Buying Dell Laptop, Please Convince Me Not To

Gzim · 31-July-07, 08:28 PM

My current desktop is Opteron 165 @ 2.5, 2GB of GSkiLL Ram, and a X850XTPE, it scares me that my choice in laptop is equal or greater than all that for about the same cost...

Description

Vostro 1500

Date & Time: July 31,2007 7:51 PM CST

SYSTEM COMPONENTS

Vostro 1500

Qty

1

IntelÃ‚Â® CoreÃ‚â„¢ 2 Duo T7100 (1.8GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB), Genuine Windows VistaÃ‚Â® Home Basic

Unit Price

$1,670.00

Add to your 2-year limited warranty* term.

Limited time offer!

Save 25% on Select Dell Systems

Expires Wednesday, August 01, 2007

Remove Coupon

- $417.50

Catalog Number:	4 BQCWK1S
Module	Description	Show Details
Vostro 1500	IntelÃ‚Â® CoreÃ‚â„¢ 2 Duo T7100 (1.8GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
Operating System	Genuine Windows VistaÃ‚Â® Home Basic
LCD Panel	15.4 in UltraSharpÃ‚â„¢ Wide Scrn SXGA+LCD Display w/TrueLifeÃ‚â„¢
Memory	2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz, 2 DIMM
Video Cards	256MB NVIDIAÃ‚Â® GeForceÃ‚â„¢ 8600M GT
Hard Drive	80G 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
Integrated NIC and Modem	Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem
Optical Drive	8X CD/DVD Burner w/ double-layer DVD+R write capability
Sound Card	High Definition Audio 2.0
Wireless Cards	Dell Wireless 1390 802.11g Wi-Fi Mini Card
Camera	Integrated 2.0 mega pixel Web Camera
Bundle	No Pre-installed Productivity Software
1st Software	No Pre-installed Anti-Virus/Security Software
Primary Battery	85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
Limited Warranty, Services and Support	2 Year Limited Hardware Warranty with Next Business Day On-Site Service
Installation Services	No Onsite System Setup
CompleteCare Accidental Damage Service	2 Year CompleteCare Accidental Damage Service
Dell Support and PC Tune-up	DellNetwork Assistant 1.7
Additional Battery	85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Additional Battery
Purchase Intent	Purchase is not intended for resale.
Processor Branding	Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
Labels	Windows VistaÃ‚â„¢ Basic
Dell DataSafe Online Data Backup	10GB for 1yr Online Backup by Dell Datasafe
Standard Vostro Services Tools	1 Year Dell Automated PC Tuneup

SOFTWARE FOR YOUR DELL

Free Microsoft Office Live Basics

Qty

1

Dell Part# A0954428

Unit Price

$0.00

Manufacturer Part# VBADCC

Dell Part# A0954428

Attract new customers with a FREE website and tools

.

TOTAL:$1,252.50

Additional Discounts and Coupons

Free 3-5 Shipping & Handling on select Dell Notebooks!

Special Offer


Total Price
Sub-total		$1,252.50

Shipping & Handling		$19.99

Shipping & Handling Discount		-$19.99

Tax		$87.67

Total Price¹		$1,340.17

Gzim · 31-July-07, 08:31 PM

I didn't want to mess the formatting up any more than it already was...

I'm trying to stay as close to the $1000 mark as possible, while keeping some ability to game on it...The 25% off coupon helps alot, but not as much as you'd think since Dell 'discounts' all their products and those 'discounts' don't stack on the coupon...

Anything else out there that anyone has seen that could beat this?

Sn0wMan · 31-July-07, 08:38 PM

Oddly enough, I spec'd out almost that exact configuration for a customer today. It had a bigger HDD and bluetooth, and my cost was $1,025. Too bad you don't live a little closer to me or I would hook a brotha up!

Overall I would say that's a pretty sweet deal for what you are getting.

Gzim · 31-July-07, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sn0wMan


	Oddly enough, I spec'd out almost that exact configuration for a customer today. It had a bigger HDD and bluetooth, and my cost was $1,025. Too bad you don't live a little closer to me or I would hook a brotha up! Overall I would say that's a pretty sweet deal for what you are getting.

That price? On a laptop?

Sn0wMan · 31-July-07, 08:47 PM

Hell yeah man, my company uses a Dell rep so we get sweet deals.

Gzim · 31-July-07, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sn0wMan


	Hell yeah man, my company uses a Dell rep so we get sweet deals.

Damn my lack of connections!

Sleepy_Sentry · 31-July-07, 09:20 PM

Get 1 GB of RAM and upgrade it to 2 GB yourself. You could save some money there.

Why get the extended warranty and accidental damage protection? It is a waste of money. If something breaks, it will be cheap enough to fix yourself. All Dells come with a 1-year warranty to begin with.

