Buying computer items/hardware

I know that everyone uses slickdeals but I wouldn't just chose the top-rated ratings even if you wanna buy and save your money. I can kinda notice that slickdeals, even though they're usually cheaper items, the forum posters for some of the computer stuff and the voters of the ratings can be no different than the general public, who know hardly  know enough of the computer stuff. Not only that, but what you want is usually different. It's always better to ask your friends about it if you're confused :). I want to buy a cheap, thin laptop but that's probably not gonna happen, I haven't seen any of those on newegg.