Shopping for Mom

Hi,
Great site! I'm looking for my Mom's first computer. I've never owned a laptop so I had some questions on how best to configure it for her so she has a nice machine to work on without overbuying.

OK, most of her use will be internet, email, and word processing. However, I keep telling her about all the interesting things on the Net check out, a lot of which has video of course. I am also going to try and get her to look into some of the gaming they are developing for seniors to keep their memory/minds sharp (nothing "heavy duty" in the graphics department I'm sure!).

I'm looking at the Studio 15, with:

Intel Core 2 Duo P8400, 2.2GHz, 1066Mhz, 3M L2 Cache
4GB, DDR2, 800MHz 2 Dimm
Standard Keyboard
Hi Resolution/Bright, glossy widescreen 15.4 inch WLED display (1440x900)
256MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3450
250G 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive Free Fall Sensor
Microsoft Windows Vista SP1 Home Premium Edition
8X Slot Load CD / DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-R Drive)
Integrated High Definition Audio 2.0
Intel WiFi Link 5100 802.11AGNHalf Mini Card
Integrated 2.0M Pixel Webcam
Integrated High Definition Audio 2.0
Intel WiFi Link 5100 802.11AGNHalf Mini Card
Integrated 2.0M Pixel Webcam
Integrated Finger Print Reader
WRT160N Ultra RangePlus Wireless-N Broadband Router

Extras:

MS Workplus 2008
2 Year Limited Warranty
Dell Hardware Warranty PlusOnsite Service, Extended Year(s)
Dell Hardware Warranty PlusOnsite Service, Initial Year
Type 3- Third Party At HomeService, 24x7 TechnicalSupport, 1 Year Extended
Type 3- Third Party At HomeService, 24x7 TechnicalSupport, Initial Year
Warranty Support,1 Year Extended
Warranty Support,Initial Year
Software, Soft Contracts Dell In-Home
Dell On Call, 30 Days Unlimited Incidents
Dell On Call, 13 months Extended, 5 Incidents

$1400.00 + Tax

My questions are:

1. is the extra GB of RAM going to matter since the Dell rep said the OS was 32 bit, or is it just good to have for the future? Would 64bit OS be of any use in her situation?

2. I hope that this laptop will giver her a few years of use before upgrading, but is the P8400 processor overkill?

3. Is the Dell Oncall and My Tech Team decent? I will be around to help her, but there may be things I can't help her with (I only "know" XP, not Vista) and I'm not available 24/7.

4. I've read of some of you getting some pretty fantastic prices. Any tips in getting a better deal? I know about the coupon codes, but I took up a rep's time and felt I should give her the sale.

Any thoughts on this appreciated!

 

1. You can always add RAM later, often times for less than what Dell charges. I'd try just 2 GB for now, esp. since you only have a 32-bit OS. If you order online, you CAN select a system with Vista x64, just something to consider.

2. The t series processor is plenty powerful for internet surfing, youtube, etc.

3. I haven't heard much about Dell On Call or My Tech Team, as I have business support. Your Tech Team does provide US based support though (whether they are knowledgeable about the product is a totally different story )

4. Check out the Dell Outlet, often times you can get a pretty much new system, for a lot less. They have the same warranty options as new ones as well. Also, try customizing a system from different parts of the Dell site, often times, you'll be sent to a different configurator with slightly different prices. At least, that's what I've noticed anyway...

 

You can save some money and get the 5400rpm HD and you dont need a cpu that powerfull for basic thing.

The GPU could go but that is debatable. I have the intagrated and 1440x900 and it is ok. But for movies I have to go to high preformance mode. But if you have the money keep the ATI.

 

Processor is overkill, as is 4gig RAM.
Check the coupons section of the website or the outlet for a cheaper deal.

 

Configurations are starting to drive me nuts, since you change one thing and other options disappear :-( I agree on processor overkill. I think I'll try and stay with the T5800 or T5900 and a regular 5400rpm HD. I want to keep the 1440X900 LED screen. Will the Intel 4500 intigrated graphics be decent? The only other option I could seem to find was stepping up to a 256MB ATI 3450 Radeon for $75

 

I'd stick with integrated graphics. They should be fine for movies and such and will handle the Aero user interface in Vista just fine.

 

The intergrated graphics can watch movies, do editing and youtube with no problems.

 

your configuration is great, just wait till a 25% off or a 30% off coupon comes by (which should be soon)