Robin D. Aguilar - AOL Shopping
As if the holidays aren't expensive enough. Throw the recession in the mix and suddenly every gift must count (for less!). A rough economy doesn't mean you can't have big ticket items like notebook computers for cheap. In fact, we've got the scoop on cheap notebook computers for those willing to forego a few simple options. Not only will you look like a hero, but these five notebooks might be cheap enough to pick one up for yourself as well.Cheap Deal #1
Acer Aspire One AOA110-1295 Notebook Computer
Average Price: $352.35
Acer has proven to be a quality computer manufacturer without the flashy brand or price. The Acer Aspire One leads our cheap notebook computer list for this very reason. Offering a competitive processing speed of 1.6 GHz and decent 512 MB memory, if all you do is surf the net and email, this is the ideal computer for you. But what makes the price so cheap? The display is a minute 8.9 inches. Ask yourself, is bigger really better? If screen size isn't a problem, pick up this cheap notebook computer before they sell out.
Cheap Deal #2
Apple iBook Notebook Computer
Average Price: $346.00
Typically when someone thinks of Apple they don't really think cheap notebook computers. This Apple iBook is designed to handle tough travel challenges with ease. Of course the super cheap price tag helps. A decent display size of 12.1 inches, five hour battery life and a svelte 4.9 pounds, this notebook is locked and loaded to go where you go. What makes this a cheap notebook computer is the petite 128 MB of memory. The good news is that you can upgrade the memory by five times if need be. Get your upgrade on because this cheap notebook computer is a gem!
Cheap Deal #3
Lenovo ThinkPad T30 Notebook Computer
Average Price: $385.00
If you're looking for a cheap notebook computer for the busy professional or serious student, this laptop tops the list. IBM hooked up this laptop with a workable base memory of 512MB, an Intel Pentium 4 Mobile processor and a good looking 14.1 inch display. Notorious for dropping laptops? The Lenovo ThinkPad T30 rocks a titanium composite cover that should do the trick. The only problem with this cheap notebook computer is the small-ish hard drive. 40GB is good if you're into word processing, not so much for the digital downloader. At this cheap price you can always swap out the hard drive later if need be.
Cheap Deal #4
HP 2133 Mini Notebook Computer
Average Price: $455.92
Rounding out our picks for cheap notebook computers is the HP 2133 Mini laptop. This model offers specs that are pretty good across the board, especially for the price. This notebook comes standard with 512 MB of memory, a built in webcam, an open source operating system and is energy star compliant, not to mention having the powerhouse HP brand to boot. So what's driving the price down on this cheap notebook computer? The VIA C7M processor speed is slightly low at 1.0 GHz. If you're just doing the basics, chances are you won't even notice.
Cheap Deal #5
Dell Vostro 1000 Notebook Computer
Average Price: $399.00
Business pros tout the Dell Vostro line thanks to its customizable options and thoughtful service plans. What really makes these cheap notebook computers shine are the perks: 1.8GHz processing speed, 512 MB memory, a whopping 80GB hard drive, 15.4 inch display and limits on annoying trial-ware. So, what's the problem? It's the hefty 6.38 pounds of cheap notebook computer you've got to lug around with this bad boy. Think of it as getting a great laptop deal and building arm muscles.
Comments page 1 of 2
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ira said 11-17-2008 @5:12PM
Save yourself a fortune. How many people really need a new computer every or every other year? The truth is that most of us have all the crap we need. Few of us actually really need more of anything. It's not need, it's want. Food, gas, toilet paper, imagine living a year just buying those items. CASH! Piles of cold hard cash is the best way to weather the current economic situation. I discovered one of the best books you'll ever find about finance, "How to Become Filthy Rich on Your Current Income" at www.how-to-become-rich.com. If people read books like this one we would not have the current situation we do.
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Vismortis said 11-18-2008 @9:21AM
ok these deals are a rip off. expecialy that Mac. anything less then 512 MB of Memory is out dated and that explanes the price. Even 1 GB is out dated please do your research. expecialy if your planing to run Windos Vista ( the ultimate virus) on it.
