Question:
Considering a dell, plz post experience/advice/opinions
So im looking for a decent laptop to go back to school with and I always was one for high end gear, I have been looking for a while now and dell seems to be the only brand that offers basically everything I am looking for. I put together this inspiron 9400 on the canadian site.
Inspiron 9400 Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T7200 (4MB Cache/2.00GHz/667MHz FSB)
Operating System (Office software not included) Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition
LCD Panel 17 inch UltraSharp™ Wide Screen UXGA Display with TrueLife™
Memory FREE Upgrade from 1GB to 2GB DDR SDRAM- $90 Value
Video Card 256MB NVIDIA® GeForce™ Go 7900 GS
Hard Drive 120GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
Network Card Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem
Adobe Software Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 6.0
Combo/DVD+RW Drives 8x CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability
Sound Options Integrated Sound Blaster® Audigy™ HD Software Edition
Wireless Networking Cards Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 Internal Wireless
Office Software (not included in Windows XP) Microsoft Works Suite 2006- Includes MICROSOFT WORD plus much more!
Anti-Virus/Security Suite (Pre-installed) McAfee Security Center w/ VirusScan, Firewall and Privacy, 90-day trial
Batteries 53 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
Carrying Cases Large Backpack Carrying Case
Hardware Support Services 1 Yr Return to Depot Service with 1 Yr Tech Support
Internet Access No ISP Requested
Operating System Re-Installation CD Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition re-installation CD
TOTAL:$2,218.00
Now, I need some opinions from people who have owned dells in the past as I also come off as quite the perfectionist, and need to know if dell has a sturdy build and quality in this line, also advice on if I should include bluetooth for an extra $50 as well as get the extended 3 yr warranty.
Also, opinions on the total would be appreciated and if there is such a thing as canadian coupons would be greatly appreciated :)
So what does everyone think? Am I making a wise choice or am I walking into a trap here?
Answer:
Re: Considering a dell, plz post experience/advice/opinions
I think the 9400 line is one of the best consumer-line laptops dell has ever made. I've had three Dells over the last seven years, and the M1710 I have now is just *amazing*. My colleague has the 9400 and it's essentially the same laptop, except for the lights and the graphics card and a few details.
The build is very tough, not at all that plastic feeling like dell has been in the past.
Bluetooth - get it if you have a usecase for it. I personally don't.
I always buy warranty - Dell's service is after all pretty good, and laptop components tend to break after a few years.
If you plan to have the laptop for three years, and if you will use it regularly including travel, just get it... The difference with a desktop is that you can't just walk into any computer store and buy a new component if something breaks.
In my case the downtime caused by two weeks of service causes too much trouble, so I also got the Next Business Day service. You'll have to think about your situation for that one.
I don't think this will be a trap... with a Core 2 Duo and 7900GS you can have a lot of fun. Just make sure the size is right - 17" is nothing for a lot of time in a plane. I travel daily with my M1710, so that is certainly possible with a good case.
Answer:
Re: Considering a dell, plz post experience/advice/opinions
Oh - the 6 cell battery won't last you very long... get a 9-cell or two unless you're plugged in 100%.
Answer:
Re: Considering a dell, plz post experience/advice/opinions
yea I threw in the dell carrying backpack as well, Im hoping it wil have space for books and so on so I could just use that as my main bag while going around the school. You mentioned something of a usecase, what exactly is that?
Also, any idea on the difference in time between a 6v and a 9v battery?
Answer:
Re: Considering a dell, plz post experience/advice/opinions
Well, the 9-cell last 2 to 2.5 hours, so a 6-cell would be 1.5 - 2 hours at best, probably a bit less.
Answer:
Re: Considering a dell, plz post experience/advice/opinions
You mentioned something of a usecase, what exactly is that?
I just meant that if you plan to buy a bluetooth headset, or a bluetooth mouse, or plan to use a bluetooth cell phone with the laptop, you should get the bluetooth option. If you don't have a clear idea what you would use bluetooth for, you won't miss it.
Answer:
Re: Considering a dell, plz post experience/advice/opinions
If your going to school I think the 6 cell is fine. Unless you think your going to be on battery a lot. Another thing is that the 9400 would be too big for school. Im guessing your going to be taking this around to lectures and the library etc It might be too heavy.
If portability is not an issue for you, I think the 9400 would be good.
Answer:
Re: Considering a dell, plz post experience/advice/opinions
I'll throw out there that Dell customer service isn't so bad. I've used it twice (Key was broken off accidently once, second time my sound went nuts and the mobo had to be replaced). Beats the geak squad at Bestbuy. Onsite is worth every penny where I get to watch the guy every step of the way while playing with a steak knife. <<;
Answer:
Re: Considering a dell, plz post experience/advice/opinions
i have a e1705, basically the same as a 9400,with most of the same specs, definatley get 2 9 cell, with everyhting on (brightness etc..) and wi fi off i get maybe 3 hours. i find the 17 in. to be a bit big for carrying around alot, it just looks stupid exploding out of my back pack
Answer:
Re: Considering a dell, plz post experience/advice/opinions
Read this thread. This individual is a college student regretting buying the E1705 (9400)
Hope this helps