Quote:
Originally Posted by SunKneeMarie
I know it doesn't have a dual processor, but bumping up to that doubled the price... although this one caught my eye... I mean, who doesn't want a Ferrari?
FRYS.com*|*Acer
although I just re-read and that ferrari mentions an AMD processor versus Intel...
so is the first one I posted powerful enough, processorwise? or how would Dell compare for price? It's mostly just for internet use so i can wander if i want... |
Just an FYI...
Did a search at Dell's Outlet Store for their Latitude E4300... only went 4 pages deep and the cheapest for this more advanced model was $689. BUT, it's a Core2Duo, 4GB RAM-DDR3, 7200rpm hard drive, has a DVD Writer, Built-in webcam and microphone, slightly smaller than the Acer and a full 3yr warranty included. That one's a race horse!! They have less expensive models (Inspiron) on closeout but most of their cost leaders come with only a 1yr warranty.
My main reason for buying higher end business class Dell Latitude laptops is that in 3 years when the unit is out of warranty, there will be a plethora of quality new/used parts out there (cheap) to repair it. The Latitudes are popular for business leasing and after 2yrs of minimal use, they're sold off to liquidators. Some are resold complete (usually with a year warranty) or parted out... when a model reaches a certain point in it's lifecycle, Dell starts liquidating it's inventory of new parts that were stashed for warranty purposes. Most laptops being sold today should easily suffice for 6 years, especially the more powerful ones.
As for Acer... they're not popular with business. For that reason, you won't see mass quantities of them produced like the business models from Dell or IBM (Lenova). Acer caters to the home consumer who wants a little more splash. And, when they break, you'll be hard pressed to find replacement parts because the shelf life for all models is extremely short. If you don't buy the product protection, when they break, you pitch them and buy a new one, just like a cell phone.
Locally, I buy Dell laptops from a lease liquidator. They give me free reign to go through their inventory and pick out the golden ones. I especially look for models with minimal wear on the base and keyboards... many of them spend most of their life tucked in a tote. I even check the service tags to see how much warranty remains. Guess I'd take a quality used laptop over a new netbook any day of the week. Plus it's good for the environment and it means a few dollars that don't make the trip to China.
Jimmy