Question:
Advice Giver Now Needs Advice...lol
Hi Everyone...I'm new to this forum. Basically, I've helped everyone and his/her grandmother buy a laptop. Now it's time for me to buy one for myself and I'm stuck. I don't know whether I should invest in 2GB RAM now (which Dell prices at about $165) or get 1GB and upgrade later (problems with Aero in Vista?). I'm a college student with not too much dough...Basically, here are the specs I'm looking for and answers to the standard questions...Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.
Specs:
Looking for these specs or simliar (Processor could be 1.66GHz or 1GB RAM)
Inspiron E1505 Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T7200 (2.00GHz, 4MB L2 Cache, 667MHz FSB)
Genuine Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005
LCD Panel 15.4 inch UltraSharp™ Wide Screen SXGA+ Display with TrueLife™
2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz, 2 Dimm
Video Card 256MB ATI MOBILITY™ RADEON® X1400 HyperMemory™
Hard Drive 120GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
8X CD/DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability
Integrated Sound Blaster® Audigy™ HD Software Edition
Intel PRO/Wireless 3945a/g
Warranty and Service 1Yr Ltd Warranty and Mail-In Service
Bluetooth Options dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth Internal (2.0 + Enhanced Data Rate)
Upgrade to Windows Vista Express Upgrade to Windows Vista Home Premium from XP Media
1) What is your budget?
$850-1100
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
15.4"
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Internet
Photo/Video editting
Presentations
Graphic Design
Watch Movies
Games
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
Mostly on desk, but travelling and also transport to/from school.
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
Yes. EA Sports games, first-person shooter, etc...
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
Prefer:
I prefer Dell/HP/Toshiba in that order...
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
2-3
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
No, don't mind.
9) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in?
USA
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
Doesn't matter too much. As long as its UltraSharp w/TrueLife, if a Dell.
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
Standard
SXGA, WXGA
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
No Preference.
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Somewhat.
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
ASAP. The power section of my current laptop is dying (doesn't have to do with power cord). Need new motherboard, but LCD is also on the way out.
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 160GB?
120GB
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
YES - DVD-RW-CD-RW
Thanks!
PS, after using Dell's 25% off $1199, the price I get is $1080 incl. tax and shipping...if there's a better deal, please let me know...Thanks!
PSS, I want to take full advantage of Vista and its Aero capabilites when it comes out...I want this laptop to last 4-5 years, like the current Dell I have...
Answer:
Re: Advice Giver Now Needs Advice...lol
The Dell E1505 is your best bet for price/performance. Also take a look at the HP dv6000t series, although it will come out more expensive with a similar configuration (better quality and a nicer design though).
I would go with a Core 2 Duo processor (any of them are fast; I would not go any higher than the T5600), 1GB of RAM (that should be fine for now; remember that RAM is easily upgradeable aftermarket unlike other components (processor, and so on)), and whatever size hard drive you need.
Answer:
Re: Advice Giver Now Needs Advice...lol
OK...I pulled the trigger...lol I got this:
Inspiron E1505 Intel Core 2 Duo processor T5500 (2MB/1.66GHz/667MHz)
Genuine Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005
LCD Panel 15.4 inch UltraSharp™ Wide Screen WXGA+ Display with TrueLife™
2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz, 2 Dimm
Video Card 256MB ATI MOBILITY™ RADEON® X1400 HyperMemory™
Hard Drive 120GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
8X CD/DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability
Integrated Sound Blaster® Audigy™ HD Software Edition
Intel PRO/Wireless 3945a/g
Warranty and Service 1Yr Ltd Warranty and Mail-In Service
Bluetooth Options dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth Internal (2.0 + Enhanced Data Rate)
Upgrade to Windows Vista Express Upgrade to Windows Vista Home Premium from XP Media
After tax and everything, for about $1032...A couple questions:
1) As far as I have researched, it's a good deal, right?
2) I should be able to use Aero on Vista?
Thanks!
Answer:
Re: Advice Giver Now Needs Advice...lol
Where did you end up ordering it form? Dell?
Answer:
Re: Advice Giver Now Needs Advice...lol
Yeah, I got it straight from Dell Home...Could have used Small Business or a Student Discount, but it was cheaper with Home b/c I could use the 25% off coupon...
Answer:
Re: Advice Giver Now Needs Advice...lol
OK...so back to my original questions,
After tax and everything, for about $1032,
1) As far as I have researched, it's a good deal, right?
2) I should be able to use Aero on Vista?
Thanks!
Answer:
Re: Advice Giver Now Needs Advice...lol
1. From dell home yes, though you could have gotten it cheaper in dell outlet. IE mine is the same config with T5600, 1gb lesser ram, X1300 instead of 1400, WSXGA+ instead of WXGA it cost me 690 USD from Dell outlet with one year warranty.
2. Yes you will be able to run Aero.
Answer:
Re: Advice Giver Now Needs Advice...lol
1. Yes, this is a good deal.
2. Yes, you will be able to run Aero with no problems.
Answer:
Re: Advice Giver Now Needs Advice...lol
1) As far as I have researched, it's a good deal, right?
2) I should be able to use Aero on Vista?
1. That is an excellent deal and nice job getting that low of a price.
2. Absolutely.
Answer:
Re: Advice Giver Now Needs Advice...lol
Thanks!...I bought it on 11/27. It says est. ship date of 12/5, but no telling with Dell. I've gotten things before the ship date or weeks after...lol