Excited this month I'm getting a new laptop. Where do most of you purchase your laptops? Someone suggested QVC but I'd like a little more feedback when it comes to the deals, service etc.

Thanks

I got my last one at Best Buy because they had an awesome deal. I had done a ton of research and found a few models I liked and then just waited to see who put it on sale first.

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~Christina-Business Darlings-Magazine for Virtual Business Owners

I bought mine at Wal-Mart. It is an Acer Aspire. A computer programmer friend of my husbands told him Acer is one of the best made computers on the market. I also got a really great deal on it for around $300. I can always get it serviced through a computer repair shop or at Best Buy if necessary, but if you are looking at one that will come with support immediately, I would definitely choose Best Buy for sure. Their Geek squad is awesome!

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Serita Diana, the List 2 Close Assistant
REVA Academy

I bought a Toshiba at best buy. It was great. I spent $1700 but I think I spent too much. I got $1700 worth of lap top but I don't think I needed that much. It also went bad on me. Now I must say it did last 3 years so it was great while I had it but still it hurt. It's amazing how fast 3 years goes by. I think when I get another one, I'd spend less and just get what I need especially considering it's likely only for a few years. Make sure yours has a good cooling system. I think that's what happened with mine. The power supply regulator went bad (likely from being hot so often).

Good luck. I'd be excited too. Getting a new computer or lap top feels like Christmas morning.

Have a great weekend.

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Stephanie Finkbeiner - Balanced Business Service
Helping you balance more than the books

I've always had good products and service from Dell. If you go to their online site you can "build your own" laptop based on what your needs are. I would also suggest that you get a 3-year warranty on any model. Besides after 3 years, you'll probably want a new computer anyway. I bought my daughter an HP from Office Depot and did not get the extended warranty. The screen died six weeks after the one-year warranty was up and there was nothing we could do. Bad news! Mad mother!

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Sylvia Mesaros
The Alliances

The Geek Squad at our Best Buy is horrible!! Every computer I bought and loaded myself worked great but the one I had them load for me was constantly having problems. Then they charged me to fix a computer that wasn't worth fixing! I guess it depends on the employees at each particular store.

Somebody posted these sites on another thread in this forum.
www.dealcatcher.com
www.techbargains.com
They said you can find good deals on these websites. Also, don't forget Tiger Direct.

I'm following this thread because I'm also getting a new laptop hopefully next week.

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Kathy Martin
http://www.katsbusinessservices.com/

Originally Posted by KMartin

The Geek Squad at our Best Buy is horrible!! Every computer I bought and loaded myself worked great but the one I had them load for me was constantly having problems. Then they charged me to fix a computer that wasn't worth fixing! I guess it depends on the employees at each particular store.

I have to agree with this assessment of Best Buy and The Geek Squad. Maybe because it's I'm not some dumb female, but I took offense at the techie (and I use that term loosely) asking me what I had done to my laptop after I complained it had caught fire while still under warranty. Really.

Their customer service sucked, they refused to fix my computer when they were swamped with back to school sales (like that's my problem) and then their backup of my computer failed completely after being charged for it. Imagine my horror at going to the folder with all my data safely backed up and finding nothing, absolutely empty. Thank heavens this female had the brains to back up her computer regularly even if I hadn't set fire to it.

Never again will I buy a computer-related product from Best Buy. Ever.

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Kate V. Kerans
Kerans Virtual Assistance

OOPS! lol. I was only judging by the one that I had worked at briefly (and my old neighbor bought from them and got the geek squad package which helped her out tremendously). Apparently it depends on the store. What a shame they don't use universal standards for something so important.

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Serita Diana, the List 2 Close Assistant
REVA Academy

Originally Posted by vballiances

I would also suggest that you get a 3-year warranty on any model. Besides after 3 years, you'll probably want a new computer anyway.

True.

I have had Dell computers (not a lap top) and I've always had good luck with them. I've had 3 Dells and only once did a hard drive go bad and they replaced it quickly. I DO NOT like their customer service. On the phone, I always get someone in another country that sometimes (not always) but sometimes is not easy to understand and seems like they are reading from a script. So yes, I got the hard drive quickly but it was a pain to get to that point.

Sorry to hear everyone had so much trouble with Best Buy. You guys have me thinking twice about going back there. Yikes!

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Stephanie Finkbeiner - Balanced Business Service
Helping you balance more than the books

I am a retired project manager from Compaq/HP for 25 years....

When I started my own business, I bought an ACER laptop. It wasn't that great. My local "non franchise" computer supply store offered an ASUS. I LOVE IT!! They have a website. It has an online webcam that I thought I would never use...now that's a great way to connect to your clients that feel they need face-to-face meetings. Skype is free for video...just some thoughts. Good luck!

Just like Sylvia, I've always received great products and service from Dell's online store too. I enjoyed "building my own laptop." Good idea on the warranty.

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Delilah Smith
Caliber Virtual Services

Ive always liked Dell laptops, have had 3 now and have not had much trouble with any of them. Just bought a new one from Staples I did buy a 3 year warranty so we will see how this one does.

Tina

We have purchased two laptops in our house recently. One from PC World business centre - a HP. I am very pleased with the service there and their helpline etc. I also bought one from Staples recently, a Toshiba. I was pleased with the deal I gothere too.

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Claire Baber ~ Horizon Virtual Assistance

Costco is another good place to try. Good luck!

I am in the market next year to replace my 2006 Gateway I purchased from Best Buy, its been GREAT. I did a year ago have to upgrade the RAM and the computer tech did some other tweaky to it and it works fantastic.

For my new one I plan on shopping around, we have a new store in town that is in competition with Best Buy so will check them out.

I will not be purchasing one online or directly from the distributor because I want to see how it works and be able to bring it to a local person over shipping it back to them for fixing, which can take up to 2 weeks to get it back.

Leona

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Leona Martin
A Plus Admin Services