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Okay, so I need an inexpensive laptop for infrequent use...

Dargo

Dargo

Like a bad penny...
That means I'm not buying a MacBook Pro. I really like my iPad 2, but there are things it won't do that I need. IMHO, Apple really screwed up by not putting in at least some sort of portal for an SD card or other card reader. I consider that a major flaw in an otherwise decent piece of equipment. Someone told me that I could buy a bluetooth card reader for the iPad, but it would be inherently slow and a PIA.

Anyway, I'm considering a "today only" deal on a Lenovo machine. The problem is that Lenovo has screwed up and made literally hundreds (so I'm told) different laptops. :mad: I'm considering this one, a Z480 (whatever the hell that means) Lenovo Z480 for $479 delivered. Is this a decent deal for a basic laptop, or is it a waste of my money?
 
I think the question of "WTF are you going to use it for?" needs to be answered, then one can decide if it's a deal or not. I wanted a windows only machine to use with my ham radios and their interfaces, so I bought a netbook from Microcenter for $249. It fits the bill for what I need it for, but nothing fancy or high tech. Just wanted to isolate programs from my Macs.

If it has everything you needs and is really a "DEAL," then just buy it. All teh big retailers are giving away electronics this week, and it's mostly older technology according to my son, the electronics junkie. there's nothing wrong with it, but the current models just cost a little more and have more bells and whistles. I'm sure you checked out all teh online deals before coming here for an opinion. FYI, Black Friday TV deals are all last years models with slightly less resolution and features. Still good stuff, but not the latest and greatest.
 
JEV said:
I think the question of "WTF are you going to use it for?" needs to be answered, then one can decide if it's a deal or not. I wanted a windows only machine to use with my ham radios and their interfaces, so I bought a netbook from Microcenter for $249. It fits the bill for what I need it for, but nothing fancy or high tech. Just wanted to isolate programs from my Macs.

If it has everything you needs and is really a "DEAL," then just buy it. All teh big retailers are giving away electronics this week, and it's mostly older technology according to my son, the electronics junkie. there's nothing wrong with it, but the current models just cost a little more and have more bells and whistles. I'm sure you checked out all teh online deals before coming here for an opinion. FYI, Black Friday TV deals are all last years models with slightly less resolution and features. Still good stuff, but not the latest and greatest.
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I mentioned that I really like my iPad 2, but not having any input slots severely limits it. It's mandatory that the machine is able to run Microsoft Office, Quickbooks and print from those programs as well as normal web use. The iPad 2 fails at being able to do these things. I'm also always busy, so a sloooooow computer like the POS Kindle Fire (sorry, but someone told me it woud work for what I needed and it was slower than molasses at absolute zero). Clearly that puts me into the laptop arena. Screen real estate is unimportant, and actually a draw back since battery life is more important to me. That's why I picked a 14" model.
 
Doc said:
Looks like a good deal.

Here is another, I just recommended this one for a friend who is in the market:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834230599

ASUS S56CA-WH31 Ultrabook Intel Core i3 3217U(1.80GHz) 15.6" 4GB Memory 500GB HDD+24GB SSD HDD 5400rpm DVD±R/RW Intel HD Graphics 4000
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That looks close to what I have pulled up but has a larger screen and slightly slower processor. IMHO, from what I know, the difference in processor speed would be negligible, but I would think the smaller 14" screen model should give me better battery life?

I'm NOT sold on any unit right now. I just figured I'd buy one today if the price was right. I do like the ASUS name and the Lenovo name. I'm staying away from certain other brands regardless of the price.
 
Dargo said:
That looks close to what I have pulled up but has a larger screen and slightly slower processor. IMHO, from what I know, the difference in processor speed would be negligible, but I would think the smaller 14" screen model should give me better battery life?

I'm NOT sold on any unit right now. I just figured I'd buy one today if the price was right. I do like the ASUS name and the Lenovo name. I'm staying away from certain other brands regardless of the price.
Click to expand...
Yep, a 14" screen would give a bit more battery life. If it is going to sit more than it's used batteries tend to lose what life they have. Using it at least once a month on battery power would behoove the battery life.

Since you have mostly apple at home I do think it is a good idea to also have a Windows computer around, but that might be just me.
 
PBinWA said:
Why don't you just buy a regular MacBook Air instead of the "Pro"?
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That is what I did.....my Imac got to the point it wouldnt take the upgrades......to old......couldnt get enough memory in it to runthe latest lion up grade so I went with a mac book air.....so far I realy like it......no hard drive to go out and I upgraded on the memory Got 8 gig of memory....all I use it for is e-mail and a few fourms. so unless Mak figures a way to over load me ....it should last a while.........thinking of converting the Imac into a windows machine and useing it in the radio room one of these days.....
 
We've been finding new HP laptops for $350 when you look around. Mrs. Zoom picked up a HP 2000-2B89WM (whatever that model # means) for $350 at K-Mart last week.
 
bczoom said:
We've been finding new HP laptops for $350 when you look around. Mrs. Zoom picked up a HP 2000-2B89WM (whatever that model # means) for $350 at K-Mart last week.
Click to expand...

I haven't bought anything. I may wait until after my family returns from our Christmas cruise and look for after Christmas sales.
 
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