PC Buying guide
08-04-2017, 10:13 AM
#1
Team Owner
Thread Starter
PC Buying guide
Guys. I just need a fairly basic laptop for my gf. $300-400 range probably fair unless a sale. Doesn't have to be touchscreen nor SSD drive. She does want to avoid Dell because of past experience. Something along the lines of these:
Lenovo Flex 4 14 2-in-1 14" Touch-Screen Laptop - Intel Pentium - 4GB Memory - 500GB Hard Drive Black 80SA0000US - Best Buy
Lenovo 15.6" Laptop - AMD A12-Series - 8GB Memory - 1TB Hard Drive Silver 80XS0024US - Best Buy
And sure BB not best place to shop. But Lenovo isn't exactly throw-away so I could cross-shop with Amazon Prime, Newegg, etc.
Any advice is appreciated!
Lenovo Flex 4 14 2-in-1 14" Touch-Screen Laptop - Intel Pentium - 4GB Memory - 500GB Hard Drive Black 80SA0000US - Best Buy
Lenovo 15.6" Laptop - AMD A12-Series - 8GB Memory - 1TB Hard Drive Silver 80XS0024US - Best Buy
And sure BB not best place to shop. But Lenovo isn't exactly throw-away so I could cross-shop with Amazon Prime, Newegg, etc.
Any advice is appreciated!
08-04-2017, 11:07 AM
#2
Stay Out Of the Left Lane
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: SE Mass --- > Central VA --- > SE Mass
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I just saw this and ironically has SSD and is a touchscreen. May be a little light on storage space and RAM - https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=0EJ-004G-00171&ignorebbr=1
***Edit - a couple more options - http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-HP-15-6-...3D391844524045
https://www.staples.com/Lenovo-Ideap...NWYkFDVQ%3D%3D
***Edit - a couple more options - http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-HP-15-6-...3D391844524045
https://www.staples.com/Lenovo-Ideap...NWYkFDVQ%3D%3D
Last edited by NBP04TL4ME; 08-04-2017 at 11:12 AM.
08-04-2017, 11:28 AM
#3
Does it have to be new?
If not, I'd rather get the better spec'd (3rd gen i5-3320M @ 2,6GHz) and built Lenovo ThinkPad T430 for $256 @ LENOVO THINKPAD T430 2.60GHZ INTEL CORE I5 GEN3 500GB 4 GB
than the Lenovo Flex with the Pentium 4405U for $350.
Coupon code THANKYOU15 saves you 15% so it'd be $256 - 15% = $217.60
CPU comparison: UserBenchmark: Intel Core i5-3320M vs Pentium 4405U
If you need more power, it can be had with a 3rd gen i7 @ 2.9GHz for $395 - 15% coupon = $335.75
LENOVO THINKPAD T430 2.90GHZ INTEL CORE I7 GEN3 320GB 4 GB
CPU comparison: UserBenchmark: Intel Core i7-3520M vs Pentium 4405U
They're both faster than the Lenovo with the AMD chip for $380 too
AMD: https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php...-9720P&id=3043
Intel i5: https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php...0M+%40+2.60GHz
Intel i7: https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php...0M+%40+2.90GHz
Something newer (4th gen i5 @ 2.6GHz) and with an SSD is $416 - 15% = $353.60
LENOVO THINKPAD T440P 2.60GHZ INTEL CORE I5 GEN4 128GB 4 GB
I've bought from them before. No problems. They look like new as long as you buy the units that are Condition Type: A Grade w/ OS
If not, I'd rather get the better spec'd (3rd gen i5-3320M @ 2,6GHz) and built Lenovo ThinkPad T430 for $256 @ LENOVO THINKPAD T430 2.60GHZ INTEL CORE I5 GEN3 500GB 4 GB
than the Lenovo Flex with the Pentium 4405U for $350.
