Looking for help on purchasing a new laptop

I was just looking for some advice on which model Dell laptop to get. I will be doing mainly web browsing, DVD both watching and copying, a little AutoCAD, and basic computing such as the use of MS word and Outlook. I do not need anything overly powerful but want this computer to last and with the deals dell has to offer I figure I might as well go somewhat big now.

I am currently looking at the 9300. I have it speced with a 1.86ghz, 1gig RAM, 100 gig 5200 HDD, 128mb video card, and MS Office Basic. After all the upgrades and Dell coupons I am pretty set on getting a Dell. As far as copying DVD's I do not need the laptop to come with a burner as I have an external one and by putting one in the laptop it just adds one more thing to go wrong down the road.

If anyone has any more questions that I can answer that can help give you some background on what I need and don't need just let me know.

 

That all sounds about right for what you want to use it for.

The processor is the mid ranged processor, which is worth the extra money to upgrade from the 740 1.73 processor, whereas the jump to 2.0ghz would not be needed with what you're doing nor would it really be noticeable.

1 gig of RAM is a good option as well. It will be nice to have for AutoCAD, and will improve overall system performance nicely with the dual channel.

The hard drive is 5400rpm, not 5200, and should be adequate for your needs. I have the same hdd and I use photoshop/3dsmax frequently and have no issues whatsoever with saving/viewing files.

You don't seem to be into gaming, so the videocard is really a moot point, but if you still had the option of the 6800, it's always nice to say you have . The 128mb x300 will be great for you and DVD playback will be flawless.

This computer should be perfect for what you're going to use it for. The only thing I would recommend is that you go ahead and opt for the dvd burner. It's a relatively inexpensive upgrade, and I'm sure sometime in the future you will be glad you did. If you're ever on the go and would like to burn a dvd, you would be able to without having to lug around an external recorder.

Good decision on the 9300, I love mine!

 

If you want it to last I would suggest a Latitude rather than an Insprion if you are getting a Dell as they offer much better quality, but less coupons.

 

I have looked into some of the Latitudes however they are a bit pricy compared to Inspirons. This is ok but can you suggest one that is possibly in the same price range and spec wise is not to far off?

 

A lot of the Latitudes come with a 2 year warranty when configured, and a lot also come with windows Xp Pro. So you might pay $200 more for a latitude over an inspiron but you get an extra year warranty, get a better built machine, and might get some extra software or an OS upgrade to pro.

 

If you want a budget machine with a good card, the Compaq v4000t is worth a look.

 

The compaq looked good however I am pretty well locked on gettig a dell. Mainly because of the nice sized rebates they have and also the company I work for cna get me a discount as we have an agreement with them where we only purchase from them.

I got a price quote on the 9300 from our rep at Dell and he sent me a link to check out some of the Latitudes as well. I do not know much about eht Latitude line up besides the fact that they are targeted at the business side. Can anyone suggest a model in the Latitude series that is somewhat compareable in price and specs as the 9300.

From what I have seen they seem to be all several hundred dollars more but maybe I am overlooking something.

 

The Latitudes use better part so they cost more. I suppose the d810 would be the closest to the 9300 in size.