e1505 Questions...

I have a few questions about the e1505 before I order. First, how big of a difference is there between 1.6GHz and 1.8GHZ Core Duo? I want to run Vista Aero, so will the extra processing power help?

Second, the review here at NotebookReview features a WSXGA display with TrueLife, but it seems Dell offers up to a SXGA display with TrueLife on the 1505. Are these the same display? If not, how do I get the WSXGA display?

Third, should I order the OS CD as opposed to the Symantec Recovery CD?

Thanks!!!

Ben

 

can help with one question- when you order, and want the windows xp disk,,,order the re-installion cd for $8...that is windows xp...i forgot to do it when i ordered,,was on the phone with customer care for a hour,,but they did air mail it to me

 

That sucks. I wrote them an e-mail that took 5 minutes of my time and got them a couple days later.

 

use the phone or that online chat thing

 

So, exactly which disc should I order? And what about the display and 1.6 vs. 1.8 Duo?

(I'm fixing to order it today )

Thanks!
Ben

 

I did the same thing.
I just wrote I need to do a clean install and Dell sent me all the disks.
Didn't need to list all the disks like some of the members here had to do.

 

One other thing, If I do a clean install of Windows, will that delete the restore partition, and if the partition stays, will I have to put up with junkware again?

Ben

 

You'll need to get the UltraSharp to get WSXGA.


You'll have the option of deleting the restore partition when you reinstall. It's ~ 4 gigs. If it stays, the junkware will not stay unless you use it to restore your system. The Symantec restore is not a disk, but is the partition itself.

 

The online chat is the fastest way to get a responce

 

So, reinstalling Windows will not automaically "edit" the partitions?

Ben

 

No, you will have to choose which partition to re-install on. If you install on just the C: drive. Then the other partitions will be fine. You might have to use a crack to make the Media Direct work again.

 

And what would the crack entail?

(Thanks!!)
Ben

 

You'll come to a screen during the install asking you where you want to install windows. You'll also have the option to delete any partitions. So, what you'll want to do in order to get the space back is delete the windows partition (typically the largest) and also delete the restore partition (typically ~ 4 gigs) that will give you one big chunk of un partitioned space and a small (typically ~40 megs) partition (LEAVE THE SMALL PARTITION). Install windows in the new, unallocated space.

As for the "crack" it's not a crack at all, but a repair utility from Dell, do a search on here, and its process is described. It's much less complex than it seems.

 

If you check out SouthernGirls reinstall guide...there should be something in there about it.

It is more of a repair utility than a crack. (My bad)

 

No problem.

How important is the restore partition? Under what circumstances would I actually use it? I work with Dell desktops (Optiplex GX620) here at my University, and I can attest to how quickly they run without junkware.

Ben

 

You would basically use it if you didn't have the windows disc, or if you did something wrong with the windows install and wanted to place it back to factory specs, or if Dell told you to do it when they were helping you. It's not that important if you know how to properly format and reinstall, and if you follow SG's guide to a T.

 

Once you format the Windows partition the factory restore will no longer work anyway.

When I formatted mine I deleted both the Windows and restore partitions, but left the MediaDirect protected area alone, then the MD repair disc fixes this.

 

Do I need 2GB of ram to properly run Vista? It's REALLY expensive for me right now, so would 1GB suffice?

Ben

 

I don't know, but I don't think Vista will be out until early next year, so I'd say get what you can afford now, and upgrade then if you need to. I know 1GB is plenty for most users now... it's what I have and it's nice and snappy!

 

Well, I just ordered a Dual Core 1.86MHz e1505 with 1 GB of RAM, 80GB 5400 Hard Drive, 256MB Graphics Card, all for $1100.

Ben

 

Congrats on the purchase. That will definently do what you need!

 

Thanks. (I'm sure it will!! )

BTW, thanks to eveyone who helped me here!!

~~Ben

 

Congrats man! I hope you enjoy it!