Looking at a dell laptop

[jhelgesen]

I tried to configure a system in the smart section, cost just as much as the others....

Why the preference to the Latitude over the inspirion?

I've had an outlet dell machine before and won't have another, that thing never ran right....

[RANDY P]

I use a d420 core2. I like the fact the screen is wider than the average 12.1" (that's sounds weird, but it's true"

Only thing, is that I have bought a dell desktop, and an inspirion 6000, and my buddy has a 6000 as well.

Every one of them, including my desktop (SD card slot was DOA out of the box) has issues.

Desktop has a bad video card, both inspirons have identical HDD failures.

I'm not sure i'm going back a 4th time - going Lenovo.

rjp

[Halm]

Originally posted by jhelgesen
I tried to configure a system in the smart section, cost just as much as the others....

Why the preference to the Latitude over the inspirion?

I've had an outlet dell machine before and won't have another, that thing never ran right....

I am not surprised about this John. They recently released the Dx30 series stuff so it hasn't been out there long enough for them to start discounting it.

I think someone asked what was the difference between Latitude and the Inspiron models. The Latitude is a more proven, middle of the thechology curve product while the Inspiron is much more leading edge. Each has its advantages and issues.

[red-beard]

I bought a Latitude D620 last October, using the outler center. $849, and it included a 3 yr warranty.

[stomachmonkey]

If you are comfortable with minor mods I'd recommend buying the least ram and HD from Dell and pick up the extra aftermarket. Usually you will see a 50% savings. Means 2x's the RAM and HD for the same money.

Get a 7200 rpm drive if it's an option. Worth every penny.

If you don't like to dick around with laptops then certainly max it out at time of purchase and be done with it.

[red-beard]

One thing to note, Dell is using a different drive connector for the disc drive.

[jhelgesen]

What about sony? Anyone have good luck with them? I know I really like my sony desktop system and haven't had a single issue with it....

VGN-FZ190 CTO

$1608.99

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Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7100 / 1.8GHz
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2 GB DDR-SDRAM (DDR2-667MHz, 1 GBx2)
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160 GB Hard Disk Drive
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SuperMulti (DVD+-R Double layer / DVD+-RW Drive)
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15.4" WXGA (HC) W/CMR
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NVIDIA® GeForce® 8400M GT
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Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
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802.11a\b\g\n with BT
*
Microsoft Works
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Music Plus
*
Photo Standard
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Video Standard
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QB Basic
*
Norton Internet Security 2007 (Trial)
*
Large Capacity Lithium-ion Battery (BPL8)

[TerryH]

Looks way over-priced to me, but that's typical for Sony. Nice stuff generally, but you pay a premium. It's almost twice the price of the Dell 17" 9400 I bought and again the Sony has a 15" screen.

[JavaBrewer]

Originally posted by Halm
I think someone asked what was the difference between Latitude and the Inspiron models. The Latitude is a more proven, middle of the thechology curve product while the Inspiron is much more leading edge. Each has its advantages and issues.

If you start a search here in OT you'll find that there has been much grief with the Inspiron laptops. I've been using the Latitude line (typing this on my D800) for years, flown all over the world with them, and never had a problem. I'd be very careful with the consumer grade stuff...

IBM has great laptops as well. I like the feel of their keyboards over the Dell.

[jhelgesen]

Well....bit the bullet on the Dell, ships in August......should be horribly out dated by the time it arrives.....

[Joeaksa]

Originally posted by stomachmonkey
Get a 7200 rpm drive if it's an option. Worth every penny.

The faster drive really boots up a lot faster, so is worth the money if its available.

John,

Why is it taking so long to ship? Thats 2.5-3 weeks from now.

[jhelgesen]

Not sure on why it's taking so long for delivery, probably the XP config, or the rest of the bobbles I asked for......oh well, anything is good as long as its not vista....

[island911]

Originally posted by Eric Coffey
If you are going to buy a Dell, I would stick with their commercial/industrial variants (Latitude or Precision). They are more rugged and not pre-loaded with all the useless consumer-based software. I believe they come with a longer standard warranty as well.

That's very good advice. I will say more specifically, go only with the "Precision" models for SWx. --it's all in the graphics cards (see http://www.solidworks.com/pages/services/VideoCardTesting.html )

If you think that you can get by with the cheaper box you will pay with graphic lock-up. (BTDT, btw)

[RANDY P]

Dell usually ships a lot sooner than that - I've had mine in 1/3rd the time quoted.

[onewhippedpuppy]

For future reference on Dell shopping, I've found that the kiosks will beat the online prices. When I was laptop shopping recently, the kiosk guy was able to shave something like $60 off of the cheapest online price I could create.

stomachmonkey, have you ever tried going the upgrade route with a Dell? Most of their components use unique connectors, and they utilize more integrated parts. They're basically designed so that they are very difficult to upgrade.

Other than that minor annoyance, I've had two, and been very happy with both.

[Eric Coffey]

Originally posted by onewhippedpuppy
For future reference on Dell shopping, I've found that the kiosks will beat the online prices. When I was laptop shopping recently, the kiosk guy was able to shave something like $60 off of the cheapest online price I could create.

Just to add: You can always negotiate a better price when ordering over the phone as well. Configure the system online and save it (will give you a reference #), but call in the order over the phone.

[Porsche_monkey]

We have only Sony's and Toshiba's in my office and home. About 18 Toshibas, 4 Sony's. Zero problems. I would be happy with either. I wouldn't look at anything else.

[jhelgesen]

Hmmmph, some August delivery.

My order status says they already shipped the laptop, will be between the 11th and the 13th this week.

[jhelgesen]

Arrived home last night to find new laptop at my door. Spent a few hours configuring the machine, then deleting google desktop and other crap I don't want. Screen is much bigger than I expected. I go on the road again next week, so we'll see how she does on the plane.

Whats better for battery life, running dvd's or transferring them to the HD first at home?

[Porsche_monkey]

I find google desktop to be very useful. Maybe it's not required with Vista? But I can find anything now, as long as I can remember a few key words.