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Which is the best Dell laptop for me?

post #1 of 17
12/14/04 at 9:09pm
Thread Starter 
I plan to use this notebook as a full-time desktop replacement, yet this computer has to be pretty portable, as I plan to bring it with me everywhere. Weight and size matter, big time. Again, something small is a plus. I always crave for the best design. I also want something well-built and sturdy.

I have no real issue with looking at a small screen all day, so screen isn't an enormous issue, although to be able to pop a DVD in my laptop on an airplane and get great picture quality would be great. And I do Photoshop work, so take that into consideration.

Battery life isn't a huge concern, as I always buy an extended battery.

Looking to go Centrino (Pentium-M). Hard drive size isn't a huge issue, but I would like to go 60 GB.

I will be buying via the small business section (unless I can get a cheaper price at the Home one), and I don't want to pay any more than $1,500.

Which laptop is best for me?
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post #2 of 17
12/14/04 at 9:20pm
try a 8600 or either a 700m (for small screen but i can't see it handling photoshop very well) 8600 is mainly for gamers but sure it can easily handle what you need. has good battery life but it is a tad heavy but has a nice wide screen display and high resoloution.
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post #3 of 17
12/14/04 at 9:23pm
Thread Starter 
Yeah, those are the two I am really stuck on. I'm leaning towards the 700m, manly because my dad has the 8600 (although he loves it).
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post #4 of 17
12/14/04 at 9:31pm
yeah i really have my doubts about the 700m now due to the power etc i here doesn't seem to have much balls and the high res glossy screen maybe nice but maybe a hit in the balls for the battery life. and think about it, maybe the 700m maybe small etc and never underestimate things because of the size but i really think the 8600 seems a better choice because it seems to be built more towards power and it has what you want with a nice widescreen i got one for xmas but i think i might get a sony vaio for my GSM network i am building right now. but yeah i think the 8600 can hold everything better for you....run high demanding apps etc and the 700m i'd get frustrated in photoshop when it's too small but what ever you like and use your dads 8600 and check the board, most have the 8600....wonder why?
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post #5 of 17
12/14/04 at 9:45pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by norbx
yeah i really have my doubts about the 700m now due to the power etc i here doesn't seem to have much balls and the high res glossy screen maybe nice but maybe a hit in the balls for the battery life. and think about it, maybe the 700m maybe small etc and never underestimate things because of the size but i really think the 8600 seems a better choice because it seems to be built more towards power and it has what you want with a nice widescreen i got one for xmas but i think i might get a sony vaio for my GSM network i am building right now. but yeah i think the 8600 can hold everything better for you....run high demanding apps etc and the 700m i'd get frustrated in photoshop when it's too small but what ever you like and use your dads 8600 and check the board, most have the 8600....wonder why?
Thanks, I will seriously consider both.

Any more opinions?
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post #6 of 17
12/14/04 at 9:53pm
Well if I were to use my laptop as my primary machine and do a lot of graphics work on it I'd probably get the 8600 as well, for the larger screen. But norbx, except for 3D gaming the performace of the 700m and the 8600 is the same. You seem to be saying that the 8600 is more powerful, that it is "built more towards power". But you can get the exact same processors and amounts of memory in both the 700m and the 8600--so they'll both run your desktop apps like Photoshop with the same speed. The big screen and gaming are the only differences in the 8600's favor; the georgeous screen (although small) and the portability are in the 700m's favor. Just remember, outside of gaming, their performace will be the same.
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post #7 of 17
12/14/04 at 10:02pm
Is the dell 600m any good for you? I think it may meet your needs vis a vis your original post criteria.

Its 14.1 inch, so bigger than the 700m, but smaller (and lighter) than the 8600, but still large enough not to get you eye-strain and annoyance a small screen may give you.
Its also got dedicated graphics, again a plus over the 700m.

Sorry, if this adds to your dilemna, rather than solving it!

-Kiwi
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post #8 of 17
12/14/04 at 10:03pm
Thread Starter 
To be honest, the screen size is really no problem, considering the resolution that hte 700m is capable of (1280x800, with what I do on Photoshop, horizontal pixels are WAY more important). And I do want good portability, something that, after carrying my dads, isn't so easy with the 8600...

...but the 8600 is very enticing, mainly because the extended battery on the 700m (an absolute necessity) sticks out so profusely, and the 8600 has that nice graphics card, begging me to possibly buy a few games (even though I won't) I also like the idea of a 7200 RPM HD.

I'm stuck deciding between these two configurations right now. Which one is best for my criteria?

