My first laptop: Dell Inspiron 6400

Here are the specs:

• Duo processor T2300 (1.66GHz, 2MB L2 cache, 667MHz FSB) (included)
• 15.4" Wide screen WXGA (1280 x 800) TFT display (included)
• 1024MB 533MHz DDR2 SDRAM (2 x 512) (free upgrade from 512MB)
• 100GB (5,400rpm) Hard drive (only option) (included)
• Fixed internal 8X DVD+/-RW drive with software (extra)
• 9-cell, 80 Whr Li-Ion primary battery (extra)
• Intel Media Accelerator 950 (included)
• Intel Pro WLAN 3945 internal wireless (only option) (included)
• Bluetooth wireless network card (extra)
• Windows XP Media Centre Edition 2005 (included)
• Windows XP Media Centre Edition 2005 SP2 backup media (extra)
• Microsoft Works 7.0 (included)
• One year collect and return (included)
• Dell colour printer 725 (free)

Total including shipping, VAT, and £70 off promotion = £717.13. I went through Quidco and got around £25 cash back too.

It was the last day for some of the offers and the next day it would have cost me circa £150 more for the same spec, so I'm glad I purchased it when I did.

I ordered it on Wednesday 4 May and it's due to be delivered Tuesday 9 May between 5pm and 9pm.

I wasn't sure what to do about the graphics card, the ATI X1300 was an additional circa £90 and the X1400 was circa £165, but as I'm not going to use it for games, and after much reading on the subject, I thought I would save some money and stick with the Intel GMA 950. I have the Xbox and 360 for gaming.

Our home PC has survived, just, for about six years with 64MB RAM, 32MB integrated graphics (8MB was being shared), an AMD Duron 750 processor, 20GB hard drive, and Windows ME, so hopefully the above Inspiron should suit my needs. (I finally upgraded the home PC this week though: 512MB RAM, 32MB ATI Rage 128 Pro graphics card, an AMD Athlon 1200 processor, and Windows XP and SP2.)

I overlooked the ExpressCard slot, I was all set on getting the Linksys SpeedBooster wireless network card to use in conjunction with my Linksys WRT54GS SpeedBooster router, but the ExpressCard slot ruins that party! Hopefully Linksys will make an ExpressCard version soon.

I'm happy with my choices, but it wasn't as good a deal as in other countries. To upgrade the processor, screen, and graphics card cost a lot more here in the UK compared to other prices I've seen some of you paying.

I must say thank you for the information on this forum and to the people that provided it. I know where to come if I have any questions.

 

Except for the memory, thats still a good box for internet, Office and burning discs. Congrats on the machine. I think you made the right choice on the graphics card.

~ZaZ~

 

First thing to do when you get it is to get rid of all of the Trialware and nonessential software. Seeing that you are getting the Windows disk, it would be easier to reformat and reinstall the Operating system.

 

I've been reading other threads regarding a fresh install and think I will do it, as I'm not a fan of bundled software. I just want to make sure I do it right and don't lose anything that could be useful in the other partitions.

If I had known the 9-cell battery was a bit bigger in size I think I would have saved the money and stayed with the stock 6-cell. At least it's not much bigger though.

 

You should always reformat and reinstall windows. Dell adds to much garbage when they send out thier machines

 

mjpartyboy

I hope enjoy the Dell 6400 because its an awesome laptop. Its my first notebook aswell and im loving it. Dont worry you made a good choice for a first laptop

 

Thanks everybody!

I just wish I got the deals some of you got on the ATI X1400, faster processor, and screen upgrades. Based on my price it would have cost me around £400 more for those when you were paying £80-100 more for those upgrades after your discounts. Rip off Britain! It still should be good enough for me though.

 

It arrived last night and all was in order.

We don't get some of the CDs you get as standard though. The drivers disc is a charged extra, like the operating system, and we don't get a Dell Applications disc. I'm going to request the Apps disc along with PowerDVD and Sonic Digital Media LE.

I've downloaded the drivers and some extras from Dell's site ready for the format. If I have any questions I know where to look/post.

 

We have to pay for the discs as well.

 

Sorry, I didn't know that.

How much do they charge for the Apps disc, PowerDVD, and Sonic Digital Media LE software in the US?

I don't remember seeing those three as options when making my choices.

 

You shouldn't have to pay for them. You should be able to get them for free, you just need to get the right support person. Tell them that you needed to do a reformat and need those applications sent to you. They will for the most part do it for free. You should receive them in 2-3 days.

 

Thanks USAFdude02!

I want to ensure I have everything before I format and reinstall Windows XP MCE.

I have sent them an e-mail, so I'll see what happens.

 

After a couple of e-mails I was advised to call tech support, so phoned them today and they said they will send me all the backup discs, but they didn't know about Media Direct reinstallation (Media Direct reinstallation CD - SKU DH371), hopefully it will be on/amongst the discs they send.

I'm keen to get all this software, so I can use the laptop. I've refrained from playing with it as I don't want to set it up and then do the clean install and have to set it all up again.

 

Sorry to dig up an old thread but I noticed something on my friends I6400 and felt the need to post it! I'm sure his is older than mine, but despite looking the same and using the same mouse buttons, his mouse buttons are the usual laptop/notebook click type when pressed, whereas mine are the spongy feel ones.