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Quick Laptop Question [SIZ-OLVED]
Mim
dead.Registered User regular
dead.Registered User regular
Hello all! I'm in the market to buy a laptop and I'm down to two choices. I don't have a lot of money, so that has shortened up my choices, but I need one that can handle Fireworks MX, Photoshop, Open Canvas and Sims 3 (though not all at the same time).
My first choicse is this: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9370441&type=product&id=1218093004316
my second : http://www.dell.com/us/en/home/notebooks/laptop-inspiron-1545/pd.aspx?refid=laptop-inspiron-1545&s=dhs&cs=19&~oid=us~en~29~laptops_great_deals_anav_1~~
I'm just not sure which one to choose. I asked my boyfriend and he said the graphics card was better on the gateway laptop as opposed to the dell one. However, the dell site says that the Inspiron 15 was made for hardcore gaming.
I'm also looking at RAM, having enough so that I don't have to worry about replacing my laptop in the next year or two. However, both of these have the same amount (4gb) so I guess I'm not too worried on that front. I can get Windows 7 for the gateway laptop, which I think is lighter and better than Windows Vista?
Help please
Okay, here is the Dell Laptop Specs all customized to my needs (i think):
The gateway laptop specifications I can't list exactly, but it's on the site.
My first choicse is this: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9370441&type=product&id=1218093004316
my second : http://www.dell.com/us/en/home/notebooks/laptop-inspiron-1545/pd.aspx?refid=laptop-inspiron-1545&s=dhs&cs=19&~oid=us~en~29~laptops_great_deals_anav_1~~
I'm just not sure which one to choose. I asked my boyfriend and he said the graphics card was better on the gateway laptop as opposed to the dell one. However, the dell site says that the Inspiron 15 was made for hardcore gaming.
I'm also looking at RAM, having enough so that I don't have to worry about replacing my laptop in the next year or two. However, both of these have the same amount (4gb) so I guess I'm not too worried on that front. I can get Windows 7 for the gateway laptop, which I think is lighter and better than Windows Vista?
Help please
Okay, here is the Dell Laptop Specs all customized to my needs (i think):
Software & Services
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T6500 (2.10GHz/800Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Service Pack 1 64 Bit
Microsoft® Works 9
Classic Protection: 1 yr Ltd Warranty and Mail-In Service
Glossy, widescreen 15.6 inch display (1366x768)
4GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 800MHz
500GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
256MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD4330
8X CD / DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-R Drive)
9-cell battery
Dell Wireless 1397 802.11g Half Mini-Card
Integrated 1.3 MP Webcam
Soundblaster X-Fi Hi Def Audio - Software Enabled
Jet Black
My Accessories
McAfee SecurityCenter, 30-Day Trial
Dell Online Backup 10GB for 1 year
WildTangent Games
Also Includes
Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 9.0
Integrated 10/100 Network Card
Intel® Pentium® Dual-Core Processor
Windows Vista™ Premium
$25 Dell Promo Gift Card - Arrives in 6-8 wks, carries a 90 Day Exp. Dell.com/giftcard
1Yr LoJack for Laptops Theft Protection
No ISP requested
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T6500 (2.10GHz/800Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Service Pack 1 64 Bit
Microsoft® Works 9
Classic Protection: 1 yr Ltd Warranty and Mail-In Service
Glossy, widescreen 15.6 inch display (1366x768)
4GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 800MHz
500GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
256MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD4330
8X CD / DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-R Drive)
9-cell battery
Dell Wireless 1397 802.11g Half Mini-Card
Integrated 1.3 MP Webcam
Soundblaster X-Fi Hi Def Audio - Software Enabled
Jet Black
My Accessories
McAfee SecurityCenter, 30-Day Trial
Dell Online Backup 10GB for 1 year
WildTangent Games
Also Includes
Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 9.0
Integrated 10/100 Network Card
Intel® Pentium® Dual-Core Processor
Windows Vista™ Premium
$25 Dell Promo Gift Card - Arrives in 6-8 wks, carries a 90 Day Exp. Dell.com/giftcard
1Yr LoJack for Laptops Theft Protection
No ISP requested
The gateway laptop specifications I can't list exactly, but it's on the site.
BlueSky: thequeenofchaos Steam: mimspanks (add me then tell me who you are! Ask for my IG)
Mim on
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How do I put this... no. To be fair, I don't see that statement anywhere on the Dell website.
Here's a guide to Dell laptops: Alienware is their gaming line and XPS their performance line. Studio is for home users; Studio XPS is a mix between XPS and Studio. Inspiron is their budget line.
I suspect both may struggle with Sims 3.
Windows 7: You will get the free upgrade to Windows 7 for the Inspiron, too, if it matters.
How much struggle? Is it just graphics that it'll struggle with?
