Laptop Decision

[MannyIsGod]

I'm assuming most of you have seen the other thread. Well, I started shopping around and I saw this model at Circuit City:

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Acer-Aspire-15-4-Widescreen-Notebook-PC-5100-3583/sem/rpsm/oid/163314/catOid/-12963/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

Its 250 more, but here's what I would get

-Better Processor Turino 64 rated at 2.0ghz. Still not dual core, but thats not a big deal. The other one was a Sempron rated at 2.0ghz.

-Twice as much RAM.

-DVDR Drive. I don't even use the one in my desktop right now, but it has one.

So, I would think that for the extra 250 I'd be better off going with the Acer? I was planning on throwing a 1 gig stick of RAM into the other laptop, so that was at least another 125 as well.

Anyone have any experiences with Acer?

[ToughActinTinactin]

I go nuts when trying to find a new PC. So many choices it makes my head spin. And as soon as I buy one I see something better the very next day.

[Melmart1]

I had an Acer but it was a desktop, so I can't vouch for the laptops but I found it to be just as good as the more expensive brands, that thing held up for ages before I had to retire it due to upgrading.

[ChumpDumper]

I got a cheap Celeron Acer for a friend a few months back. Great machine, ran really cool. My Turion Compaq runs pretty hot - the HDD isn't well vented - but it hasn't been a major problem.

[MannyIsGod]

I'm going to go with the Acer. Thanks.

[Sapphire]

I bought the Acer Aspire at Walmart for $498 in August, and I am actually happier with it than with our $1700 Sony Vaio laptop. The Sony runs hot and shuts down quite a bit. The Acer runs cool and quiet and I have not had a problem with it since day one. I also got the extended warranty from Walmart for $70 or so, which adds 2 years to the one yr manufacturer's warranty. Anyway, for the price I am totally happy.

[missmyzte]

And why aren't you buying at Best Buy??

[TheSanityAnnex]

The only problem I've heard with Acer is their screens can lose pixels.

[MannyIsGod]

And why aren't you buying at Best Buy??We spent 1100 on a laptop at BB earlier this week! You guys don't have anything that can touch this though, and I don't want to drop a g on a computer I won't use as a primary.

[missmyzte]

Well, at least you got the laptop at the right store. :)

[Pistons < Spurs]

I would strongly consider buying it after Windows Vista is released and bundled with the preconfigured machines. It may be a few months, but IMO would be well worth the wait.

[Pistons < Spurs]

Also, if you're going to purchase online, I found this coupon for you.

$25 off a purchase of $250+ with coupon code SHOP25

(valid thru Jan 1 2007)

http://www.ultimatecoupons.com/coupons/circuit_city_coupons.htm

[missmyzte]

I would strongly consider buying it after Windows Vista is released and bundled with the preconfigured machines. It may be a few months, but IMO would be well worth the wait.
Any store worth buying from would offer a deal to purchase the computer now and upgrade to Vista as soon as it's released.

[ZStomp]

I like this one for $50 less..

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Toshiba-Satellite-14-1-Widescreen-Notebook-PC-M115-S3094/sem/rpsm/oid/160474/catOid/-12963/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

[Pistons < Spurs]

Any store worth buying from would offer a deal to purchase the computer now and upgrade to Vista as soon as it's released.


Meaning more $$$ down the road.

As Vista will be 500+ dollars, a 'deal' may be a 15? 20? percent discount to upgrade? Even if it's 50%, that's still 250$ you'll spend on a new OS, while you discard the operating system that currently comes with the laptop.

[MannyIsGod]

P<S,

Any computer purchased between now and when Vista is released gets a free upgrade to the corresponding version of Vista. XP Home gets upgraded to Vista Basic, XP Media Center gets Vista Premium, and XP Pro gets Vista Business. You don't have to pay anything to get those upgrades.

I purchased it tonight, and its a nice little machine. I still have screen envy when I look at Jess' 17" monster, but otherwise its a kick ass machine.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

manny you sold out

[Pistons < Spurs]

P<S,

Any computer purchased between now and when Vista is released gets a free upgrade to the corresponding version of Vista. XP Home gets upgraded to Vista Basic, XP Media Center gets Vista Premium, and XP Pro gets Vista Business. You don't have to pay anything to get those upgrades.



Very interesting. I was under the assumption from what I've read on the net that you would still have to sheel out some bucks.

Good news indeed.

[MannyIsGod]

I like this one for $50 less..

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Toshiba-Satellite-14-1-Widescreen-Notebook-PC-M115-S3094/sem/rpsm/oid/160474/catOid/-12963/rpem/ccd/productDetail.doThats not bad either, but the only advantadge it has is the Core Duo processor. It has a smaller screen and less RAM.

[MannyIsGod]

manny you sold out?

[AlamoSpursFan]

Speaking of laptops...is it possible to upgrade them after the fact? Specifically the memory? I had to go low end on mine due to financial limitations and I'm wondering if I'm screwed or if I can shell out a few extra clams to have the memory boosted.

[MannyIsGod]

You can definetly add memory.

[AlamoSpursFan]

Sweet! And thanks for the Full Tilt tip, Manny. Now I'll never get any sleep on my layovers...

:lol

[MannyIsGod]

Oh, you will when you lose all of your money :P

My advice to you on those ends is to read a book or 2 depending on what you're playing and at least maybe you can make a few bucks along with being entertained.