Getting a laptop - please help!

[TheDudeAbides]

Okay - I'm hoping this is the place to make this post. I have $1000 to spend at Dell and want to get a new laptop. I'm not a gamer, and don't need much besides the basics. Any suggestions?

[whale_hunter]

I don't know alot about computers, but I have a Dell. My laptop is the Inspiron E1705. It's pretty big because I have the 17" screen.
I am really happy with it.

Check it out online and see what you think.

[funkyworms]

[ QUOTE ]
I don't know alot about computers, so I shouldn't be giving advice here.

[/ QUOTE ]

FYP

[funkyworms]

[ QUOTE ]
Okay - I'm hoping this is the place to make this post. I have $1000 to spend at Dell and want to get a new laptop. I'm not a gamer, and don't need much besides the basics. Any suggestions?

[/ QUOTE ]

You need at least 1gb of RAM...2gb if you can afford it.
I recommend sticking with XP for now. You will have fewer problems and get better tech support with XP.
Get the highest resolution screen you can afford (1920x1200 is the standard for 17" screens). Keep in mind that a 17" laptop is going to be pretty big.

Build a laptop and post the link here. People will respond with what you should change.

[CharlieDontSurf]

funky..is vista bad enough that you should uninstall it buy xp and install that instead of is it just bad enough that if u have the option..choose xp over vista?

[Mr Rat]

Vista is not that bad...I was scared when I got it but it is good so far. Be sure and have 2gig ram with it (though mine never caps of 1gig).

Dell Laptop: I have a couple. I used to have a 17" screen but I like the 15.4" laptops better...it is a little more portable...but that is your preference to decide. I do suggest getting the best resolution on whatever laptop you choose (as suggested above).

Some suggestions:
-Get a video card on it
-Get best resolution
-Get true life (display option)
-If it does not bug you, go to the Dell Outlet and do a search for laptops with the size display you want, with 2gig ram, with 256M video card, and see what options come up. The ones that are labeled 'scratch and dent' are the ones that I would go for. But you have to look at the description to see what the actual display is...if it does not have the highest resolution, keep looking (most refurbs or scratch/dents have the lowest resolution so it is finding a needle in a haystack)...I had one refurb and one new computer and no issues on either
-If you want new instead, check out the Dell As Advertised sections and keep checking until they have a good deal (right now they do not)...you can save several 100 dollars from buying from that section instead of the normal section (I saved $300 by doing it this way)
-If you get new, then do some searches on 'Dell Coupons' to see what comes up

Hvae fun shopping!

[funkyworms]

[ QUOTE ]
funky..is vista bad enough that you should uninstall it buy xp and install that instead of is it just bad enough that if u have the option..choose xp over vista?

[/ QUOTE ]

If you have a spare copy of XP laying around then I would probably format and install XP. It's not worth all of that effort and money if you don't have a copy.

Some people really like Vista. I didn't.

[Beavis68]

nothing wrong with Vista. It seems pretty solid. I was really dreading it but once I used it, I really liked it.

[TheDudeAbides]

Thanks all. With the exception of Vista, which I'm still not sure about - how does this look?

Components
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T5450 (2MB cache/1.66GHz/667Mhz FSB), English
Genuine Windows Vista™ Home Premium Edition, English
Jet Black Color with Matte Finish
15.4 inch Wide Screen XGA Display with TrueLife ™
NO WEBCAM OPTION
2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz, 2 Dimm
120G 5400RPM SATA HDD
Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X3000
8X CD/DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability
Essentials
Microsoft Works 8. DOES NOT INCLUDE MS WORD, English
IntelJ3945 802.11a/g Mini-card
Please select an ISP subscription
Norton Internet Security™ 2007, 30 Day Trial, English
1 Year Return to Depot Service and Technical Support
DataSafe Online Backup 3GB (included with price)
56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
High Definition Audio 2.0
Accessories
Also Includes
Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem
Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 7.08Compatibility Alert
Recalculating Price

[Beavis68]

The intel graphics is good if are not planning on doing any 3D games. Good for DVD playback and stuff. However, if you have any desire to do some 3D gaming upgrade that now.

The Intel wireless card is also good but if you think you may want to use N (less interference and better range) you may want to upgrade the wireless card now. Wireless N protocol has not been completely defined yet, so you may have some compatilbilty problems later if you get one now. You can also add an N-wireless later pretty easily.

As far as not having word, check out Openoffice. It has a full open source office suite that is compatible with all the Microsoft products.