Need Help deciding on laptop - down to 2! Thanks!

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Need Help deciding on laptop - down to 2! Thanks!

by tc031086 Oct 6, 2012 1:48PM PDT

Hi All,

I am looking to purchase a new laptop and I need something really inexpensive, like $300 or less but I may be able to push it to $400 out the door for an incredibly good buy. I specifically want new or manufacturer refurbished as I just don't trust used or seller refurbished even for $300. I want somethng that will be as fast and efficient as possible for the money. I use my computer daily for word proccessing, the internet and a fair bit of music/video streaming. I do not game at all. I am open to any computer and I have no real preferences so if anyone has any ideas, I'm open.

So I've done quite a bit of research and these two seem to be the best deals I can find in my limited price range. I used many sources, not just ebay, so it was just a jynx I found them both there.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Acer-AS7551-Laptop-Phenom-II-X4-Quad-Core-4GB-500GB-DVDRW-HDMI-17-3-LED-Radeon-/120993707340?forcev4exp=true&forceRpt=true

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-Pavilion-dv7-4272us-17-3-2Ghz-4GB-750GB-Laptop-/350612808108?pt=Laptops_Nov05&hash=item51a226e1ac

So the big question for me is: which is the better buy? I would love to have the Blu-Ray and Bluetooth that comes with the HP however the CPU seems so much weaker than the Acer and I'm afraid to sacrafice the speed and longevity for the additional features. I'm only basing this thought off the research I've done on my own, CPU benchmark ratings and computer reviews, so I need the opinion of someone who really knows what they are looking at.

Any suggestions or insight anyone can provide will be greatly appreciated and valued.

Thank you you in advance for your time.

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Bob

by tc031086 Oct 7, 2012 4:05AM PDT

Since my first laptop in high school, 10 years ago, every laptop I've owned has been brand new, semi-custom and cost between $1200-$1500+ and they only last me 2-3 years. So when I said longevity, I wasn't meaning more than a year or two. What I'm more concerned with is that it doesn't start running slower than molasses after like 3 months. And I do use my laptop like a desktop and it doesn't travel with me everywhere. So I apologize, I really should have been more clear.

That said, you didn't answer my actual question. Do you think one is better than the other?

I appreciate your input. Thank you!

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Can't answer that question.

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Oct 7, 2012 4:12AM PDT

"after like 3 months"

But if I only had those 2 choices, my choice is the Acer as I've had a similar model that lasted 4 years until my brother doused it with cola. HP is not a company I buy from since they walked out on a warranty. Long story but getting burnt on a warranty means I can't write nice or buy their products.

Bob

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Re: laptop

by Kees_B Forum moderator Oct 7, 2012 4:12AM PDT

You write " I do use my laptop like a desktop and it doesn't travel with me everywhere". Why not buy a desktop then? It's cheaper and lasts longer.
The basic idea about longevity of a laptop is that it lasts as least as long as the warranty.

For what you do a quad core CPU would be an overkill. So maybe the Blue-Ray and bluetooth should be the deciding factor.

Kees

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need the laptop :)

by tc031086 Oct 7, 2012 4:47AM PDT

I have a desktop but I hate sitting at the desk in my off-time like its work.

I use the laptop on the bed or couch and on a laptop cooling board/pillow thingy. I want to be able to take it with me if I need to because I do travel occassionally but its not a daily thing. So that is why a laptop.

Thank you!

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Then I'm going to pan both models.

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Oct 7, 2012 4:52AM PDT

These are 17 inch laptops and are often disliked for such use. If this is your first 17 inch I can see why you might choose such but I strongly advise looking at 15 inch models given the story.

Given the economy models to choose from you don't want to learn first hand why these are so cheap. The big screen and use generally leads to the hinge failures you read so much about. If you get the more portable 15 inch model you move away from the edge.
Bob

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r. proffitt · Accepted Answer · Oct 7, 2012 2:34AM PDT

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Let's be clear these are not for "longevity."

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Oct 7, 2012 2:34AM PDT

These are value units that should do fine for a few years. Great bargains but don't delude yourself.

These will be fine as you noted for "word proccessing, the internet and a fair bit of music/video streaming. I do not game at all."

Being such large displays and cheap, you will not use it as a portable computer but put it on a desktop and it will stay there most of the time. WHY? Because it's a cheap unit the hinges and build will not stand up to daily travels.
Bob

Need Help deciding on laptop - down to 2! Thanks!

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