Laptop Shopping....

I have a mac, but that's more than your budget. What kind of gaming do you want to do? The only suggestion I have is to check what graphics, ram, and hard drive space it has. I'm only really familiar with netbooks and those probably aren't good for gaming. The only brand I can really think of is Dell, they are usually reasonably priced and I've liked the desktop versions. If you do use it for gaming I recommend getting a cooling fan to put under it while you play.

I guess another option is to maybe make a list of laptops you are considering getting then look up reviews of them online.

I have nothing to add, I just wanted to be part of the thread.

MACBOOK PRO IS THE ONLY WAY TO GOOOOO!!!

Hey Squeaks, I did some computer shopping late last year, and these are a few things I gathered. First of all, my suggestion would be to get something that has at least an i5 processor and 6GB of RAM.

The second thing I would throw out there is that you tend to get what you pay for, especially if you're buying from the store, so even if it took an extra month or two of saving, you may have to extend your budget by a couple hundred dollars.
An alternative to this could be purchasing a desktop computer instead. They tend to be a lot cheaper (you could easily find a great desktop for under $500) and I think they are more durable.

Another suggestion would be to keep an eye on Craigslist each day. I did that last year and found a great desktop computer for ridiculously cheap. It was like a year-old HP desktop that the guy was selling for less than $200, so I jumped at it. Eventually I was able to sell it for more than I bought it for when I decided to get a laptop around Thanksgiving.

Which brings me to my last suggestion. If you don't find anything good on Craigslist and you can hold out until the holidays, you can find some awesome deals on computers on Black Friday or Cyber Monday. I bought my HP laptop at Best Buy for like $200 less than it usually costs, and I love it.

Macs are overrated.

^And a Macbook would be waaaaaaaaaaaaaay out of the $500 budget lol.

you can get a good very good laptop for around 500 to 700 range.

Strider1002 wrote:

Macs are overrated.

AMEN MY BROTHA!

 

Strider1002 wrote:

Macs are overrated.

 :shock:     

I cannot express my shock enough

Jess9450 wrote:

 :shock:     

I cannot express my shock enough

Yes, the truth usually is shocking the first time you hear it (read it)

1) Don't get a Dell.  
2) You can get a great laptop with plenty of space and power for light gaming for $300. I got one a few years ago (it was a Dell and barely gave me a year and a half, but I beat the crap out of my laptops). I wish I had gone for the Toshiba that was like $30 more and was the same computer, just better put together.

I am due for a new one myself and I think this time I will go for Alienware  I've always wanted one. The only issues is...they were bought out by Dell  

Sauceman wrote:

1) Don't get a Dell.   
2) You can get a great laptop with plenty of space and power for light gaming for $300.  I got one a few years ago (it was a Dell and barely gave me a year and a half, but I beat the crap out of my laptops). I wish I had gone for the Toshiba that was like $30 more and was the same computer, just better put together.

I am due for a new one myself and I think this time I will go for Alienware  I've always wanted one.  The only issues is...they were bought out by Dell  

They were over priced anyway if you ask me.

Build your own if you are talking desktop, its not hard.

You can put a system together for half the cost of a prebuilt model AND have a much better system. Thats what I will be doing for my next computer.

I have pieced this one together so many times I call it Frankenstein. (Even though that was the name of the creator not the monster, but..... people accept that as the name of the monster so I will go with it. )

Mine is HP, and I got it refurbished about 3 years ago for roughly $300, its worked wonderfully for my needs.

Squeakers, I agree with Toro. My desktop my stepdad built in 2005 has had some adjustments over the years, but I loved that I researched and designed every part for the video work I had planned but never got to. Otherwise I have a Macbook because of less maintenance. Eventually I'll get a tablet....but I'm the last for most because of funds. Get advise from gamers for your best info, you want it built well and to last.

Awesome squeakers.:bounce: I'm glad. I remember many years ago alienware   was top for gaming at one time, these days I'm not sure. I've fallen out of the tech loop. Look foreward to seeing your new laptop.

Hopefully it'll be worth it, give a call to check on the sale before going though. Blessings in your search & selection.

Yeah, best to call, because the Best Buy 30-45 minutes from you is the smallest one I've ever seen

this is what i would do if i wanted to buy a laptop..

i would search craigslist for something that i know somebody would have up for sale cheap. if nothing seemed wrong with it i would buy it and immediately format whatever operating system was on it and put windows xp on it. that's what i would do if i was in the market for a laptop.