Laptop contest. Pick my laptop, win $25
 

I posted this in CTH but nobody helps. So I will post it in OOT as a contest.

I am looking to spend up to around 1k on a laptop. My main question is balancing processor speed and RAM. Should I be more concerned with upgrading to 1GB of RAM or getting a slightly faster processor?

The notebook is for wireless surfing, up to two tables of poker and/or watching MLB.tv. Nothing too intense. Top priorities are reliability and speed. What would you say is the minimum processor/RAM combo to do this effectively?

As much info as possible is appreciated. I will transfer $25 via Neteller, Paypal, or Party to the first person to suggest the laptop that I buy - from the source I order it. Keeping the price down is a plus. I may send out interesting and bizarre additional prizes to people who are particularly helpful. If I get it from a different source or at a lower price I will still send out a prize to whoever is most helpful (and it's doubtful I'll find a better price since you are all smarter than me).

Thank you
NT

Post deleted by Mat Sklansky
 

Re: Laptop contest. Pick my laptop, win $25
 

Don't know much about laptops aside from the fact that 2+2ers like the higher Dell Inspirons, but gildwulf posted some sweet Dell coupons when he bought his computer around Thursday. They may still be active. Worth checking out I think.

Re: Laptop contest. Pick my laptop, win $25
 

Question: what's the difference between the Inspiron 9300 and the e1705?

Post deleted by Mat Sklansky
 

Re: Laptop contest. Pick my laptop, win $25
 

I looked at this one too and I'm wondering if this is enough speed? I mean it has a significantly lower processor speed than my desktop which is almost two years old. I don't know much about the laptop market I guess.

NT

Re: Laptop contest. Pick my laptop, win $25
 

Thanks. 1600 x 1200 right?

Re: Laptop contest. Pick my laptop, win $25
 

[ QUOTE ]
I looked at this one too and I'm wondering if this is enough speed? I mean it has a significantly lower processor speed than my desktop which is almost two years old. I don't know much about the laptop market I guess.

NT

[/ QUOTE ]

I used to regularly 8-table on my Inspiron 8600 with no trouble.

Post deleted by Mat Sklansky
 

Re: Laptop contest. Pick my laptop, win $25
 

NT:
Many of the current laptop processors have very different [read: higher] performance:Hz ratios than the older ones.

Be careful.

Re: Laptop contest. Pick my laptop, win $25
 

[ QUOTE ]
NT:
Many of the current laptop processors have very different [read: higher] performance:Hz ratios than the older ones.

Be careful.

[/ QUOTE ]

Be careful of what? Are you saying I would be just as well with a cheaper model?

Leaning strongly towards Degen's suggestion right now.

NT

Re: Laptop contest. Pick my laptop, win $25
 

seriously, Dell coupons are the [censored] and the screen is awesome for lots of real estate if you ever want to go up to 3 or 4 tables.

Re: Laptop contest. Pick my laptop, win $25
 

JoA:

Did you upgrade the RAM?

Thanks
NT

Post deleted by Mat Sklansky
 

Re: Laptop contest. Pick my laptop, win $25
 

Be careful assuming that clock speed is directly proportional to processor performance. Especially the Intel M's are a lot more powerful than their clock speeds would indicate.

In other words, Degen knows what he's talking about [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

- mark

Re: Laptop contest. Pick my laptop, win $25
 

[ QUOTE ]
JoA:

Did you upgrade the RAM?

Thanks
NT

[/ QUOTE ]

I didn't. Upgrading the RAM through Dell is pretty much monetary suicide, tooo.

Re: Laptop contest. Pick my laptop, win $25
 

Degen,

I don't demand a really high-performance screen, I don't really multi-table (or play pro for that matter) and don't do a ton of multimedia stuff.

Looks like the Dell is the winnar... gonna hit the site right now.

NT

Re: Laptop contest. Pick my laptop, win $25
 

Hmmm.

They gave me a preferred account and I can get no interest for 18 months, but only on an XPS system. What do we think? Is it worth it? Anyone know about how reliable these are?

I pay interest right away on the Inspiron series.

NT

Re: Laptop contest. Pick my laptop, win $25
 

the only reason to get the e1705 is for the 1920x1200 screen imo. if ur not really into that then i would prolly get something else because the e1705 is pretty big and bulky if that matters to you.

Re: Laptop contest. Pick my laptop, win $25
 

[ QUOTE ]
the only reason to get the e1705 is for the 1920x1200 screen imo. if ur not really into that then i would prolly get something else because the e1705 is pretty big and bulky if that matters to you.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah actually looking at the E1405 I can get a lot more peripherals and basically just have a smaller screen.