You may also want to check out Dell Outlet. I found this baby for only $1109

!
Inspiron E1705
256 MB Nvidia Geforce 7900 Go
2 GB RAM
120 GB hard drive
Windows Vista Business
17-inch screen
Wireless-N

You'll have to search around at dell.com/outlet/ to find it. You can't link to specific systems the way their URL structure is setup.

BuffaloChips · 31-July-07, 09:31 PM

Personally I would think that it would still be worth it to get Snowman to pick one up for you and pay the shipping from him to you. Even with the extra shipping it would still be several hundred in savings AND have a bigger HDD.

Gzim · 31-July-07, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuffaloChips


	Personally I would think that it would still be worth it to get Snowman to pick one up for you and pay the shipping from him to you. Even with the extra shipping it would still be several hundred in savings AND have a bigger HDD.

As tempting as that is, I wouldn't want to burden both of us with such a pricey deal, in addition to the fact that I have a scholarship of sorts that is helping me out with the cost.

Gzim · 31-July-07, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sleepy_Sentry


	Get 1 GB of RAM and upgrade it to 2 GB yourself. You could save some money there. Why get the extended warranty and accidental damage protection? It is a waste of money. If something breaks, it will be cheap enough to fix yourself. All Dells come with a 1-year warranty to begin with.

1. The Vostro line pretty much starts at 2GB of RAM, I'd go lower if I could...
2. If this were a desktop or server, I could say to hell with warranties, but I've known people who have had graphics and screen problems out of warranty and I'd rather not have to worry about how long I'll be out a laptop

s1ugh34d · 31-July-07, 11:12 PM

And Hp with the win

Operating System	Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic (32-bit)	edit
Processor	Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo processor T5450 (1.66 GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 667MHz FSB)	edit
Display	15.4" WXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800)	edit
Memory	1GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)	edit
Graphics Card	383MB NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS	edit
Personalization	HP Imprint Finish (Radiance) + Microphone	edit
Networking	Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection	edit
Hard Drive	80GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive	edit
Primary CD/DVD Drive	FREE Upgrade to LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support	edit
TV & Entertainment Experience	No TV Tuner w/remote control	edit
Primary Battery	6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery	edit
Productivity Software	Microsoft(R) Works 8.0

price	$1,078.99	^*
instant savings	− $100.00

price after rebate	$978.99
you saved	9.3%

Dude you don't want a dell..... (*in my best wannabe dell commercial guy voice*)

turbopsi · 01-August-07, 12:01 AM

The dell has a better graphics card, more memory, and a faster processor. So in the end it's probably worth it.

eascarface · 01-August-07, 12:42 AM

Did that HP deal I linked you to not work out? I don't think I could stand using a laptop with only a 15" screen. But if that works for you I found a sweet deal on an Acer at Best Buy. It's more expensive(barely) but it comes with an HD-DVD drive AND it's not a Dell. Plus it's got a bigger hard drive (160GB) and Vista Premium as opposed to Basic which is absolutely horrible. I'd defiantly go with the Acer.

Also I *think* that there are 10% off coupons for Best Buy but I'm not sure they work on computers.

degu22 · 01-August-07, 01:38 AM

NCIX.com - Buy ASUS F3SV-A1 Core 2 Duo T7300 GeForce 8600 GS 1GB 160GB 15.4IN WXGA Vista Premium Draft N Notebook - 90NPLA5134125CQL300Y In Canada.

Faster Processor and a bigger HDD. All it needs is another gig of ram which is cheap anyways and maybe a 7200 rpm HDD. And it won't explode like dell laptops.

I've read seen good reviews on that asus line if gaming laptops. Some have a 8600 GT and some have a 8600 GS and 1/2 gigs of ram.

eascarface · 01-August-07, 01:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by degu22


	NCIX.com - Buy ASUS F3SV-A1 Core 2 Duo T7300 GeForce 8600 GS 1GB 160GB 15.4IN WXGA Vista Premium Draft N Notebook - 90NPLA5134125CQL300Y In Canada. Faster Processor and a bigger HDD. All it needs is another gig of ram which is cheap anyways and maybe a 7200 rpm HDD. And it won't explode like dell laptops. I've read seen good reviews on that asus line if gaming laptops. Some have a 8600 GT and some have a 8600 GS and 1/2 gigs of ram.

Unfortunately that's nearly $1500US which is well over budget.

tetrafluoroethane · 01-August-07, 11:00 AM

Quote:


	Dell Wireless 1390 802.11g Wi-Fi Mini Card

Get the Intel card since it seems to play better with 64 bit.

And have you checked how much the 17" version would cost with all other specs the same? It might not cost much more.

Gzim · 01-August-07, 04:51 PM

Thanks everyone for your help, in the end, I was able come up with more money than I had originally thought and sprang for the 17", but it was less of a deal until I beefed it up some to make up for the 25%.

