The buzz in laptops this month concerns the arrival of powerful new Intel quad- and dual-core processors (code-named Sandy Bridge), which promise better graphics, improved energy efficiency, full support for 1080p high-definition Blu-ray playback, and vastly superior performance.
But with exciting new laptop chips come not-so-exciting higher laptop prices. That means the time is ripe for deal hunters: If you don't need Sandy Bridge performance and you're willing to seek out laptops that are slightly older and somewhat less powerful and energy-efficient, you can find bargains as stores look to clear older inventory off their shelves.
The price reductions won't be mind-blowing, says Stephen Baker, vice president of industry analysis for market research firm NPD Group. "Everybody wants to imagine a 50 percent price cut on notebooks," Baker says, but that's not likely. Savvy shoppers willing to look around a little, however, could save as much as $200 to $300.
Here's a look at ten great deals on non-Sandy Bridge laptops available right now. (Note: You can identify Sandy Bridge Intel Core i3, i5, and i7 chips by looking for a four-digit model number that starts with a 2.)
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