**Is the 700m right for me?**

I'm going to university this fall, and I'm going to need a laptop. I've heard really great reviews about the 700m, and am thinking about getting one. The thing that worries me is the 12" screen. I'm wondering if it will be big enough. I'm used to using my big desktop screen, so would this be too big of an adjustment? The 700m would be my only computer, and I want it to last me through university (4 yrs). Also, is the glare, small keyboard, and extended battery that sticks out the back hard to deal with? Also is there anyway you can customize keys to use as media buttons (play, pause, etc)? Any info/suggestions would really be appreciated. Thanks! [ ]

 

The laptop's for extreme mobility. In my university girls LOVE cuteness of how small it is. But after the years, for them personally, they prefer a bigger screen for writing papers, working on powerpoints or group projects.
I'd recommend the 600M for educational purposes if you're using it a lot for LONG hours. Keyword, long hours... If just IMing and you'd be working in a lab on your papers, than i'd recommend the 700M, or if you wont spend that much time, or your major's easy.

 

i had an inspiron 2100 through 3 years of grad school. it was a small form factor laptop... 12" screen, no internal drive, etc. etc.

one thing to remember is that small laptops generate heat which is bad for a laptop's longevity. my 2100 was my only computer and i used it a lot; taking notes, writing papers, writing exams, on all night IM and surfing, etc. the heat was noticable and finally took it's toll. now, i'm sure the new centrinos handle the heat issue better than my older 2100, but in a small laptop like the 700, extended use will still generate life-shortening temperatures if you're using it like a desktop.

if this is going to be your only computer, i would consider getting something larger for 2 reasons, 1 - the heat issue above and 2 - after a while, you really want for more screen space

if you're not someone who's on the computer a lot, then the 700 should be ok.

take an honest look at your usage/habits and make a decision... my recommendation is if you're someone who's on the computer all the time, get something bigger, if you only use it sparingly, you'll be fine.

 

You could buy a 17" LCD to keep in your room and hook up the 700m to it and attach an external keyboard when you need to write something big like a term paper. I'm just about to get the 700m..I saw it at a Dell boutique and I was able to type on it; the scren is small,but usable. I'm not getting hte extended battery because I've seen pics on it(research it on google) and it sticks out like crazy and imo defeats the purposeo of the ultraportable!

 

I would look at a Fujitsu s6231. Much better build quality than Dell. The glossy screen is a personal preference, if you can look at some with and without it, I'd recommend it. Good Luck.












I was robbed by a sweet little old lady on a motorized cart and I didn't even see it coming.

-Lloyd Christmas


Thinkpad T42:
* 1.8Ghz Pentium M * 1.5GB Memory * 60GB Hitachi 7200RPM * 15" SXGA+ Flexview * CDRW/DVD Combo *

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by drumfu

 

let me get right to the nitty gritty...

in response to the original poster, these are the questions you should be asking...

1. do i use a computer a lot?
a. if yes, then an ultraportable is not for you
b. if no, then an ultraportable might be for you

2. since i DON'T use the computer a lot, which ultraportable is right for me?
a. dell
b. sony
c. fujitsu
d. etc.

OR

3. since i DO use the computer a lot, which form factor is right for me?
a. 14" standard or 14" widescreen
b. 15" standard or 15.4" widescreen
c. something larger?

 

screen was fine at the time, but i sorely began to miss having some real estate... and i HATED having to scroll just to see a complete single page in Word or website. one of the great things about the 6000's 15.4 w/s and wuxga is that i can get a full source document and a full work document right next to each other. trying to edit law school notes (alt+tab between docs) on 1024x768 was very very frustrating.

it also had a 90% keyboard which only took an hour or less to get used to.

again, i'd like to reiterate that if you're going to use the 700m like a desktop (notes during all classes, library work, writing papers, IM, surf, downloading at night), then this isn't the laptop for you, you should really look at something bigger. anything this small will burn out faster than normal if used like a desktop.

honestly evaluate your usage and make a decision on that, not on what you "think" you need or what looks cool.

especially if you want the thing to last 4 years.

 

In response to your questions, I do use my computer a lot (at least 2 or 3 hours each day, sometimes more).

The thing is I've never used a 12" laptop for any longer than a few minutes, so I have no clue if it would be fine for me or if I would be annoyed with it's size. Half the people I've talked to said it would be fine, and half say I should look for something larger..