Inspiron 8600
Quote:
Inspiron 8600




Catalog Number / Description Product Code SKU Id



Inspiron 8600:
Intel® Pentium® M Processor 725(1.60A GHz/400MHz FSB) 15.4 WXGA LP16MHM [221-5908] 1


Operating System:
Microsoft® Windows® XP Home WHXP [412-0408][412-0689][420-4766][463-2282][420-4928] 11


Memory:
512MB DDR SDRAM 2 Dimms 512MB2D [311-3184] 3


Mail- In Rebate:
None NONE [463-1832] 81


Hard Drive:
60GB Hard Drive at 7200RPM 60G7200 [340-9766] 8


CD ROM/DVD ROM:
FREE! 24X CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive with Sonic RecordNow 24XCDVP [462-9713][430-1050] 16


Video Card:
128MB DDR ATI's MOBILITY® RADEON™ 9600 PROTURBO ATI128M [320-2902] 6


Wireless Networking Cards:
Intel® PRO/Wireless 2100 Internal Wireless (802.11b, 11Mbps) IP2100 [430-0570] 19


Dial-Up Internet Access:
No ISP Requested NISP [412-0148][412-0670] 37


Network Card:
Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem INTNIC [430-0493] 13


Floppy Drive and Additional Storage Devices:
No Floppy NOFD [340-8972] 10


Bundled Software:
Productivity Pack including WordPerfect® ICOREL [412-0714] 22


Security Software:
No Security Subscription NS [412-0755] 25


Document Management:
Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 6.0 ADOBER [430-1048] 15


Digital Music:
Dell Jukebox - easy-to-use music player and CD burning software MMBASE [412-0741] 26


Digital Imaging or Digital Photography:
Paint Shop™ Pro® Studio trial, Photo Album™ Starter Edition DPS [412-0744] 38


Power Adapter:
AC adapter - 65w, 19.5v 65W [312-0176] 9


Primary Battery:
72 WHr Primary Battery ADDBATT [312-0066] 27


Purchase Intent:
Purchase is not intended for resale. NOT4SEL [462-4506] 138


Carrying Case:
Dell Nylon Carrying Case NCC [310-4764] 28


Color Choice:
Venice Blue QuickSnap™ Cover BLUE [310-3765] 60


Dell Media Experience:
Dell Media Experience™ DMX [412-0751] 115


Limited Warranty, Services and Support Options:
1 Year Basic Mail-In Plan T111YRR [950-9057][950-3820][960-2780] 29


Onsite System Setup:
No Onsite System Setup NOINSTL [900-9987] 32
Price: $1480




Inspiron 700m
Quote:
Catalog Number / Description Product Code SKU Id



Inspiron 700m:
Intel® Pentium® M Processor 745 (1.80GHz/400MHz FSB) 12.1-in WXGA MM18WM [221-5353] 1


Operating System:
Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition WHXP [412-0408][412-0689][420-4766][463-2282][420-4928] 11


Memory:
512MB DDR SDRAM 2 Dimms 512MB2D [311-3688] 3


Mail- In Rebate:
None NONE [463-1832] 81


CD ROM/DVD ROM:
Free!! 24X CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive with Sonic RecordNow 24XCDVP [463-3214][430-1050] 16


Hard Drive:
80 GB Hard Drive 80GB [341-0935] 8


Wireless:
Dell® Wireless 1350 Internal Wireless (802.11b/g, 54Mbps) TM1350I [430-0921] 19


Dial-Up Internet Access:
No ISP Requested NISP [412-0148][412-0670] 37


Modem:
Internal 56K Modem 56MPC [313-1917] 14


Network Adapters:
Integrated Network Card INTNIC [430-0530] 13


Primary Battery:
4-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery (32WHr) 4BAT [310-5290] 27


Additional Batteries:
8-cell Lithium Ion Additional Battery (65 WHr) 8BATAD [310-5300] 80


Bundled Software:
Productivity Pack including WordPerfect® ICOREL [412-0714] 22


Security Software:
No Security Subscription NS [412-0755] 25


Document Management:
Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 6.0 ADOBER [430-1048] 15


Digital Music:
Dell Jukebox - easy-to-use music player and CD burning software MMBASE [412-0741] 26


Digital Imaging:
Paint Shop™ Pro® Studio trial, Photo Album™ Starter Edition DPS [412-0744] 38


Dell Media Experience:
Dell™ Media Experience DMX [412-0751] 115


Purchase Intent:
Purchase is not intended for resale. NOT4SEL [462-4506] 138


Carrying Cases:
Small Nylon Carrying Case SNCC [310-3098] 28


Limited Warranty, Services and Support Options:
1 Year Basic Mail-In Plan T111YRR [950-9057][950-3820][960-2780] 29


Onsite System Setup:
No Onsite System Setup NOINSTL [900-9987] 32
Price: $1490




Anyone who have the 700m w/ the extended battery gripe about its size? Does it severely affect the design, in your eyes? Design is so important to me (no wonder I own every iPod generation )

I'm stuck. Help me out.
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post #9 of 17
12/14/04 at 10:12pm
You pasted the 8600 info for both.

