My new laptop

[cpals]

Ok, so I'm going to be getting my new dell 8600 soon and thought I'd ask a few questions about it.

My specs:

Intel® Pentium® M Processor 715(1.50A GHz/400MHz FSB) 15.4 WSXGA+, Microsoft® Windows® XP
512MB DDR SDRAM 2 DIMMs
Video Card 128MB DDR ATI's MOBILITY® RADEON? 9600 PROTURBO
Hard Drive 60GB Hard Drive
CD ROM/DVD ROM 24X CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive with Sonic RecordNow
Wireless Networking Cards Intel® PRO/Wireless 2200 Internal Wireless (802.11 b/g, 54Mbps)

1. I don't game too much, but on occasion I like to play a game or two (mainly counterstrike). How would this laptop hold up in the gaming department? Counterstrike might be okay, but what about newer games like FarCry and such?

2. It is coming with WinXP Home.... should I format the drive and install WinXP Professional on it?

3. If I do #2, does Dell provide all of the software that comes preinstalled on the machine with the laptop when it sends it? Like, I ordered the media experience with remote control, but I'm afraid if I do a clean install I won't be able to get it to work again.

4. Are all the drivers and updates listed on Dell's website? Can I just use ATI's drivers from their website for my video card?

5. The laptop has 2x256 memory... would it be worthwhile to change one to a 512 stick and then later on change the other one to 512 too? Or should 512 all together be fine for this laptop?

6. What website is the cheapest for buying laptop accessories (laptop case, mouse, etc)... newegg?

 

[DaFinn]

1. I have IBM Thinkpad T41p w. 1,7/1Gb/128Mb Ati FireGL T2 (9600 w. 8 pipelines enabled) and it plays CoD UO and CS just fine!

2. If you don't need the extra networking stuff/ remote desktop, you don't need Pro. Go Microsofts page, and compare the products so you see what is missing from Home.

3 If they have the stuff on separate (hidden) partition on HD, you wont get access to it if you install another OS. This is how they normally are delivered...

4. All lappy makers write their own BIOS for the graphics card, and test it. Normally you can use also ATI reference drivers, but beware that compatability issues may arise...

5. get 1x512 for future upgradeability

6. ...

 

[theblackbox]

1. it'll do fine.
2. pro.
3. no clue
4. you can use omega, it works with laptop.
5. one 512, or two 512's
6. no clue

 

[ShellGuy]

The only reason to upgrade to pro is if you need to join a domain or need the added security or logging features that it offers.. Other than that there isn't much diff... I would suggest the omega drivers for ur card... as ATI doesn't offer many for mobile chips... As for the the software included with ur lappy they should send you either a restore DVD or a few CDs i would wager that is the only way you could get those programs back if you format ur drive.. I hate to c companys that make a second drive on the same drive for those files... You could explore the said dvd or cds and find out if they have seperate files like for ur media center and all.. Then install just those file folders.. When running XP it is better to have as much ram as you can afford.. I would suggest at lease one stick 512, if not 1024... But that is me.... If you have any more questions then just ask....


Will G.

 

[Smbu]

If you already have winxp pro, then i'd suggest using it. Dell installs a lot of useless software in my opinion, so it's a good idea to put a new install of winxp on the comp anyway, once you get it.

The Inspiron 600m that I bought last year came with an Install Disc for WinXP home(can only be used on Dell systems), a cd for software/drivers for the laptop, and other cd's with different programs on them, WinDVD, etc. These cd's usually have the latest updates available on them at the time you bought the machine. Updates are available at support.dell.com too

 

[zodder]

I would also suggest reformatting and installing Pro. That way you can customize the OS to your liking and also get rid of the other junk that you know you will never use. Dell's support site is great for getting all the drivers you need. They should be on a disk, too.

I would definitely spend the extra few dollars and get a single stick. Upgrading will be much easier when all you have to do is purchase another stick. No 256MB stick laying around gathering dust afterwards.

 

[cpals]

Originally posted by: zodder
I would also suggest reformatting and installing Pro. That way you can customize the OS to your liking and also get rid of the other junk that you know you will never use. Dell's support site is great for getting all the drivers you need. They should be on a disk, too.

I would definitely spend the extra few dollars and get a single stick. Upgrading will be much easier when all you have to do is purchase another stick. No 256MB stick laying around gathering dust afterwards.

Well, the computer was already ordered (in the Dell rush), but maybe I could sell the 2x256 and just get one 512.

 

[imported_earthslash]

Anyone know the exact battery life on this thing?. I ordered the exact same setup from the Dell deal as the OP (except for the HD) and just wondered about it. Also, could someone explain what the omega thing is for the drivers?. Is it a website with lots of drivers for laptops?. I'm going to re-format the hard drive when I get it so i am a bit curious.

 

[ShellGuy]

This is the site where you will find the drivers we are talking about... They keep the cards upto date when the manuf doesn't... Hope the link helps...

Will G...