Rant & Laptops where get a new one cheap?

[Indy_Dem_Defender]

I went to compusa today for a laptop they had on sale for $499.99, I called before I went because I live 30 miles away from the store and didn't want to go all that way there and find no laptop. I get told on the phone they still have 2 left, I said can you hold one for me there like we can't do that. So I take the chance and drive 75 mph on the interstate to get there and talk to a salesman he goes and checks they are all out and can't sell the floor model (Not that I wanted it anyway unless they wanted to knock off the price). He's like I can give you a rain check we'll have more coming in by the end of the week I said will it be the same price today (this was a 2 day sale) he's like it will be regular price, I said no thanks and left. I looked on ebay after I got back home looking for a new laptop on there, suprise that same model was listed multiple times for by it now prices of 700 and up, with shipping cost of 75-100 dollars. I think a good chunk of those where probably bought from compusa and people are trying to make a profit on ebay off them. So I'm just wondering if any DU Members know of any national chain stores or good trustworthy internet sites to purchase a good new laptop under $600. I need one for my return to college next week and would really like to have one for the convenience. Along with I would like to be able to type notes instead of writing them by hand because after about 15 minutes of writing my left hand cramps up because of a wrist injury I had about 13 years ago, leaving my writing really sloppy.

[Floogeldy]

1. And people in hell want ice water.

I'd be shocked if you could find a "good new laptop" for $600.

:shrug:

[Hardrada]

2. And if wishes were horses

beggars would ride! (I love that old saying and don't get enough opportunities to use it).:P

[Indy_Dem_Defender]

4. I'm frugal

and just shelled out 500 dollars for books for 4 classes, I know textbooks prices go up just like everything, the last time I was enrolled in college 5 years ago it was about half that for 5 classes. I wasn't expecting them to be double.

[CanuckAmok]

3. If you really just want one to write papers and maybe access the net...

Go and buy a used one somewhere. You can get a decent Pentium II machine for $300 or so. Often, used ones are loaded with $100s worth of software, too.

Just find one with USB connections and myabe a PC type 2 slot, and it'll do everything you need.

on edit: now's a good time to check your local paper/swap paper. I bet lots of people got new machines for Christmas, and are selling off their older ones.

[k_jerome]

5. compusa allows you to buy online and pickup in store.

that could be one solution in the future.

[SKKY]

6. I've got some absoluely great deals on Dell Outlet...

...you should be able to find something there. The only problem is that you're stuck whith what they have on hand and have absolutely no configuration options. But, having said that, I've always been able to get what I needed. Same warranty as well.

[sbj405]

10. I second that. They have a lot of laptops right now

Another site I was on people were talking about getting decent laptops for $400 much better than the ones people fought over after Thanksgiving. I picked up a nice desktop for under $500.

[Scooter24]

7. Dell Computer has a few great deals on their website

http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/featured_basnb?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

For the price, I believe the Inspiron B120 (14.1" display, 1.4GHz Celeron-M 360 Processor, 512Mb Memory, 40GB HD, Integrated Wireless modem, and 24x CD-RW/DVD Combo drive) for $549 is a good deal. Nothing fancy, but more than enough for your college needs.

Best of luck.

[radfringe]

8. check out

retrobox.com

they buy computers from places that are upgrading, refurbish and sell them to public.

[Kellanved]

9. HP

HP has an education store, which offers acceptable notebooks in the $550-1000 price range.

http://government.hp.com/howtobuy.asp?agencyid=136

[LanternWaste]

11. Try this...?

If there's a Frye's nearby, find the bargain basment model, ask if one of them is either refurbished or a display model. I bought an $1100 laptop for $750 ealier this summer by getting one that was a display model AND refurnished (no problems with yet...)

[DS1]

12. Rabrrrrrr will whore himself up a rant pretty cheap

[Rabrrrrrr]

15. I prefer the term "sexual professional", thank you

:stompfootandshakefinger:

[progmom]

13. i bought progdad an HP laptop that seems really decent for $599

...at Circuit City.

[LynneSin]

14. Now is the time to start scrounging computer stores for laptops

Stores like CompUSA, Circuit City, Best Buy etc. It's after the holidays and many of those Xmas laptops might be returned and then go on sale with the "open box buy" discount.

Every TV & VCR I've ever owned I've bought around this time of the year at Sears and they were all "Open Box" buys. They get the same warranty & return policy. ONe of the VCRs I owned for 10 years and then took it to my grandfather's house where it's still in operation.

[Indy_Dem_Defender]

16. Just wanted to say thank you

to all the DU Members on here who gave suggestions and provide links to websites selling Laptops. :yourock: I apprecate the help!