[2000wolf]

I am planning on buying a new laptop..What can you guys recommend that I buy?
Laptops with
-built in camera
-lots of memory
-lightweight (I'm tiny so I want to carry something small and handy)
-fast
-not too expensive

My friend recommend this black friday sales: http://blackfriday2009sale.info/inde...aptop&store=10 @ bestbuy

what should I watch out and which one should i choose?

Please help. I am clueless about buying laptops.

[Compiler]

Black Friday sales are quite a bit of work, I see nothing on that link that was "special" other than the Netbooks.

- Define "expensive".
- Speed cost money. A $400 notebook is NOT the same as a $1000 notebook.
- Lots of memory? For what? A typical Win7 user will do fine with 2GB. Someone who does 3D rendering - data bases, programming may want 4~8GB of RAM - but most notebooks have a 4GB limit.

- Quality... Compaq makes among the cheapest okay notebooks, starting at about $400. Expect about a 1~2 year life span.

- Screen... most notebooks have glossy screens which drive me nuts, as you are constantly looking at your own reflection. Business class notebooks have matte (non glossy) screens.

- How tiny are you? The $300 netbooks are under 3lbs, but are quite slow and are best used as portable systems for a desktop user... ie: not the Primary computer. A typical notebook is 15" ($400+) and are about 6lbs. Trying to go below 4lbs raises the price. Example, client-A spends $1000 for a 14" 4.8lb notebook, client-B spends $1600 for the same specs (CPU/RAM/Drive) to get the 3.9lb version.

Since you're not looking at a GAMING PC... I say you got some good choices for the $500~700 range. HP/Compaq typical low-cost PCs are 15". So I recommend a 14" 5lb class notebook.

Look at the ThinkPad SL-400, its about $600 with a core2 CPU (you want that).
http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/c...FABC3CE1BC569A

Free shipping... usually 7~9 days. Their IdeaPads are not as tough, costs less - but have glossy screen. Their Value Line is no better than a Compaq... I have seen them in stores for $350~450.

I priced out an SL410 at $640 (Core2 2.0Ghz / 2GB / 250GB HD / Intel WiFi Link 5100 (Pay the $10 difference) with camera. Screen maybe glossy. 5.5lbs. The R & T series are for sure, NOT glossy... will cost about $750~950.

The IdeaPads: $650 for 13" 4.2lbs - Onsite, only Vista available - but you should be able to get it with Windows7 by phone order. Don't get vista. All U-Series are thin (1") and typically have a single core CPU. The Y series are more normal sized... cost a bit less.

The Y-Series 14" (4.6lbs) with Core = $550~600. With Core2 $700~1000. The $700 14" model will fit your needs.

* If you good lenovo ecoupon, you may get additional savings

[Compiler]

Check out their gallery to get an idea of how they look. Some Best buy, CompUSA and Frys stores carry various models.

http://www.thinkpadtoday.com has reviews and ecoupons.

[Hughv]

Check with the college in question, also. They may have specific OS requirements and access to good prices.

[2000wolf]

Yeah, my budget is about $500, and i do not play any games. Jus twonder get one at Black Friday for best price!

[Compiler]

There are no deals on black friday. Lets say a store has a notebook for $350, reg $450. There maybe only 2-3 in that store and you'll have to be there at 3~4am waiting... so unless (A) you're the first 1-5 people in line and (B) you know where that product is, you won't get the deal.

Again, the flyer you posted show no deals on. Prices are about the same as everyday.

For under $500... with 14" or smaller screen = netbooks. If you spend $400~500 on a notebook, you've tossed out speed. $600 is more realistic. There are plenty to celeron models for $450~500... ugh.

[2000wolf]

I am considering the Toshiba 16" Laptop listed in that link, what do you think?

[Compiler]

Thought you wanted light?

Best Buy sells 16" Toshibas for $550~630. So the $50 savings... are ho-hum.

You have to be in line by 3am to get a "ticket" for your purchase... about 5 units per store is all they are allowing.

[Jordster]

Dell Mini 10v?

Portable, lightweight, good for school because it's a netbook, and I just ordered one online from Dell. Comes with 160GB HDD, 1GB RAM, Windows 7 Starter, Webcam, 10.1" screen, should be ok for college.

[oldcrazyman]

It all depends on what you will be doing with it. If all you will be doing is Surfing the internet why spend the money on a system with alot of anything you will never need. Reguardless Save some buck and shop for the best deals by doing your home work online to see what the top line laptops are going for. Then Go to Tigerdirect.com and see if you can find one with the same spec that has been refurbish. You might even try Ebay. Also try your local Pawn Shop.

[DoubleHelix]

Your first call should be to the college. They may recommend or even require a certain model and may also offer discounts on models that would be supported by their IT department.

Do not buy a computer for college from a pawn shop. You need something reliable with a warranty.

[Compiler]

Pawnshop, best place to buy/sell stolen notebooks? Hey old man, you're crazy!

[oldcrazyman]

I know you think that you have all answer but you dont . All item of real value that is pawn is reported to the police with serial # make an model. Not everyone can afford to go an drop $1,000 plus dollars on a laptop. All I has trying to do is inform 2000wolf, is that there are other oppion. Its worth a look just dont buy anything more than a year old. Now Complier Go you go an enjoy yourself.

[Compiler]

Kinda upset there? I'm having fun with your name... Whatever.

I wonder how many people have / know the serial number to their notebooks? Honestly, I don't know mine. Guess I should save that info.

For many pawn shops, electronics are priced about the same as new or not much less. $1000 for a notebook? Typical notebooks today are $600~700 for something good. $400~500 for low end or slow.

I've just sold a used notebook (client to friend) for $300... I know the value and history. With typical pawn shop... there is no info.

[Super_fly]

A few tips from a fellow student.

Avoid Windows Vista and Windows 7.
Avoid any laptop with a sigmatel audio soundcard. Especially if you want to use a mic with your webcam.

Stay away from any Dells as well. Their tech support is horrendous and the gear inside them is rubbish

2gb Ram is fine for most people. Most new laptops will have this as standard.

My sister is much like you and has no problem with her toshiba Pavilion.