Dell Laptop opinion

[Boomyal]

Does anyone have any comments on this Dell model and price?<br /><br /> http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6854723178&fromMakeTrack=true <br /><br />Looking for a new LT for Mrs Boomyal to replace her kitchen desk Toshiba. I got a replacement keyboard (previous thread) for her unit but it still does not work.<br /><br />The only complaint we had about the Toshiba (circa '99), when it was working, was that you always had trouble finding the mouse cursor on the monitor. I would hope that newer monitors, including the Dell would be better in that respect.

 

[KRS]

Re: Dell Laptop opinion

I have my 600m I purchased 7 months ago... it's a nice computer, no problems.<br /><br />Purchased mine using wife's MaryKay discount with Dell.... so I'm a little surprised at the price, as it's almost half what I paid.

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: Dell Laptop opinion

If you've Googled around, you've probably seen this, but here's a review.<br /> http://www.notebookreview.com/defau...Intel+PentiumM,1.4GHz,14.1+XGA+ATI+32MB+Video

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Dell Laptop opinion

Well for better or worse I just bought the Dell 600m for 608.99. It cost less that half of what I paid for the Toshiba Satellite 4070 CD back in '99 and I'm sure that the Dell beats the pants off the Toshiba, considering the age difference.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Dell Laptop opinion

Good luck with it. I have a dell 8600 and I am quite happy with it.<br /><br />Bob

 

[fireship1]

Re: Dell Laptop opinion

Enjoy Boomyal. I have had this Dell Inspiron 8100 since 2001. It's a great laptop and never had a problem. Dell makes a great PC IMHO. I think you made an excellent choice.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Dell Laptop opinion

I went crazy and blind reading reviews, getting opinions, reading how-to articles when researching what laptop to buy. I’ve since come to the conclusion it probably doesn’t matter that much; getting a new computer is always fun, whatever make/model you get.<br /> <br /><br />In the review Boatbuoy posted a link to they mention that Dell laptop has a shorter battery use time. If your wife will be using her new Dell on battery power you might think about getting another battery for her.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Dell Laptop opinion

18r, you got that right about reading reviews, I didn't read many but I could feel myself getting sucked into the review vortex and I didn't like it. That is why I jumped when I did, that in combination with a seemingly widespread approval of Dell Laptops.<br /><br />As for the battery, Mrs Boomyal never moves it off the Kitchen desk wall plug. So another battery will bite the dust without ever really being put to use.<br /><br />Thanks all for your comments.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Dell Laptop opinion

I beat the crap out of my Inspiron 4150, and have used it several hours a day for over 3 years. It has held up MUCH better than my previous Compaq, Toshiba, and HP laptops. And at 3 years old, it's still as fast as what you can buy today. (2.4ghz, 1gb memory, 40gb HDD) I strongly suggest you pay a little extra to get a 1 year, or even better 3 year warranty. (you can extend it at any time before the current warranty runs out) Not that you'll need it, but if anything at all breaks, for any reason, you'll have new parts the next morning. Just one bad hard drive or battery will pay for it.<br /><br />I used to go through laptops like underwear, but I stopped when I got a Dell.

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: Dell Laptop opinion

I'll second the 3-year extended service.

 

[QC]

Re: Dell Laptop opinion

I have had four Dell laptops Boomer All have been pretty darn good and I throw 'em around a lot. I lost one motherboard and they sent a guy out and he replaced it on my dining room table . . .

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Dell Laptop opinion

Originally posted by ZmOz:<br /> I used to go through laptops like underwear, but I stopped when I got a Dell.

Hopefully you’re changed your underwear at least once in the last 3-years since you got your Dell.<br />

 

[Pony]

Re: Dell Laptop opinion

Currently typing this on a Dell Inspiron 600m.......Have had it now for roughly 3 or 4 years without an issue. I have taken advantage of the service plan I took out on it, as my harddrive failed. (was really prolly my fault: used it in a manner that didnt allow for proper cooling). I also replace a battery about 3 weeks ago, so I got almost 4 full years out of it.<br /><br /><br />One thing I purchased which has helped me a lot is a Laptop "chill-mat".......the one I have has USB 2.0 capabilities with four USB ports. It really keeps things nice and cool.<br /><br />I also have a nice cordless optical mouse, but thats only because I really hate touchpads........<br /><br /><br />Hope you enjoy it......I wouldnt hesitate to buy another.

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: Dell Laptop opinion

I also use a chill-mat. You're right. It helps a lot, expecially when using it on a bed, lap, sofa, etc. where air doesn't get to the underneath side.<br /><br />I know the battery has a certain number of times it can be charged. When those are exceeded, the battery fails. If you'll notice, when the laptop is plugged in to AC, the recharge light blinks. That means it is constantly refreshing the charge. I've been told to pull the battery when operating on AC(after fully charged) to extend battery life.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Dell Laptop opinion

You guys are all so encouraging. Mrs Boomyal can't wait to get her new laptop.<br /><br />I also just emailed the ebay seller and told him that the used keyboard he sent me, for the Toshiba, does not work. You type a letter and it just keeps on printing that letter until you shut off the laptop. If I get a keyboard that works, maybe I'll two laptops.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Dell Laptop opinion

Originally posted by BoatBuoy:<br />I've been told to pull the battery when operating on AC(after fully charged) to extend battery life.

That is not necessary. When the battery is charged, it stops charging. Completely. Lithium ion batteries explode when overcharged, so all devices that use them make SURE they stop charging when the battery is full.

 

[KaGee]

Re: Dell Laptop opinion

Good choice!<br /><br />As brother Lube Dude used to say... "you won't be dissapointed"!

 

[llfish]

Re: Dell Laptop opinion

Dell makes a great product and you will be happy with it.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Dell Laptop opinion

Originally posted by BoatBuoy:<br /> I know the battery has a certain number of times it can be charged. When those are exceeded, the battery fails.

Batteries are a chemical reaction. They are in a constant state of decay, tho there are some things you can do to exacerbate the decay, like discharge and charge them. You’re correct, there are only so many ‘cycles’ in any battery’s life, but a cycle depends on the depth of discharge. Unplugging ac and running on a full battery to move your laptop from room to room isn’t going to show up on the discharge radar; it doesn’t count.