10/19 50% off Dell Inspiron Laptops

[ThePopinjay]

If you want a poker laptop, now is the time to buy an Inspiron 8600 with high-res.

http://www.gottadeal.com/

$750 off $1500 purchase... incredible.

[Tuco]

Anyone know what screen gives 1600 x 1200 res? Im guessing UXGA...

Tuco.

[ThePopinjay]

WUXGA gives 1920x1200, thats what you want probably. And yes UXGA is 1600x1200.

[yct]

OMG, I'm going to be broke!!

[BreakEvenPlayer]

Damn... I want to buy one of these notebooks. I am at this screen:

http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/compare.aspx/notebooks?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs


Multi-tabling poker being my primary concern, which one of these suckers is the best machine?

[csuf_gambler]

damn this is really temptinging. im in college but i dont really NEED a laptop.

but this deal is just too good to pass up. $750 off, shieeetttt. when you see a bargin, you gotta pounce on that sh1t.

im about to spend like $1000 on a whim

[Gatts]

[ QUOTE ]
damn this is really temptinging. im in college but i dont really NEED a laptop.

but this deal is just too good to pass up. $750 off, shieeetttt. when you see a bargin, you gotta pounce on that sh1t.

im about to spend like $1000 on a whim

[/ QUOTE ]

This is perfect timing for me - I just got $1600 for school that I don't need thanks to the Louisiana government, and it's DEFINITELY going towards an 8600.

[BreakEvenPlayer]

Stupid question...

Under the customizable options for these Dell laptops, there are only wireless network options listed. Will these wireless cards also have a connection for wired high-speed internet? Or will I have to go to a store and install a wired setup myself? (I'm in an apartment with shared wired cable modem)

thanks.

edit: just saw on bottom that standard 10/100 hookup is included.

[brandon]

I was looking around that site and last week there was a deal for (2) 2001FP Lcd monitors and a Dell 8400 for $1400. Im so pissed I missed this deal. I just bought an 2001FP and paid full sticker.

[ThePopinjay]

thats not very smart, the 2001's consistently go on sale from 650-750 all the time

[ThePopinjay]

[ QUOTE ]
It really depends on what you're looking for.

The XPS is a big widescreen laptop, with all of the bells and whistles. It's probably the best of them for gaming. P4 HT based with 800mhz FSB, up to 3.4Ghz

The 9100 is the same size and weight, with a lower price, but fewer options. P4 with 800mhz FSB.

The 8600 is again widescreen, but thinner and lighter. Centrino based.

The 5160 is a basic workhorse. 15" 4:3 screen, P4 with HT based.

The 700m is an ultraportable with a 12.1" screen, and built in media bay.

Those are the top choices for your dollar.




[/ QUOTE ]

[siccjay]

Ok, I know nothing about laptops. I'm looking at customizing one now. Anyone wanna help? hahaha

[ThePopinjay]

If you want any type of portability at all, get a Pentium M chip.

8600 is the best 4-tabling P-M laptop you can get, the 700M is the best portable one you can get.

Buy the minimum RAM from Dell, they will rip you off. Order separately from crucial.com and install it yourself (very very easy).

WUXGA=1920x1200 will have no overlap with 4 tables. WSXGA+ = Will have a little overlap with 4 tables.

1.7GHz is the minimum I'd get for the processor speed.

Get the fastest HD you can get (7200RPM), and the biggest, for the 8600 this would be a 60GB 7200RPM HD.

Get the Dell Wireless 1450 card, it's the best one you can get.

Get the highest capacity batteries, the 8600 can also have dual batteries, I recommend that (can get 8hrs if I want).

Get the best graphics card you can, the 8600 it is a 9600 pro I believe.

[siccjay]

[ QUOTE ]
If you want any type of portability at all, get a Pentium M chip.

8600 is the best 4-tabling P-M laptop you can get, the 700M is the best portable one you can get.

Buy the minimum RAM from Dell, they will rip you off. Order separately from crucial.com and install it yourself (very very easy).

