Dell Notebook Advice?????

[AppBrookie]

I'm about ready to make the jump to buying a laptop to carry on trips. Looking at the Dell Inspiron 1100 for $699 + adding a DVD(USAToday Promo Insert).
Any advice from you computer savvy guys? First laptop for me, just want something with internet access and maybe watch a movie.
Thanks

 

[bigD]

If all you're doing is internet and movie watching, anything offered will be plenty powerful enough. I'd choose the notebook based on the size and weight that you'd like, and on battery life. For example some people like the bigger screens, while others would rather have a smaller footprint and lighter weight.

 

[flx757]

Whatever you do, get something light. I made the huge mistake of getting a really great notebook. Powerful, fast, CD-RW/DVD drive, all the latest and greatest. But it weighs around 9 lbs (including the AC Adapter, etc) and is a huge pain to lug around. So much so that I have stopped taking it with me wherever I go. Get something that weighs less than 5 lbs. Or less than 4, even. You will be glad you did. There are many great notebooks out there with Pentium-M processors (anything without a Mobile processor is meant as a desktop replacement, and will be a heavy laptop), long life batteries, optical drives, wireless technology, etc...that are extremely lightweight.

Most definitely get the smallest, lightest thing you can find and can live with. You will be glad you did in the long run.

Just my opinion, and I'm sure you will get dozens more from every possible point of view. Take your time, do lots of research, and choose carefully.

 

[atpcliff]

Hi!

Dell is a good idea.

If U want to save money, you can buy a reconditioned Dell from Dell, or you can buy a Dell via EBay, other internet sites, or possibly from a local used computer place.

By buying new from Dell, you get their support and warranty coverage.

I am using my wife's Dell, and have had 3 yrs in-home coverage (it was required by her employer). The last guy that came in to fix the computer reccomended getting in-home coverage if you are constantly travelling with a laptop, because even if U try and take care of it, it still gets a lot of pounding.

I'm checking with Dell about extending my in-home contract for that reason.

Cliff
SDF

PS-Whatever you do DON'T buy an ACER computer. They SUK so bad!! I just read they're coming out with new laptops and some other stuff. DON'T DO IT!!! Shoot yourself instead. It would make more sense.

 

[bigD]

Along atpcliff's point - it's definitely a good idea to have a good service contract on the computer. I used to be a corporate account rep for notebook computers for a computer company that shall remain nameless (but, ahem, is *very* relevant to this thread) and the component failure rate on our notebooks was roughly 4x that of desktops. The failure rate was still tops in the industry, but the constant bouncing around of the typical laptop takes its toll, and it's worth it to have good warranty coverage. Also to consider, when a part *does* fail, it'll cost quite a bit more to replace than the desktop equivalent.

 

[CoopDog]

AppBrookie,

I bought the Dell 5100 last Spring. Just an awesome machine. Only one problem though.....just a little short on battery life. I guess the Pentium 4 just sucks the life out of it. You can surf the net and run some basic stuff for about an hour and a half or so, but it seems like a DVD uses a little too much juice to make it through the whole movie. So if you're going to be on the plane watching a flick, get used to finishing it later.

I've heard the Celeron processor on the 1100 series will allow you some more battery life, but I don't know about the video quality there.

Best bet on the Dells is to go to their website and find one of their mall kiosk stores and go check them out. Everyone I talked to there knows the machines very well, and will stear you in the right direction.

Also, I highly recommend the 15 inch screen, but there's no need to pay extra for the high resolution. The standard looks just fine. You'll also love the keyboard and mouse pad on the 1100 and 5100 series.....very clean.

Good luck.

 

[whatwasthat?]

I've been pretty happy with a Toshiba Satellite I got from Bestbuy.com (they have a price matching guarantee). 15" screen, 1.8 GHZ, CDRW/DVD. I watch movies on it all the time, it's almost as good as a TV. Just sit real close. I can get through about 2 movies before the battery dies. It's bewildering, all the advice and opinions on computers so I just decided on a price (about $1000) and got the most I could for surfing the net, movies and playing some games. I haven't had any problems yet, but I did get their 3 year warranty for about $300. It's covered for everything but abuse. I think it's considered to be heavy (maybe 8 or 9 pounds) but that hasn't bothered me one bit. CNET.com has some good comparison tools worth checking out.

 

[Vavso]

averatec /sotec 3120x

weighs 4 lbs has very good performance + DVD player can be had for 650 -750 bucks Check it out!!

 

[ShawnC]

No matter who's laptop you get, buy the warranty and the DVD ROM.

Get at least a 3 year warranty.