I recently got the single core/Vista model of this laptop at Staples for $499, which seemed like a good deal the time. Saw this at Costco (Edison, NJ) today, for $629.99. This seems like a better deal than the one I got:
* 1.3GHz Intel Pentium Dual-Core SU4100 Processor * 4096MB DDR3 1066MHz Memory * 500GB SATA Hard Drive, 8X DVD-Super Multi Double-Layer Drive * 14" HD Widescreen CineCrystal LED-backlit Display, (16:9 aspect ratio) * Windows 7 Home Premium, 6-cell Li-ion Battery (5600 mAh), 8+ Hours of Battery Life * 4.4 lbs, 1.1" thin * TWO YEAR WARRANTY
Same laptop with 320GB hard drive and only one year warranty is $650 at Newegg, and $600 at Amazon. Plus, Costco has a 90 day return policy. And the two year warranty makes the deal -- coupled with a good credit card, the laptop will be warranted for three years.
These are from a well-reviewed line of thin-and-light laptops, and I can say that even the single core AS4810T model that I got performs very well for day-to-day tasks. See related Fatwallet thread (older model) here.
Why is this better than the deal with Staples of $499. If you purchase with AMEX at Stapels, you would get one additional year of warranty. If I understand it, the only difference with this unit is the hard drive, instead of 350g, it is 500g...
Better because it already comes with a two year warranty. If you purchase with an AMEX at Costco, you will get a three year warranty. Yes, the HD is bigger, and also the CPU is dual core Pentium instead of single core Centrino. Finally, you can return the laptop if you don't like it within 90 days. I'd say that set of things would be worth the $129 difference, but YMMV.
shonuff66
New Member
posted: Oct. 23, 2009 @ 12:41p
Note that the TDP (power consumption) on the SU4100 processor is 10W. Most other dual core cheapo laptops you get these days are in the 35W neighborhood.
Staples deal OP referred to is a single core model. Dual core helps a lot for this laptop since the processor is clocked lower rate to conserve power.
Not sure if it's better than Amazon. Amazon doesn't say how long the warrenty is, but why wouldn't it be the same since it's the same part number and it's a Acer's warrenty? For the 90 day return policy and B&M convenience?
I was incorrect about the part number being the same at Amazon (fixed in original post). The Amazon one is AS4810TZ-4508, this one is -4120. I'd assume that the Amazon warranty is the same as listed at Newegg, which is one year. This one also has a bigger HD.
Amazon might be a better deal because it doesn't charge taxes (at lease of my state of CA). Amazon out the door cost is $600 while costco is around $675 for a bigger hard drive. I wonder if anyone can combine Amazon.com with bing.com or discover CashBack to make this a better buy...
I bought the Staple's $499 single core version. I am thinking of return it because when playing video on www.hulu.com, the screen is little choppy at 1366X768 at 32 bit color.
Regarding the AMEX warranty, AMEX will only extend the warranty for one additional year when the ORIGINAL MANUFACTURE HAS ONE YEAR OF WARRANTY. That mean AMEX will not give additional year of warranty for Costco's 2yr warranty.
kevinatwsi said: Regarding the AMEX warranty, AMEX will only extend the warranty for one additional year when the ORIGINAL MANUFACTURE HAS ONE YEAR OF WARRANTY. That mean AMEX will not give additional year of warranty for Costco's 2yr warranty.
I don't think that's true. I think AMEX will double your warranty but only up to one year, for any warranty that is five years or less. So in this case, 2 + 1 would be 3 total. At any rate, this is kind of a side issue -- the point is that Costco's version of the laptop carries a 2 year warranty right off the bat. But your larger point about Amazon is a good one; if you can buy from Amazon w/o sales tax, it would be $75 for 180 additional GB and an additional year of warranty. If you're an Executive Member at Costco, you get the 2% rebate and the difference would be more like $63. Up to you which you think is better -- I'd probably go with the Costco version.
kat3k
New Member
posted: Nov. 9, 2009 @ 12:09a
Based on what I read here, I went right straight to Costco and got this Acer. I love it. It has a smaller screen than my previous one, but it is slim and sleek, and the 8 hour battery power is no joke. It is cool to the touch and does not require my laptop pad fan to keep my legs from burning up. And Windows 7. What could be better than escaping Vista? Thanks for the heads up.
hllywdboy8 said: Got it from Tiger Direct. Won it on the AMEX wishlist yesterday.
Yea!!! I found a $20 on the floor. I know it has nothing to do with the deal but yea!!!
hllywdboy8
Addicted Member
posted: Dec. 11, 2009 @ 7:42p
Grok said: hllywdboy8 said: Got it from Tiger Direct. Won it on the AMEX wishlist yesterday.
Yea!!! I found a $20 on the floor. I know it has nothing to do with the deal but yea!!! OMG you are too funny, you must be a comedian.
WS6TA
Member
posted: Dec. 12, 2009 @ 1:16p
hllywdboy8 said: Just got one for $389, no tax and free shipping!! Yeepee
Did you get the 4120 or last years model? I have only found the 4120 at Costco.
By the way last week this was on Costco.com for $649. I decided to buy one but the store was sold out, they just got them back in yesterday so I picked one up. It is the best deal on a decent performance 1" thin laptop I could find anywhere.
Thanks OP.
fiveyearold
New Member
posted: Dec. 15, 2009 @ 11:20p
is hard drive 500GB the only difference between costco and Amazon?
thanks!
SN
dutchcollegemama
New Member
posted: Dec. 17, 2009 @ 6:16p
Does this not have bluetooth? and what won't my daughter's new Christmas laptop do without it. Thanks - one confused Mother.
dutchcollegemama said: Does this not have bluetooth? and what won't my daughter's new Christmas laptop do without it. Thanks - one confused Mother. More than likely your daughter will miss NOTHING if it doesn't have blue tooth. IF she has other electronics that use blue tooth that she connects to her computer you can get a low profile dongle for a few dollars.
I mean that is if she is sitting next to her computer and wanted to connect her cell phone to her laptop but felt plugging in the USB cord in front of her was just too much for her. or connect to it through a wifi.
I've got all kinds of blue tooth items and computers...the only thing I've ever used it is in my car where my iPhone connects to my radio..everywhere else.....no need.
dutchcollegemama
New Member
posted: Dec. 17, 2009 @ 10:54p
max 11221 Thanks I read somewhere someone said if it does not have bluetooth it is not worth it. So many things to worry about. Think I will buy tomorrow and we have 3 mos. to return. She is in college and love that it is light and good size if she wants to take with her.
dutchcollegemama
New Member
posted: Dec. 18, 2009 @ 1:45p
Thanks for the info. Will she be able to Skype without Bluetooth? I just came back from Costco and bought this hope it is good!!!
dutchcollegemama said: Thanks for the info. Will she be able to Skype without Bluetooth? I just came back from Costco and bought this hope it is good!!!Skype has a multitude of different phones to use. There are ways to use bluetooth and Skype, but there are plenty of wifi and cordless phones with built in Skype that offer the same functionality. I don't personally use Skype...but just pay attention to the packaging and how the Skype phone or product you buy connects. Just as an FYI there are not too many bluetooth ones out there. Most connect through wifi directly to the network (don't even need the computer) or a USB on the computer. There are ways to use the video camera to make calls also....which of course is only valid if you have it on the receiving one.
dutchcollegemama
New Member
posted: Dec. 18, 2009 @ 10:14p
Max11221 - Thanks again for being so kind to answer my questions.
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