Is This a Good Deal (Lenovo Z560 Laptop)

$499.99 before tax

This would be for everyday use, but I don't work with many resource-hogging programs (at least not at the same time). I generally take good care of my laptops - this will only be my third since May 2004, so I'm looking for something that will last. This is the best deal I've come across.

Features Include:

• Intel® Core(tm) i5-480M (2.66 GHz)
• 500GB HD
• 4GB DDR3-1066 RAM
• 15.6" LED Display (don't need to go any bigger)
• Windows 7
• Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator HD
• DVD±RW Drive
• 5-in-1 Memory Card Reader
• HDMI Port
• 2 USB 2.0 + 1 SATA
• 5.73 lbs. (the one it's replacing is 6.6)

1 year manufacturer protection parts/labor/battery included

Office 2010 Starter preloaded.
Optional 1-year protection from Micro Center for $60

http://www.microcenter.com/single...id=0353128

Thanks in advance for your opinions!

For $500, go into the Hot Deals forum and look for a comp. with a Sandy Bridge processor. It's be i3, i5, or i7 with 4 numbers after it. These are faster than the i-series from the past. So, ex : i3-2100

Also, http://slickdeals.net/forums/show...&t=3195544 should be fine for what you're describing IMO.

Quote from Zolor : For $500, go into the Hot Deals forum and look for a comp. with a Sandy Bridge processor. It's be i3, i5, or i7 with 4 numbers after it. These are faster than the i-series from the past. So, ex : i3-2100 Also, http://slickdeals.net/forums/show...&t=3195544 should be fine for what you're describing IMO.

Considering that I don't anticipate running too many big programs at the same time (say, an Office program, browser and iTunes would be peak use) do you think it's imperative to find/wait on a Sandy Bridge? Also, no HDMI would be a dealbreaker for me.

Thanks for referring me to the other thread, but the tech who I go to advises strongly against Acer. I'd probably be more willing to consider that brand if I were shopping for a secondary machine, though.

EDIT: I will say I can go significantly lower on HD space if it'll lead to a better find. I have a 120GB hard drive now and it's at maybe 80% capacity.

This may suit me better, and for less money, as much as I hate BB:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Lenov...Id=2731052

If anyone can shed some light, which processor is favorable between the AMD E Series on the B575 and the Intel Core i5-480M on the Z560?

Quote from bg0310 : Considering that I don't anticipate running too many big programs at the same time (say, an Office program, browser and iTunes would be peak use) do you think it's imperative to find/wait on a Sandy Bridge? Also, no HDMI would be a dealbreaker for me. Thanks for referring me to the other thread, but the tech who I go to advises strongly against Acer. I'd probably be more willing to consider that brand if I were shopping for a secondary machine, though. EDIT: I will say I can go significantly lower on HD space if it'll lead to a better find. I have a 120GB hard drive now and it's at maybe 80% capacity.

Nowadays, HDD space won't add or decrease significant amounts of money, unless you're talking SSD.

Quote from bg0310 : This may suit me better, and for less money, as much as I hate BB: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Lenov...Id=2731052 If anyone can shed some light, which processor is favorable between the AMD E Series on the B575 and the Intel Core i5-480M on the Z560?

For computing power, def the i5-480M, but the E Series should be fine. Also, the E Series will drain less battery and weigh less. What will you be doing with the computer?

Quote from Zolor : Nowadays, HDD space won't add or decrease significant amounts of money, unless you're talking SSD. For computing power, def the i5-480M, but the E Series should be fine. Also, the E Series will drain less battery and weigh less. What will you be doing with the computer?

I'd say about 70% will be recreational use, things like web browsing/email, video chatting, iTunes and streaming Netflix (which is why HDMI is appealing).

Other 30% is work, most of which is done in the confines of email correspondence, web research and MS Office.

Portability isn't that high a priority, but as I mentioned before, I'm used to carrying around a 6.5-lb. computer, so either of these machines will be a welcome departure.

Quote from bg0310 : I'd say about 70% will be recreational use, things like web browsing/email, video chatting, iTunes and streaming Netflix (which is why HDMI is appealing). Other 30% is work, most of which is done in the confines of email correspondence, web research and MS Office. Portability isn't that high a priority, but as I mentioned before, I'm used to carrying around a 6.5-lb. computer, so either of these machines will be a welcome departure.

The one you posted should be fine, although you might wanna upgrade the camera. You should also look for reviews on that computer. The reviews at BB seems to be good and one mentions playing 1080p perfectly. (although probably not on the computer since the moniter is only 720p)

http://www.gadgets-freak.biz/leno...5u-review/


Do you have a Fry's near? Try http://slickdeals.net/forums/show...&t=3197253