WUXGA=1920x1200 will have no overlap with 4 tables. WSXGA+ = Will have a little overlap with 4 tables.

1.7GHz is the minimum I'd get for the processor speed.

Get the fastest HD you can get (7200RPM), and the biggest, for the 8600 this would be a 60GB 7200RPM HD.

Get the Dell Wireless 1450 card, it's the best one you can get.

Get the highest capacity batteries, the 8600 can also have dual batteries, I recommend that (can get 8hrs if I want).

Get the best graphics card you can, the 8600 it is a 9600 pro I believe.

[/ QUOTE ]

You're the man thanks.

So with the Inspiron 5160 is it just the display thats not as good? Is it really that much faster. I might buy one but I don't really care much about the 4 tabling with no overlap. I wouldn't be buying it for poker.

Thanks for any help!

[Caesars IN Kevin]

Yea whats the big difference between the 5160 and the 8600 if im not using this for any poker related 4 table issue. Seems like the 5160 has a 2.8 minimum and 8600 has a 1.7 minimum. Whats the big difference between the two?

[ThePopinjay]

the 5160 or whatever, uses a pentium 4. the 8600 uses a pentium M. the pentium M has WAY WAY WAY better battery.

a 1.8ghz P-M is also just as fast a 3.0ghz pentium 4. SO, I would strongly recommend getting the pentium M.

another thing, if you are getting a 700M, get the 30GB Hard drive, then replace it yourself with a 60GB 7200RPM drive found here:
60GB 7200RPM Notebook Drive (http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=100519)

the 700M drives from dell are all 4200RPM, which is QUITE crappy, incredibly crappy actually. you can easily find a guide to replacing the HD on google or something. or notebookforums.com

[Blarg]

The 2.8 is a standard chip and the 1.7 is a mobile, or Pentium M. The mobiles have far longer battery life -- like sometimes 4x as long depending on what kind of laptop you get and how you use it, and also give out much less heat, which makes for greater lap and hand/wrist comfort and probably prolongs the life of your laptop a bit.

The Pentium M 1.7 performs about the same level as a Pentium 3.0. It will do everything well, including gaming.

Dells aren't the best laptops around; I'd stock up on the warranties.

[ThePopinjay]

here is the 700M HD replacement guide:

700m HD replacement guide (http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins700m/en/SM/hdd.htm#wp1084976)

[siccjay]

Thanx a ton for all the help.

[siccjay]

LMAO I still can't make up my mind if I wanna buy this. Anyone else sitting up waiting for this coupon to come into effect.

I want a laptop but don't think I really need this good a one. I can multitable from my PC. I just want a laptop to have one.

[BreakEvenPlayer]

Yeah I'm about to buy one myself. I think it will be great to be able to play some poker when I am traveling.

[Gambit]

Thanks for the tip! /images/graemlins/cool.gif Just picked up a 8600 w/ WUXGA, 60 GB 7200 HD, DVD+RW/+R for $1100! (including the shipping rebate)

[challenger84]

Damnit. This deal was too good to pass up, and now I have a $1000 laptop that I didn't really need. Oh well, I'll just sell my old Inspiron 5150 on ebay. It sucked for poker anyways.

[shant]

I've got the checkout screen up and I'm very tempted to spend $1200 right now.

Anyone know how often this rebate comes around?

[DOTTT]

Thanks for posting this.

[JRichman]

Just a heads up - on the same website there is a coupon to get the 2001fp for $609 shipped.

I must say, it was tempting to instead buy a WUXGA laptop for only about $250 more, but in the end, I went with the 2001fp (my second).

[Puffin]

Where do you configure the monitor on these things. Does the 8600 automatically come with a uzga screen b/c I can't find where to select that on the configuration page.

[JRichman]

You select a screen/processor combo together in the first set of options.

[sluttysteve]

I noticed that for the Pentium M processor speeds they jump from 1.6ghz to 2.0ghz for an extra $310. How much of a difference is this in P4 terms, and is it worth it? Also, what is the difference between WXGA, WSXGA, and WUXGA?

I'll be using this and my desktop to 4-table and play video games at the same time.