Coupon code THANKYOU15 saves you 15% so it'd be $256 - 15% = $217.60
CPU comparison: UserBenchmark: Intel Core i5-3320M vs Pentium 4405U
If you need more power, it can be had with a 3rd gen i7 @ 2.9GHz for $395 - 15% coupon = $335.75
LENOVO THINKPAD T430 2.90GHZ INTEL CORE I7 GEN3 320GB 4 GB
CPU comparison: UserBenchmark: Intel Core i7-3520M vs Pentium 4405U
They're both faster than the Lenovo with the AMD chip for $380 too
AMD: https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php...-9720P&id=3043
Intel i5: https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php...0M+%40+2.60GHz
Intel i7: https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php...0M+%40+2.90GHz
Something newer (4th gen i5 @ 2.6GHz) and with an SSD is $416 - 15% = $353.60
LENOVO THINKPAD T440P 2.60GHZ INTEL CORE I5 GEN4 128GB 4 GB
I've bought from them before. No problems. They look like new as long as you buy the units that are Condition Type: A Grade w/ OS
08-04-2017, 01:19 PM
#4
Team Owner
Thread Starter
I just saw this and ironically has SSD and is a touchscreen. May be a little light on storage space and RAM - https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=0EJ-004G-00171&ignorebbr=1
https://www.staples.com/Lenovo-Ideapad-110-15-6-Laptop-Computer-Intel-Pentium-1TB-HD-6GB-DDR4-Win-10-Intel-HD-Graphics-510-/product_2661180?cm_mmc=CJ-_-7265758-_-7265758-_-10435034&storeId=10001&krypto=g1fJ0ZBzwUVE%2FuYFIu PKBlB0VeEBilpLJVp2bs%2Bw31a5MnivoAZafN1dMDkIA54W8S 4hLYXmqBlyhLgdYcz5CMspjoN7IO0NoFwQa2vrvdFtPiOGRTxL FeJjduym6wD12eZpaARuhRa3bjoOVXhS5F7NrTUGKfGuZ9JBXw VZSXtQCURSd2TvY9EhWXihu83pwKP4FLm4nVho1bUE7TgNe2Rw qfHPt9DmxXBlncvvXe2qYeR5ezVAiRV1bClVrtHvqPv6%2BllN mfsw3eNWYkFDVQ%3D%3D
https://www.staples.com/Lenovo-Ideapad-110-15-6-Laptop-Computer-Intel-Pentium-1TB-HD-6GB-DDR4-Win-10-Intel-HD-Graphics-510-/product_2661180?cm_mmc=CJ-_-7265758-_-7265758-_-10435034&storeId=10001&krypto=g1fJ0ZBzwUVE%2FuYFIu PKBlB0VeEBilpLJVp2bs%2Bw31a5MnivoAZafN1dMDkIA54W8S 4hLYXmqBlyhLgdYcz5CMspjoN7IO0NoFwQa2vrvdFtPiOGRTxL FeJjduym6wD12eZpaARuhRa3bjoOVXhS5F7NrTUGKfGuZ9JBXw VZSXtQCURSd2TvY9EhWXihu83pwKP4FLm4nVho1bUE7TgNe2Rw qfHPt9DmxXBlncvvXe2qYeR5ezVAiRV1bClVrtHvqPv6%2BllN mfsw3eNWYkFDVQ%3D%3D
Does it have to be new?
If not, I'd rather get the better spec'd (3rd gen i5-3320M @ 2,6GHz) and built Lenovo ThinkPad T430 for $256 @ LENOVO THINKPAD T430 2.60GHZ INTEL CORE I5 GEN3 500GB 4 GB
than the Lenovo Flex with the Pentium 4405U for $350.
Coupon code THANKYOU15 saves you 15% so it'd be $256 - 15% = $217.60
CPU comparison: UserBenchmark: Intel Core i5-3320M vs Pentium 4405U
If you need more power, it can be had with a 3rd gen i7 @ 2.9GHz for $395 - 15% coupon = $335.75
LENOVO THINKPAD T430 2.90GHZ INTEL CORE I7 GEN3 320GB 4 GB
CPU comparison: UserBenchmark: Intel Core i7-3520M vs Pentium 4405U
They're both faster than the Lenovo with the AMD chip for $380 too
AMD: https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=AMD+A12-9720P&id=3043
Intel i5: https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php...0M+%40+2.60GHz
Intel i7: https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php...0M+%40+2.90GHz
Something newer (4th gen i5 @ 2.6GHz) and with an SSD is $416 - 15% = $353.60
LENOVO THINKPAD T440P 2.60GHZ INTEL CORE I5 GEN4 128GB 4 GB
I've bought from them before. No problems. They look like new as long as you buy the units that are Condition Type: A Grade w/ OS
If not, I'd rather get the better spec'd (3rd gen i5-3320M @ 2,6GHz) and built Lenovo ThinkPad T430 for $256 @ LENOVO THINKPAD T430 2.60GHZ INTEL CORE I5 GEN3 500GB 4 GB
than the Lenovo Flex with the Pentium 4405U for $350.
