Cheap Dell Laptop

[doan]

My 10 year old son wants a Laptop for xmas. Dell is currently running a special on the B130 for $499 with 15.4 in screen, 1GB ram, 60gb HD, and dual layer burner.

This is a lot cheaper than the other Inspiron Models. Any downside to the B series other than the celeron processor and 2 hour battery?

The integrated video will be fin for his needs.

Thanks,

 

[thescreensavers]

go to curcut city in friday get the compaq for 100

 

[JBT]

Even that Celeron is like a old Pentium-M Banias core. its certainly not junk.

 

[doan]

Originally posted by: JBT
Even that Celeron is like a old Pentium-M Banias core. its certainly not junk.

Yeah, I'm OK with the speed, just curious if there are build quality issues with the B series or a difference in display quality.

 

[pkme2]

You get what you pay for so don't expect much. To keep costs down, everything is just about completely integrated. Quality goes out the windows.

If its an inexpensive way to get a young man started, then its great. When he gets to learn more, hw will be bugging you for something "better and faster" or trying to get your computer.

The young people nowadays are getting smarter and more experienced when it comes to computers. If he's responsible, a good desktop would be the best start, not a laptop. It's too fragile for such an active fellow.

 

[DaveSimmons]

Someone at RossMAN's GottaDeal.com picked up the $399 Wal-Mart laptop (in-store only not sold online) and said they are happy with it. Specs look decent.

You won't be able to play any recent 3D games with a sub-$600 laptop since integrated graphics are . . . not good. I think the Wal-mart has something less awful than intel though (ATI?)

 

[LouPoir]

B130 is a nice entry level machine.

Lou

 

[John]

FWIW The B130 feels cheaply made and the celery cpu is weak.

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
Someone at RossMAN's GottaDeal.com picked up the $399 Wal-Mart laptop (in-store only not sold online) and said they are happy with it. Specs look decent.

I bought one of those at my local Wal-Mart but I flipped it on eBay. I now have a BB (Best Buy) $499 Compaq C307NR

Core Solo T1350
512 DDR2 533
80GB 5400 WD
DVDRW
15.4" brightview LCD
Intel 3945abg wifi

Battery life is much better but the Intel GMA 900 video is worse. However this is not a gaming laptop. I picked up an additional 512MB from the FS/T forums for $35 :thumbsup:

BB is going to have the HP version of this laptop on BF for $379 until 12PM, but they should sell out quickly so go wait in line if you want one.

 

[doan]

bump

 

[stogez]

Originally posted by: thescreensavers
go to curcut city in friday get the compaq for 100

I havent seen one for $100. Every laptop I've seen is for $299. Asking because someone in Canada is asking me to buy the $100 one but I cant even find it lol.