Seeking Advice on new Laptop...

[mtmerry]

Hello-
I am not the most computer savvy person around, and I stumbled across this site and it seems to have alot of informative people here. Here is the story I have been planning on getting a laptop for some time. I was looking for something w/ some punch but still light and small.
So ironically I saw on QVC today an advertisement for this item and with it being a one day offer i bought it.

Here is a link to the notebook

http://www.qvc.com/asp/frameset.asp?dd=navigationapp/qvcnavigate.aspx?class=2039!type=leftnav&nest=el/el_tsv_notebook.html?tmp=hp&cont=TSV&cm_re=HP-_-CONTAINERS-_-TSV:DELLLAPTOP

it's the Dell XPS M140 they threw in alot of extras that i prob won't need but was hoping someone could point out the highs & lows of this offer. I know it's a broad question, thanks for any insight.

[mtmerry]

Another feature i wasn't sure of is the OS it came with Windows Media Edition. My intention is to be mobile for school etc.. I run Windows xp pro at home and was wondering if Media Edition would be fine?

Thank you

[Ioman]

Wow that price seems super high IMO


http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/category.aspx/xpsnb?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

I priced it here (the one starting at $899) and the QVC is not giving you a special deal at all, you paid full price, just as if you would have bought it at Dell.

Its not a bad laptop, but I just think there isn't anything special about it. The integrated graphics suck, no Bluetooth and it has the slowest processor available for this model....sorry :(

[Ioman]

A friend of mine just bought an Acer and I was super impressed with it.

Check out this bad boy:

http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=333128&pfp=cat3

- Windows XP Pro
- 100GB Hard drive
- 1GB of RAM
- Dual Layer DVD writer

And $500 dollars cheaper.

[mtmerry]

Thanks for the head sup, I wasn't too sure when i bought it. I wil call QVC back hopefully i can discontinue my order. With all the extras they threw in i thought i was getting a deal. I have read on other reviews how the graphics processor isn't that great. Pretty much looking for a fast, small, high amount of hard drive space (100 gb) and a DVD burner...around 1000-1500 :dunno ..

Not too sure about Bluetooth like you mentioned but would like the accessibility if i needed it

[Ioman]

Well I don't think its a bad laptop, just overpriced. I think you will be happy with it nonetheless.

[mtmerry]

this is some of the "extras" software wise.. most of it looks like filler to me ..

Microsoft Works Suite 2006

Norton Internet Security 2005 AntiSpyware Edition, 15 months*

America Online, 6 months**

KidView Computer Explorer

Discover PC and Windows Basics

HotFax Message Center 6

Eudora Pro Email

Financial Powertools

iAnnotate It

iCapture It***

iOrganize It

WebEditor Suite 6

Peachtree First Accounting 2006

Personal Record Keeper

Quicken WillMaker Plus 2006****

Stuffit Standard 9.0

TalkItTypeIt (headset included)

Smart Business and Marketing Plan

Photo Vista Panorama 3.5

Adobe PhotoShop Album 2.0

SendPhotos Gold 4***

Image Broadway 5.0

Zoner Draw 5.0

AlohaBob PC Relocator (USB Cable included)****

Print Shop 21

Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing v. 17

Cook N with Pillsbury

Merriam Webster Medical Desk Dictionary

Sponge Bob Square Pants Operation Krabby Patty

Hoyle Board Games

Hoyle Puzzle Games

Madden NFL 2004

Roller Coaster Tycoon 2

Atari 80 Classic Games


So many choices and i really don't have the money to be throwing around sorta speak. I think it's cheap how they advertise saying it retails for 2250 not that model ha,ha... in a bind right now, i really feel like i should call them back and discontinue and see what my options are. This board looks great I am sure if i stick around i could gain some great insight and save some money..

[mtmerry]

and i am not too sure if i like the Media Editon OS..would that be a decent OS for school? That is pretty much the initiative for a notebook for me :thumb

[Ioman]

Yeah all of that software seems wasteful.

Do you plan on watching TV with this laptop? If so then you will want Media Center Edition on it. Otherwise, it will just slow the system down. Windows XP Pro is what I would want on mine.

[mtmerry]

Yeah all of that software seems wasteful.

Do you plan on watching TV with this laptop? If so then you will want Media Center Edition on it. Otherwise, it will just slow the system down. Windows XP Pro is what I would want on mine.


No i didn't plan on watching TV w/ it just for school and I like the ability to be mobile with email, etc..I wish i could convert my Home PC to a notebook ha,ha.. I should shop around a little bit then

[mtmerry]

well i just cancelled the order from QVC, wow that was easy :) .. I liked the way it looked ha,ha.. Yeah those programs are nothing but filler IMO.

Now that i am off the hook, I need to do some searching i suppose and not act on first impulse.

[Ioman]

Ya no kidding! Visit our forums next time first hehe

:)

[mtmerry]

Ya no kidding! Visit our forums next time first hehe

:)


:thumb : your right thanks for all the help. $1754 is a bit for what i was getting..

