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I don't know anything about computers. HELP!
Hi, I was hoping that someone would help me to figure out what I do and do not need in a laptop. I know you're probably laughing, but I really have no clue what I need. I know what I want though: I need to be able to use wireless internet, and I'm a student, so I need it for papers and all that stuff (I need excel too) and I'm not going to be doing any games or anything on it, so I don't need graphics stuff, and I do want to watch (not necessarily burn) dvd's without them skipping, but I do want to be able to burn CDs. I'm not going to be doing anything complicated with it, but I need it to be light for travel.....can someone help me? I don't know what half the options are, so I don't know if I need them! I'd really appreciate it....
inspiron600m
73 Posts
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April 9th, 2004 19:00
Try the 600m laptop.
It has Centrino technology (a power saving laptop processor and wireless internet capability) and you can pick the least powerful processor if you only want to run basic Word and Excel duties (you can order this software package when you configure your laptop).
Also, you can pick teh 32mb video card option which will save you money and can run many popular games if you change your mind later.
I would also pick the CD-RW/DVD combo drive (or a DVD-RW drive which can burn DVD's as well).
And finally, it is the second lightest laptop in the Dell lineup. I found the 300m to be too small with its 12.1 screen. The 600m has a much more eye-soothing 14.1" screen. Check it out!
mharasaki
5 Posts
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April 9th, 2004 20:00
mattcowger
2.6K Posts
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April 9th, 2004 20:00
No worries - not everyone is born knowing what 802.11b is :)
Operating system: This is the piece that lets all the other applications runs. For most people, this is Windows, specifically Windows XP. For your uses, Windows XP Home is probably the best choice.
Wireless networking: Think of normal networking (i.e. with a wire), but instead of having a wire, you have air! Basically, you can do everything over a wireless network that you can over a wired network. I would advise you, if you can afford it, to get one, because even if you think you wont need it now, you'll want it later. The best choice for most right now is the TrueMobile 1350.
Processor: For notebooks, there are basically 2 choices: Pentium4-M, or a Pentium M (aka centrino). The P4-M processors are a little more powerful at the top end, but for most users (and your uses) aren't necceasry. They also GUZZLE DOWN the power. Most people are fine with the Pentium M processors, and they use FAR less power, while still being fast enough for all but the most demanding user.
For a printer, just get any USB printer, and you'll be fine.
Like the above poster, I would recommend the 600m.
Oditius
808 Posts
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April 9th, 2004 20:00
Message Edited by Odius on 04-09-2004 04:36 PM
Oditius
808 Posts
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April 9th, 2004 22:00
But a real good video card would make the viewing nicer, wouldn't it? And the Pentium M is the celeron chip, isn't it? Dang, get confused about laptops. Yep the 8600 is wider, maybe a little bit heavier, but it is better than the 8200 which I had. And as far as the warranty. Hmm bought another 8200 because I dropped my cup of coffee on my last one, kind of wish I had the complete care, it would have been covered and I would have got it replaced. But the 8200 I bought to replace that one did have complete care, it started giving me static shock. Dell replace it with this 8600 within a week. So my complete care served it's job. And on a laptop so many things can happen by accident that unless you can afford to replace a $2000 system every year, I would pay the extra $300 it cost to add the complete care.
a_kneel
100 Posts
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April 9th, 2004 22:00
mattcowger
2.6K Posts
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April 9th, 2004 23:00
A niver video card will not affect the viewing quality on a laptop - only its perfomrance with games. The Pentium is the polar opposite of a celeron - its has a full 1MB of cache, making it MUCH faster than other similarly clocked chips, and MUCH MUCH faster than a Celeron.
And yes, I would recommend the Complete Care as well.
inspiron600m
73 Posts
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April 10th, 2004 01:00
I would say your decision depends on what you will primarily be using the laptop for.
If portability is more important, the 600m is definitely the way to go.
If picture quality with DVD's is more important, than you might want to look into the 8600. It has a gorgeous 15.4" screen that is really, really good for movies (wide screen aspect)
I would still recommend the 600m though. I use it to play movies and it runs absolutely fine. I would love the added viewing space of the 8600 but in no way does the use of the 600m reduce DVD picture quality.
mharasaki
5 Posts
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April 11th, 2004 13:00
mharasaki
5 Posts
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April 11th, 2004 20:00
hehe, Another question for you (or anyone)...my parents got me this memory key thing from Japan, and I can't read the entire instructions (in japanese). I asked my brother, and he said that I can basically use it to replace any floppy disk since it can be used on any PC (it plugs into the USB port, I think). Is this true? So does this mean that I don't need a floppy disk drive? And can I really use it on any PC even if its old and even if I have to use it at some random computer at school (do you usually need to download stuff in order to use the memory key, since I can't download on school comps)? Also, if I don't get a floppy drive, I know that the space can be used for other stuff, but what other stuff can I get in place of it?
Also, any thoughts on what sort of warranty I should get? I think I'll be taking it places regularly.
Thanks again!
mharasaki
5 Posts
0
April 11th, 2004 20:00
Hey,
About the wireless networking card.....I don't think that I'll ever be at home without plugging it in to my cable connection, but I want to ba able to access the internet wirelessly in airports and such. Is the card necessary for this, or is it just for use in the home from signals from my existing service? Thanks for all your help. Hopefully I'll be getting this thing soon!
kormath
401 Posts
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April 11th, 2004 23:00