Coupon code THANKYOU15 saves you 15% so it'd be $256 - 15% = $217.60
CPU comparison: UserBenchmark: Intel Core i5-3320M vs Pentium 4405U
If you need more power, it can be had with a 3rd gen i7 @ 2.9GHz for $395 - 15% coupon = $335.75
LENOVO THINKPAD T430 2.90GHZ INTEL CORE I7 GEN3 320GB 4 GB
CPU comparison: UserBenchmark: Intel Core i7-3520M vs Pentium 4405U
They're both faster than the Lenovo with the AMD chip for $380 too
AMD: https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=AMD+A12-9720P&id=3043
Intel i5: https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php...0M+%40+2.60GHz
Intel i7: https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php...0M+%40+2.90GHz
Something newer (4th gen i5 @ 2.6GHz) and with an SSD is $416 - 15% = $353.60
LENOVO THINKPAD T440P 2.60GHZ INTEL CORE I5 GEN4 128GB 4 GB
I've bought from them before. No problems. They look like new as long as you buy the units that are Condition Type: A Grade w/ OS
Also I just realized no sales tax this weekend.
08-04-2017, 01:39 PM
#5
Stay Out Of the Left Lane
Join Date: Oct 2003
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08-04-2017, 02:59 PM
#7
Same model Lenovo but with 4GB RAM instead of 6GB and 500GB HDD instead of 1TB goes on sale on Sunday for $229 @ https://www.staples.com/Lenovo-IdeaP...roduct_2716359
You can then grab a 4GB DIMM for it on Newegg for $34 to give you 8GB RAM if 4GB isn't enough.
If you're willing to pay a little more, Office Depot will have HP 15 bs051od Laptop 15.6 Screen Intel Core i3 4GB Memory 1TB Hard Drive Windows 10 1TJ84UAABA by Office Depot & OfficeMax on sale for $299.
You get a faster i3-7100U processor vs slower Pentium 4405U on the Lenovo's
UserBenchmark: Intel Core i3-7100U vs Pentium 4405U
Intel Pentium 4405U vs 7100U
You can then grab a 4GB DIMM for it on Newegg for $34 to give you 8GB RAM if 4GB isn't enough.
If you're willing to pay a little more, Office Depot will have HP 15 bs051od Laptop 15.6 Screen Intel Core i3 4GB Memory 1TB Hard Drive Windows 10 1TJ84UAABA by Office Depot & OfficeMax on sale for $299.
You get a faster i3-7100U processor vs slower Pentium 4405U on the Lenovo's
UserBenchmark: Intel Core i3-7100U vs Pentium 4405U
Intel Pentium 4405U vs 7100U
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Doom878 (08-04-2017)
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08-04-2017, 03:15 PM
#8
$299. Sale ends Saturday @ HP 15.6" Laptop - AMD A12-Series - 6GB Memory - 1TB Hard Drive Black 15-BA061DX - Best Buy
Has similar processor performance as i3-7100U in $299 HP above, but you get 2GB more RAM and AMD GPU (Radeon R7) will be better than the integrated Intel HD Graphics 620.
Intel 7100U vs AMD A12 7th Gen A12-9700P
AMD A12-9700P vs Intel Core i3-7100U
Has similar processor performance as i3-7100U in $299 HP above, but you get 2GB more RAM and AMD GPU (Radeon R7) will be better than the integrated Intel HD Graphics 620.
Intel 7100U vs AMD A12 7th Gen A12-9700P
AMD A12-9700P vs Intel Core i3-7100U
The following users liked this post:
Doom878 (08-04-2017)
08-04-2017, 03:19 PM
#9
Stay Out Of the Left Lane
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: SE Mass --- > Central VA --- > SE Mass
Age: 57
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AZuser - not sure if you are in the biz, but you are all over this stuff..............
08-04-2017, 04:24 PM
#10
Go Giants
08-04-2017, 04:24 PM
#11
Go Giants
But really, get a Mac
08-04-2017, 04:51 PM
#12
Currently Post-Acura
Micro Center has this one: Lenovo IdeaPad 320-15IKB 15.6" Laptop Computer - Grey 80XL0006US - Micro Center
Core i5 7200U (current)
8GB RAM
1TB HDD
$400
Core i5 7200U (current)
8GB RAM
1TB HDD
$400
08-10-2017, 10:27 AM
#13
Safety Car
I whole-heartedly endorse the Lenovo brand. Just got a Ideapad 510 for about $500 and it has been great so far.
Definitely avoid Dell or HP. Asus is good as well.
For desktops, just build your own!
Definitely avoid Dell or HP. Asus is good as well.
For desktops, just build your own!
08-10-2017, 10:37 AM
#14
Stay Out Of the Left Lane
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All the companies I have worked for have exclusively used Dell or HP both laptops and desktops and some of them even switched back and forth. I know some of this is likely driven by enterprise agreements but there has to be some consideration to reliability.
I agree with the endorsement of the Lenovo. I had and used a Lenovo laptop for about 6 years with no software issues. I did have to have the hinges replaced but other than that it was solid. Currently using a Dell XPS and loving it. It's smaller, more light weight and faster - none of which should be a surprise based on the age of my Lenovo.
