One reason to keep it is that it is a "tested" design that has proven to be quite reliable. The 9100 has not been enduser tested yet and as such is an unknown entity. I would rather have a few thousand other people test the 9100 for me...
Keep in mind that if you do want to return the 8600 and order the 9100 that you have only 30 days from the 8600s original shipping date to act. At 31 days you are out of luck.
I would only get the 9100 if you are unhappy with the graphics card in the 8600 or you want to make transporting your system part of your exercise program.
If you're happy with the 8600, I say keep it. As a previous poster pointed out, the 9100 is brand new, and may well have issues to iron out.
Also, the 9100 has a desktop processor, and you have a Pentium M, designed for notebook computers. So the 9100 is bigger, bulkier, arguably uglier, and hotter. It's got multiple fans. Will they be noisy. I find it very irritating when the fan kicks up high on my 8100, which fortunately does not happen much.
Agree with everyone else about the 8600 having a very good track record. I purchesed my 8600 because researching the boards it seems the 8600 is probably Dells most reliable Inspiron and I personally would not trade off my Pentium m Centrino chipset.
I'm faced with the same dilemma. I just received my new 8600 on Monday and was also considering returning it for the 9100. The 9100 is a true desktop replacement while the 8600 is more of a mobile notebook. I don't think the battery life of the 9100 will be that great with its 3.2GHz CPU. My 8600 can get 41/2 hours of battery life with regular use. I'd probably get lucky to have 1 1/2 hours with the 9100. If you want a more powerful machine and don't really care about mobility, get a 9100. If not, stick with the 8600.
markkelm
191 Posts
0
March 3rd, 2004 18:00
One reason to keep it is that it is a "tested" design that has proven to be quite reliable. The 9100 has not been enduser tested yet and as such is an unknown entity. I would rather have a few thousand other people test the 9100 for me...
Keep in mind that if you do want to return the 8600 and order the 9100 that you have only 30 days from the 8600s original shipping date to act. At 31 days you are out of luck.
Mark
jk79
412 Posts
0
March 3rd, 2004 18:00
I would only get the 9100 if you are unhappy with the graphics card in the 8600 or you want to make transporting your system part of your exercise program.
JK
ChrisNYC
56 Posts
0
March 3rd, 2004 19:00
If you're happy with the 8600, I say keep it. As a previous poster pointed out, the 9100 is brand new, and may well have issues to iron out.
Also, the 9100 has a desktop processor, and you have a Pentium M, designed for notebook computers. So the 9100 is bigger, bulkier, arguably uglier, and hotter. It's got multiple fans. Will they be noisy. I find it very irritating when the fan kicks up high on my 8100, which fortunately does not happen much.
mikesd
91 Posts
0
March 3rd, 2004 20:00
Maverickman
52 Posts
0
March 3rd, 2004 22:00
crazydave
9 Posts
0
March 4th, 2004 03:00
Thank you all. I've decided to keep my slick little 8600. If I want a powerhouse, I'll just upgrade my old Dell XPS in the future. Thanks again!
Inspiron 8600
15.4" Samsung WGXA
Pentium-M 1.7GHz
512 MB Memory, 40GB HD
ATI Radeon 9600 monster
DVD+RW
Windows XP Home
sakor1
2.2K Posts
0
March 4th, 2004 05:00
Good choice in my opinion (for what its worth
), Good luck!
stu
markkelm
191 Posts
0
March 4th, 2004 14:00
crazydave,
Congratulations! I think you made a wise choice.
Mark