Help! Inspiron 9400 dual core

I’m thinking of purchasing this notebook, the specs look great for the price:

Inspiron9400-DualCore

But the fact that its Dell and I can’t look at and feel the product before purchasing worries me.

If anyone knows about this notebook I have a few questions I would like to ask you.

I'm looking for a mobile notebook, not a PC replacement, so I'd like it to be portable and not too heavy. How does the 9400 size up?

I'm into a lot of gaming and graphics work so I need something fast, the specs look great but how well does it really perform?

Lastly I can’t seem to get the dell coupons to validate, has anyone had these problems? Why take the $330 sale from dell when I can get a coupon for $650 or even $450 (CAN)

Thanks, any response is a good one.

 

I don't have a 9400, but I do have the 9300 which is very similar. On portability and weight, I think the 9400 starts around 8 pounds (someone correct me if i'm wrong). I take may laptop to school/work everyday, but in my opinion, I would be careful about the type of bag you choose. If you get a backpack or messenger bag where you can fit everything in it, the bag gets to heavy. I think it is better to go with a simple sleeve bag with a strap. I tried using a backpack and messenger back to carry books and the laptop in it, and it became too heavy.

The coupons are only valid for US residents and must be used on Dell's USA Home online site (can't use them with any international sites, small business, etc). If you meet those two requirements, then probably the coupons have expired, but they are usually reissued every week.

 

I agree with SG. I too have a 9300, but my friend bought the 9400. To me, it looks identical. It practically feels and weighs the same. At my college, theres some slopes and downhills so when I carry my laptop around it is sorta heavy (especially if I have books and binders with me). I do admit it is perfect for gaming (if you get all the necessary requirements), but for portability, I wouldn't rank it so high. Lets just say it's good for a big screen laptop.

 

8 pounds seems like a lot. Would you compare the notebook to a Desktop replacement like a Pentium 4 or a Centrino mobile style size?

Also the coupons I have are supposed to be for the Canadian dell site, but I can always call the hotline to ask them about that.

My biggest concern is the size and weight.

Thanks for the reply

 

It is suppose to be more of a desktop replacement versus portable machine. Most 17in are desktop replacement, but that doesn't mean that you can't take with you. Just don't expect it to use on a plane or in tight spaces, and don't try to get an all-n-one bag where you can fit folders/books/etc in it. If you get just a sleeve for the laptop like the one that sfbags.com offers, and then carry anything else in another bag, you should be fine. It's annoying to do it that way, but unless you enjoy having a ton of weight on your back, its really the only way to carry the 9300/9400. You could get one of the bags on wheels.

If you are looking for portability, then you might want to look at another laptop. It also depends on how often you plan to make it portable. If it is only a couple of times a week, I don't think you'll have a problem. If you are wanting something for everday, then it probably will be a problem. I know my laptop weights around 8lb with a 9cell.

I'm not sure about the Canadian coupons. I'm not too familiar with those. Sorry.

 

Richh, here is the link to locate Dell Stores. I am lucky there is one within 10 miles from where I live and I went to the store to see before I order. They don't sell you anything in the store. Display only and still have to order direct from the store or online.

http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/category.aspx/dds?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs