I also have the 700M. It is an excellent little notebook and I travel a lot. I don't find the keyboard a bother at all, the screen is excellent, 5+ hours battery life with the large battery, and best of all, if you travel on planes, the notebook opens easily on the tray table evene in the tightest of airplane seating. It is widescreen so it is a little shorter when open. On smaller planes with the person in front of you leaning the seat back that makes a big difference. I got the 2 GHZ CPU, 1 GB Ram and it is very fast and responsive.

My 700m uses the 5400rpm drive.  It moves data pretty fast.  I'd go for the extra warranty as well as complete care if you can afford it.

Many thanks for the info you both have provided, I appreciate it. A couple other questions, please.

1. Do you find the 5400RPM drives adequate, or is there a need to go with the 7200RPM drives?

2. Is an extended warranty beyond the 1 yr worth the extra money???

Thanks.

Bob

The 5400 drive is fine. I also opted for an on-site warranty with complete care. As mentioned, I travel a lot and it does get bounced around a bit. I've had it for over a year now and never had a single issue. It is a stable platform and proven.

Again, many thanks for the input on the drives, and everything else. I am about to place an order for the 710M, but have one very last question please.

On my other machines, for several years now, I have used the OS Windows XP Pro. When building this new 710M and adding the additional warranties, etc., the price is up there pretty good now. What would I lose or miss by ordering it with the Home rather than Pro edition (I won't be using the 710M for business, but mainly for my photography on the road)???

Bob

I use both platforms, and the differnces that I note are:

Pro connects to a Microsoft Exchange server without having to enter a password - it will save it for you. Home version will not (to my knowledge). You are able to encrypt files with Pro but not with Home. Those are what I use. There are many more differences, check this table for all of them:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/howtobuy/choosing2.mspx

Good Luck.

The main difference is you can't login to a domain with XP Home.  Backup is not in the menu, but can be added from the install CD.  And there are other differences to be sure, but nothing serious (I know I'll hear lots of feedback on that).  Be sure to order the backup copy of the CD when you order, it's less hassle than trying to get it later.  And be sure to go to www.techbargains.com or www.fatwallet.com and get a coupon code for a better discount.  On techbargains, look at the right side, scroll down to Dell, and you'll see them.  Currently a $550 off Inspiron $1699 and over, or $650 off Inspiron $1999 and over, are available.

Thanks fellas for the input ... I sincerely appreciate it. I know I said in my last post 'one more question' ... but this will be the last (I hope). I choose the 2Ghxz processor (only $100 more than the 1.7), but it says it delays the computer by 2 weeks. From your personal experience, do you think I would see a lot of difference if I went with the 1.7Ghz? Again, my main use is photography. I use several programs, the most intense being Adobe Photoshop CS2.

Bob

Never mind, ordered tonight. Ordered the 710M with the 2Ghz processor, 1GB RAM, 80gb drive, larger battery, 4 yr ext. warranty, etc. The $650 off a system purchase of $1999 or more coupon helped a lot ... and it ships free also! Estimated ship date not until March 21st. I want to thank the two of you for all the info you have provided to me ... I sincerely appreciate you're taking the time to do that. Looking forward to receiving the computer now.

Bob

You are welcome, and it sounds as if you ordered one heck of a nice notebook.