Geez this is hard. Snap decisions are foolish.

I can go with an XPS system and pay a lot more but have no interest. Or I can go with a small cheap one but have to pay interest on it (but get pretty much all the features I wanted).

NT

Re: Laptop contest. Pick my laptop, win $25
 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834115250

This is a pretty nice machine, it's a little on the heavy side but I see no preference stated as to what size you want. Its a 15.4" screen so its a decent sized monitor, though the native resolution is 1280x800 (its widescreen). If you want power enough for your everyday applications (aka no gaming/CAD) and don't mind the bulk, this is your computer.

Re: Laptop contest. Pick my laptop, win $25
 

Alright, for exactly the same price, I can get one of these two. This is it.

A. E1705, T2250 Processor (1.73GHz/533 FSB) 1GB DDR2 RAM, 100GB HD, 8x DVD/CD burner, Office Suite (only Word), 1 yr warranty and mail-in service, no virus protection.

B. E1405, DUO 2050 Processor (2MB Cache/1.6GHz/533Mhz FSB), 1 GB DDR2 RAM, 80 GB HD, 8x burner, Office Basic (including Word, Excel, Outlook), 2 year security subscription, 2 year IN HOME warranty.

Leaning towards option B. Degen has got the referral locked up but if I go for B I will probably have to throw something to whoever pointed out that I don't need that big of a screen.

Thanks OOT, you've been great

NT

Re: Laptop contest. Pick my laptop, win $25
 

fwiw you can download the beta office 2007 for free from micorsoft BUT it will stop working on february 1, 2007. just something to think about if you want to save money now

i personally dont have office 2007 but from what ive read there have been no problems with it

hope this helps

Re: Laptop contest. Pick my laptop, win $25
 

[ QUOTE ]
fwiw you can download the beta office 2007 for free from micorsoft BUT it will stop working on february 1, 2007. just something to think about if you want to save money now

i personally dont have office 2007 but from what ive read there have been no problems with it

hope this helps

[/ QUOTE ]

Yep, I've got the Beta, since I'll be using this laptop for grad school and I'll be much more broke by then I don't want to worry about updating my office software. Thanks for the info though.

NT

Re: Laptop contest. Pick my laptop, win $25
 

If you are going to be multitabling on this thing, i HIGHLY recommend the e1705 w/ 1920 x 1200 resolution.

I played on an Inspiron 8600 for a couple years. (15" 1680x1050)
I've had an e1705 for a couple weeks. (17" 1920 x 1200)
I really like the bigger screen.

Any XPS machine will be overkill for playing poker.
(My wife has an XPS laptop)
Those machines are meant to run demanding PC games

Also, processor speed isn't really important. You won't be able to tell a difference. RAM does matter, but I would try to buy it 3rd party and save $$$.

Re: Laptop contest. Pick my laptop, win $25
 

I went with the E1405. Degen, PM me applicable info (I do not have a Stars account). TomHimself is also eligible for some form of a prize yet to be determined.

NT

Re: Laptop contest. Pick my laptop, win $25
 

#1 Don't ask computer advice on 2+2 - the misinformation is simply staggering.

#2 Laptops with a Pentium M or a newer Core Duo based machine (both the laptops you posted specs of are core duo based) will be faster than your desktop almost guaranteed. Gigahertz is NOT an accurate measurement of speed anymore, for example a 1.6ghz core duo laptop is faster than 3ghz desktop chip of a previous generation (ie: pentium 4). Someone else mentioned this above, not sure if it sunk in. If you're not doing anything extremely taxing, you should be very happy with just about any core duo based laptop for speed. 1gb of ram should be sufficient for most tasks as well. 2gb is a bit overkill for winXP for most users, but possibly not for windows vista.

#3 The Dell you've mentioned (and bought I guess?) is probably a decent choice, but only for your budget. Overall Dell's laptops certainly aren't built to the highest standard, they just pack alot of punch and features for a small cost. Don't be surprised if you run into problems with the physical aspects of a Dell: hinges, latches, plastic housing, keyboard, trackpad, etc. But if you want alot of features for <$1k your options are fairly limited.

Re: Laptop contest. Pick my laptop, win $25
 

Im looking to pick up the 1705 today before the discount deal expires. Is the $99 upgrade to a 80 WHR 9cell v. a 53 WHR 6cell battery worthwhile? I will be using this comp for schoolwork and multi-tabbing.

-Card

Re: Laptop contest. Pick my laptop, win $25
 

tagtastic: PC or mac laptop?

