Need some laptop advice

tsume

tsume

The Pervy Sage
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A friend is in need of a laptop since their laptop recently died.
Can anyone suggest good stores in which to buy a laptop?
The last time I bought laptops was at Dion Wired, but these were specials which I just came across.
I'm unsure if Incredible Connection still offers trade-in against old laptop for discounts, as this might be the cheaper route to go.

My friend wasn't too sure on the specs so I drew up a list of what should make a good mid-range quality laptop:
- 4GB RAM (or more)
- 500GB Hard Drive (or more)
- i5 2.3Ghz (or better)
- 15.6 screen (or larger)
- At least one USB 3.0 connection
- DVD recorder
- HDMI connection
- Webcam
- Illuminated keyboard (not necessary but would be nice)
- Graphics card (not necessary but would be nice)

Anything extra would be a bonus but is not required. Something around the 6-8K mark is preferable.

Also, it would be preferable if it was something from the Dell range, given Dell's after market service is one of the best. I was thinking of looking for one of the older XPS version, not the new thin slim book version.

If anyone could help me out, it would be much appreciated.
 
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Normally, Evetech, Wootware, laptopdirect etc would be your best bet. But I believe Makro has a special on something like what you're looking for for R8000 or so at the moment.
 
Gtx Gaming said:
Add full HD screen to your list.

I want to puke when I see a 768p display on a laptop :p
Click to expand...

Not very easy to find that in his price range though.

OP: Try looking at the Dell Inspiron range rather, the XPS is the high-performance line, they are a lot more expensive.

You can get an Inspiron 3537 or 3542 etc that meets all your requirements for around R8k. Plus, the 3537 in particular is very thin and light which is what the kids like these days.
 
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Gtx Gaming said:
Add full HD screen to your list.

I want to puke when I see a 768p display on a laptop :p
Click to expand...

Yep in this day and age anything less than 1600x1050 is unacceptable for a laptop screen IMO.Full HD is ideal.

TJ99 said:
Not very easy to find that in his price range though.
Click to expand...

Here you go from another thread on the forum earlier in the week...meets/beats all the OP requirements and FULL HD 1920x1080 screen also right in the pricing sweetspot at 8k.

http://www.loot.co.za/product/lenovo-ideapad-z5070-15-6-core-i5-notebook/syph-3080-g390
 
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Thread hijack: Which is better: Dell mentioned above - "HD" screen with i5-5200U, Nvidia GT820M 2GB, 4-cell VS Acer - FHD screen with i5-4210U, Nvidia GT820M 1GB, 6-cell VS Lenovo Z5070 - FHD, 500GB? Does VRAM make much of a difference?
 
*bump*

Hey people, still haven't settled on a laptop.
So if you see a ridiculous deal on a good laptop please let me know, especially month end nearing there should be some good deals.
Also, I've heard that ThinkPad's have a good history of durability. So I'm also on the lookout for those.
 
I doubt a Thinkpad would be in you price range.

I'd go for an Inspirion...think you'll need more like 9k for one though.

Recently bought an Asus lappy...pretty happy with it.

And yeah, Full HD is not happening at 6-8.

Best laptop deals Ive seen so far are the Incredible Con specials. They're very sneaky about it though if its a genuinely hot deal. i.e. They tell you its sold out and pitch you for something else (an inferior deal). Walked out...was literally outside of the shop when they ran after me and told me they "found" some in the backroom. Sneaky bastards.
 
There's still that lenovo ideapad linked to in post#6 that ticks all your boxes I think.
 
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