The 15.6" Insprion 15R is not a particularly good deal for a basic user, at a price of $599.
Another important thing to note is that it should be of the least of your concerns which type of processor you get. You will not notice any difference between a Core i3 and a Core i7 for basic usage, and should instead focus your attention on other aspects of a laptop (e.g. build quality, display resolution & quality). The same applies to RAM past 4GB.
Take a look at the Lenovo Thinkpad T520 / T530 through the Barnes and Noble Gold discount. With this laptop, you get excellent build quality and a great display.
The Inspiron 15R's 15.6" 1366x768 display makes things onscreen rather large, and has very poor image quality due to low contrast. The Insprion 15R's build quality also cannot rival that of the 15.6" Thinkpad T-Series.
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Lenovo Thinkpad T520 / T530 through the Barnes and Noble Gold discount
- Barnes and Noble Gold discount T520 link:
http
/shoplenovo.i2.com/SEUILibrary/controller/e/barnesnoblegold/StdAffinityPortal/en_US/catalog.workflow:category.details?current-catalog-id=12F0696583E04D86B9B79B0FEC01C087¤t-category-id=7162ACCF009D2872F8BA28660C1EC3B5&action=init (you will need to create a [free] Barnes and Noble Gold account)
- Barnes and Noble Gold discount T530 link:
http/shoplenovo.i2.com/SEUILibrary/controller/e/barnesnoblegold/StdAffinityPortal/en_US/catalog.workflow:category.details?current-catalog-id=12F0696583E04D86B9B79B0FEC01C087¤t-category-id=DC8F3B79220E3BCF3B7C12AAA11F7BFB&action=init (you will need to create a [free] Barnes and Noble Gold account)
- Generally, you should start with the cheapest base configuration.
- On the configuration page, you will need to upgrade the "Display type" to (at minimum) HD+ (1600x900) where it is not already the default option. from HD (1366x768). This laptop generally should not be bought in any configuration that includes the default HD (1366x768) display. The 1366x768 display makes things onscreen large, and provides a limiting multitasking workspace compared to the higher resolution displays because not as much fits onscreen. The upgraded displays in addition have much better image quality than the HD (1366x768) display due to higher contrast. Because this component will probably affect you more than most other components, don't skip this upgrade for budget-related reasons or to trade it out for another upgrade. Many base configurations already include the HD+ (1600x900) display.
- It is advisable to upgrade the "WiFi adapter" configuration option to something other than the default "Thinkpad 1x1 b/g/n" option, because some have reported issues with that adapter. The"Intel WiFi Link 1000" (T520) / "Intel Centrino Wireless-N 2200" (T530) option does not cost extra.
- The main differences between the T520 models and the T530 models are price, keyboard, and processor selection. For basic use, base your decision more on the price and keyboard differences, because the difference between available processors will probably make little difference.
- If you must upgrade the memory, then keep in mind that it is much cheaper to upgrade the memory by yourself after-market than it is to select memory upgrades on the configuration page.
- The 9-Cell battery is worth considering. It offers 50% longer battery life, but it protrudes out the back.
- On the T530, the backlit keyboard is worth considering.
- You might want to consider offered warranty upgrades. Note that with an "Onsite" warranty you will have a repair tech sent to you instead of having to ship the laptop in for repairs.
- In the cart, remember to click the green "Activate eCoupon" button in order to get your discount. If you have a separate coupon code for another discount, enter it in the box below and click Apply.
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The Lenovo Thinkpad T520 base configuration + the 1600x900 resolution display upgrade comes out to a price close to $599 after discounts are all said and done.
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