Questions while considering a laptop

Question

I have never used a laptop before (I prefer to work on a server machine) but am considering one at present.

My quick review of the online product information didn't give me an answer to some questions.

I'd appreciate some information as follows:

I'm looking at a Vostro 3500 but that could change.

1) Can I use a standard USB keyboard and mouse with such a laptop? (No need for special devices!)

2) Are there any problems with PS-2 to USB adaptors connecting keyboard and mouse to a USB port? (Yes I have a few keyboards and mice in storage!)

3) Can I install a standard out of the box version of Windows 7 Ultimate (already licensed) on the Vostro 3500?

4) I saw reference somewhere to touch screen control in Win 7 coming sometime. What are the release plans for such capabilities in Dell laptops?

Thanks for you time.

ejn63 · Accepted Answer

1) Can I use a standard USB keyboard and mouse with such a laptop? (No need for special devices!)

Yes, you can.

2) Are there any problems with PS-2 to USB adaptors connecting keyboard and mouse to a USB port? (Yes I have a few keyboards and mice in storage!)

Yes, there can be problems. The adapter for a mouse won't work with a keyboard - so make sure you have the right adapter for each device if you're going to try it.

3) Can I install a standard out of the box version of Windows 7 Ultimate (already licensed) on the Vostro 3500?

Yes. That said, it must be an unactivated copy and you should WAIT until you're sure the system works properly, as if you change the OS, you will have trouble with support, if that becomes needed. The software warranty is only 90 days though, so it won't be a long wait.

4) I saw reference somewhere to touch screen control in Win 7 coming sometime. What are the release plans for such capabilities in Dell laptops?

It is available on some models but isn't likely for a business-oriented one like the Vostro. It's more common on consumer multimedia notebooks (Studio, Inspiron, etc.).

Mike Gale · Answer

Thanks very much for an excellent answer.  (Didn't get my notification, so slow in replying.)

jsmorada · Answer

I also have a Vostro 3500 that's a little less than a year old and would like a definitive answer on whether or not there is an upgrade path for touch screen capability. I really don't want to scrap an existing system just to use Windows 8 especially since Windows 7 does everything I need it to do. I tried the Windows 8 upgrade but had to do a lot of work just to get the start menu back. I have an old D600 that's reaching the end of its life and I'd rather spend my money buying a new machine to replace it whenever I can afford it.

Regards,

Jon

Authorized Dell Reseller

ejn63 · Answer

No, there's no way to upgrade it to a touchscreen.

jsmorada · Answer

That's unfortunate, to be Politically Correct :emotion-6:

Locked Topics – Laptops General

Questions while considering a laptop

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