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How many 8600 Owners *Don't* have TrackStick Button Problems?

post #1 of 6
1/19/04 at 7:43pm
Thread Starter 
I am researching a laptop to replace my 4 year-old Winbook XL3. The Dell Inspiron 8600 is a major contendor. But I have been concerned about all the reports of problems with the Track Stick buttons (I have a definite personal preference for using the Track Stick), but it's impossible to know how common a problem this really is (since only the ones with problems will complain, post and report).

So how many of you 8600 users out there find your TrackStick buttons to work just fine?

I'm also debating on the resolution: 1680x1050 seems more reasonable for a 15.4" display than 1920x1200 (in terms of font sizes, ease of viewing, etc.). But I have read reports here that the 1680x1050 leaves a lot to be desired, and they preferred the 1920x1200.

Any comments on this issue?

I'm also considering the GW 505XL - the 1280x800 seems a tad low, and I have noted the reports of at least some feeling contrast and overall quality leaves much to be desired - but this otherwise looks like a viable option.

Also looking at the Fujitsu N3010, but there would be no way for me to see and evaluate this unit. But it is a bit heavy, with what looks like poor battery life.

Thanks for any help or insight on these issues.

Don
DLC Photography

P.S. For reference, here's a summary of what I'm looking for and why:

A. high quality display for working with digital images (my primary
passion)
B. minimizing size and weight without too much harm to A
C. longer battery life preferable for the occasional plane trips
D. ability to burn DVD's (probably rewritable) to backup my digital photos
while out of town shooting
E. reasonable system and video speed to run Photoshop and similar graphics
applications.
F. wireless internet access is not an issue and would likely not be used (I
have ethernet cable to my bedroom and desk)
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post #2 of 6
1/19/04 at 9:51pm
Im a photographer i use a Canon 10D and Nikon D100 cameras and the 1920x1200 is a blessing. since i prefer to use RAW and FINE settings you know as well as i do pictures happen to show in rather large sizes and its usually preffered. In general viewing if your into digital imaging the resolution show be completely acceptable.

You will be satisfied with the track stick on the dell the only issue regarding is occasionally after long uses the pointer will stick to that sdirection as do most track sticks after long period uses. the GWXL is rather cost effective but directly comparing the LCD to the 8600 (wuxga) shows theres a lot to be desired in essence you get what you pay for.

I cannot comment on the Fujitsu my overall experience with them has been sturdy systems but cheap chasis which kinda sounds like a a contridiction but its a lasting system with one of my better lists of respectable customer support and tech support (so far no indian accents heard)

and answers for your summary
A. Dell 8600, M60, D800 with WUXGA or.. Sager 5xx0 series with the 15 inch ultra wise angle UXGA screen
B. Dell 8600, M60, D800 (7.9 pounds) VooDooPC M460 (5.5 pounds)
C. Dell 8600, M60, D800 (5 hours) , IBM T41p (7.5 hours)
D. Dell 8600, M60, D800 (4x DVD+R) Sager 5xx0 (2x DVD-R) "please note the +/-"
E. All systems mentioned
F. all systems mentioned
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post #3 of 6
1/19/04 at 10:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by DELL-Machina
the only issue regarding is occasionally after long uses the pointer will stick to that sdirection as do most track sticks after long period uses.
Are long uses like months/years or hours? Also, does the pointer go back to normal direction and become unstuck after a little while of no use? Thanks!
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post #4 of 6
1/19/04 at 10:41pm
The problem is not with the trackstick, it's the trackstick BUTTONS. They are horrid. The have no feel, no click and you have to stomp on them to work. Mine were also mounted unevenly on the keyboard. There is plenty of threads on this issue in the Dell forums. If you are a trackstick user you will be disappointed. There is NO tactile feedback on them. My 8600 was laughably bad especially compared to the R50P I have now.
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post #5 of 6
1/19/04 at 11:02pm
Thread Starter 
I appreciate the feedback. I would like to compare the GW and Dell displays side by side, but suspect I would find just what you're indicating, DELL-Machina.

Regarding the track stick buttons, this is what I'm concerned about. It's hard to believe that all of the 8600's are like this (although you never know). So I'd think that some are poor, some are not, but I have no idea of whether the bad ones are 1 in 100, 20 in 100, or 90 in 100. Clearly a call to Dell would be useless, as they'd likely deny any problems have been reported.

What to do, what to do....

Don
DLC Photography
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post #6 of 6
1/19/04 at 11:07pm
In my opinion i would think about 10% of all Inspirons have some sort of defect which is by far too high a margin compared with HP or IBM. then again with such quick repairs its easy to look over it not to mention aggressive pricing. I partially agree with jonny i did notice the horrid track stick buttons however this was making a trasnsistion from the Inspiron 8100 to the 8200. after 2 weeks i become completely used to the system and its as if i were using the old one (8100).

Regarding my earlier post just meant after extensive use in hours. eventually the stick functions as it should which is a minute or 2
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