End of FY bargains: Save hundreds of dollars on our notebook 'best buys'
- — 14 June, 2008 09:00
Although the end of the financial year means tedious labour as the tax man cometh, it also represents a great opportunity for small businesses, students and home office workers. As companies slash their prices in one of the year's few genuine sales, we round-up the best bargains and show how much cash you can save on a great all-purpose or ultraportable notebook.
Ultraportable notebooks
5. Toshiba Portege R500
The lightest ultraportable notebook that's currently on the market, this attractive unit usually sells at $3850. But if you do a bit of bargain hunting, you can easily find the R500 retailing from $3100.
You save: $750
4. NEC VERSA S9100-1203DR
Despite weighing only 1.3kg, this handy notebook sports a built-in optical drive. Normally available at a RRP of $3499, buyers can find it selling from $2990.
You save: $509
3. Fujitsu LifeBook T2010
Designed with the modern road warrior in mind, this device has a built in 3G module and is also a tablet-convertible. Usually sold at an RRP of $3299, you can catch this going for just $2499.
You save: $800
2. Toshiba Portege M800 (PPM80A-03H009)
We've always thought highly of this laptop for its excellent mix of features, price and portability, and with the financial year ending its reputation remains. This unit launched with a RRP of $2310, but dig a little deeper and you'll find it selling from $2020.
You save: $290
1. HP 2133 Mini-Note PC (FH441PA)
One of the newer models on the market, this device balances style, usability and a strong set of features with a starting price point of $999. The device can now be found for $899, which doesn't sound like much of a discount but it's hard to go past what we believe is the best ultraportable available.
You save: $100
All-purpose notebooks
5. BenQ Joybook S32B (BV14)
Stylish looks, a long-lasting battery and good features for what the bargain price of $1499 in April, keen shoppers can now net this unit for as little as $1100!
You save: $400
4. Fujitsu Lifebook S6510
This notebook will suit many users thanks to its strong battery life and built-in 3G module. Originally costing shoppers $3199, the S6510 can now be found from $2499.
You save: $700
3. Lenovo ThinkPad X300
If the built-in 3G module and the backlit LED screen aren't enough for you, then the 64GB solid state hard drive should encourage a second inspection. Once selling at the RRP of $3999, a little hunting will find you a unit starting from $3357.
You save: $642
2. HP Pavilion dv6800 (dv6837tx_02) Influx Special Edition Entertainment Notebook PC
This nifty laptop comes equipped with both a Blu-ray drive and a HDMI port to allow easy watching on modern home entertainment systems. Despite being brand-spanking new and recently retailing for $2199, you can find it for as little as $1795.
You save: $404
1. HP Pavilion dv9800 (dv9821tx)
This very impressive notebook features a 17in screen, Blu-ray drive, HDMI port and a plethora of connection options to satisfy all but the fussiest of users. Our number one pick for the all-purpose notebook crown when it had a RRP of $2399, you can now buy it from $1995.
You save: $404
