Looking for a laptop.

[Flazzard]

I really couldn't say.  My crystal ball seems to be defective today.   

btw, do you know how much the price drop in the last few years(if you only know about last year's drop would also be enough)? I mean did the price drop more then $100/$200, etc. If anyone can give a rough insight of previous years' drop of price, I would really appreciate them.

[Flazzard]

btw, does anyone knows what are the difference between Dell's Studio laptops and Inspirion laptops?

[michaewlewis]

btw, does anyone knows what are the difference between Dell's Studio laptops and Inspirion laptops?

I haven't been able to figure that one out yet. Looks like the studio has a better graphics card and cpu by default.... other than that, I don't know.

Looks like you can't add memory to the Insiron....

[patio]

Have a Looksee...

[Flazzard]

For laptops, is it possible to upgrade the graphic cards?

Cos I was thinking, since for now, I'll use the laptop mostly for my schoolwork, I don't mind using the intel graphic card instead of getting a dedicated one. But I was wondering if some years later, if I decided to upgrade the graphic card from the intel's to some dedicated ones, will I be able to do that or do I have to buy a new laptop.

[Quantos]

No, you can't upgrade the video cards in laptops, they are usually integrated into the motherboard. 

[Flazzard]

Other then Dell, are there any other recommended brands? What about HP laptops, are they good?

[Karnac]

I would avoid HP.

http://www.electronista.com/articles/09/11/17/reliability.study.has.apple.4th.place/

[Flazzard]

Btw, if I were to buy a laptop from Dell, should I make an online purchase or it's better to go to some store and buy it there?

If I do an online purchase, is credit card the only option of payment?

[Quantos]

Btw, if I were to buy a laptop from Dell, should I make an online purchase or it's better to go to some store and buy it there?

If I do an online purchase, is credit card the only option of payment?

If you do an online purchase then credit card is about the only way to make a purchase.  You'd think the banks and vendors would find an easier way to do this as there are many people who don't have credit cards - or don't want to put the information on the internet.  I guess one other option would be a prepaid credit card for the correct amount.

[patio]

The dis-advantage of buyong online is having to wait for shipping if you have to return it etc....
The advantage of using a credit card is on some major purchases you get an extended warranty from the CC company...check the Banks terms on this.

[Flazzard]

Will there be a difference in terms of pricing if I buy it directly from Dell and from some other computer stores?

[patio]

That's what comparitive shopping before you purchase is for...

[Flazzard]

Well, I can't really do comparative shopping before I decide which is the best way to purchase my laptop cos I'm currently not in USA. Therefore, I was hoping that those who had experience or know something could help me out here.

[patio]

So would you like us to go shopping for you then ? ?

I'm kidding...but not really understanding what you want us to do at this point.