Still can't decide - XPSm140, 630m, e1405

I'm looking for some feedback as to which Dell to buy, since I can't seem to make a decision to save my life. Basically, I want a 14" screen, and while I would like to have a dual core processor (just to have the latest, fastest computer) I'm not sure that I really need one.

My ideal laptop would be the e1405, but I don't know if I can wait that long....

So, the question is, do I get the 630m (cheaper than the XPSm140 right now), or wait for the e1405? the D620 would be nice, but it came out to about $1400 when I added everything I want (1.83 GHz, 1GB RAM, DVD)


) What is your budget?
** less than $1100

2) What size notebook would you prefer?
** 14" screen

3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
** internet, email, basic MS Word, Money, PowerPoint, photo editing with Adobe Photoshop, programming.
I typically have at least 4 browser windows open while running at least 1 application.
I also will be doing some programming in R and Perl, and plan on configuring a dual boot so that I can run both Windows and Linux.

4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
***both... bringing it with me to school probably every day, but then leaving it on my desk

5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
***no games

6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
*** Dell... (i'd love an Asus, but no way can I get one with everything i want for $1100)

7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
*** 3 would be great

8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
***nope

9) What country are you buying this in?
***US

10) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
***XGA, SXGA, WXGA

11) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
***doesn't matter

12) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
***nope

13) How long do you want this laptop to last?
***3 years would be nice

14) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB?
***60

15) Do you need a DVD, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-R drive?
**** I'd like a CD/RW and DVD at the least, and would prefer to have a DVD-R

I also give presentations, so I have to have some way of connecting to a projector... (and I don't know enough about projectors to know whether I need S-Video out, or something else)


So do I get the 630m, or wait for the e1405? I'm getting a little desperate for a laptop, so I'd like to have one in my hands within the next 2 months

Thanks!!!

 

i did hear rumours about the e1405 have dedicated gfx, but not sure.
if it did, it would be worth the wait!

 

I ordered my e1505 on 3/23, and despite the expected ship date of 4/12, I just received notice yesterday that it shipped, so don’t worry about the wait.

 

just to reiterate - i'm interested in the e 1405, which hasn't even been released... so, i'd be waiting for the release, and then waiting for shipment.

i'm hoping that someone here will have some inside information as to when we can expect the e1405

 

I can't comment on the e1405, but I will say that I'm quite liking the M140. Picked one up last week on the Dell Outlet site. You might want to keep an eye out there (if you don't mind picking up a refurb); when the price drops, it becomes really, really tempting to pick it up then and there.

As for some of your concerns; there's both an S-Video out and Video connector (VGA), that should cover any type of projector hook up. Battery life on the M140 is excellent; I've got the 9-cell battery, and it'll run about 5 hours at maximum brightness, around 7 at more conservative settings.

Overall, I'm quite pleased with this system.

 

I am also waitining on the 31405 hopefully someone has a release date

 

I have an XPS M140 and I couldn't be happier. Picked it up from the Dell Outlet about a month ago, and am so glad I moved to a smaller machine (I had an HP Dv4000).

I get about 3.5-4 hours of use out of my standard 6-cell battery.

Picked it up pretty loaded up for $900 shipped outta the outlet...specs are in my sig.

 

OH MY GOD I DID IT!!!!

yeah it does!

right before i left for work this morning (i mean, the car was running and everything) i took a look at the site, and couldn't resist what i found - XPSm140, 1.86 GHz, 1GB of RAM, 80 GB hard drive, Windows Media, 8x DVD/RW, wireless card, and some assorted software, for $818 shipped! The only thing lacking that I would've liked was the TrueLife screen, but it wasn't something I desperately wanted anyway. I think it was about 6 minutes between the time i sat down at the computer and when I had finished the entire transaction...

After months of indecision, I am finally an owner of a laptop!

 

Very nice find. That is a great notebook for the price. Congrats.

 

Congratulations! I hope it turns out well for you; at that price though, it's a great deal. I don't think you'll miss out too much with not having the TrueLife screen. I like it when I'm at home/in the dark, but it was glare city under the flourescent lights at work.

After a few days of fooling around with it, I'm still satisfied with my M140. A few minor annoyances here and there, but nothing that detracts from the experience.