Re: Laptop contest. Pick my laptop, win $25
 

[ QUOTE ]
#3 The Dell you've mentioned (and bought I guess?) is probably a decent choice, but only for your budget. Overall Dell's laptops certainly aren't built to the highest standard, they just pack alot of punch and features for a small cost. Don't be surprised if you run into problems with the physical aspects of a Dell: hinges, latches, plastic housing, keyboard, trackpad, etc. But if you want alot of features for <$1k your options are fairly limited.

[/ QUOTE ]

I've heard this brought up a number of times, yet Dell laptops are still highly recommended by lots of 2+2 users.

What other options do you suggest (that can do at least 1600x1200)?

Re: Laptop contest. Pick my laptop, win $25
 

i expect a lot of people who recommend dell's do so because they've never really used any other laptops. dells are really horrible laptops to use on a regular basis, especially if you're using them as portables and not just desktop replacements. they are effective from a raw performance/price perspective, but they are poorly designed and generally assembled from subpar components.

i would seriously suggest you visit somewhere like best buy and actually get your hands on any laptop you are considering purchasing. ergnomics are vitally important with laptops. if you can't use the keyboard/trackpad without your wrists cramping you are not going to be very satisfied with your laptop. dell's are, by far, the most uncomfortable laptops i've ever used (this will not be true for everyone, and may not be true for you).

i've owned seven laptops in the last three years, including two dells. i would never recommend a dell to anyone. i'd suggest you check out acer or toshiba. apple may also be a fit.

Re: Laptop contest. Pick my laptop, win $25
 

"TomHimself is also eligible for some form of a prize yet to be determined."

o rly? [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Re: Laptop contest. Pick my laptop, win $25
 

Make sure you use the 30% coupons:

Codes can be found:

Front page of www.gotapex.com
http://techbargains.com
www.slickdeals.net

Re: Laptop contest. Pick my laptop, win $25
 

Not sure if you have seen this:

Thanks to a huge $565 instant discount, you can get this full featured desktop replacement notebook with a huge 17" screen for all of your work for just $849! This configuration is actually giving you more than before at a lower price! It comes with a faster Intel® Core™ Duo Processor T2250 1.73GHz processor, a huge big upgrade to 1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM, a bigger 100GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive, 8x CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability, Integrated Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950, an Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 802.11a/g Mini Card, and Windows XP!

* Start here through the following link to Dell Small Business offers. DELL SMALL BUSINESS INSPIRON 9400 NOTEBOOK DEAL http://deals.gotapex.com/?17HBBZSO

* Click on Notebook Deals
* Click on Customize It under Inspiron 9400 $849

Re: Laptop contest. Pick my laptop, win $25
 

when you get your ram in the laptop, make sure it only takes up one slot and that you leave one slot free. then buy another stick of ram from a site like newegg.
the 2nd slot on dell laptops (at least on my inspiron) are really easy to use. i assume these newer models are similar.

Re: Laptop contest. Pick my laptop, win $25
 

[ QUOTE ]
tagtastic: PC or mac laptop?

[/ QUOTE ]

I have a PC laptop. I'm typing this on an IBM Thinkpad T42.

Thinkpads are generally great, highest build quality in the industry, excellent keyboards, trackpoints beat trackpads hands down, and the T series in extremely well designed from a thickness & weights vs. performance perspective. There's a 1600x1200 option available on the T series as well, at a premium (both cost and a slight size/weight increase).

I have nothing against Apple laptops, in fact (with a few notable exceptions) their build quality is very good. And the new ones, using intel, are very good performers - and can run windows or macOS.

Most other manufacturers are very hit or miss. Acer, Toshiba, Asus - they make generally good laptops, but sometimes certain models have some major problem like excessive heat.

However, all the good brands will cost a premium over the likes of Dell - especially if you buy during one of Dell's very common crazy coupon deals. In many respects however, you get what you pay for.

Re: Laptop contest. Pick my laptop, win $25
 

[ QUOTE ]
i expect a lot of people who recommend dell's do so because they've never really used any other laptops.

[/ QUOTE ]

ding ding ding

Re: Laptop contest. Pick my laptop, win $25
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
i expect a lot of people who recommend dell's do so because they've never really used any other laptops.

[/ QUOTE ]

ding ding ding

[/ QUOTE ]

I have heard a lot about Dells going downhill over the years. I bought an Inspiron 7000 before college in 1999 and it was great to me. I still have it. It had a problem with the power intake at one point (after I dropped it) and they repaired it quickly & for free.

I know I can get a more reliable, better laptop with similar features for more money. Unfortunately I don't have much money. I originally intended to spend about half what I ended up spending but decided that this would probably be my computer during grad school, so best to get a little more punch.

Thanks for the info

NT