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good laptops around $850?

post #1 of 23
8/15/05 at 1:23pm
Thread Starter 
yeah, my dad want's to buy both me and my brother a thinkpad r50e's for college.
just wondering if there is anything better around $850 with maybe better graphics?

anyone own one of these or own one that's a r series?

ThinkPad R50e Express notebook

$849 Sale price*
Sale ends: 09/07/05.

System specifications:
Intel® Centrino™ Mobile Technology
• Intel Pentium M processor 725 (1.60GHz)
• Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG (802.11b/g)7
Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition6
15" XGA TFT display (1024x768)
Intel Extreme Graphics 2
256MB DDR SDRAM / 40GB Hard Drive
CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo
Integrated Ethernet and modem
4.0-hr Li-Ion Battery13
ThinkPad® Hard Disk Drive Shock Absorber - Like a bumper on your hard drive!
ThinkLight™ keyboard light
Easy-open cover with dual smart latches
1-year limited warranty

ThinkVantage Technologies:
Access Connections: Easiest wired and wireless connectivity of any notebook brand


doesn't looking like i can do much gaming on it, but i might order one today unless anyone knows of a laptop around $850 with good graphics. thanks.
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post #2 of 23
8/15/05 at 1:25pm
I've heard of a budget gaming AMD Athlon system packing a 9700 for 1000 dollars. Wish I still had the link... but for 850 dollars you could go with that or a Dell with that 750 dollar coupon.
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post #3 of 23
8/15/05 at 1:38pm
This should be a little better. Its a better screan gloss and a ATI X200. The X200 is better then a Intel graphics setup and this is with 512meg and not 256 like what you posted.
http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/sh...ns_continue.do
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post #4 of 23
8/15/05 at 1:45pm
try the HP ze2000z, you can get it w/ the new turion proccessors and a X200m GFX card under 750
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post #5 of 23
8/15/05 at 1:50pm
Or you can try the Lance Armstrong laptop from HP. 14" widescreen, Turion ML30 processor, ATI x200 GPU, 512MB ram, 60 GB HD for $899. 5.4lb weight.

If that's a bit too pricey, you can always configure the Compaq Presario V2000Z for a little less. (Same chassis, albeit in silver as the Lance Armstrong)
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post #6 of 23
8/15/05 at 1:58pm
Thread Starter 
thanks guys, the ze2000z looks pretty good. oh, and the r50e has a free upgrade of ram to 512mb, and i configured the hp to

AMD Turion(TM) 64 ML-30 (1.6GHz/1MB L2 Cache)
ATI RADEON(R) XPRESS 200M w/productivity ports
512MB DDR SDRAM (1x512MB)Room to expand memory in the future
40 GB 4200 RPM Hard Drive
DVD/CD-RW Combo Drive
54g(TM) 802.11b/g WLAN w/ 125HSM/SpeedBooster(TM)

for $879 w/o shipping.

is this better than the ibm? like quality of the case/lcd? how are the noise on these? i plan to leave it on all the time in my room, i really don't want anything that runs hot or is noisy. i know that think pads are built of quality, and i've used a hp laptop before with a 2500+ cpu, and it's pretty cheesy case. it looks like i can't play bf2 er anything on these, so i guess, i have to rule that out. (i got my desktop to use for that, i don't think these are that powerful)
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post #7 of 23
8/15/05 at 2:00pm
http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/sh..._components.do
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post #8 of 23
8/15/05 at 2:05pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Artek
link doesn't work
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post #9 of 23
8/15/05 at 2:09pm
IBM will run circles around HP/Compaq in terms of tech support and build quality. However, the Compaq is a better bang for the buck. I suggest you check out the Averatec line, might be worth your bacon.
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post #10 of 23
8/16/05 at 12:44am
http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/s...ons_continue.do

Try this link
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post #11 of 23
8/16/05 at 1:07am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Artek

nope...no workie
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post #12 of 23
8/16/05 at 1:28am
"IBM will run circles around HP/Compaq in terms of tech support and build quality."
BIG circles.
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post #13 of 23
8/16/05 at 1:37am

my gateway desktop = good

I've had this thing for three.5 years, its running strong, plays HL2, and Doom 3, albeit with a few advanced video settings at low, but it still does it. I payed $1939 for it too. But I wouldn't give it to the illegal immigrant who painted my house. (eg the signature of the post right before mine).

Hillary Clinton
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post #14 of 23
8/16/05 at 1:38am

dells

will always cringe at the flashback of "DUDE YOU GOT A DELL"
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post #15 of 23
8/16/05 at 2:17am
Thread Starter 
yeah, my main concern now is heat and noise. i need it to last for about 4-5 years so i'm leaning towards ibm.

BUT, the hp has a 64 bit cpu.

most likely will go ibm, but there aren't any reviews or threads on this model.
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post #16 of 23
8/16/05 at 2:31am
GET A DELL!!! With your budget you wont get anything better...LOOK AT THIS

*Just Added* Limited time offer beginning 8/15/05 3:00pm CST through 8/22/05 5:59am CST or after 5000 redemptions (whichever occurs first) ONLINE ONLY: Save 40% on select Inspiron™ notebook purchases $999 or more (before tax ,shipping & handling)! May not be combinable with Outrageous Deals, mail in rebates, dollars off, percentages off, or select other promotions. Only one coupon may be applied per cart at checkout. Coupon code expires after first 5000 uses, or earlier if offer is terminated earlier. View Details in 'My Cart' Offer subject to change. Enter coupon code at checkout. Coupon Code: CXFLV5J8Q4?LBV Buy a DELL Now!
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post #17 of 23
8/16/05 at 1:42pm
Don't worry. The 64-bit revolution will take a few years to get here. It will not be complete for at least another 3-4 years. If you get the HP, by the time the 64-bit technology takes over everything, the rest of your computer will be so outdated that you'll need a new one anyway. You might as well get a better computer now. They're both going to be outdated in 2 years, so let's not even talk about 4. That's just the way it is. You could buy the most expensive, most high-tech computer now, but in two years, it will be outdated. How ever, you and I, and many other people who cannot afford another computer ever 2 years, just have to accept the fact that in 4 years, we will have ancient computers.
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post #18 of 23
8/16/05 at 4:25pm
Whatever you do stay away from HP/Compaq. My beef with Dell is that their build quality is a bit sub-par (except for XPS2), but their tech support is alright, when my BT keyboard died for my axim, they got me a new one in 3 days. HP Compaq, although they look (key word: LOOK)to be built more solid, and probably are a tad more solid, their tech support is crap beyond your ass. I had a Compaq HPNA network once, I needed some help configuring it so I figured I'd call them, over 2 hours later on the phone I got nothing but the royal run-around and waits on hold up to 30 minutes at a time! wtf? Some reps straight out denied that HP/Compaq ever made such a product even after I provided them with a model and part number.
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post #19 of 23
8/16/05 at 5:28pm
Thread Starter 
hmm thanks guys, im checking out the dell right now
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post #20 of 23
8/16/05 at 6:30pm
iBook for $50
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