$499 laptop deals

It is the last Sunday in January and I see some great computer deals. I am not talking about the apple ipad either which doesn’t seem to be a good value buy to me. The cheapest one is priced at $499 which is basically an oversized apple iPod touch and doesn’t seem to do much more. So the price difference is for the larger screen only which in my opinion makes it a poor value buy. I am sure they will drop in price within the first 12 months like the apple iPhones.

Back to the computers. I saw 2 great deals. One was at Bestbuy and the other one at Staples. They both have the new intel processors and windows 7 preinstalled. On top of that, they have hdmi outputs, built in webcams and mics. I am not ready to buy just yet, but watching the newer items go down in price is good to see. That way when I am ready to make a new purchase, I can get all these for even less.

Here is the first one on sale from bestbuy:

Watch your favorite movies in high-definition or create customized CDs with this laptop’s double-layer DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with Blu-ray Disc support. The built-in webcam and 15.6″ high-definition widescreen display are handy for video chatting with friends and family.
What’s Included
Gateway Laptop with Intel® Core™ i3 Processor
6-cell lithium-ion battery
AC power cord, AC power adapter
Software: Adobe Reader; Microsoft Works and more
Owner’s manual
Product Features
Intel® Core™ i3-330M processor
Features a 1066MHz frontside bus, 3MB L2 cache and 2.13GHz processor speed.
The all new 2010 Intel® Core™ i3 processor
Features smart 4-way processing performance for HD quality computing. Intel® HD Graphics provide extra graphics power for your laptop when you need it.
4GB DDR3 memory
For multitasking power.
Blu-ray Disc-enabled DVD±RW/CD-RW drive
Features read support for next-generation Blu-ray Disc (BD-ROM, BD-R, BD-RE). Double-layer support using compatible DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL media. Also supports DVD-RAM.
15.6″ LED-backlit high-definition widescreen display
With Ultrabright technology and 1366 x 768 resolution showcases movies and games in stunning clarity.
320GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 rpm)
Offers spacious storage and fast read/write times.
Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator HD
Features 128MB dedicated video memory with support for Microsoft DirectX 10. HDMI output for connection to an HDTV. Two built-in speakers with high-definition audio support.
Built-in webcam and microphone
Make it easy to video chat with family and friends.
Multi-in-1 digital media reader
Supports Secure Digital, MultiMediaCard, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO and xD-Picture Card formats.
4 high-speed USB 2.0 ports
For fast digital video, audio and data transfer.
Built-in wireless LAN (802.11b/g/n)
To connect to the Internet without wires.
Built-in 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN
With RJ-45 connector and 56 Kbps modem for quick and easy wired Web connection.
Weighs 5.8 lbs. and measures just 1.5″ thin
For easy portability.
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 64-bit operating system preinstalled
Provides a stable platform for word processing, Web navigation, gaming, media storage and more.
Software package included
With Adobe Reader, Microsoft Works and more. 60-day trial version of Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 also included.
ENERGY STAR qualified
Designed to use less energy and meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy.
Intel, Pentium, Celeron, Centrino, Core, Viiv, Intel Inside and the Intel Inside logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.

The other one I saw was from Staples for $549. It looks like a great laptop too.

The Acer® Aspire AS7740-5691 Notebook transforms digital entertainment into an amazing experience. Showcasing a cinematic 17.3-inch HD+ LED-backlit display, Windows® 7 Home Premium, smart Intel® Core™ i3 processing, Dolby® audio enhancement and media features that let you fly through demanding applications and enjoy more of your multimedia in true elegance – wherever you go.

Intel® Core™ i3-330M Processor (2.13GHz)
4GB installed memory
320GB hard drive
8X DVD-Super Multi Double-Layer Drive
17.3″ HD+ Widescreen CineCrystal™ LED-backlit Display
Built-in Webcam
5-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader
Acer InviLink™ Nplify™ 802.11b/g/Draft-N Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™
Dolby Home Theater® Audio Enhancement
1 – HDMI Port
6-cell Li-ion Battery (4400 mAh)
Microsoft Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Dimensions 16.18″ (W) x 10.78″ (D) x 1.58/1.77″ (H) (7.05lbs)
1 year warranty