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Laptop Choices

post #1 of 16
6/8/04 at 3:57pm
Thread Starter 
Ok i need some help aka i cant decide

i want to get a laptop but only have max $2200 Canadian ($1632 USD Approx)at my disposal, thats it so the price has to include taxes.

One i am looking at is the Compaq R3140CA it's only downside is the video card has only 32mb of dedictade memory.

Any other suggestions are welcome.
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post #2 of 16
6/8/04 at 4:08pm
...for that much US you can get quite a bit if you're willing to order online. The chassis and speakers for the compaq are nice, but you can get so much better online (note you have to pay duties unless you ship it to the border and drive it over). If you like futurehop's service, I would go with a toshiba M30-UU9, it's a little over your budget (2199 right now + taxes), but it's money well spent.
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post #3 of 16
6/8/04 at 4:09pm
oh yeah and also the screen on the compaq blows...the resolution is way too low for any type of decent gaming, I picked up a 3055CA a while ago and returned it, that was running on a 9000 radeon shared, so even worse ><.
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post #4 of 16
6/8/04 at 4:14pm
Thread Starter 
thanks for the input, umm ya duty fees will probably push me over budget.

i was also looking at an acer aspire 2001LCi, the only compal distributer in ottawa is over priced. Just so you know this laptop is in no means a desktop replacement, also what do you mean by the screen blows, lots of dead pixels, ghosting, etc ...

all i would really use it for is playing games(occasionally) watching movies, web surfing, typing, etc.
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post #5 of 16
6/8/04 at 4:16pm
compaqs don't usually have dead pixels, but the screen was pretty bad for ghosting, and the integrated video didn't help too much. I think the 3140 comes with what Geforce Go 420? If it's not a desktop replacement I guess that's okay for just your basic tasks. And as mentioned before, the compaq is really low res on the widescreen LCD, so for gaming it's pretty bad.
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post #6 of 16
6/8/04 at 4:19pm
The 2001LCi looks like a good feature set for your needs, a radeon 9200 isn't that great for gaming, but from what you've said, it should suit your needs. How much are they asking for that?
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post #7 of 16
6/8/04 at 4:21pm
Thread Starter 
yes thats the video card, umm how long ago did you get your compaq which you returned was it recently, like pre or post the merer with HP.

i will also get a chance to go to the computer store soon so i can try them out and see which one i like the best in my price range.

one other thing extended warranties worth it ?
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post #8 of 16
6/8/04 at 4:21pm
Thread Starter 
1960 cdn with xp pro, 1950 for the xp hom version
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post #9 of 16
6/8/04 at 4:26pm
that's actually not half bad...do realize you're at risk for dead pixels if you buy from small stores. I'd run out and buy a ferarri 3200 right now if it weren't for the fact that everybody who carries them is a tiny store. The 2000 is a good choice if you need something light and thin as well. Definately a better choice than the Compaq if you can get one without dead pixels.

Edit:

I don't think you would buy the one with XP-Home for 10 dollars less unless you were retarded lol
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post #10 of 16
6/8/04 at 4:37pm
Thread Starter 
yaa i know, thats one of my main concerns, as to why the compaq is enticing, since it is coming from compusmart never going to BB or FS.

but the only people where i live are the ones who carry them are the small companies. But i do know the store i am going to carries sony laptops as well, which a pretty decent all in all i believe.

I wish ottawa had either better selection or more reputable stores other than FutureShop or Best Buy (heh best buy my )\

i think i will take a look at what they have tonight.
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post #11 of 16
6/8/04 at 4:40pm
heh ditto i'm here in BC...we do have ncix.com here, they're not too bad for desktop components, but they have a poor selection for laptops. If you go to staples now, you should be able to get a deal on the compaq, because future shop has it for 100 dollars less i think, so you should be able to get 50 dollars more off from staples thanks to their 150% pricematch thing..We don't even have Best BUy here in BC lol...yet.

Scratch that about staples being more expensive...They're both 1899 here, but staples has an instant 100 dollar rebate on right now, so 1799, which isn't too bad.
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post #12 of 16
6/8/04 at 4:49pm
Thread Starter 
thats good, oh and best buy, is worst than future shop for service work.

i will have to take a look, my biggest problem is that between my bank card and my credit card the limit is $2000 and i cant get my limit upped on my bank card or credit card, on top of that the banks close early. so i will try to aim for something around 2000-2200 after taxes so nothing over 1899. but thanks for the info.
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post #13 of 16
6/8/04 at 4:53pm
....you don't have staples over there?
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post #14 of 16
6/8/04 at 5:01pm
Thread Starter 
we have staples, but i was never comfortable with buying computer from staples.
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post #15 of 16
6/8/04 at 5:01pm
heh yeah desktops no way, but laptops they're better than future shop for returns/exchanges
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post #16 of 16
6/8/04 at 9:09pm
Thread Starter 
i guess, but i like compusmart here, good staff, and unlike most people these days i pride on customer loyalty.

which is why i have bought all my desktop parts fromone small company despite him being slightly higher.

i am going to get the 3140, they had a 3060 and it impressed me. and i didn't see any ghosting really, so i am going to get it.

Also at copmusmart you dont have to buy the extended warranty right away you could buy the machine, and wait a month or even 7 in my case and then get it put on.

once i get it i will try to put together a review in my spare time.
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