Thinkpads Forum

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After seeing 17", I'm going to assume this computer will spend most it's time on a desk, is that right? If so, go for it. Seeing 8x DVD r/w, 17" widescreen, 1gb RAM and 256mb GeForce grpahics all in one package for the price you mentioned is a steal. The only thing I'd give any concern about is if the hard drive is, in fact 4800RPM. I'd aim for at least a 5400RPM, otherwise, there isn't that much of a point in having 256mb graphics and 1gb RAM as you'll be likely to overload the hard drive before you come anywhere near overloading the RAM. We no longer live in the good ol' days of compensating for slower parts by shoving more RAM under the hood.

I don't imagine there is such a thing as a ThinkPad with 256mb graphics (Does the T42p?) and I know there's no such thing as a 17" ThinkPad. When it boils down, I imagine the G series or the R series would have the closest specs for the price. The T series most likely also has similar spec, just not for nearly as low a price as the inspiron.

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I really can't vouch for the Inspirons quality as i haven't used too many of them. I have, however, used many Lattitudes and have been alot more pleased with them than many other people here. The only thing Ive never liked is the touch pad but on most Lattitudes, they also have a TrackPoint as well, so all is good there.

If he's not going to use the computer in any cramped spaces, the screen size is excellent then, viewing space will probaby be comparable to my 19" Samsung CRT at home.

I think the real clinchers are the graphics and the RAM. That there combined with 17" LCD for $2200 is a pretty good deal. The hard drive would still be of some concern, but not as much after hearing it will be mainly for study. Besides, with that price, who cares, just throw out the hard drive and get a new one if it ever does become a problem in actual operation. My main area of focus, however, for a study laptop would be battery discharge time. I'd want the battery to last for 4 hours or 2 and a half at minimum.

If he's ok with the extra heft, then I'd say go for it. Besides, he in college, right? The extra weight can build his arms and make more ladies look at him.

Batuta, I would also suggest that your friend looks at a SFF system. With his budget he can create an awesome system (including an Apple Cinema display) which will be faster than the laptop and handle any upgradeability just fine.

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I''ve got a Dell 5150 as well as the R51. There are many major differences but the two that seem to be the important ones are (a) CPU and (b) Video card . It's a given that (a) more ram = better performance and (b) faster hard drive = better performance. So, the 9300 would appear to be the better choice.

However......

(a) The thinkpads kick Dell's butt when it comes to quality/toughness of construction (This I know from experience )
(b) The 9300 seems to have some video issues re: some video screens are not that good and (b) some of the ATI cards are wonky.
(c) There are complaints in about the sound hardware in the 9300 . Apparently it uses a sigmatel audio chip that has some issues - usually people just go out and buy a PCMCIA or USB sound board.

Now, in the past year that I've had my machine, I've gone through 3 motherboards, 1 miniPCI wireless card, one display, one keyboard. Having said that, I am picky about how well the machine operates so the moment something starts to go out of spec, I run my diagnostics and if needed, get on the phone to Dell to get them to fix it. Moral of the story: get the extended warranty, especially if he goes with Dell. Go for the NBD service: it is well worth the money as you don't have to worry about shipping a laptop - they come out to fix it. If he can go for 4 years on this type of contract, do so. If not, go for the 3 year NBD service contract. Ditto if he goes IBM.

As far as cooling goes, the fans in the Dells are essentially Hoovers - they'll suck up everything not nailed down to your desk. This is good in that the cooling is better. However, it also means that more upkeep is needed in terms of keeping the fans and heatsink clear of dust. A can of compressed air solves that problem. An active laptop cooler also wouldn't hurt either machine.

Good luck!

Fluke - R51 1836-QNU - Toronto

Batuta wrote:Well my T42p has a discrete 256mb graphics card and a higher rez, but I paid $4500 for my setup.

Ok I'll bite....

Where do you get a T42p with 256mb graphics??
Do you mean 256mb graphics card in the Dock II pci slot?

and do you mean higher resolution 15" QXGA screen in the T42p?
or External monitor??

One more question..... how do you "assume" 4800rpm 100Gb HD?? Never seen 'em... you mean 4200, 5400 or 7200rpm??

Batuta wrote:I'm sorry stgreek, but Apple systems are just way out of his league.
Also, he'd have to start from scratch all over again with his SW & HW "collection".
Otherwise, I'm really not sure about the detailed specs of an SFF system.

I was not talking about an Apple system, I was talking about an x86 small form factor system with an Apple display. SFF systems (Shuttle being the best known) are basically very small towers that do everything a big tower does, at the expense of less expandability. However, as they are quite small and mobile, your friend can put it in a bag and carry it to eg a LAN party. Of course, for frequent transportation, it is not very convenient, but then again neither is the Dell monster!

Stavros