Not sure what to do....[xx(]

 

I agree with all of the posters here...I have my desktop at home which is a powerhouse and can do everythign I want it to. I'd only be bringing the 700m to places to watch dvds, work on lab reports, maybe fgor 3 hours at a time, but not eveyr day. I'd do my serious work on teh desktop. The 700m will act as a "compliment " to it. It is big enough to get work done on, but I wouldn't EVER want it as my primary . I 'd suggest a 15" notebook, Dell offers some good ones. Well, as I said before, you can get that notebook - its better than the 6000 for portability, but when you're in ur appratment, you can pair it with a 17" monitor,mouse, keyboard..e.tc. It'll be fine .

 

Thanks for the opinions. The thing about hooking it up to an external monitor: I won't be able to transport a monitor with me going to and from university on the plane...just won't work unfortunately.

Other opinions are appreciated!

 

i have had my 700m for a month now and i like it the 12 inch screen does not bother me i actually like it better than my laptop with the larger screen the widescreen is what is realy nice and the keyboard is really easy to get used too, if money isnt something you need to worry about you could just spend the extra money on the extended warranty and then if it broke just send it back and that solves your problem. i have had several laptops now ultra portable right up threw larger not so portable ones and i have not had any that have lasted 4 years, but that may be just how i use them as well good luck with whatever you decide to get

Dell 700M | 1.6 | 512 Ram | Win XP | Silver Ipod Mini

 

Maybe you should go and check one out ?

Dell Inspiron 700m
Pentium M, 1.8 Ghz
1024 mb ram
80 gb HD
Dell Axim x50v
iPod 3G 20 GB

 

i really think you should consider the widescreen version
don't they make one at a 12.1 or somethign like that? whats the widescreen size directly under 15.4?

IMO< a 12'' screen will suffice, just make sure you have good eyes because if you don't and you hunch over your laptop for 4 years with bad posture, you could have some serious long term health issues.

 

I agree with the rest of these guys, don't get it if you plan on using it as your main computer. I use my desktop most of the time, but when I want to surf infront of the tv or take notes in class, I have the 700m to use.

Oh and, Hey everyone! I'm...new[:I]

 

*bump*

 

http://laptopsinc.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=S6231CTO&Category_Code=SS1&Product_Count=2

or

http://www.notebookoutlet.ca/Catalog/product.do?categoryid=ca0103&sku=fujitsu_lifebook_s6231a





I was robbed by a sweet little old lady on a motorized cart and I didn't even see it coming.

-Lloyd Christmas


Thinkpad T42:
* 1.8Ghz Pentium M * 1.5GB Memory * 60GB Hitachi 7200RPM * 15" SXGA+ Flexview * MultiBurner * Win 2k *

 

I have been in the market for a laptop for some time now. I was in love with the 700m when it came out. Then, my friend got one, and I got to try it firsthand. Within minutes, I was convinced that I would NOT be purchasing a 700m. The "." period key is half the normal width. Even after getting used to the rest of the keyboard, I could not find the "." key without hitting the wrong key, hitting backspace, and looking down and hitting it. I am 6'2'' tall, so I have rather large hands. The keyboard might be fine for you. For me, though, writing any sort of paper on the 700m would be absolute torture because of the keyboard. Just thought I'd share my experience and opinion.

 

Thanks for all the replies!

 

Not sure if your still taking advice, but I recently purchased my new dell laptop for college. Before that, I had been using a big NEC 19" screen on my desktop. The switch from a 19" to even the 15" Dell 6000 screen has been pretty big. I do miss my big screen, but with the resolution being 1280x800 and the widescreen, it actually can view more than the 19" did (since it was a 1024x768 resolution), which is nice. Anyway, I would definitely recommend buying a larger laptop. I really can't see how somebody could get alot of work done on a 12" screen. I've used this Sony vaio one that was miniature, being able to see 6 lines of text in word isn't that fun.

 

It really is all relative ; some people need big displays or else they just can't be productive.

Dell Inspiron 700m
Pentium M, 1.8 Ghz
1024 mb ram
80 gb HD
Dell Axim x50v
iPod 3G 20 GB

 

Thanks for the suggestions. (And yup, still taking advice)

 

I too have some questions - comparing this to the new Averatec 4000 series....

How is the touchpad?
If you upgrade the battery does it make it bulkier?
Do you think processor upgrade makes big difference?

Also interested in discount tips.... I found the codes on this site for $600 off $1599 and $750 off $1899 but anyone seen and deals to make even cheaper?

 

JMSNYC:

1) How's the touchpad?

When you fist take it out of the box, the touchpad feels like a piece of wood! Too much friction between my finger and the pad, but after 5 min of use, it feels fine. The touchpad is actually very cool, there's a virtual scrolling option so you can whiz through long documents. I think other laptops probably have this feature, but it is still nevertheless very cool. The buttons aren't bad, but I just use the touchpad and tap with that.

