Get a dual-core Compaq laptop for $379.99 (after rebates)

$379.99 buys you an awful lot of notebook.

(Credit: Amazon)

In the market for a new notebook? Office Depot has a humdinger of a deal: a fully loaded dual-core Compaq Presario for $379.99 (after a pair of mail-in rebates--sorry). Shipping is free, but you may have to pay sales tax.

Highlights of this model include a 2GHz Athlon X2 QL-62 processor, 160GB hard drive, a DVD burner, and a 15.4-inch screen. It also has a six-cell battery and 5.8-pound travel weight. You get a one-year warranty and 24-7 toll-free tech support.

In other words, this system has all the computing power most people need, and it's priced, well, about the same as many Netbooks. Which begs the question: why would you buy a Netbook when you can get a full-featured laptop for the same money?

I know, I know: size and weight. If you travel a lot, I can see those being big concerns. Personally, I want the big screen, full-size keyboard, DVD drive, powerful processor, big battery--shall I go on?

Whoops, didn't mean to bring up the old Netbook-versus-notebook debate again. The fact is, this is a rockin' deal on a portable PC. Yeah, you have to deal with a pair of rebates, but $379.99, people!

[marcusdiddle]

Tried adding to my cart...says item is discontinued. Otherwise it might be a good deal!

[slimeslayer]

this item has be discontinued...:(

[desertsurfergirl]

Would be nice but the stores are sold out in all of the Palm Springs area, and all of the local Riverside area so....................whether you want it or not it's probably not available

[loose_screw]

FYI, I tried to add the laptop but the system wouldn't let me based on my ZIP (there are no OD stores in AZ). So, it's very YMMV, especially considering that they are closing 100+ stores:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20081210/bs_nm/us_officedepot

[rickbroida]

Blerg. I can't win today!

[08Rabbit]

We appreciate more than one deal a day though! :)
Good find regardless.

[unwritten_law9]

Some feedback on that XBOX360 deal from a few weeks ago: I received a DOA unit and got thrown in a loop between Microsoft, Tiger Direct, and some company that does Tiger Direct's refurbs. So watch out. I'm ending up exchanging it through Tiger Direct.

[loose_screw]

Here you go Rick:

http://www.amazon.com/TomTom-ONE-3-5-Inch-Portable-Navigator/dp/B001H9NR2Q

[gabewintner]

This probably isn't the place for it, or the time especially now that the deal is gone, but: regarding the netbook vs. notebook debate: it's just about size, really. True, this laptop would have cost less than many netbooks and would have been more capable. The advantage of the netbook is size, and that's all. You take a hit on performance, but for most people and purposes it's fine anyway. Up until now, to get such an ultra portable PC you had to pay loads - now someone came up with the great idea that some people really wanted the small laptop, they just didn't need it to be all that powerful. Hence, netbooks.

I think they're great and want one, and have my eye on the Samsung NC10. When you find a deal, let me know!

[isaacbnyc]

Not to worry if you can't find this machine at Office Depot. Basic-spec Compaq CQ50s, like this one have been on sale (between 375-450) almost every other week from one of the big-box retailers, often with no mail-in rebate. I got mine for $400 at Best Buy two weeks before Thanksgiving. For an entry-level machine for office apps and the web that'll mostly live on a desktop, this is a very nice package. Solid keyboard and nice, understated design. Kudos to HP.

[Azguy6ft3]

It now shows the price
$474.99

(after 2 mail-in savings)
Prices effective through 12/20/2008.

[SloopJohnBGood]

Unobtainium. However, there is limited availability in ONE store in Arlington, VA at $424. LOL.

[SloopJohnBGood]

Nope....474+ after discounts is right....