[mtmerry]

I consulted w/ a good Friend of mine and he emailed me this one (similar to the previous one)to look at. He can get me the employee discount.. :dunno


Intel® Pentium® M Processor 740 (1.73GHz/2MB Cache/533MHz FSB), Genuine Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005 Unit Price $1,441.00
SAVE $70 w/ Promotional Gift Card savings on XPS STARTER BUNDLE!
Limited Time Offer! View Details


Catalog Number: 23
Module Description Show Details
XPS M140 Intel® Pentium® M Processor 740 (1.73GHz/2MB Cache/533MHz FSB)
Operating System (Office software not included) Genuine Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005
Display 14.1 inch WXGA LCD Panel
Memory 1GB Shared DDR2 SDRAM 2 Dimms
Video Card Integrated Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 900
Hard Drive 100GB 5400rpm Hard Drive
Integrated Modem and NIC Internal 56K Modem and Integrated Network Card
Adobe Software Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 6.0
Optical Featured Upgd-8xCD/DVD burner(DVD+/-RW)w/dble-layer DVD+R write capability
Wireless Networking Cards Intel® PRO 2915 Internal Wireless (802.11 a/b/g, 54Mbps)
Office Productivity Software (Pre-Installed) No productivity suite- Corel WordPerfect word processor only
Anti-Virus/Security Suite (Pre-installed) I chose McAfee included with the Starter, Silver, Gold or Platinum Package.
Battery 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery (80 WHr)
Limited Warranty, Services and Support 2Yr Ltd Warr, At-Home Svc, 30 Day DellOnCall, 15Mth Antivirus/SecuritySuite
Dial-Up Internet Access 6 Months of America Online Membership Included
Operating System Backup & Recovery PC Restore recovery system by Symantec
Dell Digital Entertainment Starter Entertainment Pack - Basic digital Music, Photo and Game experience

TOTAL:$1,441.00

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additional Discounts and Coupons

Receive 4% off systems priced $800 to $1600 with 1/2yr At-Home service. -$57.64
Thank you for taking advantage of your member purchase plan! View Details




Free Ground Shipping on select Dell Inspiron order greater than $849!
Limited Time Offer! View Details


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Total Price
Sub-total $1,383.36

[Ioman]

Not a bad deal, run with it! I bet you will be happy.

[mtmerry]

Not a bad deal, run with it! I bet you will be happy.


Thanks for the help, Glad i can keep my options open now

[mtmerry]

Just got off the phone with a good friend of mine and this is what he can get for me for the price range i was seeking. It's actually alittle lower than that with an employee discount I just need it for school for the most part.



Inspiron 6000 Qty 1
Intel® Pentium® M Processor 735 (1.70GHz/2MB Cache/400MHz FSB), Genuine Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005 Unit Price $1,660.00
SAVE $120 ($50 Instant off + $70 mail in rebate) w STARTER BUNDLE!
Limited Time Offer!


Dell EPP/FSS Customers: Save $200 off select Inspiron 6000 systems!
Limited Time Offer!
- $200.00

Catalog Number: 23
Module Description Show Details
Inspiron 6000 Intel® Pentium® M Processor 735 (1.70GHz/2MB Cache/400MHz FSB)
Operating System (Office software not included) Genuine Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005
Display 15.4 inch WXGA LCD Panel
Memory 1GB DDR SDRAM 2 Dimms
Video Card ATI MOBILITY™ RADEON® X300 64MB HyperMemory™
Hard Drive 100GB 5400rpm Hard Drive
Network Card Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem
Adobe Software Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 6.0
Combo/DVD+RW Drives FREE! 8x CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW)
Wireless Networking Cards Dell 1370 Internal Wireless (802.11b/g, 54Mbps)
Office Productivity Software Microsoft Works Suite 2006- Includes MICROSOFT WORD plus much more!
Anti-Virus/Security Suite (Pre-installed) I chose McAfee included with the Starter, Silver, Gold or Platinum Package.
Battery 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery (53 WHr)
Limited Warranty, Services and Support Options 2Yr Ltd Warr, At-Home Svc, 30 Day DellOnCall, 15Mth Antivirus/SecuritySuite
Dial-Up Internet Access 6 Months of America Online Membership Included
Operating System Backup & Recovery PC Restore recovery system by Symantec
Dell Digital Entertainment Starter Entertainment Pack - Basic digital Music, Photo and Game experience

TOTAL:$1,460.00

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[Ioman]

That sounds like a good deal too. You gonna buy it?

[ECA]

Do you REALLY want/need AOL...If you dont have it now, WHY get it...GET a bare system with OS only..If you can..
dump all the extra stuff, and ask only for a COPY of the OS, on a CD/DVD..

[mtmerry]

Do you REALLY want/need AOL...If you dont have it now, WHY get it...GET a bare system with OS only..If you can..
dump all the extra stuff, and ask only for a COPY of the OS, on a CD/DVD..

No, i actually never use AOL but i sure i can tweak anything i need to so i prob will get rid of that. Thanks for the insight, I have been busy as of late but I need to sit down and go through these specs. I am very anxious (as you can see from the QVC ad :doh ) anyhow i am looking for speed, compact, and at least 100 gb hard drive. I am trying to learn the other specs as far as what is good and not for the price.

