Question:
Barebones Notebook, need some advice ^^
Hey guys, I've been looking for laptops these past weeks and have configured this Dell Inspiron 6400l(seems like the best option for me right now).
The specs are:
Intel Core 2 Duo T7200(2.00GHz, 4MB L2 Cache, 667MHz FSB)
Genuine Windows? XP Home (Upgrade to Vista Package)
15.4 inch Wide Screen XGA Display
512MB Shared Single Channel DDR2 SDRAM 533MHZ, 1 DIMM
80GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
8X CD/DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability
256MB ATI MOBILITY? RADEON? X1400 HyperMemory?
Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 Internal Wireless (a/b/g)
Integrated Audio
Media Direct 3.0
85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
(This costs $896 without tax)
I plan on buying my own 2GB DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHZ, 2 DIMM for $200 and also HITACHI Travelstar 7K100 80GB 2.5 Serial ATA150 Notebook Hard Drive $100.
This brings the total to $1196 without tax.
Now, I've been looking at barebones(whitebox) notebooks and having a hard time finding a cheap case..with a good graphics card.
What I want in this barebones laptop:
15-15.9" screen (NOT GLOSSY) - ummm I guess WXGA or higher
Video Card: 1st choice) Go7400,X1400,X1450
2nd choice) Go7600GT,X1600,X1700,Go7700,Go7600GT
DVDRW drive
No OS necessary
Integrated Wireless a/b/g, audio, uhh battery
Found these parts:
T7200 - $329, 2GB 667mhz ram - $200, 7200rpm 80gb HD - $100, DVDRW - $70
CPU + Ram + HD = $629
I want to spend 1200 (without tax) on a barebones..so this leaves me with $1200 - $629 = $571 to spend :(
I've looked but maybe I'm looking in the wrong places...(already seen this thread:, but I can't seem to find an equivalent config to the Dell in a barebones setup :confused:.
Any help is appreciated! ^^
Answer:
Re: Barebones Notebook, need some advice ^^
How about the Asus S96j which will get you the x1600.
Answer:
Re: Barebones Notebook, need some advice ^^
I agree, although it features a glossy type screen. Going with the Compal HEL80 will get you a slightly underclocked 7600 Go, and cost a little more, but will offer the matte screen option for $50-$100 Dollars.
Answer:
Re: Barebones Notebook, need some advice ^^
Thanks for the quick response!
I checked those ones out and the S96j would be wonderful except for the glossy screen :(.
Yeah, I checked HEL80 but I think that goes over my budget...trying to keep it at $1150ish. That matte screen would be nice though...higher resolution also.
I'm a college student and I think the glossy screen would be a big disadvantage b/c many places around campus are well-lit and I don't want the reflections to distract me, also I'll be programming/reading text and I don't want any strain on my eyes:)
Anyone know of a barebones notebook that has a lower video card like Go7400,X1400,X1450? All I've seen are either cards that are better than those or integrated.. I was hoping that I could find a Go7400,X1400,X1450 one so it would be a little cheaper than the HEL80, etc.
Oh yeah, another reason I want the Go7400,X1400,X1450 cards is because they might add a little more battery life than those higher end cards(and run cooler) while allowing me to play games with decent settings.
Answer:
Re: Barebones Notebook, need some advice ^^
You're probably better off looking at a business class notebook which tend to have more matte screen options. Something like the ThinkPad R60 which can be had with the x1400 and within you budget.
Answer:
Re: Barebones Notebook, need some advice ^^
I have a big issue with the glossy screen trend.. I mean why do manufacturers insist.. isn't it more expensive to make? Finding a good matte screen whitebook is near impossible, except the hel80. I'm curious how a repolarizing filter looks and if it really makes a huge difference. You can get screen repolarizing anti-glare filters for like 10-20 dollars from makers like 3m. I have no idea how well they actually work, but just wanted to share that.
Answer:
Re: Barebones Notebook, need some advice ^^
I've heard of some people who have figured out how to go barebones with a HEL80 for about $1150. It is possible with some shopping.
I think the ThinkPad R-series like ZaZ mentioned is worth a serious look. Maybe even the HP nc6400 with x1300?
Answer:
Re: Barebones Notebook, need some advice ^^
The problem with the Thinkpad R-series is that it has a 14.1" standard screen.
The HP nc6400 seems to be a bit expensive, with that cost I could definitely get a HEL80.
I don't think I'll be able to make a HEL80, I've tried going with a 80GB 5400rpm HD, T5500 processor but it still ends up 1300-1400. Matte screen itself usually costs 100 bucks extra.
And now I'm skeptical about buying the dell..my friend insists that dell's are really low quality and that his IBM is the best thing in the world..
I understand that dell's casing is below-par, but how do the parts compare? I'm buying my own RAM and harddrive anyways..cpu can't be different from other brands, video(x1400 256mb), doubt it could be that bad. Wireless is the same. This leaves the screen and motherboard I believe..what do you guys think about them? I don't see anything besides those items that can be different from other brands.
With dell's pricing I can get myself a better CPU, ram, HD than other brands...I'm just wondering about performance.
Thanks
Answer:
Re: Barebones Notebook, need some advice ^^
The ThinkPad will offer better quality than the Dell.