Looking for a new laptop

[robrpb]

I am looking for a new laptop and Staples has a Dell 17" model i1764-5955IBU for $649. Office depot has a MSI 15" model A6200-021US for $549.

Both seem about the same having the Intel Core i5 430 CPU, 4 GB RAM, and 320 GB HD.

I would prefer a 15" screen which the MSI has, but I'm not sure if it would be better to wait for a deal on a Dell 15" as I am not familiar with MSI laptops, though I know that they make computer parts. What are your thoughts on the two of them? Thanks.

[glc]

I do prefer Dell from a service standpoint. Have you looked at any Asus laptops?

[robrpb]

I have been looking at Asus, Dell, and Lenovo laptops. I have found the Asus to be a little more expensive. On sale I have seen Dell in the local stores with some good prices, but lately the good deals seem to be on 17" laptops and not 15".

glc, do you prefer Dell over Asus? I guess you don't think much of MSI.

I am in no hurry, so I will keep looking.

[glc]

I have no preference between Dell, Asus, and Lenovo. Those are the 3 brands I do recommend.

If you want a Dell, why don't you see what kind of a deal you can find online at the Dell site? You can customize them there. You can also shop Lenovo direct and get Asus from Newegg.

[robrpb]

From my research I have found the best deals on Dell when they are on sale at local retail stores. I was talking with someone last night that just bought a Dell from Bestbuy. They said online the same configuration was about $100 more.

Is it worth looking for or waiting for a laptop with USB 3.0 seeing? Do you have any idea when USB 3.0 be in the majority of the laptops? Thanks.

[strollin]

Originally Posted by robrpb From my research I have found the best deals on Dell when they are on sale at local retail stores. I was talking with someone last night that just bought a Dell from Bestbuy. They said online the same configuration was about $100 more. Is it worth looking for or waiting for a laptop with USB 3.0 seeing? Do you have any idea when USB 3.0 be in the majority of the laptops? Thanks.

Another reason to buy a Dell from a local retail store is that you can walk out the door with the computer today instead of waiting weeks for it to be built and shipped. Of course the downside is you can't customize your purchase the way you could on the Dell site.

[randytylor]

Well I also prefer the Dell as it is the well know brand and it has the great after sales services. If you are not having the screen size issue than I would say it is much better to have the Dell. As it has the well configuration in this model and it will be fine in the performance as well.