Help me decide Dell 700M or Alienware Sentia or maybe something else?

[eshtog]

I have up to $2,000 to spend maybe a tad more

I am stuck between the two maybe I could get something else thats better?

btw I will be using this for school

 

[govtcheez75]

check out the notebook/laptop forums. You will see much more satisfied Dell 700m owners than Sentia owners (I don't mean in numbers, because I realize that many more people buy the Dell, but percentage wise). Sentia owners are reporting back with lots of problems. Just make sure that you get the extended battery with the 700m.

 

[ActuaryTm]

Originally posted by: govtcheez75
check out the notebook/laptop forums.

Second this recommendation, as it is an excellent source of information.

Link.

 

[Mermaidman]

700M
With the ridiculous sale that Dell had recently, you might be able to buy one "used" for a good price. Check the FS/FT forum. You'll have lots of $ left for booze, drugs, and sex.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Dunno what you're looking for spec wise, but what about IBM? Much better build quality than Dell IMO, MUCH better support (in english no less!!), and you could get a decent T41/T42 either through your school or through IBM with educational discount.

 

[vegetation]

No question about the 700m. Don't listen to comments about how Dells are poorly built, as the 700m is in a whole league of its own within Dell - totally unlike its other models. Plus as mermaidman said, it's not hard to find a great deal on a 700m as dell had ridiculously low prices offered, but some people who bought one just can't afford to keep it around. The only thing to watch out for on the 700m is to ensure you get the extended battery option, as it gives you a lot more run time over the standard issue.

 

[kd2777]

Yes I have a 700M, got durring that super sale (to the tune of 850 bucks!!!!!). It is great. I have had it now for a few days and have to say that it is one nice laptop. The keyboard is a bit small, but I got used to it in about an hour, but at 12.1 inches everything is going to be small. I got the extended battery and I can't beleive how long that dude last. I was on it yesterday for roughly 4 hours and it said I still had 38% left.

Like they said, you can look throught the FS/FT forums for a good deal, or maybe head over to eBay. I saw a bunch of them with BINs for 1150. More than we paid a few days ago, but much better than it's 1600 price tag.

KD

 

[saechaka]

just to give another perspective. i bought 2 700m's returned both. bought the first one around reg. price and returned it. bought it with the $500 off coupon and 200rebate thinking the lower price would make me feel it was worth it. once i got it, i remembered why i couldn't stand the 700m. so still didn't feel like it was worth it. (cons) laptop is heavy for its small size. should def. be lighter for its size. 4cel battery sticks out almost tolerable. 8cel sticks out alot. not tolerable if you care about looks. keyboard and build quality sucks in my opinion. i'm basing that based on using my t23. i thought the white paint was cheasy (pros) beautiful screen but it wasn't enough to make me want to keep it.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Camp out Hot Deals and wait for another "$750 off" sale, then buy a 700m.

- M4H

 

[eshtog]

do you guys think there will be another good dell sale?

btw is the IBM t41/t42 as fast as the 700m and is it as small?

 

[ActuaryTm]

You may want to be a bit more specific regarding your requirements, citing more concrete criteria (applications you use most, desired hardware components, etc), as well as stating your battery needs. "School" is unfortunately a bit vague for those attempting to make recommendations.

 

[eshtog]

well I am going to be using it for typing, surfing the internet, making powerpoint presentations, doing research, and running visual basic

 

[Delerious]

700m is the way to go..

 

[Jumpem]

I like the 700m but would like to be able to play games on it too. I need something with better video I think.

 

[eshtog]

well I think I have narrowed it down to 2 choices

the IBM T42 or the dell 700m

both are about the same price because inm is giving me a good university discount

which one would you take?

 

[zodder]

Originally posted by: Jumpem
I like the 700m but would like to be able to play games on it too. I need something with better video I think.

Have you checked out the 8600? You can get a mobile 9600 Pro. They've been crazy on sale the last few weeks. So far, I'm extremely happy with mine. I'm only playing Diablo II on it now, so I don't know about extreme graphic games like Far Cry.

 

[eshtog]

^