Final Questions before buying an E1505...

What exactly is Integrated Sound Blaster® Audigy™ HD Software Edition? I mean like, is it an software program, or is it an actual piece of hardware? Also, should I get 3 year warranty with accidental? (Well, I get 12% off, $100 mail in rebate, accidental is + $70). Or should I just skip out on the warranty?

Background Info: I'm planning on taking this to college, between classes, in and out around with me (I know its not that great for mobility, but I missed out on the XPS M1210 stuff). I'm going with the E1505.

Intel Core Duo T2400 1.83GHz/667MHz FSB, 1 GB DDR2 (533MHz) RAM, 256 MB ATi Radeon X1400, 100GB 5400RPM HD, DVD R/RW DL, 15.4" UltraSharp™ Wide Screen SXGA+ Display with TrueLife™, 3 Year Warranty + Accidental

Total = $1293.93 (and I get an additional $100 mail in rebate)

 

If it's $70 for 3 years get it but I think it is likely $70/Year for a total of $210 for 3 years.

That configuration is good but if you can hold out for the XPS 1210, I would recommend doing so.

 

The Audio Upgrade is a ripoff, don't buy it. It has conflicts with a lot of games. And yes, it is entirely software.

The Latitude D820 is a better built option for $1,300.

 

What are the chances of another EPP coupon that includes Dell XPS? (I'm still new with that whole EPP thing).

Oh Accidental states:
"SAVE 10 %! Add CompleteCare Accidental Damage Svc to 3Yr Lim Warranty [add $70 or $2/month1] "

EDIT: I will go check out the Latitude D820.

 

The EPP deals are good through today, i believe.

 

Bah! I knew I shouldnt of included that. I have a quick question about the Sound Card -- Since its software I'm guessing I could uninstall it somehow? If so how? Thanks.

Justin.

 

I helped my friend configure a XPS400 desktop that he needed for college, he is "notebookist" in his words. So I selected the HD audio upgrade as a cheap upgrade for him. He got it 2 days ago. I spend 3 hours deleting all the dell crap and such. So I discovered that the audigy software just hangs out in a little bar at the top of the screen. You hold your cursor over the little of it that sticks out, then it expands. I thought it was an overall audio software upgrade, but it now looks like it only does anything if you run audio in the creative media player and such. Kinda weak. Well I guess it does give the EAX option for games so its not all worthless.

 

Wow the Dell Latitude are pretty expensive. I dont see how you can get a Latitude D820 for $1300. Unless I am missing some coupon I'm not seeing...

 

Yeah, I wasted $25 on that stupid Audio thing thinking that it would be an actual sound card. It just seems to be a media player. I wonder if I could return it somehow.