2) If you upgrade the battery does it make it bulkier?

Yes, but it's still very portable. I think that the regular battery is a joke (2 hrs), so it's pretty much manditory that you get the extended one if you plan to do any work away from the plug. I consistently get 4-5 hours with the extended. It sticks out, but so does the regular one . I'm going to be honest though, when you look at comparative pics on the internet, the battery looks fugly and very very bulky and awkward. But when I took this thing out of the box, I was like "Hey, it's not so big!" The unit is still tiny, in my opinion, and I don't regret getting the battery. Besides, the extended batteyr gives me a way to hold onto the machine! If you put the whole mahcine into perspective, the battery doesn't make things much bigger. I think that it makes it more heavier than it does bigger in dimensions. Don't not buy this machine just because of the battery stickign out. I was in the same situation as you for a LONG time and decided to get the etended just because of the good reviews it has gotten. So yes, it sticks out, but it's not that bad.

3) Do you think the processor upgrade makes a big difference?

Not really , there are better upgrades you can get, such as more ram. My machine is 1.8, but I would have most likely left it at 1.6 but it came with a free 1.8 upgrade. The machien is alreayd very fast (the processor) DO HOWEVER upgrade the ram, 256 is not nearly anough . If you want a fast machine, get 1 GB and just leave the processor at 1.6. Also, you might want to get a faster hd, but those aren't available from Dell ,I don't think.
1.6 - standard
1.8 - +200 $
2.0 - +400 $

It's unlikely that you'd notice a 200 mhz difference, so if you want to do an upgrade on the processor, go for 2 , because then you'd probably notice a difference. But, the 2 ghz is 400$ !! (Canadian)
That's a lot, and probably not worth it. 1.6 should be fine only if you upgrade the ram to at least 512 mb.

Those coupons you listed are probably as low as you can get it. In Canada there are no coupons!

To compare with the Averatec, I don't know much about it, but I wouldn't buy any Averatec model jsut because I have no experience with the brand and it seems like sort of a clone, eventhough its not a clone, it's not a huge brand name company like HP, Dell, etc.

I am very happy with my machine and would recommend it to other people. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!

Good luck!

Dell Inspiron 700m
Pentium M, 1.8 Ghz
1024 mb ram
80 gb HD
Dell Axim x50v
iPod 3G 20 GB

 

Thanks Queshy!
Do you have both batteries or just the 8 cell? Are they available aftermarket? With respect to memory, I figured I may take the 256. I am assuming there will be a slot left over for a 512mb I can buy aftermarket and pop in for a total 768mb. The processor upgrade is $100, $300 US.

Also, found this site - http://recall700m.com/

 

I only have the 8-cell, although I have seen the 4-cell. They are available aftermarket from the dell website, but they're very expensive, as are any lithium ion batteries. The 4-cell is something like 100$ !! :S I suggest paying 40 $ (well that's CAD) for the 8-cell upgrade like I did. YOu can have an additional 8-cell but it's kinda dumb to have 2 batteries since the 8-cell is superior to the 4-cell. Make sure you do buy the ram after, 256 is seriously not cool for a laptop. My old one has 256 and it was slow. It's also important to note that the 700m uses shared video memory, so you'll be left with something around 192 mb ram! Not good! I've seen that site before, but thanks - I don't record audio or do voice conferencing so I'm not that effected by it. Hoepfully Dell will recognizethe flaw!

Good luck.

Dell Inspiron 700m
Pentium M, 1.8 Ghz
1024 mb ram
80 gb HD
Dell Axim x50v
iPod 3G 20 GB

 

Any more opinions on this machine? Is it a good choice?

 

I know I already gave you my opinion, but here are some flaws of the notebook which you may want to consider:

1) I've heard people sayign how all of the 700m motherboards are defective - they say the recording featuer using a microphone produces a sound with a lot of noise. I haven't tried it because I don't do that stuff, but it's apparently existant on some (im not sure if its all) of the machines

2) There are no legacy ports, which may be bad for some.

3) The "." key is half sized. It has been reported that many people press the "/" key EVERYTIME instead even after months of use because the keyboard is smaller. However, since I've used a palm keyboard before, I barely noticed it. Also, there are no dedicated Page Up/Down keys (they are 2nd function keys). However, the touchpad has some nifty virtual scrolling features that pretty much replace these buttons

4) There are no dedicated volume controls (You need to use the Fn function on the keyboard to access them) Same goes for wi-fi.

5) The screen attracts dust, from what I've heard, but I haven't really noticed.

