Get an HP Pavilion 15.6-inch laptop for $329.99
It's new, not refurbished, so it comes with Windows 8 and some solid hardware behind it.
Ready to put your pokey old laptop out to pasture? Ready to embrace the, um, revolutionary new operating system that is Windows 8? Two birds, one stone.
Today only, and while supplies last, OfficeMax has the HP Pavilion G6-2228nr 15.6-inch laptop for $329.99 shipped (plus sales tax where applicable). That's a full $120 off the regular price, and $20 less than it sold for on Black Friday!
Update: D'oh! Sold out already, at least online. But I recommend checking back throughout the day, as OfficeMax may free up more inventory. I've seen it happen.
The Pavilion features an AMD A6-4400M dual-core processor, 4GB of RAM, a 320GB hard drive, and a SuperMulti DVD drive. It's equipped with Radeon HD 7520G discrete-class graphics (which is code for "integrated, but slightly better than average thanks to dedicated graphics memory") and Dolby-powered Altec Lansing stereo speakers.
Like most models in this size class, it has a 15.6-inch screen with a native resolution of 1,366x768 pixels. It also sports two USB 3.0 ports (plus a third, USB 2.0 port), HDMI-out, a Webcam, and Windows 8.
So, yeah, the Pavilion should handle any mainstream computing tasks you throw at it. The only real downside I'm seeing is battery life, which HP rates at 3 hours and 15 minutes. Seems like a six-cell battery should be able to do better.
As you'll note on the product page, you can check store availability to see if this model is in stock at your local OfficeMax. If it is, it's always a good idea to see it in person before buying, to check out the screen, put your hands on the keyboard and trackpad, and so on. That's especially true given that there are no user reviews on the OfficeMax site (nor anywhere else that I could find).
Even so, this is probably a pretty safe buy, as it has solid specs, a one-year warranty, and a retail store where you can return it if you're not happy (though, as with any purchase, check the return policy first). Plus, that $329.99 price tag is mighty tempting.
Bonus deal: Game time! To help celebrate the launch of its TV-friendly Big Picture mode, Steam has heavily discounted a boatload of its most controller-friendly PC/Mac games. (Note that you don't actually need a controller, or a TV, to play any of them.) Among the best pics: Left 4 Dead and Left 4 Dead 2 for $4.99 each, Portal 2 for $4.99, LEGO Batman 2 for $10.19, and The Amazing Spider-Man for $24.99.
Bonus deal No. 2: Tablet time! Today only, and while supplies last, 1SaleADay has the recertified Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet (16GB) for $99.99, plus $4.99 for shipping. It comes with a one-year warranty, same as a new Nook. But as I've noted before, shipping can take upwards of three weeks, so don't order this if you're in a huge rush.
Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers.
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