Hard Decision

Im going to be going to college next year. And i just ordered the system thats in my signiture. Im not sure if i should instead go with the 6000 because i can get it at the same price. So what would you guys do latitude D610 or a 6000 at the same price and same specs for a student.

 

The Lattitudes are business-user oriented, so they're more rugged and have better durability. If you're going to be lugging it around a lot, I'd suggest the Lattitude. But if you fill out the FAQ, we may be able to provide some better alternatives (maybe the 6000 is fine, not sure for your needs though!)

 

I think you did fine with the Latitude. Like Queshy said, if you are plan on taking it to school all the time, it will be better than the Inspiron plus it will last longer. I would at least give the latitude a try. If after a couple of days, you don't like it, then you can return it if you are with in 21 days from the invoice date.

 

What do you plan on doing with the machine? Dell's are fantastic machines, but there may be other models from different manufacturers that would fit your bill. Lattitudes have matte screens while some Inspirons are glossy and widescreen, which is more ideal for movie viewing. For durability though, Lattitudes win, but then again, there's also IBM and Fujitsu to rival that.

 

Fujitsu s6231 if you like the glossy screens, IBM/Leveno T43 if you don't. You could get a similarly equiped s6231 or T43 with three warranty for the same amount you are paying for the Dell. Both IBM and Fujitsu will offer better build quality and support. Good Luck.

 

If you can show me a T43 With The Same Specs And The Same Warranty. I will love you ! I wanted a T43 but when i configured it it always came out to alot more. Even with the visa discount the closest that i found was a t43 1.86 w less ram less hard drive, and no extended onsite warranty for 1650 without tax. Closest i get configuring it with only 256 ram is $1,883.00 Im going to college next year what would be the eduational discount?

 

Get a preconfigured one:

http://www.securemart.com/cgi-bin/future/IBB18745.html?pcode=1

Be careful though and make sure it is what you want. Most internet retailers don't accept returns. It is $130 to upgrade the warranty to three years on IBM's website which you can upgrade anytime while the notebook is under warranty. Has open memory slot for upgrade. It is a little more but if you are planning on keeping this awhile, the ThinkPad will hold up better. Might want to look on ebay. Sometimes there are deals to be had there. Just make sure you buy from a reputable seller. Lastly, you may want to consider the T42. The T43 has a 10% performance increase, but takes a hit in the battery life. You can probably get a better price on a T42. I doubt you'd notice a difference between the two. Good Luck.

 

The Thinkpad's offer better build quality, but it's not as if the Dell will fall apart in your hands! My 700m is very solid, except for the fact the lid is scratched a little

All in all, Dell's are great and give you better performnance than rivals for a lower price.