Also, I changed the videocard for the dell, but it doesn't help with the HDMI, so now I'm leaning back against the gateway.
For what it's worth, I have been immensely happy with my Velocity Micro desktop, and have totally forsworn most of the "big box" manufacturers. I don't mean to say that Velocity Micro is the only good one out there, but staying away from people like Gateway and Dell tends to extend the longevity of a machine as well as give you a much more solid piece of hardware out of the box.
Compare prices, but buying a pre-built from Dell or Gateway is asking for terrible experiences to befall, eventually. The one saving grace for Dell was that when I had my old laptop I also had the "moron insurance" under which anything, even throwing the machine out the window, was covered. I ended up waking up after a nasty drinking blackout to find my machine swimming in beer. Dell didn't put up any fuss and even sent me a "new" computer at no change to replace the one I screwed up. If you can get this insurance, do so. I am uncertain if they even still offer it.
Their older Inspirons can be pretty
The laptops on the Velocity Micro site seem pretty expensive, from a quick look.
I have until Friday, and I believe my price range is into $700 bucks. My parents are buying it for me, due to not being able to get enough loans, tuition raising, blah blah blah, that's how much I have so I'm trying to get the best.
I'm also not an expert in building computers, so I'm just trying to find a laptop that will serve me well but won't cost an arm and a leg to get. If there is a cheap "we build it, for cheap" website out there, please do post the link so I may check it out. Otherwise I'm going to stick to the dell/bestbuy websites out there.
Thank you, Rubacava!
I think the Newegg $500-$700 page is worth a good look. There's a Sony Vaio and a few Acer machines on there that look pretty good. I can vouch for both builders as being head-and-shoulders above Gateway/Dell.
Just how bad would the graphics be if I got a lower ranged video card? I'm looking at Tiger Direct right now, and I'll probably come back to this thread to get more opinions as I look through the laptops to get the ultimate laptop.
My mom just wants me to decide by Friday...
I don't think I have to fully worry about the HD because I have an external.
As for the Inspiron, if I get it with an ATI video card, would that help it ?
Again, I'm wondering what kind of struggle I'm looking at here for the Sims 3. In what way will the laptop struggle?
Also, are refurbished laptops something to look into? I found a killer deal on tiger direct, or at least I think its a killer deal, but it's refurbished. I'm not much into sloppy seconds but if someone has any experience with refurbished laptops or tiger direct, it'd be helpful.
"Refurbished" is a nice way of saying that there was something very wrong with the machine prior to resale, but has been "fixed" since then. I, personally, stay away from any used computers/parts unless the price tag says "$$free". You could get a fine system. You could also get one with a hidden trojan or even one with intermittent hardware issues. I can't imagine it would be worth the hassle or chance.
The HD may or may not be a concern. If you use any sort of direct download media (music, film etc.) it'll fill up pretty damn quick. I run a 500GB drive on my desktop only for my OS and programs. A second 1TB stores all my files and media. But I'm a digital guy, and I'm not certain why I even own DVDs anymore. If you use the external for all big media/files, you should be fine. Just know you can't cart around too much media on a 320 drive. Also, free drive space can effect performance, so a consideration for running Sims 3.
Okay, I'm no spec wizard, but my partner was "given" a newer Inspiron 1300 series last year and has tried running both heavily modded Sims 2 and Sims 3 on the machine. It tends to stagger a bit, and the sheer amount of rendering and texture can be a problem. It ran okay at okay settings. While EA loves to market the games as "Laptop Friendly" or whatever moniker they're using now, they really aren't. To get OMG awesome visuals you'll need a machine that costs upwards of $1000, probably well above. It should run the game fine, but don't expect smooth sailing. Maybe someone else with a better head for specs could comment.
The issue with Dell is partly their machines (which kind of blow) and mostly their draconian policies, loans and other customer service hassles. I'd seriously check out the Acer and others at Newegg before going with a Dell.
EDIT:
I checked out TigerDirect, and I think I see the refurb you're talking about. If you choose to go this route (because there really are pros and cons) ensure that you get a reputable, solid warrenty for as long as possible. It'll probably knock the price up by a nice little bit, so a good compare contrast on a newer system will tell you if the potential issues/warranty expense is worthwhile against buying new. Saving $100 isn't that great a deal. Saving $500-1000 would be enough to make my ears perk up for a refurb.
Lies. Refurbished *can* mean a repaired machine, or it can also mean a machine that had a scratch on the packaging when it got to the store, or a machine that had the box opened, but never turned on. Basically if the machine has been disturbed *at all* it cannot be sold as a new computer. Thus is sold as refurbished. 99% of companies warranty their refurbished mahines exactly like a new machine.
Getting refurbished is still a bit of a crap-shoot, but generally, it's fine. Just do a search for people's experiences with refurbished equipment from that provider.
