Need Advice on Laptop for new College Student

I'm looking for some advice on buying a Dell laptop for my son who will be a college freshman this year. Please talk to me like I'm a six year old. I'm not the most computer literate dad.

My son is not into gaming and will not need heavy duty computing power (Liberal Arts major). The campus is completely wireless. I'm just looking for a basic computer to get him through school. I've narrowed my choice to the Inspiron 2200. Total configured price with discounts is $1,225. I went with the Intel Pentium 725 (1.6GHz), 15" display, 256MG RAM, 40GB HD, 1370 Internal Wireless ( I was told b/g was important...not sure why though). Added an extra 8 cell battery and the 3 year accidental damage warranty.

This seems like a good computer. Is there anyone who can give me any reason why I shouldn't buy this computer?

Thanks

Dad

 

Any computer running windows XP with service pack 2 requires 512MB RAM to run in a decent manner. So I would suggest doubling the RAM.

As for hard disk space, I am not sure how much space your son would need, but I think it is worth it to get a little bit more space.

Oh and about wireless network card. b or g refers to the speed (b=11mbs; g=54mbs). So if you get b/g it can run on both types of networks. But if you get only "b" you can still run on a "g" network, but at the speed of "b". Hope that didn't confuse you more!

I would leave it to Dell users on this forum to recommend this model or not, since I am not knowledgable enough with all of Dell's model to do a recommendation.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
N6010: P4M 3.2G, 512MB Dual 333MHz, 60GB 7200RPM, ATI 9700M, 17" WXGA+
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

I would also suggest adding a CD Burner($29). This will be helpful in case he needs to transfer something to another PC or wants to save something for later use. He might not use it every day, but it's very handy to have. Plus it is cheaper getting it now then later.

I can't really comment on the 2200 either. You might want to look at the 6000. Its a newer model, and you might be able to get a better deal with it than the 2200 (check under Deals of the Week in the Notebook section on Dell's Website).

 

It does have a CD burner.

Qwester,
This computer comes with Windows XP Home Edition. Am I safe to assume it will already include the Service Pack 2? If so, why would they sell the laptop with only 256 RAM?

Thanks for your help

Dad

 

sp2 is a free download if it doesn't and should be installed. 256 mb is definately not enough for anything even pre sp2. I have a notebook like that and it is almost junk. Disk space buy what you can afford unless this is only to be used to browse the web and write papers.

I9300 2.0ghz 1.0gb ram 100gb disk 256MB NVIDIA 6800 dvd rw UXGA Bluetooth Intel WiFi Media Center

 

Confused Dad,
It will run on 256MB but it will be significantly slower. Becuase when a computer runs out of RAM space it uses hard disk space. And the hard disk is some where around 10 times slower than the RAMs, hence everything will run slower.
So to avoid using the hard disk for what would usually be better done by the RAMs you can increase the RAMs to 512MB.

Any computer will ship with service pack 2. Microsoft has siezed support for pre SP2 operating systems just a couple of weeks ago. So now Microsoft requires that you have your windows XP upgraded to SP2 so that you can get all the security updates that they release every now and then.

And as some one mentioned before SP2 for windows XP can be downloaded for free from microsoft's window's update site.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
N6010: P4M 3.2G, 512MB Dual 333MHz, 60GB 7200RPM, ATI 9700M, 17" WXGA+
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Get the Dell Inspiron 6000 with at least a 1.6 Ghz processor with 533 mhz bus (it is the third generation Centrino which is more energy efficient for battery life). You need 512 Megs of RAM...Period. You need at least 60 GB Hard Drive space. WXGA is good enough. Configure to get Wireless B/G. The computer is light weight and powerful enough for a future Phi Beta Kappa.

Dr. Cameron: Men should grow up.
_____________________________________________
Dr. Gregory House: Yeah. And dogs should stop licking themselves. It's not gonna happen.

 

As for accidental coverage compare the costs of the Dell Plan with a rider on your homeowner's insurance. It may be cheaper. As the computer depreciates you can cover with less coverage for replacement or repair. That PC will be worth 1/4 the original cost (if that much) in 3 years.

Dr. Cameron: Men should grow up.
_____________________________________________
Dr. Gregory House: Yeah. And dogs should stop licking themselves. It's not gonna happen.

 

All,
Thanks for the great responses.
I did some checking on the 6000 and was able to configure a computer with 1GB RAM, 60GB Hard drive,internal wireless card, CD burner/DVD Combo. Had to drop the warranty to from 3 yrs to 2 yrs to get the price within my range. I'll check with my insurance company on the coverage. Good recommendation. I think I covered everything except the bus. He already has a car.

Not as confused as before Dad.

 

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

 

Check this site's main page for Dell deals. There have been a ton of 33% off or $750 coupons lately. Then you can get more machine for the same price. Just check back here daily.

 

Confused Dad,

I'm sorry but I assumed you used the coupon. I was the one that gave this site the coupons this time! Notebookreview is not always up to date or is the only place to look. It's a quick start! If you see nothing, which happens on this site alot until they get a chance to find them and post them, then do a search on Dell coupons and go to some of the deal sites and take a look.There is one! I personally have over 500 sites I can check. But I've been doing this over 20 years now. 15 to an extreme!

If you didn't use a coupon then listen to Bugmenot and there is one in "Dell Coupons" on this site!

Heart [ ]

Karma,It'll Get You!

