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new computer

post #1 of 10
7/24/10 at 11:01am
Thread Starter 
so right now i have an inspiron e1705. i am entering my first year of college this fall. i am looking at majoring in some type of computer major. i am thinking web design, but also more hardware-based, like it-tech, network administrator and security. i am not sure if i should buy a desktop or a laptop. they both have their pros and cons. i really like how you can customize a desktop, but a laptop is portable. i could always use my laptop if i got a desktop, but then it would not be as powerful as i might need it to be. any suggestions? and would you recommend still staying with dell? i have been with them a while, and I have had little trouble with their products. i have been looking at hp, but heard that they are more expensive.

and what type of commuter would you recommend for this type of work? an inspiron, studio xps (etc....)?

thanks!
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post #2 of 10
7/24/10 at 1:23pm
Well few questions

1. Budget ?
2. GPU requirements - are you planning to game with it ?
3. screen size ?

You should bear in mind that the inspiron line are not really what I would call a gaming laptop any more, but they are decently priced, and can be configured with some ATI GPUs just not overly powerful ones.

The Studio line as a step up from the inspriron line, but also have some cons with things like Slot Drive CD ROms Vs Tray loader on the inspiron, but one big Pro about the Studio I like is the lighted keyboard.

again some Studio lines can be equipped with ATI GPUs that give a better gain in GPU power than the onboard Intel GMA series.

Precison line laptops are the buisness line, and they offer a decent graphics option, and performance to boot. But they are expensive, Typically Precison laptops also carry a better level of support from Dell.

last if you want kick ass gaming - Alienware is your best option

the M15x with eh ATI 5850 GPU would be a decent config, I have the M17x with Dual 280M GPUs and have been happy with the over all performance

The present m17x can be configured with 5870 GPU in crossfire, and a sweet RGB LED screen.

anyways lots of choices

Good Luck
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post #3 of 10
7/24/10 at 2:55pm
Thread Starter 
i want to be able to multi-task, and use big apps that use a lot of memory like adobe products (dreamweaver, fireworks), great graphics, for web design. i will use it for music videos and movies. i would not use it much for gaming... except maybe a lil civ V once as it comes out

budget... prob at most, $1,000. maybe a BIT over. i am going to college, and need to save up. but i want to make sure in a few months or so, my computer is not obsolete, so I do not want to buy the minimum.
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post #4 of 10
7/24/10 at 3:44pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by sniper8752 View Post
i want to be able to multi-task, and use big apps that use a lot of memory like adobe products (dreamweaver, fireworks), great graphics, for web design. i will use it for music videos and movies. i would not use it much for gaming... except maybe a lil civ V once as it comes out

budget... prob at most, $1,000. maybe a BIT over. i am going to college, and need to save up. but i want to make sure in a few months or so, my computer is not obsolete, so I do not want to buy the minimum.
Since you're going to college, you might want to take a look at this link: It's 'Dell University' and a good place to start for discounts for college students.

Linky Here
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post #5 of 10
7/26/10 at 9:01am
Well you have your laptop inspiron e1705 and you have experience of Dell products. Dell gives the quality but its products need more maintenance. They are also of higher costs compare to others. I like to suggest you to come up with a decision that what you want to do. As the desktop or laptop has both pros and cons but they will be useful only when you decided your usage.
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post #6 of 10
7/26/10 at 3:24pm
Just my .02 cents, but you should take a look into the Studio XPS line. They offer power and performance for a relatively reasonable cost. The system in my sig pushes through most of the things I throw at it, the only exceptions being the newest games that I can't run on their highest settings of course lol.

They're well built, relatively affordable, and pretty good looking. I'm headed into my sophomore semester this fall so I know what you're going through now =) good luck with college!
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post #7 of 10
7/28/10 at 3:46pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by pdonket View Post
Just my .02 cents, but you should take a look into the Studio XPS line.
If by "line" you mean the only Studio XPS 16...? Or are you also referring to the desktops?

I get the feeling that the Studio XPS is a dying breed, with only one laptop left. Not that it should necessary impact your decision, but I personally prefer things which are not going to be off the market any time soon.
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post #8 of 10
7/28/10 at 4:37pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ricky28269 View Post
If by "line" you mean the only Studio XPS 16...? Or are you also referring to the desktops?

I get the feeling that the Studio XPS is a dying breed, with only one laptop left. Not that it should necessary impact your decision, but I personally prefer things which are not going to be off the market any time soon.
Sorry I haven't much been keeping up with the Dell bandwagon lately, hah, but yes the Studio XPS 16. I understand your reasoning behind wanting to get away from dying breeds, although I think that all depends mostly on why the breed is dying.

In my opinion, the reason the Studio XPS' are getting cut is because Dell is further trying to emphasize purchasing of an Alienware if you want a performance system rather than Studio XPS fits a more affordable standard for performance that I think a large number of customers preferred over spending more.

If you ask me, there isn't a big problem with buying one. It still has some of the newest technologies in it, is reasonably priced, and they'll be stocking parts for it for at least a few years. Not to mention if they don't have your part, they're obligated to replace your system with an upgraded one anyway.
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post #9 of 10
7/28/10 at 8:27pm
None of the Dell branded laptops are gaming laptops any more.

They have basically left that gaming laptops (and desktops) to the Alienware brand name.
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post #10 of 10
7/28/10 at 8:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by dave-p View Post
None of the Dell branded laptops are gaming laptops any more.

They have basically left that gaming laptops (and desktops) to the Alienware brand name.
True, well I would still say that the XPS 16 can hold its own with a fair number of games, but of course I'd never deem it made for exclusively gaming/DTR usage.

It makes sense for them to focus gaming over to Alienware, they'd be crazy for continuing competition within their own company(ies).
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