Pre-Purchase D830 Questions

I am looking at getting a D830, but I have a few questions.

How are the integrated graphics?

Is the media-bay battery option still available?

No optional media card reader?

How is the finger print reader?

Experience with the integrated camera?

I dont know if you are familiar with it, but I currently have a MSI MS-1039 and am looking at upgrading to the D830. Good choice?

 

If you complete the FAQ in the What Should I Buy forum we could help you better. There is not much we can say if we don't know what you are going to do with the notebook . . .

 

I just need general opinions now. On the quality of the D830 with specific focus on the questions asked.

 

There's no integrated camera available on the D830. I think a media card reader is standard, but double-check on the product specs page. Try customizing to look at the media bay battery options.

 

Unfortunately, there is no media card reader option on the D830. I was disappointed too, as I needed it for my camera and Treo. So, I'm afraid I've had to use an external reader.

 

I found the media bay battery... any idea about the integrated graphics? Also, what can I expect for battery life with this system:

Core2 Duo 2.2GHz
120GB 7200 RPM
4GB RAM
DVD R/W
Integrated Graphics
WSXGA+
Dell Bluetooth
Intel a/g wireless
9 cell battery?
6 cell battery?

 

I'm getting somewhat over three hours on just the nine cell battery with an NVS 140. You should be getting in the range of 4 hrs I'd guess. With the extra six cell added maybe in the range of six hours? The new Dell batteries are supposed to be pretty damn good.

 

That is exactly what I wanted to hear! haha

Are you happy with your D830? I will be traveling with it quite a bit and want to feel comfortable with its build quality.

 

if your going to get 4gb ram, id buy it aftermarket. but i just recieved my 830 on monday, installed xp pro. i really like it so far.

i got 80gb 7200rpm harddrive, 2gb ram, 128mb video card, 9 cell battery, dvdrw. let me know if you need any pics of the laptop.

 

That was my plan... will this work?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820144066

 

32-bit versions of Windows will only be able to make use of 3 gb or slightly more.
That ram looks fine though.

 

I will be ordering with xp pro and I am planning on upgrading to 64bit vista down the road. So I just want to do it right when I get the system rather than just buying 3GB

 

Build quality is excellent. I made a terrible mistake last night that vindicated my choice of the Latitude over the Inspiron:

I was on late last night, replying to some threads while in bed. Afterwards, I put on The Two Towers to watch. About halfway through I fell asleep. I woke up to the sound of my laptop crashing to the floor, that's about a height of two feet or so. I had accidentally kicked it in my sleep.

When I rushed over to it, it had landed on its side and was now standing upright like a book. I panicked. But when I picked it up, there was not a single scratch on it, and Vista was still chugging along fine. The movie was no longer running, but mail was still coming in.

Amazing.

 

wow... thats great! You should send that testimonial to Dell haha

 

Also, I keep forgetting to ask. Is the scree glossy. Glossy screens are all that I have ever used and I do like them a lot. What is your opinion on the brightness, clarity, and general performance of the screen?

 

If you're travelling with it, I just want to comment that it's definitely not a lightweight. With a 9 cell battery, DVD drive, NVS 140 and WUXGA the thing comes out at 6.5 lbs. With the modular bay battery it's probably another quarter pound and then with the AC it's gonna be nearing 8 lbs.

I am happy with my D830. After installing XP I have had no software problems whatsoever and my only hardware concern besides the weight is that the latch is a tad bit loose.

 

Yeah. My current 15.4" tops in at about 6.85, so I am used to the weight. That really isn't a big deal. I just cant get a 17" or the beastly 20"... those are WAY too heavy.

 

I'm afraid not. It's a matte screen. I must admit I prefer them over glossy ones, especially Dell's TrueLife. Then again, my uses are mostly office work and the occasional media or gaming. I will say I miss the amazing contrast and saturation levels of glossy screens... but not nearly enough to make me put up with severe reflections everywhere I go.

As for the rest of your questions, I'm not too pleased with the brightness. I would have liked something in the vicinity of 300 nits, now that's I've seen what Dell means by "200." It's decent, but not vibrant. There's a rather muted feel to everything you view on it. For it's clarity, I must say it's pretty darned good (considering the problems with the drivers, of course). All this because of the WUXGA resolution and in spite of the low brightness. Overall, it's a decent screen whose only drawback, the brightness, is its major fault.

And in my experience, I'm not too impressed with the ambient light sensor. It works nowhere near as smoothly nor effectively as the ALS on the Macbook Pro. Apples and Oranges, as it were, but that's how I feel about it.

 

Any more screen comments? Is the screen a deal breaker?

How does it compare to the Thinkpad?

 

I should, I should! Then maybe they could extend my warranty coverage to something more decent outside of the US! I can't believe I got talked into paying for Gold warranty (including 4-year accidental damage) only to find out after my international transfer... that only parts are covered by the local service providers. Dammit.

 

The screen is almost a deal breaker for me. I was actually thinking of calling them up and requesting for a change of screen to the IPS (I think that's what's generally agreed upon as a good brand) from the stock SEC one that I've got.

Also, based on the system review posted earlier, the overall screen brightness averaged under 150 cd/sqm. with highs and lows of 186.3 and 119.6, respectively. The contrast ratio is pretty low at 621:1.

As for its comparison to Thinkpads, it also really depends on the LCD supplier of the particular unit you're comparing it to. Lenovo also has various suppliers of LCDs, as with many manufacturers.

 

Well, now I am a bit worried. I want to watch movies on this notebook too... maybe that isn't a good plan?

 

Any Opinions?

 

i'd been really eyeing the 830, it looks really solid overall.
but in the last week, i've become swayed toward the Vostro, you may want to check it out- for my config it was about $200 cheaper, and if offers various screens and other toys. and people who have reviewed the Inspiron 1520 (=Vostro) say that it's well built, quiet, and well-cooled, better than previous Inspirons.
But i think you'd be quite happy with the 830 if you go that way. I just saw my friend's 620, which is similar, and it looks like a great, well-built computer.

 

I also forgot to ask.... I am planning on hooking up a USB TV Tuner to the D830 and then attaching a 22" BenQ monitor to use as a TV. Will the integrated graphics do well in this situation? I dont really want to go with a dedicated card since I want the battery life, but I may need to do it. What do you think?

 

Also, if I get an express card media card reader, how far will it stick out from the surface of the D830?

 

anyone have an opinion for me? I am planning on buying tomorrow morning

 

I just ordered it today... I will have to let you guys know how I like it when it comes in!

 

i think you should like it. im liking mine alot so far. ive added most of the software i need and it still boots up quickly.

the screen is decent, this is the first laptop ive owned. so i cant really tell you the differences between the others.

 

i just ordered a d830 myself... got the faster shipping... i'll let you know.

 

Yeah, Im not too worried about the boot time. I got a 2.2GHz and 4GB of RAM (from newegg... dont flip out haha) I think it should be a decent powerhouse.