Everyone I have heard talk about the extended battery on the 700m said it doesn't bother them at all, that it looks worse in pictures than it actually is in real life. And with it, you get 5+ hours of battery life, better than the 8600 if I'm not mistaken. I'm all about stylish stuff too, but the extra 2.5 hours is worth three quarters of an inch in the back. Hey, I just thought of a good mod: find some silver spray paint the same shade as the laptop and paint the battery, then seal it. That would look awesome, and wouldn't make the battery so noticeable.
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post #10 of 17
12/14/04 at 10:20pm
Thread Starter 
mrogers: Thanks. You restored my love for the 700m, which I kept until...



...2 minutes ago, when I actually took my dad's laptop, put it on my lap, and started using it. All of a sudden, a) it wasn't very heavy, and b) it felt pretty good. Darnit, I want to know how the 700m feels!

Still stuck. Any words of advice?


P.S.: 700m stats fixed.
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post #11 of 17
12/14/04 at 10:26pm
Well, if you want to see how the 700m feels, you could always try to find something with comparable dimensions at a local store. Just look for a 12.1" notebook that's around 4 lbs. It's incredibly light compared to the 8600. I think Sony makes one that's close to the same size and weight, and Best Buy / Circuit City / CompUSA should carry those.

As it is, for the same money you're getting a faster system in the 700m. What you've got for the 8600 is no slouch either, though.
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post #12 of 17
12/14/04 at 10:32pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mrogers
Well, if you want to see how the 700m feels, you could always try to find something with comparable dimensions at a local store. Just look for a 12.1" notebook that's around 4 lbs. It's incredibly light compared to the 8600. I think Sony makes one that's close to the same size and weight, and Best Buy / Circuit City / CompUSA should carry those.

As it is, for the same money you're getting a faster system in the 700m. What you've got for the 8600 is no slouch either, though.
I've made a final decision. I really will never game, and the Inspiron 700m is just so light and attractive.

I should be making my purchase soon.
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post #13 of 17
12/14/04 at 10:38pm
I use my 700m as a desktop replacement, I'm kinda cheating though as I have it hooked up to an external LCD. (had this setup with my previous laptop since I couldn't stand the dark screen). I could easily use the 700m without a monitor though, the screen is great and very bright for a laptop. The keyboard is kinda small though. Having portability when you need it is great. You can have the best of both worlds if you're willing to invest in a setup like mine. If the 700m had a docking station it would be the greatest laptop ever. (okay maybe in my opinion only )
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post #14 of 17
12/14/04 at 11:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by I am Noah.
I've made a final decision. I really will never game, and the Inspiron 700m is just so light and attractive.

I should be making my purchase soon.
Great! I hope you enjoy it.

And even if you do a little gaming, many have said that the 700m is surprisingly adequate for casual gaming. I know people who play CS, Call of Duty, BattleField, and Unreal Tournament 2004 on their 700m. Not with everything maxed out, of course, but reasonable performance for a fun break every now and then.

I'll have a chance to try it out this weekend; my 700m was actually delivered today, but I had it shipped to my home address since I didn't want it distracting me from studying for finals
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post #15 of 17
12/15/04 at 2:21am
buy off of dell home and just wait for the 25% off coupon. Or if they have the $200 off, that may help as well. My dad has something comparable to the 700m and he loves it. I use my 9200 for a laptop and desktop replacement.
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post #16 of 17
12/15/04 at 6:35am
600m has a better video card than 700m. depending on what screen you want to go with on 600m, i have the xsga+ so it goes to 1400 x xxx (do not have the other number with me as i am using my old dell posting. just turned off the 600m). but it is your call anyway. 700m has the wides scree so it looks good on the dvd movie. how often do you travel and watch movie? you said you do a lot of photoshop, should you consider to get a laptop which has a good video card?
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post #17 of 17
12/15/04 at 11:04am
superfire, the video card will not affect Photoshop at ALL. Photoshop depends on CPU power and gobs of memory; it does not render things in 3D and therefore there will be no difference between the Intel Extreme 2 graphics and the Radeon graphics in the 600m. I wonder how many times I have to say this? Even if you were running a 3D modeling program, like Autodesk Inventor for example, the Intel graphics would be more than sufficient, because, again, those programs are far more CPU intensive than anything else. I have a 600m now and am selling it to go with the 700m. The only thing I'm sacrificing is a little bit of gaming performance for a nicer looking screen and awesome portability.

And for reference, the 600m does SXGA+ which is 1400x1050. 700m is WXGA which is 1280x800. Less overall pixels, but I like the wide aspect ratio and the Xbrite-like screen.
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