I couldn't help myself, bought an outlet 17R 7110

Order Detail
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Item Description:
-- Inspiron 17R - N7110 Laptop Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium
Unit Price: $569.00
Quantity: 1
-- Inspiron 17R - N7110 Laptop
-- Label
-- 90W AC Adapter
-- Certified Refurbished
-- Processor: Intel Core i5-2410M processor (2.30 GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 2.90 GHz)
-- Software
-- DataSafe Online Backup Software
-- 8X DVD +/- RW Drive
-- Processor Label
-- Dell Support Center 64 Bit 2.0
-- Documentation
-- Shipping Material
-- Diamond Black Exchangeable Lid (WLAN)
-- Wave Systems Software
-- Service Software
-- Dell Support 2.0 Software
-- Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit Operating System DVD
-- 6 Cell Primary Battery, 48W
-- Software
-- Intel Centrino Wireless-N 1030
-- NVIDIA GeForce GT 525M - N12P-GE 1GB
-- No Media Selected
-- Microsoft Office Starter
-- 17.3 inch High Definition (1600 x 900) LED Display with TrueLife
-- Software
-- Keyboard
-- 125V Power Cord
-- 4 GB DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz (1 DIMMs)
-- Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 32-Bit Operating System DVD
-- Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium
-- Label
-- Label
-- Integrated Webcam
-- Image Restore Software
-- 320 GB SATA Hard Drive (5400 RPM)
-- Save 20% on all Dell Outlet Insprion 17R or Insprion One 2305 All-in-One!
- $113.80
-- Insp 17R-N7110: 1 Yr Limited Hardware Warranty, Mail-in Service(Shipping Included. 14x7 Phone Support) (Included In Price)
Unit Price: $0.00
Quantity: 1
Subtotal: $446.10 Shipping and Handling: $19.99 Shipping Discount: -$19.99 Sales Tax: $26.77 Total Amount: $472.87

So I think I did okay, I got the discreet graphics card I wanted, and 4 GB of ram along with the bells and whistles of the newer model. I think 4 GB of ram will be plenty for me for word processing and surfing, maybe light gaming and running videos. I just had to share, I am so excited about it, I am going from a 10.1" netbook to this monster! Which will sit on my desk. Now the best cooler for a huge machine? I am clueless, but would love to know what YOU use on yours...Be it a 14" or a 15.6" 15R or something along those lines. I want something enclosed and that will not cost $60. That $60 zalman one looks sweet, but I don't feel like dropping $60 on one. I was kind of looking at these two:

Amazon.com: Cooler Master Notepal X2 Notebook Cooler R9-NBC-4WAK-GP: Electronics

or

Amazon.com: Targus Lap Chill Mat AWE55US (Black with Gray): Electronics

These two both have good reviews, and the first is pretty enclosed like I want, though I could probably get used to the targus one pretty easily. I remember a HUGE thread on coolers somewhere, but I read it like three years ago, so I just wanted your expert opinions on what you use successfully and what you thought of these two coolers I am torn between. My machine is supposed to be here by Tuesday, we'll see if it ships tomorrow.

 

I own ALOT of notebook coolers (NotePal XLITE, X2, U1, U2, Antec Big Boy 200, Antec Notebook Cooler (2x 80mm)) and personally the best for the money is the U2. I can recommend the U3 as it is preferable for big 15.6 and 17.3" laptops. Antec Big Boy 200 cooler was good but pricey (retail was like 90, I got mine for 55)

 

Thanks Tsnaude Hime! I appreciate the recommendations. They put that Cooler Master one on sale so it's my first one for the lappy. I got it for under 20 shipped so we'll see how it goes, I will probably wait for a sale on one of the better ones and snag one then. I can't wait to get my lappy!

 

Okay I have a case and cooler on the way, but I am thinking about our router now. This lappy has the Intel Centrino Wireless-N 1030 which I've heard only does the 2.4 GHZ frequency, does that mean if I got a router for us that has the 2.4 GHZ frequency and does 300 MPS we might get better speed then if we stick with this older B & G router? Not sure what frequency it uses, probably the same. I had thought the new Inspirons would have that higher frequency, but I guess not. Does it really matter if all I am doing is video chatting and surfing and light gaming? Thank you in advance for your help with my questions Tsnaude Hime.

Edit: The last thing I meant to ask and forgot was about the battery, should I use it to 0% the first time I use it? or is 60% sufficient to 'condition' a new battery? I have heard on one hand the newer batteries don't need that kind of thing, but I want to be sure. Besides that, what are the first things I should do on my new machine? Microsoft OS updates? Just need to know what order to do stuff in. Thanks again for the help!

 

Dang! That was a steal. I got the more basic N7110 for a little over 400 but am now jealous of your deal, lol. I wish I had the I5... lol. Congrats, hope your happy with yours. I love mine so far... its HUGE though.

 

The Intel 1030 only supports single band and 300 Mbps. Should be fine for most users. You may want to consider moving up to a faster N router (they can be had for under 60 for a cheap one and a good one under 100).

Running it to 0 should only be when you are calibrating the battery. Just do not let the battery drop to critically low percentage on a constant basis as it can damage the cells.

You can let Windows Update find updated drivers or go to each manufacturer's website (you'll be on Intel's site alot). If your machine has Optimus you almost always have to use Dell's drivers.

Personally the first things I do is create recovery media and optimize the machine (uninstall trial software, bloatware, disable unnecessary start up items).

 

I think I got a recovery DVD coming with the machine as it's from the outlet, I got one with my netbook and I don't have Optimus I don't think, it doesn't say it has that, it shows:

NVIDIA GeForce GT 525M - N12P-GE 1GB

So even though I will have a OS DVD I should still burn one to be safe? I am thinking of downloading and using MSE & Comodo Firewall this time around. I had AVG on the Netbook with Windows Firewall enabled and as far as I know it's still running great.

I think we might get a better router around the fall, we'll see. So I shouldn't HAVE to deplete the battery to 'condition' it right? It should just work fine without having to discharge it to low capacity the first time I use it? I really appreciate all your help Tsnauda Hime. You've been great to talk to about this purchase. I feel this machine will be good for me for awhile. how long exactly? Who knows?

 

I would still get a copy of recovery discs. Using Dell Datasafe, they will recreate the recovery partition in case the drive fails and reinstall all original content. The provided Dell discs only reinstall the base OS and preactivates Windows but you do not get any of the original Dell software. Dell recovery media doesn't take long to burn and I recommend it to everyone to at least burn their copy and verify it works before blowing away the recovery partition/doing a clean install.

AFAIK all new laptops with Nvidia should be Optimus except the uber monster gaming laptops. And ya I just looked up the N7110 supports Optimus. Basically it will automatically switch from Intel GPU to Nvidia GPU and back depending on your level of activity.

 

Okay, sounds good, I will burn a disc today after I get the machine. I don't plan on doing a clean install, but time will tell. I was looking last night, the card my machine has, the Nvidia 525 does use that Optimus, so I guess I will be on the Intel site a lot. LOL!!! I am so excited. Thanks again for y our sage advice!

 

This is a stupid question but how do I burn a recovery DVD? I don't see Dell Datasafe or any dell backup options, I only see Dell Webcam Central. I feel so stupid.

 

Hit the Windows button and type in the search Dell Datasafe Local Backup and you can create the recovery media there.

 

Thanks Tsunade Hime! I will do that today. Thanks so much for the help!