It's times like these I have a love/hate relationship with this board: love for all the help I get; hate for being unable to rep you all at once!

(To be rep'd):
snowman
eascarface

tetrafluoroethane · 01-August-07, 06:46 PM

What did you decide on for the 17"?

31-July-07, 08:31 PM		#2 (permalink)
Gzim Da' Jersey Kid	Re: Buying Dell Laptop, Please Convince Me Not To I didn't want to mess the formatting up any more than it already was... I'm trying to stay as close to the $1000 mark as possible, while keeping some ability to game on it...The 25% off coupon helps alot, but not as much as you'd think since Dell 'discounts' all their products and those 'discounts' don't stack on the coupon... Anything else out there that anyone has seen that could beat this?

31-July-07, 08:38 PM		#3 (permalink)
Sn0wMan Apex Tech Demi-God	Re: Buying Dell Laptop, Please Convince Me Not To Oddly enough, I spec'd out almost that exact configuration for a customer today. It had a bigger HDD and bluetooth, and my cost was $1,025. Too bad you don't live a little closer to me or I would hook a brotha up! Overall I would say that's a pretty sweet deal for what you are getting.

31-July-07, 08:47 PM		#5 (permalink)
Sn0wMan Apex Tech Demi-God	Re: Buying Dell Laptop, Please Convince Me Not To Hell yeah man, my company uses a Dell rep so we get sweet deals.

31-July-07, 09:20 PM		#7 (permalink)
Sleepy_Sentry Apex Tech Maniac	Re: Buying Dell Laptop, Please Convince Me Not To Get 1 GB of RAM and upgrade it to 2 GB yourself. You could save some money there. Why get the extended warranty and accidental damage protection? It is a waste of money. If something breaks, it will be cheap enough to fix yourself. All Dells come with a 1-year warranty to begin with. You may also want to check out Dell Outlet. I found this baby for only $1109 ! Inspiron E1705 256 MB Nvidia Geforce 7900 Go 2 GB RAM 120 GB hard drive Windows Vista Business 17-inch screen Wireless-N You'll have to search around at dell.com/outlet/ to find it. You can't link to specific systems the way their URL structure is setup.

31-July-07, 09:31 PM		#8 (permalink)
BuffaloChips Banned	Re: Buying Dell Laptop, Please Convince Me Not To Personally I would think that it would still be worth it to get Snowman to pick one up for you and pay the shipping from him to you. Even with the extra shipping it would still be several hundred in savings AND have a bigger HDD.

01-August-07, 12:01 AM		#12 (permalink)
turbopsi Supe-Hoe-Charged	Re: Buying Dell Laptop, Please Convince Me Not To The dell has a better graphics card, more memory, and a faster processor. So in the end it's probably worth it.

01-August-07, 12:42 AM		#13 (permalink)
eascarface Apex Tech God	Re: Buying Dell Laptop, Please Convince Me Not To Did that HP deal I linked you to not work out? I don't think I could stand using a laptop with only a 15" screen. But if that works for you I found a sweet deal on an Acer at Best Buy. It's more expensive(barely) but it comes with an HD-DVD drive AND it's not a Dell. Plus it's got a bigger hard drive (160GB) and Vista Premium as opposed to Basic which is absolutely horrible. I'd defiantly go with the Acer. Also I think that there are 10% off coupons for Best Buy but I'm not sure they work on computers.

01-August-07, 01:38 AM		#14 (permalink)
degu22 Apex Techie II	Re: Buying Dell Laptop, Please Convince Me Not To NCIX.com - Buy ASUS F3SV-A1 Core 2 Duo T7300 GeForce 8600 GS 1GB 160GB 15.4IN WXGA Vista Premium Draft N Notebook - 90NPLA5134125CQL300Y In Canada. Faster Processor and a bigger HDD. All it needs is another gig of ram which is cheap anyways and maybe a 7200 rpm HDD. And it won't explode like dell laptops. I've read seen good reviews on that asus line if gaming laptops. Some have a 8600 GT and some have a 8600 GS and 1/2 gigs of ram.

01-August-07, 04:51 PM		#17 (permalink)
Gzim Da' Jersey Kid	Re: Buying Dell Laptop, Please Convince Me Not To Thanks everyone for your help, in the end, I was able come up with more money than I had originally thought and sprang for the 17", but it was less of a deal until I beefed it up some to make up for the 25%. It's times like these I have a love/hate relationship with this board: love for all the help I get; hate for being unable to rep you all at once! (To be rep'd): snowman eascarface Last edited by Gzim; 04-August-07 at 09:38 PM..

01-August-07, 06:46 PM		#18 (permalink)
tetrafluoroethane Apex Techie II	Re: Buying Dell Laptop, Please Convince Me Not To What did you decide on for the 17"?

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