Is this a decent entry level notebook?

[MI2QWK4U]

I think that my wife wants a laptop. Mostly for surfing, simple games, word processing, music; nothing hardcore. I saw this Dell Laptop and I think it is a good entry level laptop for her, shipped free for under 500 bucks.

Anyone have any pros or cons for this one?

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?cs=19&kc=08973&oc=dnphdx1&x=0&y=0

[Breadfan]

Yeah, that looks just fine for what you'll need. Main areas I look at are the memory (RAM) and screen - two areas usually skimped on with entry level laptops.

This one looks good, there are bigger screens out there, but a 15.4 widescreen isn't bad.

It'll get the job done, and really for what you get the price isn't bad. I cannot comment on the quality of Dell's entry level laptops, shouldn't be too bad though, I doubt it's any better or worse than the other entry level laptops out there.

Seems like a good one to me.

[FordNut]

Get the extended warranty.

[Breadfan]

Get the extended warranty.

Not a bad idea, but Dell warranty's are not cheap.

The 2 year warranty is another $140
4 year is $270 - half the price of the system.

Considering the pace of technology, in 4 years the system won't be worth much, any major failure will mean probably time for another cheap replacement.

The main points of failure will be the hard drive, battery pack, and LCD panel. The hard drive is a cheap replacement if fails after a year, battery's can be bought online as refurbs (basically they replace the cells), and the LCD should not fail unless the backlighting dies or it is damaged. (That could be costly...)

So it's up to how you feel - yep the 'ol gamble. For a budget laptop I would personally forgo, anyway, most defective parts fail within a year (covered by base warranty), if after a year it works, you're probably in good shape. :)

Just my opinion though!

[RR|Suki]

Dave DELLs are terrible, see my post on the other side

[FordNut]

I didn't get the extended warranty on my newest one. It comes with a 1-year warranty. Less than a month out of warrant the hard drive crashed. It didn't have to be replaced but the OS had to be reloaded. Since I was a University student, their computer support dept did most of the troubleshooting and reloading but some of the drivers are still not working right. If it was under warranty, Dell would be fixing it completely. As it is, I've got to struggle with figuring out how to fix a bunch of crap I have absolutely no interest in.

So I'm mostly using my 4-year old laptop since the new one is crippled.

[MM03MOK]

On my second Dell laptop at work - Latitude 600. First was fine...it was just time to upgrade after 3 years. We use Dell exclusively at work, many thousands of them.

Dell tower at home. Never had a problem with it in 4 1/2 years. Have ordered Dell laptops for family and will continue to do so.

Have never bought an extended warranty on a computer.

[merc]

If I said "Apple Mac Book Pro", I would have to put my flame suit on.

[Breadfan]

If I said "Apple Mac Book Pro", I would have to put my flame suit on.

My best friends college roommate had a PowerBook, he went on and on about how great it was because it was made with titanium "like the space shuttle" so was therefore indestructible. I grabbed my keys and said "Bring the PowerBook."

Suffice to say...he didn't follow me. :cool:

Mac's are nice machines, the rift that exists between Mac and PC is closing though, Mac's can run Windows and there is an OSX compiled for x86 now...and anyway OSX is just BSD anyway!

[Breadfan]

I didn't get the extended warranty on my newest one. It comes with a 1-year warranty. Less than a month out of warrant the hard drive crashed. It didn't have to be replaced but the OS had to be reloaded. Since I was a University student, their computer support dept did most of the troubleshooting and reloading but some of the drivers are still not working right. If it was under warranty, Dell would be fixing it completely. As it is, I've got to struggle with figuring out how to fix a bunch of crap I have absolutely no interest in.

So I'm mostly using my 4-year old laptop since the new one is crippled.

You just need MercuryMarauder.net tech support! What is wrong with it? Send it my way - never lost a battle with drivers in my life. Older HP laptops were nasty...trying taking one from XP Home to Win2k...I did :burnout:

Granted I understand not everyone is a computer guru - many struggle through getting help from friends and online resources. I guess you weigh the headache when considering the warranties. By all means if it fits your margin it's the right move. BTW, software issues including spyware/malware are the main cause of failures, hardware takes a back seat to that - with hardware my rule of thumb is if it works after a month you've probably got a decent part. ;)

[Mad4Macs]

I'm a certified Dell tech, and I use a MacBook :D

[MM2004]

I think that my wife wants a laptop. Mostly for surfing, simple games, word processing, music; nothing hardcore. I saw this Dell Laptop and I think it is a good entry level laptop for her, shipped free for under 500 bucks.

