Comments on: Get a 17-inch Dell Studio notebook for $549.99

This fully stocked desktop replacement is too good a deal to pass up. But it's a one-day-only deal, so if you're interested, start clicking soon.

[cnetmart]

IS this really a good deal? I am hesitant to by a refurb. Normally a non-issue, but a laptop? Any advice. How does this compare to:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9172646&type=product&id=1218044029503&ref=09&loc=01&srccode=cii_5766179&cpncode=22-13368660-2

Samller screen and no firewire, but it seems to be a better deal.

[rickbroida]

You hit the nail on the head: It's rare to find a 17-inch system at this price point. Of course, a smaller screen makes the system more travel-friendly, so that's something to consider. (Looks like the Gateway has a 500GB hard drive, too, which is also pretty rare.) Good find!

[JonTitor]

Gateway makes pretty sucky laptops, outside their 17" FX series
If I were you I'd hit Dell's outlet, they have tons of Studio 17s, you could even score a good deal on one with a pretty good ATi graphics card

[jkeels]

Well that is a pretty good deal. Keep in mind that some of the Studio line of laptops have had significant problems as it is a new model (series) from Dell. Some of these refurb models are probably ones that came back with problems. Also, it has a slot loading CD/DVD instead of the old pop out tray which I consider to be a problem. It will be more difficult/expensive to get repaired if it dies and will require (probably) a dell specific part.

[rickbroida]

Well, conventional wisdom holds that refurbished equipment is often better than new because any problems have been fixed! But I do share your concerns about the slot-loading DVD drive. For some reason I don't fully trust those things.

[lunite]

Glossy screen is the deal breaker.

[j_a_s_p_e_r]

Best in class deal.

[bobonut541]

i got one for less than 500 two weeks ago from dell, but my dvd rom is not working. I am shipping it back tomorrow.