Also, I work with dell machines at work, and have dealt with several at home. I've probably seen 500 dell computers, and I can say from what I have personally seen, their reliability is no better or worse than the other big name computer makers.
I had really good luck with mine.
The great thing about them is as a parts supplier the have amazing flexibility and therefore have the widest coverage. Since a lot of laptops already ship with their stuff in it they are basically aimed at the enthusiast so there is some great variation in equipment. Whether it be a slow CPU, fast vid, and a big hard drive, or more ram a Fast CPU and basic video. They basically seem to want to fill in the cracks that the big guys miss. Which was why they invented the Netbook. extremely price competitive options and they have an accidental damages warranty out of the box for two years.
I think we agree, just from different angles.
At home right now we have an Inspiron 800, an Inspiron 6000, an Inspiron 1300, a non-functioning (physical damage) Acer from 2006ish, and a Velocity Micro desktop.
Those are pretty much in reverse order to happiness.
My experiences with the Dell machines hasn't been terrible. They are low-end machines that lack a lot of "punch" in processing power that a comparable Vaio or Acer usually brings to the table. Complaint #1 is that the value of a Dell is generally a little lower, in my practical experience.
The problems with Dell machines is bigger than hardware, alone. Part of the casing for the 1300 came loose one day, and almost immediately after it popped out it got snagged on a corner and the power button ripped out of the machine. Repairs were $150+ and the process was a nightmare.
Refurbished machines absolutely can be a "hey the box got damaged!" but can also be "we gutted and restored this totally borked machine!" Many, many companies will just swap out problematic repair requests, refurb them and sell them right off again. The question, Mim, is do you gamble? I think a good warranty is a must for any refurbished product, but that's just me.
Also,
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220547
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834115571
First one is an ASUS and the second Acer. I'm not exactly sure how I feel about them.
What about the pros and cons of the gateway laptop? Most of you have mentioned Dell in quite a bit of detail, but if the only thing with the gateway laptop is that it's going to snag here and there like a Dell would, then it seems okay (espcially for the price and what it's able to do).
Keep in mind, my computer, the one I'm using right now, has these specs:
CPU 2.53GHz
512mb RAM
and I don't know what kind of video card I have, but I'm going to take a guess it isn't very good.
They absolutely do indeed continue to offer this coverage, and my younger, less-cautious more-klutzy siblings have benefited from it several times.
It has also benefited an acquiantance, who gave his computer a healthy drink of Sprite at about the 2-and-a-half-year mark and got a brand spanking new model.
I'm not entirely sure it was an accident. :P
Ninja edit - And when is that music video coming out anyways :winky:
Can trade TF2 items or whatever else you're interested in. PM me.
If gaming is of any concern then the Acer with the 9500M GS is probably far and away the best bet. It's fairly similar to the 8600M GT in my laptop and that pretty much plays any game I want it to perfectly.
If you're looking for a laptop to last 2-3 years, you really want to get a 2-3 warranty with it. There's only a few user servicable parts in them, and the super high heat coupled with them being moved a lot generally means that the life expectancy of them isn't great.
Oh! Sweet! I thought that they phased that out, but I haven't personally bought a Dell in awhile. I seem to just collect older Inspiron models from all over the place.
Mim, if for any reason you get a Dell, get moron insurance. It pays off in the end, especially with Dell's new flat $150 repair rate.
I think this is probably your answer. I agree, though either machine you have listed I'd buy.
I'm not going to go with the Dell, I'm sure. It's between the gateway, the asus and the acer.
Haha, the music video was done awhile ago. My icon comes from Bjork's Pagan Poetry, and in it she performs oral sex and has sex with her partner Matthew Barney. That's what I'm refrencing :P I'm not that attractive in real life, you wouldn't want to see my sex tape. :P
So, anyone still want to take a crack at the gateway? Because if my parents decide that the two above are expensive, then I'd like to know what I'm dealing with if I'm stuck getting the gateway.
Folks are saving up for trip to England, so I'm trying not to piss them off.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9370548&st=hp+1435-dx&lp=1&type=product&cp=1&id=1218093001786
He doesn't like gateway, and thought I should go with the Asus, but considering the Asus doesn't have HDMI support (at least ,it wasn't listed) integrated graphics (which the gateway has too) and is more expensive than the gateway, I went with the gateway.
I'm going to buy insurance for the gateway, because Sam said he'd feel bad for me if the laptop broke after I bought it which is why he was steering me more towards the price-y laptops (though I told him my budget was $700).
In the future, when I have more money, Asus is surely the way I will go (my boyfriend has one, and I love it to bits and pieces) but for now, I will pick the gateway, which I really like, and I can play Sims3 on lower settings.
THANKS ALL FOR THE ADVICE! IT WILL COME IN HANDY IN THE FUTURE! I've learned a lot, really.