Dell Laptop User Thread

[ordway]

just a tip, if u're getting a new dell lappie, don't forget to do a reinstall of Windows XP and the bare drivers (wireless, video, network, chipset, modem, sound) Dell chokes the lappies with lots of memory resident program that slows down the computer. Also turn off power saving features if u're running off the power adapter so that the smartstep software doesn't throttle cpu speed. After doing a fresh install, virtually all Dell laptop showed significant speed gains. Best time to do a fresh install is of course before you start loading all those extra softwares.

Also, remember to charge the battery for a full 8hrs before using it. If you can't wait to get your mitts on the lappie, run it off AC power without the battery plug in. Then just charge it before going to bed. And never ever have the battery in the laptop for long periods of time while its hooked up to AC. The constant trickle charge to the laptop battery will degrade overall usable duration significantly.

By the way, anyone has played with the Latitude X1 yet and want to share their thoughts? 700m still looks good, but the X1 fixes the one big flaw from the former model: thickness.

 

[Shinji_U]

I jus place an order for Dell 9300 yesterday. I been thinking whether to get this for very long....but finally decided! If u been following the deal of 9300, tis wk promotion is better. Cos u get a set with min 1.73Ghz compare to last wk deal 1.6ghz. The price is even lower price. I did not upgrade the warranty which i still think is there a need? can anyone advise is it worth getting the extended warranty? Wat is the different between the ProWireless 2200 n 2915? How abt DVD rewriter for upgrade or ext writer is better.

Don't forget to add in the nvidia 6800... getting a i9300 without 6800go is wasteful, since only i9300 can hold the card, if you settling for the x300 or below, might as well get i6000 or i700m... normally in the States, those that get the i9300 always include the 6800go, because to us, having such a big notebook but having lousy 3D performance is pure stupidity.

 

[ordway]

Not really though. People may go for the 9300 over the other two model because it has a larger screen. Those who look for a complete desktop replacement would prefer the bigger model. Sure from our POV it's easier to buy larger lcd screen and wireless kb/mouse set to go with a more compact system, but you can't deny that alot of people don't upgrade to 6800 as its one of the most expensive upgrades. Some don't need it at at all as their requirements for a beast of a machine does not include gaming.

Personally, I find the combination of a ultraportable + desktop at home the most flexible. Bring the laptop everywhere with u while syncing with the desktop which offers multiple monitor convenience. Who wants to squint at 17" (at best) screen at home or lug a 5kg brick to class? Plus computer prices are at rock bottom these days.

Draw the line at the Sony TR series ultraports though. Had me squinting at their 10" screens. Expensive and fragile too. Got rid of that one in a hurry. And whilst I heard horror stories of ibm, dell, gateway and the rest, nothing beats the monstrosity that is VAIO Support. There's a reason why sony consistently ranks quite low in the after sales service support. If it ain't a discman, wega tv set or md player, stay away from that manufacturer.

 

[ahonn7]

ehh.. i wanna buy a dell notebook.. with the specs below.. anyone can recommend?

p1.6ghz and above..

2x512mb of ram. ddr2

60 or 80gb with 5400rpm or above..

cd/dvd writer

ati radeon x600 or x700 with 128mb or 256mb..

hmm somehting like this... anyone can recommend?

 

[GreenArrow2002]

Will there be a better deal on Dell's lappies this coming Comdex show? Usually, how long do they do the delivery after placing the order online?

How's this 9300 performs on graphic intensive games using the default video card? I'm getting this for my general use (work & pleasure).

 

[Kahlan]

I jus place an order for Dell 9300 yesterday. I been thinking whether to get this for very long....but finally decided! If u been following the deal of 9300, tis wk promotion is better. Cos u get a set with min 1.73Ghz compare to last wk deal 1.6ghz. The price is even lower price. I did not upgrade the warranty which i still think is there a need? can anyone advise is it worth getting the extended warranty? Wat is the different between the ProWireless 2200 n 2915? How abt DVD rewriter for upgrade or ext writer is better.

It all depends. I would rather buy the extended warranty. Have a friend who bought a laptop did not buy the extended warranty. motherboard crashed after 13 months' use and costs about S$1,000.

 

[CPR123]

Tats wat i worries, it seem tat normally year 1 is always ok but after the warranty, problems all come. Sometimes it reli depends on your Luck when buying laptop. the upgrading of warranty cost abt $400+ more....

 

[GreenArrow2002]

any more?????????????

Just placed my order for a 9300 awhile back. Should be getting this by next Monday. Count boh?

 

[GreenArrow2002]

Hmm ... no more new DELL's lappies owner?

 

[darrenlee78]

Just placed my order for a 9300 awhile back. Should be getting this by next Monday. Count boh?

counted

 

[darrenlee78]

Hmm ... no more new DELL's lappies owner?

u think everyday got new dell member. dont have la.

 

[naro]

u think everyday got new dell member. dont have la.

hahaha..

i temp Dell member.. helping my fren to format and install Hitachi E7K60 on his Inspiron 8600..

the UXGA screen so much better than my XGA screen..

 

[jeffng28]

u think everyday got new dell member. dont have la.

I posted quite some time ago about gotten the Inspiron 6000 but you never added me....

Can add me in?

 

[naro]

actually, mods should make this another sticky..

 

[XPSGen2]

actually, mods should make this another sticky..

Agree...

 

[saigonblack]

Hi, anyone can advise on whether it is possible to replace the integrated graphics card inside my dell M700 to something better? Is it possible to be done or integrated graphic cards are not replaceable? Thanks

 

[XPSGen2]

Hi, anyone can advise on whether it is possible to replace the integrated graphics card inside my dell M700 to something better? Is it possible to be done or integrated graphic cards are not replaceable? Thanks

Sad to say...not possible....btw, it's more complicated than just replace a card.

 

[darrenlee78]

hahaha..

i temp Dell member.. helping my fren to format and install Hitachi E7K60 on his Inspiron 8600..

the UXGA screen so much better than my XGA screen..

then sell urs and buy a dell to become full time

 

[darrenlee78]

so sorry, i must have missed it. be move active in the thread then i wont forget hehe. just added.

 

[darrenlee78]

actually, mods should make this another sticky..

we should have a sub forum like ibm and acer