Is 700M right for me?

Hi all,

I've never owned a notebook in my life and looking for one now.
Basically I'm looking for a notebook that is portable enough to comfortably carry everywhere, preferrably can slip into my existing messenger bag or backpack.

I want it to have a nice screen, can play DVD's and Movie Files, send emails, browse the web and download movie files, run MS Office programs. Burning DVD's is a nice plus. But I would love to be able to develop (.NET, ASP, SQL Server) on that machine at a cafe, library, or home for work or my side projects.

The current specs on my workstation at work is Pentium 4 1.6 Ghz, 512 MB RAM, and 80 GB Hardrive (7200 RPM)

Is 700M right? Should I look for a different model or a model from another company? I've been out of computer hardware for quite awhile. Even now I'm just learning about wireless features.

Thanks!

 

That computer is actually the perfect notebook for you!
Right now, there are very good coupons, like $750 off coupons if your order is $1999 or up. So if you configure it on Dell's website for $2100, the coupon will drop it to $1350.

It has a very nice glossy screen, perfect for DVD movies. It is lightweight and portable. You can get it with a DVD Burner and it has enough speed for programming. The standard 4 cell battery for it stinks, it gives you only like 2.5 hours of battery life, the extended 8 cell will give you 5 hours of battery life.

It does have a built in wireless card, and wireless internet is awesome! When I had a laptop, I just lay on my bed and surfed the Internet using a neighbor's wirelss connection who was across the street from me! Very cool!

This model is just right for you, I don't think you need to look any further.

 

Overall, I'm satisfied with 700m. It's been a couple of months to use 700m with 8 cell battery: no problem for watching 2 DVD's. The Fujitsu 40GB (5400rpm) hard drive is quiet: are you sure that 80GB is with 7200rpm? Isn't it 5400rpm hard drive? It's very easy to carry it around.

However, I wish the keyboard would have been larger. This is like a keyboard in 10" laptop. Also, the screen is very reflective when the screen color is black: it's almost like a mirror. Other than those, 700m is a good laptop. And, it's hard to resist with a good discount.

Good luck.

 

Thanks for the input so far.

Those specs were the specs of my desktop at work NOT the 700M I want to get. What I was trying to find out is if the 700M will perform as well as what I program at work with which isn't all that to begin with. I'm thinking it can.

 

The 700m will meet your needs nicely. Others, such as Sony T150/S360 or Fujitsu p7010/s6231, are also available in the $1500-2000 range for the 700m size. Going slightly larger and heavier lowers prices so the portability has some trade offs.

I went with the 700m as best for the size/price combination. Look at some of the reflective true/crystal/bright view screens to make sure you will be comfortable with this type of display. I found it very noticeable until I started using it and then haven't paid any attention to it.

 

The Pentium M processor in the 700M will easily outperform the Pentium 4 in your desktop. The only problem I see is with the harddrive in the 700m. I think the speeds are either 4200 or 5400 rpm. But that shouldn't be too bad unless you plan on video editing or something like that. For programming, it shouldn't be a problem.

The slowest processor available in the 700m is the Pentium M 1.6 ghz processor, which can beat a 2.8 ghz Pentium 4 in performance. This is a very fast machine suitable for just about everything except playing new games.

 

I would look at a Fujitsu s6231. You can get a preconfigured here:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=34-110-127&depa=0

Or you can configure one here:

http://www.laptopsinc.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=S6231CTO&Category_Code=SS1

Fujitsus are much better built than Dell. The screens are better too. Portable one is more expensive than NewEgg, but will allow you to do some upgrades. Fujitsu tends to be picky about user upgrades. Portable Ones come with the tree year warranty as well. Good Luck.






I know things, things that could get me killed


Thinkpad T41:
* 1.6Ghz Pentium M * 768Mb Memory * 40Gb Hitachi 7200RPM * Panasonic UJ-845-B DVD+RW *

 

Hello,

I posted this question elsewhere so I hope I'm not breaking any etiquette rules.

I just ordered a 700m and was expecting it to weigh 4.1 lbs, but I just read that it weighs 4.9 with the standard battery. Does anyone have real world experience that can give me the truth?

Thanks,

Tom

700m
1.8ghz
512mb
40gb hd
standard batt.

 

Thfrazer-

Probably should start a new thread if you want more people to see it. Sometimes the AC adapter is included in the specs which would account for the extra weight. Here's the specs from CNET, it says 4.2 pounds:

http://reviews.cnet.com/Dell_Inspiron_700m/4507-3121_7-30975241.html?tag=tab

I had a 700m. Four pounds seems about right. If you can, I'd recommend the eight cell battery as will double your battery life to about five hours.






I know things, things that could get me killed


Thinkpad T41:
* 1.6Ghz Pentium M * 768Mb Memory * 40Gb Hitachi 7200RPM * Panasonic UJ-845-B DVD+RW *

 

zazonz,

Thanks for the reply. I decided against the larger battery just to avoid the extra weight. When I take it with me it will be for several days at a time so I'm going to carry the adapter anyway.

Tom

 

I am a very picky individual. I just ordered my 700m on Sunday and am anxiously awaiting its arrival. This is after four months of hanging out in Mac forums looking at Powerbooks and iBooks. I finally decided that it wasn't worth the hassle of getting either working. I am all about portability. I plan to hook this unit up to my high speed wireless connection and be able to go pretty much anywhere and always be connected.

I did quite a bit of research into the laptop before ordering. I ordered the 1.8ghz unit with 256meg o' Ram. I plan on ordering a gig soon as well as a BT dongle and the extended battery. I also opted for the middle HD, 60gig.

I think you'll be happy if you order this winner.

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