Buying a laptop

[timosyy]

This is what I'm looking at right now:

Dell Inspiron 9300

Intel Pentium M 750 (1.86Ghz)
Windows XP Home (Upgrade to XP Pro at college)
No extended service support or warranty :Q
17" UltraSharp WideScreen UXGA Display w/TrueLife (whatever TrueLife is)
256MB DDR SDRAM (see below)
60GB 7200rpm HD (its cheaper to get a 100GB? errr.. does the speed make that much difference?)
8x CD/DVD Burner (60GB is too small, need storage medium = DVD)
256MB Nvidia Geforce Go 6800 (upgrade from my desktop's 9600 Pro, I think)
6-cell Lithium Ion battery
Free Dell Color Printer 720 (only accepts Dell cartriges? and no included cables?)

$1951 - $750 = $1201

Kingston 2x 512MB RAM PC3200

= $1333

?

Should I tone down processor speed to get extended service/warranty? Maybe get one of those Targus Messenger laptop carrying case?

If I order the 256MB SDRAM (1 dimm), does it still come with 2 slots or do I need to find a single 1GB stick instead of the 2x 512?

 

[RossMAN]

Should I tone down processor speed to get extended service/warranty?

Yes that's what I would do. Downgrade to 2 year at home warranty. Will you be paying with a VISA, MasterCard or Amex cc? If yes, please specify which one?

Maybe get one of those Targus Messenger laptop carrying case?

I would not, order from eBags.com using a coupon.

If I order the 256MB SDRAM (1 dimm), does it still come with 2 slots or do I need to find a single 1GB stick instead of the 2x 512?

There are two, one is already filled underneath the keyboard with 256MB. The other is accessible on the bottom of the laptop just two screws to open the hatch, pop in the 1GB RAM and close it up. You're done.

 

[timosyy]

Rossman is always saving me money :heart:

Mm .. so I should be going for the single 1GB sticks and not dual 512.

Visa, I believe.

 

[RossMAN]

I believe you get better performance if you install the RAM in same pairs. So 512x2 is probably a better way to go if you can afford it.

Visa, I believe.

Call VISA at 1-800-882-8057 and ask if your VISA credit card is eligible for FREE Warranty Manager service? For instance my BOFA cc doesn't offer this but my CitiBank cc does.

 

[timosyy]

It is.. hm, I seem to be confused about the layout of the RAM.

Are they in two seperate places or right next to each other?

 

[RossMAN]

IIRC they are in two separate places.

Primary - 256MB is underneath the keyboard
Secondary - emty slot is underneath on bottom of laptop

 

[RossMAN]

http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=2256&review=Inspiron+9300

http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=2369

 

[The_Dude8]

try your local office depot for the following laptop:
SKU: 854720 Toshiba A75S231 $777.22
SKU: 873832 HP DV4030US $764.75
SKU: 143736 Gateway 7326 $732.00
SKU: 854512 Toshiba A75S211 $745.36
SKU: 854888 Toshiba M35XS311 $587.32
SKU: 213560 Toshiba M45S351 $802.28
SKU: 764728 Toshiba G15AV501 $1,153.70
SKU: 795712 Toshiba M45S331 $737.93
SKU: 213560 Toshiba M45S351 $802.28 - has a $50 rebate Link valid 4/17-8/27 $802.28-$50 = $752.28

 

[timosyy]

How hard is it to get to the primary slot (behind the keyboard) ?

Edit: XGA or UXGA?

 

[timosyy]

My dad is making me give some serious thought to a 17" screen -_-.

I just wish the HP dv1000 came with a better video card, then it'd be a freaking dream come true.

Not bringing the desktop to college... but I need to play WoW!

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: timosyy
Edit: XGA or UXGA?

Neither, you want SXGA or WSXGA (Widescreen)

 

[EyeMWing]

HP ZV5000. AMD A64 CPU, etc. Cheap, built like a brick, and not too bad lookin'.

 

[timosyy]

"17 inch UltraSharp? Wide Screen XGA+ Display" I'll assume is WSXGA

So I dont want this one then?

"17 inch UltraSharp? Wide Screen UXGA Display with TrueLife"

God, going back and forth on this a lot. 17" is almost excessively big.

If it was 1.6" smaller and 2 pounds lighter it'd be a dream.

 

[gsaldivar]

All I have to say is: You're a tool if you don't take advantage of Dell's firesale or the Costco Deal.

http://www.gottadeal.com/dell.php

I'm drunk, so just take Ross's advice, k? :thumbsup: