[e1405] Finally, I ordered it (and a couple questions from a computer dummy)

e1405 Core Duo with the following upgrades:
*1 GB RAM (free upgrade)
*60 MB Hard-drive
*DVD Burner
*9-cell battery

Coupons:
*$300 off $999+
*$35 off $300+

With free shipping and no sales tax (Oregon), the total was $763. I'm pretty pleased as I got the major upgrades I wanted for under $800. I probably might have saved a few dollars waiting another week or three, but isn't that always the case? This same laptop wouldv'e cost me $823 last week. I am crossing my fingers about the screen issues, although maybe I won't notice it given that I'm not a "tech guy" and don't game.

I do have two relatively random questions:

1) Computer Dummies like myself tend to just open the box and go from there, but I've seen mention here of re-formatting, re-installing, etc. Is there a basic guide for "What to do with your laptop between opening the box and using it?"

2) I was browsing at a Dell kiosk and trying out the various laptops. I noticed that the small one, the 710m, had really sharp letters in Word documents, almost as if they had been painted. Is this something simple to accomplish, like changing resolution? Or is it something within Word? How do I do this on my current, decrepit Inspiron 4150 and on my soon-to-be new rig, the e1405? I'd be kinda bummed if I can't, if it has something to do with being a small computer, but I've lived this long without it...

Thanks in advance!

 

Can anyone answer my questions? I know "bumping" your own post is obnoxious, but is there a better place for these questions?

 

There's a sticky near the top of this forum called: Reformat and Reinstall XP on Dell Laptops. That's a good primer to read to get a feeling of what you'll need to do/have to reinstall.

As for the sharp lettering, it may indeed be the resolution the other system was running. It might also have an effect like ClearType enabled (Display Properties > Appearance tab > Effects button > check "Use the following method to smooth edges of screen fonts:" ClearType).

 

I do have ClearType enabled, so that's not it. What resolution would make the lettering look sharper/smoother?

And thanks, I'll check out that forum.

 

make sure you are at your native resolution. Also it could be the screen that you will notice the crispness of the fonts. Truelife really brings out the beauty of everything! if you have a matte screen it will not be quite as crisp.

 

Well, I saw a Sony Vaio many years ago that I noticed the same crispness to the letters--and that was very small as well, so I'm wondering if it has something to do with laptop size and the corresponding resolution (which I've messed around with on my current computer, an Inspiron 4150, and haven't noticed any difference.

???