LAPTOP ADVISE 2
Posted by: John K R on 03 May 2005
My daughter is off to university this Oct. and wants to take a laptop with her.
Apparently students don’t lug them about to lectures, although some portability would be preferred so she can take it into the library etc.
She doesn’t play games at all so it would be used for word processing, spreadsheets and internet browsing (and chatting on messenger).
Dell seem to be well regarded and I have come up with this, Dell inspiron 510
Intel ® Pentium ® M 715a Processor (1.5 GHz, 2MB L2 cache, 400MHz FSB)
15.0" XGA LCD Screen Native Resolution 1024 x 768 pixels or
15.0" SXGA+ LCD Screen Native Resolution 1400 x 1050 pixels
256MB 333MHz DDR RAM (1x256MB)
40GB 5400RPM IDE Hard Drive
Internal 56K v.92 Capable Fax Modem
Modular 24x CDRW/24x DVD Combo Drive with Software
2100 Intel Pro Wireless Card
Intel Extreme Graphics with up to 64MB shared memory
The spec is quite flexible; most components have the option to go to a higher spec.
What do you think? Are there any obvious upgrades I should opt for? And what about the screen is it worth an extra £42 for the better resolution, or is this just better for games?
Any pointers would be appreciated,
John.
Posted on: 03 May 2005 by Steve G
It's usually worth going for the higher resolution screen and upgrading to 512MB of RAM is also worthwhile.
The integrated graphics will be ok for general use but crap for games so if she's into that sort of thing it'd be worth upgrading to something with a decent graphics capability.
Posted on: 03 May 2005 by 7V
I bought a Dell Inspiron a few years back. On starting it up I noticed that a couple of pixels were non-operational on the screen so I telephoned Dell who arranged to deliver a replacement and collect my Inspiron.
They duly delivered the replacement but I'm still waiting for them to pick up the original.
I had a friend to whom the exact same thing happened, also with Dell.
Not that I'm suggesting ...
Regards
Steve M
Posted on: 04 May 2005 by Derek Wright
Do not forget to get a security cable so the laptop can be chained to a secure bit of the building she will live in
Posted on: 04 May 2005 by Deane F
quote:
Originally posted by Derek Wright:
Do not forget to get a security cable so the laptop can be chained to a secure bit of the building she will live in
That's a good point. I imagine it's the same the world over - laptops are one of the easiest things to convert quickly into cash and can be found in many public areas - making them excellent targets for thievery. So with that in mind perhaps a removable storage device for backing up course work?
Posted on: 04 May 2005 by i am simon 2
As I am sure many of you who spend most of their day in front of a pc, if you have a smallish screen like on a laptop, the higher the resolution, the less the strain on your eyes.
A higher res screen on my laptop at uni would have been a godsend, on those late nights trying to finish that essay before the deadline at 11.00 the following morning, sat for hours on end in front of that little compter screen was not always so much fun.
Posted on: 04 May 2005 by Rasher
In that environment, without appearing to be too cynical, it is almost inevitable that it will be dropped, damaged or nicked at some stage. Buy what she needs to do the job, but is cheap enough to be replaceable if the worst happens. And for those reasons, ensure she fully understands the need to back up her work at every opportunity. You can get laptops from very little now, and they should all do what she needs very easily. The Dell's around £700, right?
Look
here for good cheap stuff. It won't survive, whatever it is.
Posted on: 04 May 2005 by Berlin Fritz
Can she read ?
Posted on: 04 May 2005 by Phil Sparks
I'd second the advice to 'go for a cheap one'. Got a refurbed HP for a neighbour a few months ago for £350 and it's absolutely fine for surfing, email, word etc. It's only a p4 700MHz so not great for the latest games but dead cheap all the same. Came with no os or software but loaded up XP first time with no probs. from here:
http://www.laptopsgoingcheap.com/alternatively I noticed that
www.pixmania.co.ukhave currently got an NEC laptop for £450 inc VAT and Windows XP.
Not sure I could justify spending much more if it was out of my own money.
HTH
Phil
Posted on: 04 May 2005 by Berlin Fritz
A seriously cheap normal puter with Diskette player/recorder between a few staudents on top of their lickle laptops is a real-world back up for text, as CD's are rubbish to burn constantly, innit, you know it makes sense.
Fritz Von I read the news today Oh boy
Posted on: 04 May 2005 by Phil Barry
Laptops get a lot of abuse, and a failure can be devastating if it keeps the student from accessinga paper in process.
For that reason, I'd recommend getting a GOOD laptop, with a long warranty and built-in toughness.
A Toughbook (Panasonic?) maybe a good choice. An IBM - with it's cushioned hard drive and ability to access data even if Windows doesn't initialize is another good choice.
Dell support sucks - I'd recommend staying away unless the user is very savvy about 'puters.
Other options:
1) a desktop with a good, big monitor and a true handheld 'puter for taking notes
2) a Tablet PC with an external monitor capability + a good, big monitor and external keyboard and mouse.
Regards.
Phil
