University Student Looking for a Dell

Need some help choosing, did the FAQ to make it easier for you guys to help me if you can .

General Usage

What will you be using the notebook mainly for? Will you be using it to play games? Will you be using it for word processing / general productivity? etc.

-General usage for a college, but I'm on my computer a lot, I won't be playing heavy games. The heaviest may be Warcraft 3. I have my gaming rig with me at the apartment so this is just for everything else.

Are you looking more at a very small notebook, a standard notebook, or a large desktop replacement?

-I don't want it to be HUGE

Will you be carrying the notebook around a lot or be keeping it stationary most of the time?

-A mix, I have to bring it to class everyday, but when I'm at the apartment or home it will be on a desk.

How important is battery life to you?

-Very, I don't want the laptop to die on me during a lecture.

How long do you intend on using this laptop?

-4 Years (prays)

Features

Do you need lots of hard drive space?

-Not a LOT, but 60 Gigs should be fine

Will you be burning DVD's or just CD's?

-Just CDs.

Do you tend to work with a lot of applications at once?

-Yes, I usually have 3-4 web-browsers, 2 instant messengers, pokerstars, media player going at the same time

Graphics & Display

How big would you like your screen to be? Do you care if it's widescreen or not?

Doesnt matter.

Are you willing to pay more for premium screens enhanced by XBRITE, Crystal View, or Bright View? (Go to the bottom of this post for an explanation)

No

(If applicable) Will you be playing casual games or the latest games?

Casual

(If applicable) Will you be doing work in a 3D modeling program like 3D Studio Max or Maya?

No

Miscellaneous

Do you care if your notebook looks good or not?

Kind of, it's not a big factor really.

Are there particular brands you prefer or won't buy from?

-I want a dell

How much are you willing to pay for this notebook?

-1500 Canadian Max

Are there particular models you have already looked at?

Inspiron 2200, 6000 and 600m.

 

In my opinion, the 6000 would be the best but get a 9cell battery. The 9 cell will get you thru class. Plus you can customize it more to fit your budget than the 600m. Several of my friends have the 6000,and they love it and bring it to class with them everyday. I'm actually jealous of them

The 2200 is a basic notebook for bare essentials, so I'm not sure if it would be best for college students.

 

As a suggestion on the battery, just get the additional battery. Instead of paying $99 bux to get the 9 cell you get the standard 6 cell and a 9 cell for $129 extra (US dollars). Also, since you seem to like to have a lot of windows open, you may want to upgrade to the WSXGA screen so you can have a browswer window and some IM windows open side by side.

 

The 2200 is not nearly powerful enough for what you need. I like the 600m, it's lighter than the 6000 and cheaper I believe. It has a 14" screen so it'll be more portable,but then again I believe the 6000 will offer better performance. Argg! So many choices! :decision:

 

I heard the 600m has heating problems?

 

I haven't heard of those, but any laptop will run hot if you leave it on a long time...the only "heating problem" I would watch out for is in a laptop that really really gets hot , so hot you can't touch it. If people are saying that, then chances are it's really really hot. Usually when people say it runs hot, they mean it runs warm.

The 600m has been around for a while , mainly because of its popularity...it's one of the most sold notebooks. It has excellent performance and a good design that everyone seems to like. Check out teh review we have posted here.

 

i suggest that you just write dow 600m onone piece of paper. Write 6000 on another. Put em in a hat and pick one yourself, becuase there is no way everyone hear is going to come together and agree on one dell. The 6000 may have the edge in my opinion, but that may be reversed in another persons eyes. They're both exellent systems mainly because they're Dell......

 

Well you don't really have to choose randomly because they're not similar. The 6000 is newer, that's all. It has a glossy screen opposed to the 600m's matte finish. The 600m may give you better battery life but I'm not sure. You can't go wrong with either of them though. Read some reviews and compare their pros/cons.