I was initially going to buy this the MSI GX630 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834152073) until I read something key in one of the recent reviews from the other day:
I assume he was referring to this deal, which has since expired:
Essentially, I am bummed to see now that I could have gotten that excellent HP with many more features for a mere $100 more than the MSI. I will be using this for some gaming for sure, but will be primarily dragging it to school with me and since I am already 3 weeks into the semester, I really need something ASAP (my old laptop from '02 finally crapped out).
The saving grace for the MSI is that I can buy it through Costco, which means 90 days no questions asked if something craps out on it (though I suppose a more dishonest person than myself could also use this window to look for other deals in the meantime @_@).
Any deals that anyone can point me to for something comparable to the MSI, or better yet, the HP for under $1000?
edit: And I should say that I am not planning on playing any brand new FPS or anything, just some FFXI/WoW and some slightly newer RTS'.
Three months ago, this laptop was a great deal, considering that you'd have to pay at least 50% more for a comparable machine. However, not two days after I bought this one, one of the big laptop companies (can't say which one here) released a coupon for $500 off any $1300 purchase, which I could have used to get a 15.4" laptop with a better processor, the same video card, blu-ray, 4 gigs of ram, Vista 64, and a 12 cell battery for $100 more than I paid for this.
I assume he was referring to this deal, which has since expired:
HP Pavilion dv5z AMD ULTRA Dual-Core 2.2GHz 15.4in Laptop (Blu-ray, Radeon HD3650, 12-Cell) $944 w/ Coupon, Feb. 7 10 AM
Deal Expired: HP has the HP Pavilion dv5z AMD Turion X2 Ultra ZM-82 15" Notebook Computer for a low $903.99 after STACKABLE Coupon Code: NB4345 (Exp 2/8). Free Shipping. Tax in most.
6.14lbs; 15.4" 1680x1050; AMD Turion X2 Ultra ZM-82 Dual Core @ 2.2GHz; 3GB RAM; 250GB HDD; Blu-ray player + DVD burner combo; 802.11b/g; Vista Home Premium; ATI Radeon HD 3650 512MB; webcam; 12-cell battery; 1yr warranty
$1443.99 - $500 off Code: NB4345 = $943.99 Free Shipping
CLICK HERE
(1) Click next to Base Configuration - Customize & Buy
(2) Select Processor - AMD Turion X2 Ultra Dual-Core ZM-86 @ 2.2GHz (+$150)
(4) Select Memory - FREE Upgrade to 3GB DDR2 System Memory (+$0)
(5) Select Hard Drive - 320GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive (+$90)
(6) Select Graphics Card - 512MB ATI Radeon HD 3650 Graphics (+$200)
(7) Select Display - 15.4" High-Definition HP BrightView (1680 x 1050) (+$75)
(8) Select Primary DVD/CD Drive - Blu-Ray ROM (+$150)
(9) Select Battery - 12 Cell Lithium Ion Battery (+$49)
(10) Click on Review & Buy tab at the top
(11) Click on Add to Cart
(12) Apply $500 off $1399+ HP Coupon
Code: NB4345 at payment screen
Essentially, I am bummed to see now that I could have gotten that excellent HP with many more features for a mere $100 more than the MSI. I will be using this for some gaming for sure, but will be primarily dragging it to school with me and since I am already 3 weeks into the semester, I really need something ASAP (my old laptop from '02 finally crapped out).
The saving grace for the MSI is that I can buy it through Costco, which means 90 days no questions asked if something craps out on it (though I suppose a more dishonest person than myself could also use this window to look for other deals in the meantime @_@).
Any deals that anyone can point me to for something comparable to the MSI, or better yet, the HP for under $1000?
edit: And I should say that I am not planning on playing any brand new FPS or anything, just some FFXI/WoW and some slightly newer RTS'.