:33PM
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FreeBallin
Posts: 1845 - Karma: 17
Asus U50

picked up mine on w7 launch and love it
Nov 4 2009 12:55PM
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Elife
Posts: 2829 - Karma: 44
wait until you have enough money to buy a mac and in the meantime this will do about as much as a PC will and its way cheaper

Click for larger image
Nov 4 2009 3:26PM
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Elife
Posts: 2829 - Karma: 44
Click for larger image
Nov 4 2009 3:28PM
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Pee_and_Ski
Posts: 1869 - Karma: 57
i got the dell studio xps and im getting windows 7 but save yourself a ton of headachs and get the 13in mac book, the number of problems that you wont have to deal with will make you love it
Nov 4 2009 6:47PM
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Stuck.in.ohio
Posts: 331 - Karma: 36

For those who said mac thanks for the advice but I just can't justify spending that much when I still have to buy skis.

And does anyone know whether I need 4GB of ram or 3 if I want to run Windows 7 on 64 bit

Nov 4 2009 9:48PM
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panojibber
Posts: 3382 - Karma: 216
YES.
Nov 4 2009 10:06PM
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KarmaInitiative
Posts: 2028 - Karma: 174
searously u guys need to stop bitching about pcs we all have our opinions but this isnt the place. he said he doesnt want a mac, so give some helpful advice or gtfo
Nov 4 2009 10:23PM
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Elife
Posts: 2829 - Karma: 44
awww did I hurt your feelings? Its all in good fun, macs have to talk shit, its like if skiers and snowboarders just got along... it'd be wrong
Nov 4 2009 10:47PM
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rossiscratch21
Posts: 28 - Karma: 10
nothings better than a mac
Nov 5 2009 4:29PM
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cultrara
Posts: 5147 - Karma: 46,850
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Nov 5 2009 5:42PM
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rossiscratch21
Posts: 28 - Karma: 10
pull the trigger billy
Nov 5 2009 9:18PM
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glenplakejr
Posts: 110 - Karma: 18
he is far too chill to take his hands out of his pockets even at gun point
Nov 6 2009 1:15AM
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Crock360
Posts: 2100 - Karma: 23
Well even if he pulls the trigger, there will be an error message about the bullet not being able to fire. He'll ctrl+alt+delete, try to end the process, but accidentally mess up something else, and before long he'll just be pointing a blue screen of death at the mac guy.
Nov 6 2009 12:05PM
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cultrara
Posts: 5147 - Karma: 46,850
ftw
Nov 6 2009 5:08PM
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