[sluttysteve]

[ QUOTE ]
a 1.8ghz P-M is also just as fast a 3.0ghz pentium 4. SO, I would strongly recommend getting the pentium M.

[/ QUOTE ]

forgive my ignorance, but can you explain how this is possible? i'm embarassed to be a cs major that knows nothing about computer hardware.

[CostaRicaBill]

Hey guys help me out, I know almost nothing about laptops and want to take advantage of this deal. Will be using for pokering and some graphic design, what do you think about these specs.

Dell Inspiron 8600 - Total w/shipping = $1461
- Intel® Pentium® M Processor 725(1.60A GHz/400MHz FSB)
15.4 WUXGA
- 1GB,333MHz 2 DIMM
- Video Card/64MB DDR NVIDIA® GeForce™ FX Go5200 AGP 4X
Graphics
- 60GB Hard Drive at 7200RPM
- 8x CD/DVD burner (DVD+RW/+R)
- 72 WHr Primary Battery

Also, does anyone recommend the 700M? I like the looks of it but have heard talk of manually installing hard drives and what not which I don't really want to do. Thanks!

[johnnycakes]

[ QUOTE ]

Dell Inspiron 8600 - Total w/shipping = $1461
- Intel® Pentium® M Processor 725(1.60A GHz/400MHz FSB)
15.4 WUXGA
- 1GB,333MHz 2 DIMM
- Video Card/64MB DDR NVIDIA® GeForce™ FX Go5200 AGP 4X
Graphics
- 60GB Hard Drive at 7200RPM
- 8x CD/DVD burner (DVD+RW/+R)
- 72 WHr Primary Battery


[/ QUOTE ]

I just bought an I8600 a week ago, so I've been through this.

Downgrade that RAM. Dell definitely overcharges for that.
I just bought a 512MB piece of Kinsington for $77 (after rebate) for my I8600. So, I would upgrade to 512MB 1 piece for $45 and look for another 512MB piece for around $75 (sometimes you can find them for less). That's $120 total for 1GB upgrade compared to Dell's $225 upgrade price.

That WUXGA will be great for poker, but I hope you don't plan to do a lot reading...

Also, IMHO, if you have a desktop, the DVD burner isn't worth it. You can get a much faster burner for your desktop for less. I'd get the CD-RW (cause it's only $35) and upgrade the video card with that money.

Johnny.

[cjromero]

I want to take advantage of this deal, but I am confused about which model to get, and what upgrades. I know nothing about computer hardware.

I will primarily use the computer for playing poker (multitabling), surfing the Internet, and perhaps watching movies on the DVD player.

Is the 8600 the one to get? If so, what specs are most appropriate on a cost-benefit analysis?

[Lost Wages]

The 128MB video card is only a few bucks more. Don't forget the intergrated wireless.

Lost Wages

[joeboss]

anyone know if this is available to canadians?

[Lost Wages]

I noticed that for the Pentium M processor speeds they jump from 1.6ghz to 2.0ghz for an extra $310. How much of a difference is this in P4 terms, and is it worth it?

Mmm...dunno. For poker you don't need much processor. I have a 1.5ghz and it's fine. Consider your other uses.

Also, what is the difference between WXGA, WSXGA, and WUXGA?

Link. (http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=19&kc=6V603&l=en&oc=i8600F1&s= dhs) Click "Help me choose" on the processor/display choices. You'll want WUXGA for 4-tabling. For other uses you can bump it back to 1280x800 where it looks fine.

Lost Wages

[hoyaboy1]

I might 4 table a little, but not very much. I am basically just buying this laptop because bringing my desktop to Spain with me for study abroad will be too much hassle.

So, which display would you recommend? I'm not a fan of really high resolutions and small print, but I don't mind having the option if I want to 4 table occasionally.

Also - warranty wise, anyone know what type of coverage I'd have in spain? Thanks.

One more - the default is the 72 whr battery - should I get the additional 48 whr for the modular bay?

