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    First time notebook--Inspiron 1520

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by guardian653, Nov 14, 2007.

  1. guardian653

    guardian653 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I wasn't sure to post this here or in the What Notebook Should I Buy? section. I figured here so I could ask specific answers to 1520 owners

    Basic stuff first

    1) What is your budget? $1500~$2000
    2) What size notebook would you prefer?
    c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen (1520 only comes in one size..)
    3) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in. USA
    4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like? Dell (though open to suggestions)
    5) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
    School work, Gaming, Hi-Def Content (720p content in H264 min)
    6) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
    Lots of places (School, home, etc)
    7) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
    HL2 (Latest Source type engines), COD4 (Doubt Crysis can run on laptop, much less in my budget)
    8) How many hours of battery life do you need? 3-4 hrs when not gaming (more is better of course)
    9) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person? Probably online
    10) What OS do you prefer? Windows (XP or Vista), Mac OS, Linux, etc. Vista x64
    11) Would you prefer standard or widescreen? Either
    12) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
    d. WXGA or WXGA+ - 1280x768/800 or 1440x900; Wider viewing version of XGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
    Coming from 5:4 (1280x1024) I would like something around there, but if 1440x900 isn't too small I'll get that instead
    13) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen? Seems impossible for a 1520 (Would've liked a matte screen better)
    14) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
    While I'm willing to put the money down--for $1500~$2000 I want it last and not be fragile
    15) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last? At least 3 years
    16) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 200GB? Min 160GB (7200 RPM)
    17) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD, Blu-Ray or HD-DVD drive? DVD+-RW burner or better

    Other questions:
    • With the FAQ above--would a 1520 fit for me? Or would another model do me better?
    • How does Dell handle the warranty? (I'd prefer in-home service, is it worth it?)
    • Since it is a Core 2 Duo, is VT (virtualization) supported?
    • When gaming, how well is the cooling system (or will I not be able to marathon (2+ hrs) on this system?)
     
    guardian653, Nov 14, 2007
    #1
  2. Storm3016

    Storm3016 Notebook Evangelist

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    This one would probably do you fine, but if you want the fastest and you can wait a few moths; Alienware will bring out a new 15.4" lappie with a 8800 GTX and T7500 for little over $2100 in December....
     
    Storm3016, Nov 14, 2007
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