Help with Vostro 1400 xp options

We need a laptop. We are leaning toward Vostro 1400 xp for travel. I want xp to run Lightroom and maybe CS2/3 (same as desktop) - don't like Vista conflicts. We need lightweight as we'll be carrying cameras, too. Going toward Vostro because I can build with xp and doesn't include bloatware & xp models are hard to find on the shelf (hence Dell). We want to use for e-mail and photo backup (raw) and uploading while in Europe (France, Belgium) and blogging. We don't play serious games.
We want to stay under $1000 and dream of closer to $800. We want reliable and longer lasting.
Is 1.6GHz fast enough?
We have xp pro at home. Do we need it for travel?
Pros-cons for TrueLife for travel?
Going with 2GB ram for now
Is 7200 RPM drive with free fall sensor worth it over regular 5400? adds $105
Going with dedicated graphics for CS photo work
Upgrading to Intel wireless for compatibility in Europe?
Bluetooth? don't know much about it
Add web camera ($40) - why not it could be fun?
Add Sound Blaster HD software edition - anyone use it?
Add WD 160GB Passport portable hard drive for photo backup ($99)
Support & service???
Does this sound reasonable? Is 1400 okay?

 

If you get a dual-core processor, then 1.6GHz will probably be fast enough.

I don't quite understand your second question.

TrueLife might be annoying for travel because of sunlight and glare if you are using it outdoors or on the road a lot.

2GB is good.

I'm not sure. How much do you plan on dropping it?! The laptop comes with HD shock protection already, and mine has been dropped with no ill effects. The 7200 is probably good for raw photo backup.

Dedicated graphics is the only way to go.

Ok.

If you don't know much about it, chances are you don't need it.

Affirmative.

I haven't.

Good call.

Definitely.

1400 is awesome.

Hope this helps. =^)

 

If you are talking about a Core 2 Duo 1.6GHz, then yes, that should be enough.

I dont quite understand what you mean, but if you are asking whether you need to install XP Pro on the notebook, then I'd say no. XP Home should do fine (unless you want to join a Windows domain or connect to your notebook remotely with remote desktop)

With TrueLife colors look more vibrant and maybe good for photo editing n stuff, but it is difficult to use outside. Therefore if you are planing to use it out in the day light or in brightly lit environments, maybe a matte screen would be better.

Thats enough for XP.

I wouldn’t pay $100 for a 7200RPM disk, because for a little more I can buy a new 7200 disk outside. As for the free fall sensor, if you value your data very much, then maybe it is ok, but I don’t know how reliable they are, or whether it’s a worthy investment.

Wireless standards (i.e. a,b,g) are same allover the world.

You can connect several devices wirelessly to the notebook, like mouse/keyboards, headsets, mobile phones, PDAs etc.. Get it since its relatively cheap

Yep, it can certainly come in handy.

As the name implies, its just some fancy software running on the same hardware.

Sounds reasonable.

What is the final price ??

Yes, its a very good notebook for the price. Same as Inspiron 1420 (only difference is color, and warranty services)

EDIT : pixelot, you posted while I was typing .. we both said more or less the same thing.. yours is a much shorter version

 

what they said

the 1400 is a great machine.

Don't bother with the soundblaster software, if you want a decent soundcard, but the expresscard soundblaster off the shelf.

personally I like the matte screen best. True life is okay, but really, not necessary, might be a problem during sunny weather.

The WD passport drive is a great price.

you don't really need the extra shock protection and $100 just to get the faster drive? don't bother. If you're up to it you could get the smallest drive option and buy a 7200rpm one yourself and install it later.


Happy buying

 

Thanks. Does this price look reasonable or is there something else I should be looking at? The price comes in at $1080 before taxes (CA). It sure adds up fast and that $800 dream went fast. It includes base on the Vostro 1400 plus:
$75 to bump to 1.6GHz from 1.4 [yes, it is Intel Core 2 Duo - 2.0GHz is $130 over base]
$99 for dedicated graphics - 128MB NVIDIA GeForce (best avail on 1400)
$29 to change to Intel wi-fi card rather than Dell (I've found some problems on travel forums with compatibility in smaller French towns with Dell; France doesn't seem to be as well wired outside major cities and major hotels as I'm used to finding in US or OZ-NZ travel where we use plentiful Internet cafes)
$20 for Bluetooth capability
$40 for web camera
$99 for Western Digital 160 GB Passport portable hard drive
$70 for 1 yr Gold technical support (faster, in USA, higher tech access per Dell)-- don't know if this is worth it but it seems good to try for better than their regular support route
I'll add security, Firefox and any other additional software myself
I tried to compare the price for Inspiron 1420 but they aren't building it with XP and I'm afraid I'd really mess up a conversion from Vista so I'm looking for pre-installed