I agree with the endorsement of the Lenovo. I had and used a Lenovo laptop for about 6 years with no software issues. I did have to have the hinges replaced but other than that it was solid. Currently using a Dell XPS and loving it. It's smaller, more light weight and faster - none of which should be a surprise based on the age of my Lenovo.
08-10-2017, 10:46 AM
#15
Safety Car
All the companies I have worked for have exclusively used Dell or HP both laptops and desktops and some of them even switched back and forth. I know some of this is likely driven by enterprise agreements but there has to be some consideration to reliability.
I agree with the endorsement of the Lenovo. I had and used a Lenovo laptop for about 6 years with no software issues. I did have to have the hinges replaced but other than that it was solid. Currently using a Dell XPS and loving it. It's smaller, more light weight and faster - none of which should be a surprise based on the age of my Lenovo.
I agree with the endorsement of the Lenovo. I had and used a Lenovo laptop for about 6 years with no software issues. I did have to have the hinges replaced but other than that it was solid. Currently using a Dell XPS and loving it. It's smaller, more light weight and faster - none of which should be a surprise based on the age of my Lenovo.
I do think certain business/enterprise line of laptops may be sturdy/worthwhile. But as the general consumer, most of their mainstream consumer models I'm not a fan of (Dell/HP)
08-10-2017, 12:28 PM
#16
Team Owner
Thread Starter
Yeah she didn't go with the Lenovo. She liked the bigger 17" HP since it was $400. Works for her since she's blind as a bat. Thanks for the input. I wouldn't mind this thread going on with PC deals, info, etc. Kind of was my intention given the thread title.
https://www.staples.com/HP-17-bs061s...roduct_2721077
https://www.staples.com/HP-17-bs061s...roduct_2721077
Product Details
Dependable performance. Thoughtful design.
This stylish laptop offers reliable performance and long-lasting battery life so you can easily surf, stream, and stay in touch with what matters most.- Operating system: Windows 10 Home
- Processor: 7th Generation Intel® Core™ i3-7100U Processor
- Display: 17.3-inch diagonal HD+ SVA BrightView WLED-backlit Display (1600x900)
- Memory: 8 GB DDR4 SDRAM (1 DIMM)
- Hard drive: 1TB 5400RPM Serial ATA hard drive
- Graphics: Intel® HD Graphics 520
- Battery life: Up to 9 hours (mixed usage), Up to 7 hours and 45 minutes (video playback)
- Webcam: Front-facing HP TrueVision HD Webcam with integrated digital microphone
- Optical drive: DVD-Writer
- External notebook ports: 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1 (Data Transfer Only), 1 USB 2.0, 1 HDMI, 1 RJ-45, 1 Headphone-out/microphone-in combo jack
- Product weight: 5.29 lb
- Windows 10 Home: Do great things confidently with the familiar feel of Windows - only better.
- 7th generation Intel® Core™ i3 processor: Powerful performance easily keeps up with all your multitasking demands and enables new ways to interact with your PC.
- Intel® HD Graphics: Renders all the visuals on screen with smooth, vivid quality.
- Hard drive storage: Grow your digital collections and still have room left over.
- DDR4 RAM: With its higher bandwidth, everything from multi-tasking to playing games gets a performance boost.
- Liberating battery life: Take on the day without worrying about recharging.
- HP TrueVision HD Camera: Video chat with vibrant clarity, even in low light.
- HDMI out: Transmit digital HD video and sound to an external display.
- Ethernet port: Plug in and enjoy a smooth, wired Internet experience.
- Re-writable DVD drive: Watch and write DVDs using the integrated optical drive.
- HD+ display: Enjoy your photos, movies, and games with the crisp quality of 1.4 million pixels.
- Brilliant BrightView panel: Get the ideal indoor visual experience with a bright, clear picture.
- 802.11 a/c (1x1) WLAN & Bluetooth® 4.2: Stay connected to Wi-Fi and to Bluetooth® accessories with wireless technology up to 3 times faster than 802.11n 1x1.
- Dropbox cloud storage: If you don’t have it today, sign up to get 25 GB of Dropbox space free for 12 months with your HP device.
- McAfee LiveSafe™: Protect your operating system with a free 30-day McAfee LiveSafe™ trial.
- HP’s Hardware Limited Warranty: Full warranty details are included with your product.
- Accessible memory slots: Memory slot not user accessible
08-18-2017, 05:57 PM
#17
AZ Community Team
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I won't ever by another HP computer.
11-21-2017, 07:29 PM
#19
Azine Jabroni
