I always get texts from friends and family asking me for advice on what laptop to buy. Recently, a friend sent me a link to a "massive discount offer" and asked if it was a good deal. The headline alone shocked me. A laptop originally priced at NPR 215,900 was now available for just NPR 80,000!

As I started reading, the discounts kept getting bigger and bigger. By the time I reached the full list of offers, my suspicion had already kicked in. Something didn’t feel right. And sure enough, after checking the full specs list, I saw the truth. Most of these laptops were 5-year-old models running on Intel’s outdated 10th Gen processors.

While this isn't the first time I’ve seen such a tactic, Neo Store did the same thing, offering what looked like "unbelievable" discounts on Dell laptops. But in reality, it was just a way to clear out old stock. TV and refrigerator companies also use the same trick, especially during festival seasons. You’ll see ads claiming "Up to 60% Off", but in reality, the MRP was inflated, and the actual discount is barely significant. The goal is the same. Make you feel like you're getting an amazing deal while selling old inventory at a slightly lower price.

So, let me break it down for you. Why you shouldn’t buy an Intel 10th Gen laptop or older laptops in 2025 and how to avoid getting fooled by fake discounts.

Why 10th Gen Intel Laptops Are a Bad Deal in 2025

 Slow and Outdated Performance

Intel released 10th Gen CPUs in 2019, and technology has advanced significantly since then. Even budget-friendly 12th or 13th Gen processors outperform 10th Gen i7 chips today. Whether it’s gaming, video editing, or just multitasking, these old CPUs simply don’t hold up.

Poor Power Efficiency and Battery Life

Older Intel chips consume more power and heat up quickly, resulting in shorter battery life and frequent overheating. This is especially bad for people who need a laptop for work or travel.

 Lack of Modern Features

Newer laptops support DDR5 RAM, PCIe 4.0/5.0, AI-based enhancements, and improved integrated graphics, all of which 10th Gen models lack. If you buy one today, you’re already behind in technology.

 Limited Software and Security Support

Windows 11 and future updates are becoming more hardware-dependent. Older CPUs may lose support sooner, meaning security updates and software compatibility could become an issue much faster.

You Can Get a Better Laptop for the Same Price

The biggest scam with these "discounts" is that you’re not actually saving money. You’re paying for old stock when you could get a 12th or 13th Gen Intel laptop (or an AMD Ryzen 6000/7000 series) for nearly the same price.

How Retailers Trick You with Fake Discounts

Massive discount offers like the one from Neo Store are designed to look impressive but are actually a sales gimmick. Here’s how they do it:

1. Inflated MRPs

They list the "original price" as much higher than it ever was, making the discount look huge. The reality? The laptop was never worth that much in the first place.

2. Creating Fake Urgency

Phrases like "limited stock" or "offer valid for a few days only" are used to pressure buyers into making a quick decision without checking details.

3. Hiding the Processor Generation

Many listings won’t mention whether a laptop has a 10th Gen CPU. You’ll only see "Intel Core i7," making it seem like a high-end laptop when it’s actually outdated.

4. Bundling with Freebies

Retailers try to make up for bad specs by offering free laptop bags, accessories, or extended warranties, hoping it distracts you from the real problem. The laptop itself is outdated.

5. Selling old stock under the pretense of a sale

These discounts aren’t about helping customers. They’re about clearing out old stock that nobody would buy at regular prices.

TVs and Refrigerators Use the Same Trick

This isn’t just a laptop problem. TV and refrigerator brands pull the same stunt, especially during festival seasons. Ever seen an ad for "Biggest Dashain Sale – Up to 60% Off!"? The discount looks amazing, but in most cases, the MRP was inflated, and the "new price" is just the actual selling price from months ago.

Retailers will sell last year’s TV models or refrigerators at a “discount”, making it seem like a great deal when, in reality, newer models with better features are available for a slightly higher price. Always check the model year before buying.

How to Avoid Falling for These Traps

• Always Check the Processor Generation – Don’t just see "Core i7" and assume it’s good. Look at the exact model number (e.g., i7-10750H = 10th Gen, i7-13650HX = 13th Gen).
• Compare Real Market Prices – Instead of believing the store’s discount, cross check various other retail stores. If not convinced, check the prices in International market such Amazon or Flipkart as well.
• Ignore the "Was" Price – The original listed price is often exaggerated. Focus on what newer models are selling for, not the so-called discount.
• Go for Newer CPUs Even If It Costs a Bit More – An Intel 13th or the latest Mateor's/ Lunar Lake processors or AMD Ryzen 7000 series laptop will last much longer and perform significantly better.
• Be Wary of TV and Appliance Discounts Too – This isn’t just a laptop problem. TVs and refrigerators often have fake MRPs to make minor discounts seem massive. Always check the actual release year of the model.

Final Thoughts

Retailers know that most people get excited about discounts and don’t always check the details. That’s why they inflate MRPs, hide the real specs, and push outdated models under flashy marketing.

If you’re buying a laptop in 2025, avoid Intel 10th Gen models at all costs. And more importantly, don’t fall for fake "massive discounts" without verifying the specs and market prices first. A deal isn’t a deal if the product isn’t worth buying.