For a while I debated between a desktop and laptop, but finally decided that the convenience and travelability of a laptop beat the cheaper price and better specs of a desktop.
After doing some online and in-store searching, I finally decided to custom-build a laptop on dell.com. I started with one of the cheaper ones (since my computing needs are pretty light), then upgraded a couple things. The final laptop had a price of $750.
Right before I bought it, though, our in-house online coupon expert walked in. "Hey, find me a good Dell coupon!" I said.
After a little searching, he uncovered a coupon that gave 25% off a Dell laptop of $1000 or more. A little math revealed that a $1000 laptop at 25% off was...$750.
I went on an upgrading spree. More memory! A larger hard drive! A better processor! Finally, my computer hit $1000, the coupon kicked in, and the price dropped back to $750.
So thanks to Philip, I have a much better laptop for the same price I was going to pay originally. For those who care, here are the specs:
- Dell Insipron 1520
- Dual-core Intel processor (2.0 GHz/800 MHz FSB/2 MB L2 cache, up from the original 1.73 GHZ/533 MHz/1 MB)
- Windows XP (I deliberately chose this over Vista, and plan to dual-boot Ubuntu)
- 4 GB RAM (up from the original 2)
- 15.4" screen
- 160 GB hard drive (up from the original 120 GB. I don't need a lot of space; I'm not a "media" person)
- CD/DVD drive (reader/writer)
