In doing a search for the best laptops in 2011, I have researched a myriad of options and brands that are tailored to what I want and need. At the top of the every list (Cnet Research) except for budget categories is the mighty apple products, unfortunately I do not foresee using my laptop for editing or any of those advanced features they all come with, so that is a no-go. Also they are completely out of the range I want to spend on a laptop. The $ range I am looking for is $399 – $799, which has led me to two categories of budget based and mid-range based laptops. So far the leader with techie features, innovation, and with a flare of style is Toshiba. In the past more than once I have heard that they are great laptops, but I haven’t really heard anything recently to solidify a purchase. The best priced brand in the lower end of the technology curve is Dell; but they don’t even come with windows 7 unless you pay extra. That brand is out -# Losers! In between those two brands, I am still considering Asus, Lenovo, and Acer. Granted we all have heard you get what you pay for, but does that mean you have to dole out $1400 dollars for a computer that will be obsolete in 3 years. Value vs. Cost does not add up for me. Some of the features I am drooling over are listed below, and I will probably not get all of them at the end of the day, because of the game these companies play in picking and choosing which features are standard and what not.
Features:
i7 or i5 2nd generation quad processor (Sandy Bridge)
6g Ram
500-750 Gigs Storage
Blu –Ray Drive or DVD Burner
5-7 Hours of battery life or more
5 pounds or less in weight
13 – 16 inch screen size
Windows 7 already included
Capability to connect laptop to TV
Good Keyboard for easier typing (Back lit option preferred)
I guess once I put all of these on paper, it does seem like a long demanding list. LOL! Oh well I want what I want. What’s also perfect is that this is the right time to buy as computers should be on sale based on my monthly calendar post. (See Link Here-Jan Calendar Post
*Please comment back and let me know what computer brand you currently have and if you are happy with it. Also if you’re current model has all of these options as well. I guess more comparison shopping for me in the near future. Uncertainty always finds its way into my mind when spending over a certain amount for something. Given all the options I am still leaning on getting a Toshiba laptop when the time comes.
Getting a well-priced laptop to last you at least 5+ years is another way to watch your money!
Update Miss Rich Uncle El wants to actually get the Apple laptop as she feels it will last longer. What a dilemma now. Advice needed a sap.
Thanks,
Please update on your choice to help others that are faced with the same dilemma.
Elvis,I currently have a Dell Inspiron 1564. I bought it about a year ago, the specs that it has are more than what I need. It came with Windows 7, 4GB Ram, 500GB Hard Drive, Intel i3 Core, and an HD display. This computer is worth about $699 – $799 but ask me if that’s what I paid? The answer is no, I paid about $530. There’s a trick about Dell that a lot of people don’t know and I am going to share this with everyone here. If you go to Dell.com and select Home & Home Office, there you will see a tap called Dell outlet, click on it and you could find a great computer for a lot less than the normal price of a new computer. This is how it works, why so cheap than the regular price? Dell.com only builds computer the way you want it to be, meaning once you build and place your order, Dell automatically starts to build your computer within seconds after your order. Let’s say that the next day you realized that you couldn’t afford it, you call up Dell and cancel your order. What happens next? Dell has to take that computer that you built and put it under refurbish (Yes, a brand new computer). A lot of people get scared when they see the word refurbish but you shouldn’t get scared when you see it on Dell.com. I have purchased about 25-30 computers for my clients from Dell Outlet and I haven’t had any problems. Follow the link and you’ll see how amazing the prices are for these computers. The demand is very high; computers come & go so there’s no need to rush into buying the first great deal you see.http://www.dell.com/us/dfh/p/?~ck=bt&~ck=mn
@Cscorpio- I will as soon as I get some good feedback. Good comment. @Charlie- I will definitely see what dell has to offer, thanks for the good tips on how to save some dollars with a dell purchase, if it is better priced and dell offers comparable features like the Toshiba I found then I will consider it.
Get the Mac…less problems with virus and crashing and longer lasting battery. Apple also has a program very similar to Dell where they sell refurbished with the same warranty as new and you can also get an extended warranty and 0% financing for a year…. How is that for saving money.
@General-Thanks for the comment I will consider the apple brand eventhough refurbished scares me for such a pricey expense. We will see what happens. Good comment.