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Laptop Computers on Sale - Good Deals for Students

>You see a lot of laptop computers on sale. Buying a laptop computer is finding the one that is right for you at the right price. This isn't easy, and it is fairly frustrating. Computer prices have been changing constantly with little rhyme or reason. Whatever you buy will be at a different price almost immediately. Our goal is to get yours near the bottom price.

One option I don't like is no credit check computers.

Buying Tips...Laptop Computer

I recommend that you don't buy a used laptop computer unless you know the seller and the computer.

I suggest that you don't buy an off lease, used computer unless you are ready to settle for a computer that most of the people you know buying notebook computers, will think is obsolete. It might do everything you need, but there will still be that perception. Also, there is likely to be the hidden cost of a new battery in your near future.

I would be reluctant to buy a refurbished notebook computer that did not have a factory guarantee similar to the guarantee on a new machine.

That leaves new, cheap laptop computers for students and (some) cheap factory refurbished laptops as my preferred choices.

Laptop Computers on Sale...Student Needs

There are two types of things you need to know when you are looking for laptop computers on sale. The first thing you need to know is how the computer will be used. If you are buying for yourself you should know what you want to do on the computer. If you are buying for someone else, it is a bit harder. Generally with students it comes down to whether or not they play games and which games.

USAGE

Light (Minimal) Use -- If you are looking for laptop computers on sale to send and receive e-mail, surf the internet, watch YouTube videos, store music, Skype, and do light word processing, your use level is "light". Playing some low graphics games (like Angry Birds) or old console games with an emulator falls into this level. The needs of most students are at this level.

Medium (Normal) Use -- If the computer will be used for the tasks listed under light use above and some more complex and graphics intensive games, use multiple Microsoft Office (or similar) applications at the same time or decode/encode high definition video, you should be in the "medium" use level. This level would cover almost all other students' school needs. My best buy laptop computers page should give you more information about these laptop computers on sale.

Heavy (Enthusiast/Gamer) Use -- In addition to the tasks in the light and medium levels, heavy use includes playing new, graphics intensive games, running computation intensive software such as some CAD programs or very large spreadsheets and intensive video editing. Engineering, architecture, design and computer science students are probably in this group.

The other thing you need to know when you are looking at laptop computers on sale is if the laptop has the level of hardware needed do the tasks you want it to do. Here are some questions about the hardware you need answered.

What processor is in the laptop computer?

for Light use, any Intel processor including Intel Atom processors or AMD processor including the V and C series will do.

"Medium" use calls for a better processor AMD C or E series processors are borderline. From AMD you would want Athlon II, Phenom II, Turion II or X2 Ultra or Llano processors. Newer Celeron, Pentium, or Core i processors generally are this level. Core 2 Duo processors are generally in this class but are older.

Intel core i5 or Intel core i7 processors and AMD Llano and the fastest Phenom II processors are the "heavy" use hardware./li>

What graphics are in the computer?

The standard Intel integrated graphic for the Atom processors the GMA 3150 or the GMA 950 are good enough generally for "light" use. The ATI Radeon HD 4250 generally the integrated AMD solution in the V and C series is more than good enough.

The "medium" use integrated graphics is still generally the ATI Radeon HD 4250 in the AMD machines. E series or Llano chips will have a better card. Intel integrated graphics in the newest chips will be good enough too. Discrete graphics are usually not needed for "medium" level hardware.

For "heavy" level use that includes gaming, CAD, or video editing, a discrete graphics card is needed with anything other than the AMD Llano processors. Discrete cards can improve performance with them also but they can play almost all games with the on die GPU.

How much ram is In the laptop?

"Light" use" computers with Intel Atom or AMD V or C series processors can work quite well with 1, 2 or 3 GB. of RAM. In fact, most Intel Atom powered computers will not support more than 2 GB. of RAM.

"Medium" use computers should have 4 GB. of RAM. Be sure the operating system supports 4 GB. In my experience, there is a noticeable performance difference going from 3 to 4 GB.

At least 4 GB. of RAM should be installed in computers for "heavy" use.

Is there an optical drive? (Will it read/burn CDs/DVDs?)

For "light" use, most net books will not have an optical drive. Everything other than an ultra-light will have a DVD burner installed. DVD burners also read and write CDs.

Blu ray combo drives read DVDs, CDs and blu-ray disks and writes CDs and DVDs. Without a discrete graphics card and a high definition display blu-ray is overkill. They should be limited to "heavy" use laptops.

There are a few other things you need to know, and decide.

Do you want mobile broadband?

This will allow you to connect your laptop to the internet anywhere there is cell phone service from the provider you sign up with. It generally costs about as much as cell phone service Sometimes laptop computers on sale are subsidized by the internet service providers. They will give a rebate or a lower price through their store if you sign up for their internet service.

Is there a camera and microphone installed?

Almost all computers have cameras and microphones these days but occasionally you will see one that doesn't. Its worth asking about if they aren't easily seen. You need both for Skype or other video chat services. If you know what you want, there is a laptop hardware recap page that I'll try to keep up to date about which hardware to expect in my different classes of laptop computers on sale, information about configurators and searching tips.

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