my Dell 8600

After researching and researching, I finally decided to get a lap top computer. I was looking at HPs and Dells. At the time, (end of June) HP prices couldn't match what Dell had going at the time. $200 instantly off, free shipping, and I found a coupon for 10% off. So here is what I got:

Dell 8600
1.6M (Dothan)
512 megs RAM
60 Gig (7200 RPM drive)
ATI 9600 Pro T 128 megs
15.4 WUXGA Monitor
802.11B wireless nic
1 year warranty

All for the price of $1630.00.

Now I have read people talking about keyboard flex and the creaking of the case when opening it, I have none of that on my 8600. It feels sturdy and I am happy with it. FIrst thing I did was format the HD to get rid of all the crappy Dell software and what not. It is very quick. Battery life just doing normal every day internet browsing and music is anywhere from 4-5 hours. Haven't loaded any games on it just yet, but I am sure it will do well. I am very happy with this. Easily the best bang for the buck out there.

 

hey Matt, I think that's great you're happy with the 8600! I had the Inspiron 8200 way back when, I was happy with it for a year but then almost on its 1-year anniversary the motherboard kind of stopped communicating with the harddrive. It wasn't the harddrive controller that had a problem, but rather had something to do with the mobo so it was going to be a really expensive fix and the warranty had run out after 1-year [V] I switched to IBM due to this bad experience, but while it worked I enjoyed the Inspiron with its great screen and excellent price. I don't advocate against Dell laptops, most people end up being very happy with them, I just encourage getting a 2-year warranty if you can afford it.

thanks for your input on the 8600 and best of luck with it!