Laptop recommendations: 15" or 17" between $400 and $500

Greetings to the experts here. I’m looking for some input on two specific models that have caught my eye. Since it’s impossible to get a slot at the local computer shop during this holiday rush 😁

A 15" screen does the trick, but if I can snag a 17" for the same price... why wouldn't I?
(I'm not sure if there's actually a difference in pixel quality or longevity based on screen size or whatever else might be involved)

The laptop would mostly be used for browsing the web, watching or downloading movies, and maybe playing a few online games... though it wouldn't hurt to have a decent GPU and processor tucked away under the hood, given what they cost and how much value you can squeeze out of them, just so the kids can jump on for a game together. Mind you, I personally don't think laptops are really meant for gaming. We already have a desktop with 8GB of RAM, a 2GB graphics card, and a massive amount of storage attached to it)

Anyway, I'm looking at new gear, and these two caught my eye on eBay—they're being offered with a warranty and a receipt, which makes them a bit more affordable.

1. Dell (They didn't list the specific model... a bit weird, right?)

CPU: Intel Core i3-5005U
2.0GHz / 3MB Smart Cache / 2 Cores
Display: 17.3" HD+ LED Truelife display (1600 x 900), with integrated HD camera
RAM: 4GB (1x4) Single-Channel DDR3
Hard disk: 1TB Serial-ATA (5400 rpm) drive
DVDRW: 8x DVD±/R/±RW Tray-Load drive
Video: Nvidia GeForce 920 m 2 2GB DDR3
Audio: Waves MaxxAudio, 2x speaker, microphone
Network: Gigabit network adapter (10/100/1000Mbps)
WLAN: Intel dual band Wireless-AC 3160 (802.11ac/a/b/g/n)
Bluetooth: Dell Bluetooth 4.0 adapter
I/O ports: 1x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, 1x HDMI, 1x headset
I/O slots: SD Card reader
Keyboard: US layout, numeric keypad, integrated touch pad Power supply : Li-Ion battery 40 Whr
Power supply: Li-Ion battery 40Whr, AC adapter
OS: Ubuntu linux 14.04 SP1 Weight : 2.82 kg color
Weight: 2.82 kg
Color: Silver

2. Acer Aspire F15 F5 571G

http://www.acer.com/us/en/content/model/NX.GA5EX.004

On top of that, for the first one, I get a 17" screen, but the processor seems weaker (i3 vs i5) and it doesn't come with an OS. It's also slightly cheaper, but once you factor in adding Windows, it isn't such a bargain anymore.

The second one looks interesting because it likely has a better CPU and comes with Windows 10.

From what I've read, Dell seems to be trending higher in terms of build quality compared to companies like Acer or Asus. Personally, if I were choosing based on that, I'd go for something like a Toshiba, but they aren't available. 😁
Generally speaking, with today's tech, all you really care about is having a warranty, a receipt, and a recognizable brand.

So, since most of this is secondary to me, I'd love to hear from the people who actually know their stuff regarding this PDF.

thanks 🙂

Anybody got anything?

Your laptop is a Inspiron 5758.

A few days ago when I was shopping for a laptop, I was actually looking at that same Acer as an alternative to the Dell. But honestly, I dropped it from my list pretty quickly—I just didn't vibe with it in person, and yeah, I definitely had some preconceived notions about the brand too... 🙂

That Dell you're eyeing isn't a bad choice, really, but if you aren't dead set on having a 17" screen, you could probably find something even better in that price range you mentioned. For me, though, I’m always leaning toward Dell. 🙂

There are way too many variables here to give you any actual advice. Plus, finding a decent 17" laptop running Windows for under $400 is basically mission impossible. I’m not suggesting anything until you narrow down what you actually need.

Regarding those two specifically, I don't know where they came from or what they cost, but I wouldn't recommend buying anything off Craigslist. It might look perfect on paper, but if you're looking for a legitimate business that provides a receipt and a warranty, I’m just not feeling good about picking up gear through random classified ads...

If you're okay with that risk, fine—that's on you. But between those two options, the Dell is obviously the better pick; it has a solid processor and dedicated graphics, which should be plenty for what you're trying to do. Toss in a 3-year warranty and you're set.

If you really want a 17" machine with Windows, this is more like what you should be hunting for:

Looking for some quick feedback here 🙂