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Tired of the racism..... said 11-18-2008 @1:08AM
I think this article is garbage. There are way better laptops on the market from your local retailer like Best Buy or Circuit City. Good advice would be never to buy direct from Dell or other companies as they overcharge you and do not give you all that you can get for your dollar. If there really aren't better laptops around for under $500 then just pay a little more at $500-$700 to get upto 3 gig ram, 250 gig hard drive along with many more features. On top of that you will surely get an uptodate processor running at optimal speeds with Centrino2 technology, dual/tri-core technology and decent wi-fi. I saw the article claiming how you get a "competitive" Pentium 4 processor about 3-4 years old and how some notebooks come with a "whopping" 80 gig hardrive and I puked a lil inside.
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Tee said 11-17-2008 @9:31PM
I heard there was a new Sony Vaio for a little over $300, also.
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Ed Gerwe said 11-17-2008 @11:11PM
BEWARE, BEWARE, neither AOL nor Pricegrabber will tell you that it is a used computer. They take your money first. Now I have a computer that could hava anything on it, ILLEGAL STUFF? Who knows. It is unconscionable that AOL promote a computer without telling you that it is second hand. They always list laptops under items to never buy used, then they trick you into buying one without telling you it is used.
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MikeyLikesIt! said 11-17-2008 @11:11PM
okydoky
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steve said 11-18-2008 @1:58AM
I just bought the acer 4720-4538. several weeks ago ..500us at walmart . 2 gig ram and 1.73 gig dual core processor intel... of course it also had the vista premium edition, and am very happy with it being a computer guy. the vista i dont plan on keeping. but this one has the best bang for the buck as of late. STEVE
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techno genius said 11-18-2008 @4:23PM
Wow!!! It must be nice to be able to go out and spend an arm & leg for a computer when times are hard and getting harder. To Ira..it may be hard to believe, but not everyone has a laptop yet, and please try to stay on subject with your comments. To Ed..If AOL or Pricegrabber are receiving information from these various companies, it's up to you (or other consumers) to do a little bit of research to see what's on the computer. Quit expecting everything to be handed to you on a platter, what are you a toddler? To Vismortis..1 GB is pretty standard now, not out dated, plus did you know that memory can changed to make the computer faster? Shocking I know. Everyone needs to stop hating.
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lanipb6 said 11-18-2008 @7:48PM
I just bought the Acer Aspire One from Amazon and it is a teeny thing at just 2 pounds! It's fantastic for travel. It's quick and the keyboard is actually easy to type on. I got the 6 cell battery so I don't have to carry around my cord and it actually lasts 6 hours. I don't recommend such a tiny machine if you're on your computer all day every day, but if you just need something light and portable, then this little guy is great. I got the 9 inch but if you want to use it more regularly than I do, I would suggest going a little bigger - maybe the 10inch. I also am partial to macs, but if you're a pc lover, this is a great deal.
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Ed Gerwe said 11-24-2008 @9:39AM
I must recant. In an earlier post I slammed Price Grabber. However I complained to them that the computer was advertised as new, but was sold a used one. PG investigated, admitted I was right and then helped negotiate a refund. KUDOS to Price Grabber for doing the right thing.
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Swes6570 said 12-11-2008 @9:01AM
Check out the Everex Cloudbook for Wimax these are selling like hot cakes in asia. And will catch on in the US when Wimax is more widely available.
replyAlso See Asus Eeepc.
These two above were the first to make these UMPC
These computers are designed for people on the go who simply want access to internet or for beginners. They were never intended to be a fully functional laptop. These also access online programs that dont use up the Netbooks Space or memory. They are more comonly refered to as Netbooks or UMPC not Notebooks. All good for under $400.
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Logan Heath said 12-11-2008 @10:00AM
someone is selling a functional one on ebay. buy it now for $165
replyhttp://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=180312950510
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jenny o said 12-11-2008 @10:00AM
Who wrote this article? None of these deals were anything to write home about. I bought a brand new Compaq CQ50 with 160 GB hard drive, 2 gigs of ram, 2 GHz. Windows Vista. All for 399.00 Plus, for 50 bucks more, at Best Buy, you got the laptop, an HP printer and Norton Antivirus.
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Rob Ashworth said 12-11-2008 @11:16AM
1st of all Understand tha anything AOL SAYS OR ENDORSED is based solely on the Advertizing money spent by the manufacturers. Most of these writers DON'T HAVE A CLUE
replyNow if your concerned about price quality, tech support a great warranty and someone that speaks English that you won't longer than 1 minute for then you want to have a CUSTOM COMPUTER made for you. In many cases they are less expensive PC's and just slightly more expensive with Laptops. I'm a disabled Veteran who has both a VISION COMPUTER PC AND LAPTOP. Prior to my injury which force my retirement my entire support staff of 14 purchased Vision Computers (with no additional military discount) for their families prior to last deployment.