Thanks again

[seans]

Over the years I've owned a metric ass ton of notebooks and I've had my best experiances with the lower US volume but still big suppliers like Fujitsu & Panasonic. I currently have a Fujitsu Lifebook E8020D and it is fairly lightweight, good video (screen and discreet GPU) and fast PentiumM 2Ghz/2GB memory. It cost more than what you're looking at but you won't get all the crap, just a solid, well thought out piece of hardware. Also look at IBM/lenevo for no-nonsense solid hardware.

[ECA]

1. RAM, always top it out if you can afford it.
2. deal with the MAKER, not the sellers, unless you can find a GREAT deal.
3. Video, DONT GET SHARED VIDEO...it shares your system RAM, and you loose SYSTEM ram for program use.
4. HD, is nice, but a GOOD CD writer is BETTER...
4.1...NEVER Leave DATA un-BACKED-UP...NEVer consider that your laptop, will WORK, will ALWAYS be there, that it WONT be broken or stolen, or MIS LAYED...
a nice 40-80 gig is fine as you AINT going to place EVERYTHING you have on the laptop. ALWAYS backup the IMPORTANT INFO, OFF the system(DVD/CD Writer). Internet Links, emails and addresses, DATA, Pics, Songs, music, New Downloads...
the MORe important it is, the MORE you BACKUP...
If you have a choice, set up PARTITIONS, that make the system SEe the 1 drive as MORE then 1...AT LEAST 2-3...If there is a HARD error on the C: drive or an infection, the OTEHRS are STILL accessable, and NON-CORRUPT...this says NOTHING about progs, only DATA is NON-corrupt... 99% of Bots/virus infect ONLY the C: drive/device... 10-15 gig for the OS, 10-15 for progs, 10-15+ for DATA..Thats on a 45 gig drive, and DATA is fluctuating, depands on the DATA, as PICS are bigger then Word Docs...

the fastest Laptops are called DESKTOP replacements, but, battery life is SHORTER..ANd they are alittle heavier...
DONT listen to the SALES person, LOOK it UP yourself, and SEE/find the differences.. You WANt at least a 2.4ghz system no MATTER WHAT...1 gig at least, and 128 meg video. DO make sure you can OUTPUT(on the back) to a monitor or TV, makes it nice to look at something LARGER then a TFT screen.

It all comes to USE...your USE of the machine.

[ECA]

ALSO,
they will tell you...
that ALL those extra progs, make the system CHAEPER as they pay for it to be THERE..
Then TELl them you want it on an EXTRA disk and NOT LOADED...Symantic and McAffee are a PAIN to remove...AOL is ALMOSt as bad..

Wireless access, is NEEt and COOL and all that they SAY, LOCK it DOWN, if you AINT useing it. AT LEAST make a GOOD Password, to it...

[seans]

...2.4ghz system no MATTER WHAT...

Pentium M and Core Duo are the fastest most powerful chips in Intel's mobile lineup and they top out at 2.26Ghz for the M and 2.16 for the Core Duo as of right now. The Core Solo tops out at 1.66Ghz! These chips run circles around yesterday's P4 3ghz ++ chips because they are designed so differently. Ghz does not mean anything anymore and is a poor way to gauge performance.

Adding AMD marketing numbers into the fray makes everything even more complex because a good deal of their performace jumps don't come from Mhz/Ghz bumps but L2 cache size and steppings, and boy do they have a huge pile of choices when it comes to core steppings.

This brings us to Turon, I'd also give AMD based notebook models a good looking at, AMD's Turon line is a direct compeditor to CoreDuo and PetiumM (centrino) and HP/Compaq have serveral models that are very solid using this processor/chipset.

The notebook market is totally awash with new models right now I'd sit down and make up a list of the top ten uses you have for the machine and target your purchase to the uses as ECA stated above. He's some hints for uses.

1. You wanta play some games.
-> Find a notebook with a discreet gpu and memory. Look for ATi and nVidia as the video chip in the notebook spec and atleast 128mb of video ram.

2. You want to create digital content (music or video)
-> Find a notebook that has a discreet gpu as well as a 7200RPM harddrive. Your content creation workflow will ease itself with more screen real estate, look for atleast 1400x1050 screen resulition in a square screen and 1440x1024 in a widescreen display. You should find good screens in the 15.4" sizes for content creation without having to goto the 17" screensize and the extra weight.

3. You want long battery life
-> Find a notebook with a slower drive (4200 or 5400RPM) and uses a low volt processor. These processors would be model numbers:

Intel Core Duo L2400
Intel Core Duo L2300
Intel Pentium M 778
Intel Pentium M 758
Intel Pentium M 738
Intel Pentium M 718
Intel Pentium M 773
Intel Pentium M 753
Intel Pentium M 733

Pretty much any AMD Turon model out there today, they are all the Lancaster core and are low volt (1.2). Stay away from the Athlon64 model notebooks, the eat battery life like there is no tomorrow.

4. You want to use it for basic internet surfing and word processing, etc
-> Choose a notebook that has a good screen (larger than 1024x768 res) that is easy to look at with your eyes.