Finding a deal on a descent i3 laptop.

[Kevinck]

I hate buying laptops. With PC components i can figure out exactly what i want, find reviews on all the parts, and then source them out. In the end i build exactly what i want.

Laptops are infuriating in the small differences between each one. Maybe it's just my OCD.

Wife needs a machine for a masters in the fall. Basic academic machine. No needs for games, video transcoding or other high end activities. However i would like enough power in the machine that i don't feel annoyed using it. Looking at 14" screen, sandy bridge i3, 4gb ram at least. Battery life while word processing/surfing is a big requirement.

i'm assuming a sandy bridge i3 will still be cheaper, run cooler and longer than the ivy i5s so no need to go for the more power.

Anyone know of any current deals right now? Or will there be some really good 'back to school' deals in august that are worth waiting for?

[DavidY]

Lenovo Thinkpad Edge E430

Intel Core i3-2350M Processor (3M Cache, 2.30GHz)
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)
14.0" W HD (1366 x 768) LED AntiGlare, Midnight Black
Intel HD Graphics (WWAN or mSATA capable)
4 GB PC3-12800 DDR3 (1 DIMM)
UltraNav with FingerPrint Reader
320GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
DVD Recordable
6 cell Li-Ion Battery 48WH - 75+
ThinkPad 1x1 b/g/n
No Mobile Broadband support
1 Year Depot/Express Warranty

Price is about $494.xx before taxes (after e-coupon CAPTHINKBTS711). Free shipping....likely take several weeks to arrive from China.

Here's a review on the E430: http://www.studentbuyingguide.com/2012/05/lenovo-thinkpad-edge-e430-review/

I have an E420, last year's model. Don't buy more memory....it's cheaper to add it yourself (5 min job) later. About $20-$30. Lenovo wants like $160 for the same.

The display is average at best. Love the keyboard. Has a trackpoint...nice to have when you are on the move.

Dave

[john widow]

I have a lenovo laptop. Keyboard is cool sorta like those old school keyboards....not much flex on the keyboard...
Is the trackpoint that red ball in the middle? I find mine useless as it requires too much pressure and is harder to move the mouse around accurately. I'm so used to regular old trackpads and it's just down there...

How come they dont make laptops where the keyboard is on the bottom and the trackpad is on top?

[Kevinck]

After looking at a few dell and other random models i'm liking this lenovo 430 deal. Probably add in the integrated camera since she likes to skype.

The only thing i'm on the fence about is bluetooth. it's $20 more for bluetooth. Should i bother? The new logitech mice have those extremely small usb receivers which you can leave in all the time and ignore. So it's not such a big deal to have bluetooth mouse like it was when receivers were huge. And she doesn't have a cellphone that she'll want to bluetooth connect. is there another bluetooth application that makes it worth the upgrade?

And does anyone know if upgrading to the better battery (6 cell Li-Ion Battery 62WH - 75+) over the 48WH battery means it's one of the bulky ones that sticks out more on the back?

[DavidY]

After looking at a few dell and other random models i'm liking this lenovo 430 deal. Probably add in the integrated camera since she likes to skype.

The only thing i'm on the fence about is bluetooth. it's $20 more for bluetooth. Should i bother? The new logitech mice have those extremely small usb receivers which you can leave in all the time and ignore. So it's not such a big deal to have bluetooth mouse like it was when receivers were huge. And she doesn't have a cellphone that she'll want to bluetooth connect. is there another bluetooth application that makes it worth the upgrade?

And does anyone know if upgrading to the better battery (6 cell Li-Ion Battery 62WH - 75+) over the 48WH battery means it's one of the bulky ones that sticks out more on the back?

Are they both 6 cell batteries? My 6 cell battery does NOT stick out the back. But I don't know what the WH rating is on it. I will check if there is a rating somewhere.

I use a MS portable mouse (no BT or webcam on my laptop)...it has a very small USB receiver..probably sticks out 1/4-3/8 inch.

Dave

[oldpro]

The only thing i'm on the fence about is bluetooth.
If u needed a Bluetooth later, u can always buy a Bluetooth USB dongle ($99 cents from China-based on-line retailers).

[Kevinck]

Are they both 6 cell batteries? My 6 cell battery does NOT stick out the back. But I don't know what the WH rating is on it. I will check if there is a rating somewhere.

This lenovo comes with "6 cell Li-Ion Battery 48WH - 75+". But for $10 you can upgrade to "6 cell Li-Ion Battery 62WH - 75+". As long as it's not a bulkier battery sounds like a worthwhile upgrade.

[DavidY]

This lenovo comes with "6 cell Li-Ion Battery 48WH - 75+". But for $10 you can upgrade to "6 cell Li-Ion Battery 62WH - 75+". As long as it's not a bulkier battery sounds like a worthwhile upgrade.

I have the 48 WH 6 cell battery on my E420. It does NOT stick out at the back at all. When I had ordered the laptop last summer, there was an optional 9 cell which DOES stick out. I don't recall seeing a second 6 cell battery option at that time.

Dave