The most interesting thing is that for no more money you can now have a computer that properly accomadates your needs and you have a CHOICE OF OPERATING SYSTEMS. These commerical manufactures have VISTA, or charge you an outragious amount to change it to XP Unless you have never used a computer system before the last thing anyone I ever knew wanted was anything other than XP Home or XP Professional. The 3 YEAR WARRANTY Fabulous Tech Support by people who speak and understand what ever language you want. and totally understand and can fix your problem are out standing They can actually, at your speciaic direction, under your complete control totally take control of your computer through installed software and fix what ever is wrong. Being disabled, that to me IS WORTH IT'S WEIGHT IN GOLD. In the unlikely event my COMPUTER GETS AN ATTITUDE I simply call in the calvery. I did a lot of research before buying my last computer because I was so dis-satified with the NON_CUSTOMER SERVICE NO TECH SUPPORT (that you can understand) by DELL that I refused to buy anything else from them even when after 7 months of fooling with my $900 Dell they finally offered me a free replacement. These company's have choices. They all buy from basically the same manufactures. The trick is matching the right components to the right installiation and then supporting it with great customer service and support that service with EVEN FASTER SMARTER TECHINICAL SUPPORT.
Visit Vision Computer.Com If you find someone as I did you like dealing with get their name and direct number. They won't tell you this. They are on salary and commission. They will never sell you more than you need or want and always discuss your options. Most commissioned sales people will "JAM YOU UP" with unneeded items to make more money. NOT HE CASE HERE! 5 minutes with one of these professionals you know they do very well and don't have to cheat anybody or give out any BS
Happy Holidays. Send a Christmas/Holiday Card to anyof our great men and women in uniform serving this great country. They and their families make great sacrifices for our National Security FREEDON IS NOT FREE
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cheryl said 12-11-2008 @10:58AM
I am looking for a good laptop for my daughter. she is
replystarting high schoool next year. I am her sole supporter and cannot afford much on my budget. any suggestions on a good name brand laptop at a great deal?
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GRACE said 12-11-2008 @12:16PM
Rob Ashworth, thank you for your military service. I salute you! Thank you, too, for your comments here.
replyPeople, THINK! Do you really want tech support from someone for whom English is a second language? Dell is a NIGHTMARE, in that regard!
When looking for my last computer, I called EVERYONE in my tiny town and asked questions. (We have no Circuit City nor Best Buy, and I wanted to buy my computer locally, not through the mail.) I found a computer repair and sales company that sells computers made right here in Ohio, and the tech support is right here in the store! (And the store has been around a while.)
Believe me, it's worth a few extra bucks to get XP rather than Vista, as well as everything else made to order, and local tech support, upgrades and repair.
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Kayte said 12-11-2008 @1:15PM
Save your money and don't get the Lenovo ThinkPad T30 Notebook Computer. We use them at the college I go to and they are definitely more hassle than help. Yea sure, you save money, but if you spend a couple of dollars more, you won't have to get your computer fixed every other day.
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kermit230 said 12-11-2008 @2:06PM
How about the Asus EEE PC 900ha. 1.8ghz Atom Processor, 320 Gb HD, 1 Gig Ram, Webcam, XP, for $349. I own one and I don't know what I'd do without it now. It pretty much is the best deal out there for netbooks.
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George said 12-11-2008 @2:27PM
Rob Ashworth:
replyI'll add my comment to the one from "GRACE" and also thank you for your service. I am also a disabled (100% service connected) vet and looking to buy a laptop. I wonder if you can advise where the Vision computer you bought is sold. I have not seen it either advertised or sold locally to where I live.
I currently have a Dell and would agree with the other comments on service and unintelligible tech support, plus even purchasing through them is a total hassle with their policy that you must use their credit service to buy. They wouldn't accept my credit card. I will not purchase a Dell again either.
George
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Edward said 12-13-2008 @10:40AM
Don't buy Dell. I purchased a computer from them with a $100 rebate. When I got the computer it would not function. After taking it to a professional to find my problem, Dell sent me parts to have installed. After all of this I sent for my rebate and Dell told me I had passed my 30 days and would not pay me and I am out for my service charge also.
replyEdward