How often do the Dell deals happen?

Using the $ Laptop Deals link above, I have built myself a nice Inspiron 1520 using the $300 off coupon code. However, this code expires 1/4/08 and I won't be getting my scholarship money until the 16th of January. I could find some cash to buy before then, but I was wondering if Dell usually puts out deal after deal like some companies do. Also, is there any reason to wait for something new to come out soon so the price on older stuff goes down? I just started looking at laptops, and I figured it was time to get one as I'm in my second year of college and majoring in engineering. Here is what I currently have built for a total of $919 after the $300 off...

-Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T7500 (2.2GHz/800Mhz FSB/4MB cache)
-Windows XP Home
-Glossy, widescreen 15.4 inch display (1280x800) (What is the difference between glossy and anti-glare?)
-256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT
-2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz
-80GB HDD

And all the other basic options. Should I go with Vista over XP? I've never owned a laptop before, so sorry if my questions seem random.

 

With Penryn and the 8800 series around the corner I forsee alot of deals around New Years.

Usually when one ends another begins. Just keep checking the Dell site for deals and the internet in general for coupons. But of course if you can scrape together the relevant funds go ahead an buy it now.

 

get a bigger hard drive, at least 120GB i would say. vista alone will take up about 10GB and you will use up 80GB much faster than you would think. i personally wouldn't go any lower then 160GB, but 120GB should be the minimum I would say, in the long run you will be very glad you have that extra 40GB, and it's much cheaper and easier to do it now then down the road.

 

I have a 320GB external drive that I keep all my files on for my desktop PC. I figure the only thing I will use the laptop hard drive for is games installed and random documents. Otherwise, it will be hooked up to the external.