6) Some people are bothered by the glare which the screen produces. However, I only notice the glare when the screen is off.

7) A 12.1" screen may be too small for some

8) It has been heard of people receiving 4200 rpm hard drives instead of 5400 or 7200. The 4200 one is very slow.

9) The mouse buttons are clunky and don't have as nice of a feel to them as other laptops' do. I don't use the buttons, I tap the touchpad because any buttons will make noise and I hate those noises...

10) The machine feels sturdy, but not as sturdy as the thinkpads. I don't think it could absorb much of a shock. However, the screen opens and closes with authority - very nice hinges there.

11) Standard battery life sucks, seriously. It is almost a necessity to go for the 8-cell, which makes the laptop heavier than it does increase the dimensions.

12) The cd-burner is pretty loud, but hte fact that it is hot-swappable makes up for it.

13) I don't have one, but from what I've heard, dvd burnign is slow, but you'd probably expect that from any laptop.

14) Some say that it is thicker than your average ultraportable. I don't agree eventhough I have seen others, but some people say that.

15) There have also been a lot of issues with the hard drive makign a clicking noise. I haven't noticed this, but some people say it's intolerable.

So there you have it, the flaws of the notebook. I per sonally think that they are all minor ones, and as you can see, I am not really affeceted by any of them. The pros definitely outweigh the cons:

1) Tiny size, form factor
2) Georgious screen, the nicest I have ever seen on a laptop. Also, it is wide screen and is glossy which is really nice. There is also a pretty high resolution for such a small monitor.
3) Speedy - a lot of ultraportables use ULV processors which are very slow
4) Easily upgradeable
5) Low price (if in the US)
6) Excellent wifi range with a/b/g intel card, I find
7) Beautiful design/look, but that's subjective
8) Many, many more I could list...This is an all around sturdy machine and you definitely won't be making a mistake buying it!

Dell Inspiron 700m
Pentium M, 1.8 Ghz
1024 mb ram
80 gb HD
Dell Axim x50v
iPod 3G 20 GB

 

I just got a 700M and I'm pretty happy with it. I got the configuration below for a little over $1400 which I think is pretty damn good.

I love the bright 12.1 widescreen display and the performance of the 2.0 Ghz PM. I've already taken it on a flight during which I watched a movie and listened to some MP3's. That's where the display really shines is with movies and multiple windows.

I haven't had any real problems with the keyboard, but that's definitely due to my size. At 5'9", my hands aren't all that big so the whole half-sized keys isn't really an issue.

I went onto the Dell forums and searched for all the issues concerning the 700M. A lot of them have to do with the hard drive and the audio. I haven't had any such problems with my machine.

I'm got this machine after lugging around a 7 lb desktop replacement and decided that wasn't going to happen again. I looked at a lot of ultrportables/portables and in the end the price and the specs couldn't be beat. While Dell does have a mixed reputation with regards to their build quality and support, I think that such information only tells you so much. You never know if a machine is really all that it says it is on paper till you use it. The general opinion can only guide you towards a good decision, but with Dell since that opinion is somewhat mixed the choice isn't so clear.

Bottom line is that for the price, you really can't get better specs than you do with the 700M.

-------------------------
"Everyday, in every way, I'm getting better and better."

Dell Inspiron 700 M: 2.0Ghz PM, 2x512MB DDR SDRAM, 60GB 5400RPM, Dual Layer 8x CD/DVD+/-RW

IBM G41: 3.06Ghz P4M with HT, 1.25GB DDR SDRAM, 80GB 5400RPM, 8x CD/DVD+/-RW

 

If you have an external keyboard, mouse, and monitor sitting on your desk, then I think any ultra portable would be just fine to use all the time.

I have a 9300 and I always use and external keyboard and mouse when at my desk. The screen on the 9300 is bigger than my desktop monitor, so I just use that.



Dell Inspiron 9300, Pentium M 1.86GHz, 1GB 533MHz DDR2, 256MB nVidia GeForce Go 6800, 17" LG WUXGA+, 60GB HDD (7200rpm), DVD+-RW

 

timak, of course. Especially since the 700m is faster than a LOT of laptops out there.

Dell Inspiron 700m
Pentium M, 1.8 Ghz
1024 mb ram
80 gb HD
Dell Axim x50v
iPod 3G 20 GB

 

It seems like the 700m coupons just expired, and new coupons aren't out for 700m that I know of so I'll have to wait to take the plunge....

Also, anyone know which "Notebook Expansion Dock" is included if you purchase at time of congifuration? I am curious to know the ports because I am considering adding it on.