Microsoft PC Dealz (12.21.09) – Last Minute Christmas Edition

Need that special gift for your loved one? Better place your orders today and make sure that you ask for express shipping!

• 14″ Lenovo G450 Dual Core Laptop for $404.10 plus free shipping (normally $669 – use coupon code USPBANNERS).
• 15.6″ Dell Studio XPS 16 Laptop with Core 2 Duo Processor 2.2GHz for $1049 with free shipping (normally $1363).
• 10″ Dell Inspiron Mini 1011 8hr Netbook for $308.98 plus free 2-day shipping (normally $350).
• 24″ Dell ST2410 Full HD Widescreen LCD $189.00 plus free shipping (normally $259).
• 22″ Dell E2210H Widescreen LCD for $149.00 plus free shipping (normally $199 – use coupon code GM$DMQS98G3NMD).

Also, here’s a really smoking deal on one of the best engineered notebooks on the planet!

• 12? Lenovo ThinkPad X200 Laptop for $832.15 plus free shipping (normally $1,419 – use coupon code USPSEARCH).

Microsoft Dealz of the Day: 12.09.2009

Are you a PC? Avid Xbox gamer? Love your Zune? Here’s today’s best deals for the Microsoft die-hard:

Windows PC’s:
• Dell Studio XPS 8000 Core i7 Desktop PC for $1,045.60 plus free shipping (normally $1,307 – use coupon code 6MNF26?2L63PCJ).
• Lenovo IdeaCentre K230 Intel Desktop Computer for $469.99 plus free shipping (normally $689).
• 15.6″ Dell Studio 15 Core i7 Laptop for $999 plus free shipping (normally $1,138).
• 15.6″ Lenovo IdeaPad Y550 LED Laptop for $548.25 plus free shipping (normally $1,043 – use coupon code USPHOLIDAY).
• 15.4″ Lenovo ThinkPad T500 for $662.15 plus free shipping (normally $1,254 – use coupon code USPHOLIDAY).
• 15.4″ MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo 2.53GHz Laptop (newest model) for $1,499 with free shipping (normally $1,699.99 – use this form)
• 13.3″ MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo 2.2GHz Laptop (newest model) for $1,049 with free shipping (normally $1,199.99 – use this form)
• 14″ Lenovo IdeaPad Y450 Dual Core Laptop with 3GB RAM for $509.15 plus free shipping(normally $699 – use coupon code USPHOLIDAY).

Xbox Gaming:
• Guitar Hero Metallica for Xbox 360, PS3, & Wii (Game + Wireless Guitar + Wired Mic) for $44.99 plus free shipping (normally $79 – use coupon code: TENOFF).
• The Saboteur (360, PS3) for $49.99 plus free shipping (normally $58.99).
• Halo 3 Legendary Edition (360) for $39.99 plus free shipping (normally $50.54).

Zune:
• Zune HD 32GB Video MP3 Player + $30 Gift Card for $267.99 plus free shipping (normally $298).

Help me choose? Netbook or Notebook

Last holiday season, the computer industry saw an explosion in the sales of the “netbook category”. These ultra-portable notebooks (<11″ screen)  sold at previously-unseen price points ($299-399) and were somewhat underpowered with inadequate memory, storage and power-sipping Intel Atom processors.

Now, a year later, people are asking us to help them choose: Should I purchase a netbook or a notebook?

To answer this question – let’s look at different scenarios where we’d recommend one over another!

Purchase a NOTEBOOK  if:

- You need a larger screen (greater than 14″) either due to eyesight problems or the need to see small detail in your applications. Notebooks will tend to have better resolutions and the larger screen makes it easier on the eyes
-  You rely on your computer for entertainment. Watching movies and playing 3D gaming are processor, graphics and memory intensive tasks. Higher end netbooks might be able to handle some movies, but better off purchasing a full fledged notebook featuring a dual core processor. Also, netbooks won’t include a DVD player – even most slim and light notebooks will still included an integrated DVD player / burner.
- Your computer will be your primary business system. Applications such as Microsoft Office (powerpoint, excel, etc…) are resource intensive. If your livelihood depends on your computer, no reason to leave your earning potential in the hands of an underpowered system. Better to spend one or two hundred dollars and get many years out of a great computer.

Purchase a NETBOOK if:

- You only want to surf the internet or light applications. Every netbook should have a Wi-Fi adapter allowing you to connect to wireless network. Its small size and limited capabilities mean they are priced right when you only need to do simple tasks such as web browsing, playing back MP3′s and
- You need a second or third computer for children. Features which are considered weaknesses of the netbook, turn into strengths when provided to children. The smaller keyboards and smaller screens are kid-sized. In addition, most netbooks can handle the abuse kids give them and if accidentally dropped, their lower price make it less of a hit than a traditional notebook.
- Size is paramount. For the time being, these are the smallest computers and should provide strong battery life (greater than 3 hours).  Netbooks now range in screen size from 10″ to 12″ and a netbooks are very light and space saving for folks who need to travel light.

Black Friday Is Rapidly Approaching!

The Black Friday flyers are slowly trickling out and we here at Observer Publishing will keep you updated on the best deals out in shoppingland. We know that you’re looking for the best deals on Windows 7 PCs, Xbox games and consoles and the latest Microsoft Zune player.

Stay tuned, intrepid Observers!