Dell Outlet: anyone able to beat this deal with past/future coupon?

I'm a big fan of the Dell Outlet. I've purchased three desktops and one laptop there in the past, usually with a coupon.

I just realized I need another laptop the other day, because I had to give the one I had been using to a new employee. Problem is, I know a 15% off coupon just ended on the 20th, and knowing I might pay 15% more now...well, if I wasn't cheap I wouldn't be shopping in the Outlet.

Also, whenever I order the next coupon will probably come out the next day. But in my experience Outlet coupons are not predictable.

Anyway, best I've been able to find so far:

Inspiron 1720
Hi res 17" WUXGA+ LCD (the upgrade)
Core 2 Duo 2.2
2GB RAM
8600M GT graphics
160GB 7200RPM HDD (faster than base)
DVD/RW
camera
$1009 (US)

Vostro 1700
regular 17" LCD
Core 2 Duo 1.4
2GB RAM
8600M GT graphics
120GB HDD
CDRW/DVD
$719

Both are refurb, not scrach and dent.

I run processor intensive database apps, my wife likes to do moderate gaming when we're travelling (mostly RPGs, no FPS).

So, the second system is likely sufficient, but the first system has the more exciting specs.

Big question for me, though, is whether anyone recently got a similar system to one of these for less money using a coupon or other deals.

My suspicion has always been that they bump prices when they issue coupons, but just a suspicion so far...

 

I just tossed the Vostro back into the bin, if anyone's interested...

 

mkaresh:

I didn't know there were coupons for the dell outlet. Where do you find them? Could you post again with more details on your experience buying laptops from the Dell outlet? I'm thinking about buying from the outlet, but I'm on the fence. Can you buy extended warranties or additional upgrades when you buy outlet? Do you have any experience with the quality of scatch and dent or do you suggest staying with refurb?

 

This is for the US outlet.

They sporadically run coupons. Had two in December for 15% off, each for the first 400 uses or thereabouts, but think it was months since the last one at that time.

In the past, they've had $$$ off coupons, with more $$$ for higher price brackets. I bought my current laptop for $450 off an original price of $1250, for a net of $800. That was summer of 2006.

They send them via email. There's a place on the outlet site to sign up for their deals.

I've only bought refurbs so far, no scratch and dent. From what I've been reading here most people seem to have good luck with the scratch and dent.

Almost snagged one myself just now, but someone else was a little quicker...got an error on the final stage of putting it into my cart...

 

thanks for the info ... I think I'll have another look at the outlet web site. - Tim