Another "what should I get?" thread

[Robor]

I want to upgrade my old Dell C610 to something newer, faster, and with higher resolution (mine is 1024x768). I want a P-M 1.6 or faster, 512MB of RAM or more, and most importantly a nice display to look at. I'm trying to stay away from models like the Dell 5160 with it's 15" display just because they are heavy and use more power. This is a work laptop - I'll probably never do any gaming on it so video isn't a concern other than maybe watching DVD's.

So far based on bang for the buck the best think I can find is the Dell 600m with the 14.1" SXGA that's 1400x1050. The problem is I really don't know if I want a Dell. My C610 has been decent enough but I used to support a whole fleet of Dell C600 & C610 notebooks and wasn't impressed with the reliability.

I'd love to get an IBM but I have 2 problems. One is the fact that they cost a lot. Two is I can't seem to find an IBM with a 14" screen that does above 1024x768. For example, the T42 seems very popular here and I couldn't find a way to configure it with a higher resolution even on their site.

Should I get the Dell 600m or are there better options out there? Any suggestions?

 

[phisrow]

Sample IBM configuration Something like that is 1400x1050. Also, about the Dells, in my experience the latitude line is a whole hell of a lot nicer than the inspiron line. Going head to head between say, a 600M and a D600, the specs are pretty much the same, but the D600 keyboard feels much nicer(and has a trackpoint) while the 600M feels like flexy plastic awfulness.
If you can drop the cash get the IBM, hands down(the price delta isn't actually all that bad, unless it is one of Dell's sale days. Just be sure to buy memory from Crucial or similar, not from IBM, or Dell, directly). If you do go for the dell, though, get a Latitude series machine, especially if you'll have to type on it much.

 

[fbrdphreak]

:thumbsup: for the IBM. That's an awesome machine at an awesome price. Drop in another 256/512 of RAM and get a warranty on it & ur set. I wouldn't waste my money with Dell honestly. The way I look at it is: Why buy a laptop from a company that you might get good quality out of when you can spend a little more and DEFINITELY get the best quality in the industry
:beer: for IBM

 

[Robor]

Wow, thanks phisrow! I don't know why I couldn't manage to configure it that way but that's pretty much exactly what I'm looking for. The only thing I'd like to be able to do is upgrade the warranty to 2 years on-site.

It's $1749 on IBM's website but I found it new at "CostCentral" for $1665. I wonder if I can extend the warranty through IBM?

I also found a few good deals on Ebay that look promising.

Thanks again!

 

[Robor]

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
:thumbsup: for the IBM. That's an awesome machine at an awesome price. Drop in another 256/512 of RAM and get a warranty on it & ur set. I wouldn't waste my money with Dell honestly. The way I look at it is: Why buy a laptop from a company that you might get good quality out of when you can spend a little more and DEFINITELY get the best quality in the industry
:beer: for IBM

Thanks for the recommendation. I am looking to do exactly what you suggested.

 

[Robor]

Well I picked up a T42 today. Maybe it was fate but a friend of mine had one he purchased for a client that was pretty much exactly what I was looking for.

1.7Ghz CPU
768MB RAM
64MB 9600 Video
14.1" UXGA Screen
40GB HD
1 year standard warranty

I got it for $1600. I'd like to add a better warranty and maybe pickup a case.

Anyway, I love the laptop. Thanks again for the help guys! :thumbsup: :beer: