Looking into a E1705 but is it too big?

I am looking at the Dell E1705 because with those Dell coupons you can get a very well equiped for aprox. $2400 machine for $1650. The other computer I am considering is a HP nc8430 which has a 15.4" for a few hundred dollars more but you do not get near the specs of the Dell. I would be taking this computer with me to college and I am wondering about the size and weight of this machine which is the real hang up. I would move it around every once in a while but it would be mostly stationary at my desk...I think but I have never been to college before so I could be moving it around a lot. Dell says its starting weight is 7.61 LBS...I am not sure what this means but does anyone have an idea what the total weight of one of these machines is? Would it look ridiculous to pull the massive Dell out of a backpack? Also how is the Dells 17 inch UltraSharp™ Wide Screen UXGA Display with TrueLife™? Is it hard to read the text? And does the TrueLife compare to other glossy screens?

...this computer probably does not suit my needs as far as portability goes but it is such an amazing machine for the price...the specs are just amazing.

-Intel® Core™ Duo Processor T2500 (2GHz/667MHz FSB)
-Genuine Windows® XP Professional
-17 inch UltraSharp™ Wide Screen UXGA Display with TrueLife™
-1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz I would upgrade the memory to 2GB at 667MHz
-100GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive
-8x CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability
-256MB NVIDIA® GeForce™ Go 7900 GS

 

Actually, I like the smaller text. For me it is easier to read smaller text than larger. As for the truelife screens, they are about average/below average. You won't be getting a Sony LCD quality.

My 9300 weighs about 8 pounds, and I'm guessing from the way the E1705 is built, it will probably weigh a bit more. Also, you'll have to consider the bag factor. Most bags for 17in are large and bulky. You could try to use a backpack, but that didn't work in my case cause my books were so heavy.

I like my 9300 for entertainment, but I hated taking it to school. It was good when I was doing homework and all of that mess, but carrying it across campus or trying to pull it out in class was a nighmare.

You are just going to have to decide what is more important - great specs or portability with good specs.

 

Does it matter if its 7.6 or 8+ ? Its a DTR not for lagging around , you'd be much happier with a smaller lighter notebook , even a gaming 14 wide like the new Asus wj3 if I'm not mistaken .

However you want it for the GPU I guess , if you'd go for it take the default HD and upgrade to the 7k100 , will save you an extra 100$~ which you can invest in instant memory upgrade , I configured basic one to check for 1250$ + about 360$ for DIY 7k100 + 2GB 667 = 1650$ .

 

i'd say..yes, its too big. i had bought an E1705 for college, but after looking at it in person, i figured it was just impractical bringing it to college, so i returned it. i mean, if you're not going to be carrying it around all the time, it should be fine. but if you are, then it will be a PITA. after returning my e1705, i went ahead and ordered an Asus W3J. It is much smaller, but still has a lot of power. anyways, stick with the E1705 if you won't be taking it with you, but reconsider if you want portability.

 

yeah it is a big laptop, but i dont mind the size
as for the screen, it beautiful, i love the screen, text isnt to small for me, and the 1920 x 1200 res. is great!

 

It also helps if your, umm, how can I put this, "bigger". I have no trouble with my 17 inch E1705 (I'm 6'2) but then again my on friend has an nx860xl (he is 5 foot something) and its hilarious to watch him move that around.

 

I am adding my vote to those who say 17" is too big for school. The best specs are worthless if you can't take the notebook with you because it is too big. A computer with a 15" screen might be acceptable although I personally draw the line at 14".

 

\begin{brag}
I got the 17" Pececion M90 with WUXGA, 2Ghz, 3 year warranty for 1670+taxes+ship last week from dell.
\end{brag}

 

For school I would not recommend a 17" however if your a big gamer you will love the 17" trust me, just make sure and get a extra battery I know I'm wanting one.

 

I would recommend checking out a UXGA screen and XGA and comparing them at a local BB or CircuitCity before buying - you don't want to end up with a screen that you hate. As far as weight/size goes, it depends on what you want to haul around with you and what you can carry.

 

I just got an e1705 and in my mind, it is not too big. It will easily fit into a backpack but i am fine carrying it around under my arm. The weight does not seem to be a big issue for me. My brother has a 13" mac and it doesnt seem significantly lighter to me (and im 5' 8", 140). I dont plan on carrying mine to every class, but i will take it outside and stuff. Go check out a 17" in a store, even if its not a dell. That will give you an idea of the size and weight and help you decide better than any of us giving you advice.

 

I don't find my M90 too large. It may be too big for some, and in fact, if I wasn't happy with this computer I was going to send it back for an Asus W3J. But I don't find it too large at all. I have taken it to class with me a few times, but as a college student, I can say that taking your notebook to class isn't such a great idea, no matter what the size. You'll find that half the time you'll sit there on the internet surfing rather than paying attention to the teacher. Unless the teacher just talks way too fast for you to write, taking a computer to class isn't a good idea for most people I know.

Anyhow, back to the size. The M90 has not proven too large for me. It fits in my backpack, but I still plan on getting a case for it. I will admit that I am a large person (~6'2"), but it just doesn't seem that bad. Actually, my old 14.1" lappie seems too small for me now.