SonicReview: Dell Inspiron 9300 - Page 2

Does DELL even allow one to do this?

I was just gonna ask if it's possible to ask for the Samsung screen as well...

My 9300 is coming Friday with a Samsung screen

Now I know with the new Sonoma Centrinos you can upgrade parts yourself ... is it better to order the lowest CPU, memory, HD, and graphics option and then just upgrade them yourself? I'm thinking of getting a 9300 under my school's student discount (12% off on top of $750 discount straight out) but I'm thinking maybe I should just go cheap on everything and then just upgrade it myself.

So like I'm new at this... what's the best graphics option and memory (as well as speed) to get? I would rather get an ATI card as opposed to nVidia, is that possible? Is it like a computer and as long as your motherboard supports it, does it just work (with drivers installed, that is).

The board can support what PCxxxx memory? I think I saw PC4200(?) mentioned or something... that the fastest option this laptop can support?

With the hard drive (god I'm such a newbie when it comes to laptops, bare with me)... is there a special form-factor size when it comes to hard drives? The reason why I'm asking is that Dell no longer has a 80gb 7200rpm drive listed as an option on their configuration page... but is there a 100gb 7200rpm drive available and who makes it?

I'll have to be sure to mention to them (whether calling them or via online customer service) that I want one with a Samsung LCD. I'm glad folks have mentioned that... but once you get it, how can you tell it's an actual Samsung screen?

Thanks in advance for any assistance. This laptop looks really good and I could use one for school and for entertainment at work.

Re Burnt Toast

BURNT TOAST, Dont buy a 9300 without the nvidia 6800 go card thinking that you can buy it later down the road, I checked on this before ordering my own system by checking dell's website and calling dell support as well as "spare parts". You cannot buy an nvidia 6800 go, and there are no "spare parts" in "spare parts". You are really rolling this dice on this one brother and you cannot buy the card anywhere else.

sonicwind - how did the TM350 (BlueTooth) detection process go on Server 2003? The Dell BlueTooth drivers probably work, but I'm curious to see if Server 2003's Service Pack 1 includes native BlueTooth drivers, so I can reassign my MS IntelliMouse's buttons using IntelliPoint 5.2 (no reassignment possible with Dell's BT drivers + IntelliPoint 5.2).
Also, did you install Dell's Notebook System Software? Cpuld you check on the processor driver that Server 2003 Service Pack installs? Which version of intelppm.sys, that is...
Lastly, do the XP video, audio, GigaBit, modem & PC card/SmartCard drivers install as WHQL drivers?
Thanks...

The soo called "sparkle" is not a problem of screen resolution, its a problem of screen manufacturer if it could be said to be a problem at all. Soo many people associate qualities of thier screens to the resolution that have nothing at all to do with resolution.
THe "sparkle" is an anti reflective coating that on an LG looks a bit metallic like theres metallic dust on the panel while on the Samsung panels its a transparent patterned sheen that is much less distracting as my eyes see it on both panels. IF you find this sheen to be too distracting first off find out what panel you have and if its an LG you may be happier with a samsung.

I think alot of people have big misconceptions about wxga and wuxga and what each of them bring to the table, as I have used both resolutions most will find the wxga to be just fine. Many of y ou are thinking well wxga means dull picture and dark screen, not so. Alot really depends more on that panel you get LG or Samsung.