Anyone have any pros or cons for this one?

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?cs=19&kc=08973&oc=dnphdx1&x=0&y=0

Most entry level notebooks have the Celeron chip in them. As long as she doesn't throw too much at it, she should be fine. Personally, I stay away from Celerons; as I prefer the Centrino Duo.

No issues w/Dell as I support many Dell users at work. I have had fairly good luck with them. (Have 2 Dells for personal).

If you think the Mrs. will be playing vids, etc. you may want to ensure the notbook has a better chip than the Celeron. IMHO.

Good Luck!

Mike.

[Peter]

I think that my wife wants a laptop. Mostly for surfing, simple games, word processing, music; nothing hardcore. I saw this Dell Laptop and I think it is a good entry level laptop for her, shipped free for under 500 bucks.

Anyone have any pros or cons for this one?

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?cs=19&kc=08973&oc=dnphdx1&x=0&y=0
Its a resonable laptop for the price, but you can allways get an XPS:rolleyes:

[fastblackmerc]

I can get you an IBM Thinkpad for employee price if your interested..... Same for anyone else on the board.

[KillJoy]

For what it is you are wanting to do....just about ANY CURRENT Notebook that is being offered will fill the bill.

KillJoy's Points To Remember:

Processor Speed - The Faster....The Better
Memory (RAM) - The More....The Better
Hard Drive - The Largest For The Price....The Better

After that....it's all just icing, spoogiedust and bling ;)

KillJoy

[RoyLPita]

I just got a HP laptop. It is nice compared to what I had previously. As for Dell, they are beginning to suck at work.

[Bigdogjim]

Dave I am also a two Dell person. E-1705 laptop built to the max. And at home E-510 packed with goodies.....I would go with Mike on the chip and upgrade to Centrino Duo.

Prior to this I had a Gateway for 7 years and no problems at all. Only upgraded to get DSL and the Gateway had no eathernet card not worth putting one in.

[MI2QWK4U]

Well....I was out at office depot this morning picking up a digital camera for my daughter, and came across this offer. I will be honest, I doubt she will be tasking the Celeron beyond its capabilities. I was hard pressed to pass up on the price. $349 after a huge rebate. If it acts up after a couple of years, for that price I would just toss it!


Compaq® Presario Notebook Computer with Intel® Celeron® M Processor 420 & Color Printer
SAVE $370, Office Depot® Exclusive, FREE PRINTER**
$349.98
After $100 Instant & $270 in (2) Mail-In Savings
( In Store Price $619.98)
thru Nov 22


• 512MB DDR2 memory
• 60GB hard drive
• Read and write CDs & play DVDs via combo drive
• Integrated 802.11b/g wireless LAN
• Get an Express Upgrade to Windows Vista ™ Home Basic for only $9.95 shipping and handling* 15.4 " BRIGHTVIEW WIDESCREEN Model C302NR

http://akimages.crossmediaservices.co m/dyn_li/200.0.88.0/Retailers/OfficeDepot/061119_CTRI_FCZA_cmb_4_DL.JPG

Linky Linky Here (http://officedepot.shoplocal.com/officedepot/default.aspx?action=detail&flashbrowse=y&storeid=2279591&rapid=337844&pagenumber=1&listingid=-2094096714&ref=%2fofficedepot%2fdefault.a spx%3faction%3dbrowsepageflash %26storeid%3d2279591%26pagenum ber%3d1%26rapid%3d337844%26prv id%3dOfficeDepot-061119)

[Breadfan]

Dang that's a great deal for in-store. Office Depot is one of the best, plus they NEVER hassle you about the warranty like Best Buy. Great store, just for that.

That's a good deal, a bit hefty in the Mail in rebate portion, keep an eye that you get it all back, MIR's are notorious for not showing up sometimes, varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Good buy!