 

Confused Dad,

In addition to considering the Dell coupons, if you haven't already, you should price the Dell 6000 through the education section of the Dell website. They offer some discounting that is better than Dell Home.

 

To all that have helped me.

Whew,
Lots of info thanks. You folks are really great. I found the the coupons. I was able to add the 4 year warranty and updgrade to 1 GB of RAM and it put the total cost a little over $2,000 but I qualified for the $750 Coupon reducing the price to $1,313 which is right on my $1,300 target. Thanks to you I will be buying a much better computer at about the same price.

This has been a pretty frustrating experience from the beginning, trying to compare features when I don't know the difference between a b/g wireless card and a 1 vs 2 Dimms. (What the hell is a Dimms anyway).

Needless to say, it was worth the effort and I'm so fortunate to have stumbled upon this forum. Now if I can just get the kid to take care of it and not lose it...more gray hair.

Happy Dad

 

only one question did you get the accidental protection on it?

 

bpajax,

Great referral to nssinc.
Looked at their web site. Seem pretty reputable. Googled them and quite a few major universities refer student to them.
Thanks.
Good luck.
I just ordered the 6000. Big decision but it's done.

To any others:
Is the Dell Docking Station worth purchasing for extended use while my son is in the dorm room? I've used a laptop from time to time and find using the keys and mouse pad cumberson. Using a regular keyboard and mouse is a lot easier. Since you can plug in a USB keyboard and mouse or even use a wireless keyboard and mouse, what's the advantage of the docking station?

$1,300 poorer Dad

 

Confused Dad,

I'm also a confused dad. My daughter is headed to college in June. I'm probably gonna pull the trigger on a 6000 soon also.

As for the protection issue, I just received an insurance offer in the mail yesterday through her college. Looks like a pretty good deal - covers all their belongings while away, including theft, fire and accidents. It's called National Student Services - see www.nssinc.com. $2,000 of coverage with a $50 deductible is only $31 per year. Seems like a better deal than either adding a rider to my homeowners or a separate laptop policy.

 

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

 

Yes, I went with the 4 year warranty. Thanks for the advice on the docking station. I pretty much had come to the same conclusion. And yes it is going to be a surprise. If he doesn't like it he can buy his own and I'll keep it.[ ]

Dad

 

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

 

Found it and read it. Really interesting. Thanks.

 

Dad,
In case you wanted to look at the story I mentioned with the subject "Lemonade laptop" and the credit card acidental coverage (they have all different names for the coverage) this guy used. It's on page 5 right now on this forum (Dell) until more people post. Or you can look up the member at top right side of this page which is "flibmeister" and find the "Lemonade Laptop" story that way.

Just in case you're interested in reading a story that was interesting and he ended up with a "$1000" check from his credit card.

You have to read about 8/9 posts down to see where he tells the end result but It's worth reading and you might want to check with your credit card (unless you used Dells) for future reference about what they might offer.

Heart [ ]

Karma,It'll Get You!

 

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

 

Heart of Gold and everyone else,

I just wanted to make one final post to say that I can't adequately express in words how appreciative I am for everything you did to help me with my computer purchase. We gave the computer to my son last night and he was in absolute shock. He just kept hugging and thanking us and couldn't believe we bought him a laptop for college.

Again, thanks for helping a very confused father through the the labtop world.

A VERY proud dad.

 

as long as you go tthe money, any laptop will be ok

but do NOT buy microsoft office from Dell, buy it from the univeristy, you will always get major major discounts on stuff like xp professional and office professional.

 

Proud Dad,
Your post was worth reading! I knew he would be shocked! You put alot of effort into it and he knows it. Your son knows enough to realize what he got and that you did not just pick out the cheapest notebook you could afford. You bought something special for him!

I can and can't imagine what it all was like when he opened it and saw this notebook you configured. You out did yourself for a son/students first notebook!

I'm so happy for you. I got chills when I read this from trying to picture this scene! I'm glad you found me so I could see this. My suscriptions were removed I think by mistake so I don't know if I would have seen it othersise. You did most of the work and your son must be in heaven!

I wish I could have seen the reaction! I don't think you or your son will forget it! You're a dad that out did himself ! [ ]

Enjoy!

All the best,
Heart [ ]

Karma, It'll Get You!

 

"Needless to say, it was worth the effort and I'm so fortunate to have stumbled upon this forum. Now if I can't just get the kid to take care of it and not lose it...more gray hair"

LOL thats what I said, now I'm stuck on this forum trying to help people and answer questions, and asking more questions myself, this forum is a real black hole!

Stay away stay far away![8D]

 

No, I'm not MoZirry, and to be quite honest I'm not sure what he's trying to say.


C.D.

 

Proud Dad,

I'm sorry! I didn't think so because look at the speech difference. It was not in offense to you or anyone at all. Now I feel like I offended you. I'm glad you spoke up. I meant to write a message to you saying please don't take offense if I'm wrong ...it is odd, isn't it? It doesn't make sense and he's been around awhile.

I'm sorry ,I should have said something else concerning you. It wouldn't have mattered to me anyway. I was just wondering because look at the 2 comments after yours. What for? I thought why would Mozirry bother but like I said I wouldn't have cared and it was in no offense to anyone!

I'm so happy for you,nothing's changed that and sorry about that,glad you spoke up and definitely with a right to after me making a harmless comment like that,but none the less I did!

Heart [ ][ ][ ]

Karma, It'll Get You!

P.S I'm removing it...obviously too odd!

 

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