Question:
Dell e1505 vs ????
Hi.
This is my first post at these forums, it seems like a pretty good place to find information about a notebook here before I buy one in a month or so.
So anyway, I'll be going to college in about 2-3 months and will be buying a notebook to bring with me. My budget is about $1200, and I dont want a HUGE laptop, but one that has decent performance. I'll be using it for general tasks-word processing, internet surfing, etc so nothing huge but I would like it to do those things as fast and effortlessly as possible.
The main laptop I'm considering right now is the Dell e1505. I like it because of the core duo processor, gig of ram, decent video cards, etc, generally for under $1100.
Does the e1505 seem like a good choice? It's a good mix of performance, mobility, and budget.
I have heard that the e1505s can overheat a bit, should I consider this to be a problem? I haven't tested one. Also, should I consider getting a dell Latitude instead of an Inspiron? I dont really see the differences besides software.
What do you all recommend? P.S. I would like to eventually run Windows Vista on the system, what kind of graphics card would I need for that?
General Questions
1) What is your budget?
I'd like to keep it under 1200 if possible.
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
15.4 is fine
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
University normal stuff, movies, downloads, music, and maybe moderate gaming.
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
I may bring it around campus with me, not sure how much yet.
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
I wont have many games, but I'd like the option to play games if I wanted to in the future. Plus I hope to run Windows Vista on it.
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
I like dell, but I'm open for suggestions. I do favor American companies.
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
Not sure, I'll take what I can get.
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
dont mind.
9) What country are you buying this in?
U.S.
Build Quality and Design
12) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
no
13) How long do you want this laptop to last?
at least 3 years
Notebook Components
14) How much hard drive space do you want?
I dont need much, 60 should be more than I need.
15) Do you need a DVD, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-R drive?
Not sure what each one means. I need it to play DVDs and CD-R's.
Answer:
Re: Dell e1505 vs ????
If you want to play games, the X1400 in the E1505 is decent but you could get something better. I think the ASUS S96j would be good.
Here's just a rebranded S96j at a very good price, it'd offer better build quality than the Dell, and in my opinion a much nicer look;
http://www.powernotebooks.com/specs/PowerPro/a2-24.php
Answer:
Re: Dell e1505 vs ????
I checked out that link, but I still think I like the Dell's better. For the same price the Dell has twice the ram and a bigger hard drive, which for me is more important than the video card.
As far as video cards go, is there a huge difference between the "128MB ATI MOBILITY Radeonx1300" and the "256 ATI MOBILITYRadeonx1400"? Is the x1400 worth the $50 more?
Answer:
Re: Dell e1505 vs ????
$5o yeah probably.
Answer:
Re: Dell e1505 vs ????
Those can be upgraded later rather easily though, and the different between the X1600 and X1400 is rather enormous.
Yes it's worth $50 more, the difference isn't extremely large but it's rather noticable and definitely worth it.
Answer:
Re: Dell e1505 vs ????
I'm liking my e1505 so far. Great deal for $1100. I haven't noticed any heat issues over the last 3 days that I've been messing with it. It's quiet as well and the screen is quite nice. The x1400 plays FarCry at 1680x1050 just fine.
Answer:
Re: Dell e1505 vs ????
asus s96f is much better.
Answer:
Re: Dell e1505 vs ????
just a heads up, it is the s96J, not F. f denotes integrated graphics, while j denotes dedicated.