[GottaDeal]

Hello all. This is Brad from GottaDeal.com (http://www.gottadeal.com) (the site posted in the original message). I saw the hits from this thread and decided to stop by. This is pretty much the best laptop deal we've ever seen, so if you are considering it, you won't be able to do much better anytime soon.

If you are clueless about the technlogy aspects, feel free to post in our forums (http://forums.gottadeal.com) as we have quite a few knowledgeble folks who are more than willing to help you decide on a model and a configuration for whatever your needs are.

Thanks,

Brad @ GottaDeal

[Seether]

Is this an instant rebate or do you need to mail something in?

[jmark]

[ QUOTE ]
forgive my ignorance, but can you explain how this is possible? i'm embarassed to be a cs major that knows nothing about computer hardware.


[/ QUOTE ]

From the Intel website it looks like the much larger cache plus some optimizations make it possible:

2MB power optimized L2 cache
Enhanced register access manager and Enhanced data pre-fetcher allow higher performance due to reduced off-chip memory accesses, more efficient register management, and the increase availability of valid data in L2 cache.

Strained silicon process technology allows more frequency headroom for higher performance.

Power optimized 400 MHz processor system bus, Micro-Ops Fusion & Dedicated Stack Manager enable faster execution of instructions a lower power.

[Gambit]

[ QUOTE ]
Is this an instant rebate or do you need to mail something in?

[/ QUOTE ]
The $750 is lopped right off the subtotal when you enter the coupon code as provided in the original link. In addition, Dell is offering a separate $50 mail-in rebate to compensate for the shipping charges.

[CostaRicaBill]

So I can bump the resolution on the WUXGA down after poker and it still looks good right? People are acting like it is impossible to read off of.

Also, do I really need a DVD burner? Is it easy to burn dvd's or a complicated process?

Lastly, is the Dell Wireless 1450 Internal Wireless (802.22a/b/g, 54Mbps) ok? Is this what my friend means by integrated wireless? Thanks!

[sluttysteve]

Due to the overwhelming response to our offer and supply constraints, this promotion is no longer available for Inspiron 700m and Inspiron 8600 systems. This offer remains available on other Dell Inspiron models.

Craaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaap.

[shant]

Damn, I took too long making my decision and missed it.

Crap.

[steeser]

Wow...glad I jumped on it when I did.

[sluttysteve]

Just like when I took too long to clear the EMPIRE500 bonus.

*sob* /images/graemlins/frown.gif

[hoyaboy1]

I wanted this to be a "school" computer, and my dad was gonna pay for it. Had one in my cart at 4 when it sitll worked, and called him. He said I could buy it, I said nah, I'll wait till you get home in 30 minutes, send you ym config and you can check it out.

Damn it.

[ChicagoTroy]

I can't get this to process. A few people have mentioned that model, but it would appear it's not one of the "select models" to which this coupon applies.

If I'm wrong please holler.

[sluttysteve]

Don't bother, deal's over for the 700m.

[siccjay]

I'm such a sissy and missed it. Thats a lotta money for me to spend on anything haha

[hoyaboy1]

That model any good?

[shant]

If anyone sees deals on laptops like this again, please post them. And thanks for posting this one.

[Tru]

Do I lose significantly by going with the 600M instead of the 700M. What do I miss specifically?

Tru

[GottaDeal]

Even though this particular coupon is over for the 700m and 8600 models, keep an eye on GottaDeal (http://www.gottadeal.com). Dell is nearing the end of their fiscal quarter and will most likely be having more of these deals during the next 10 days.

The 600m is similar to the 700m - pretty much the same components with just a different form factor and screen size/resolution.

[Gambit]

[ QUOTE ]
Also, do I really need a DVD burner? Is it easy to burn dvd's or a complicated process?

[/ QUOTE ]

Do you need one? Probably not. I added it as an option, I've been looking for a good price on a notebook with DVD burning for a couple weeks now. With the discount I was able to get what I guess is a mid-range system for the price of a low-end one. (with a dvd burner, that is) I don't buy desktop PCs anymore, I have become too accustomed to the mobility aspect, although as someone mentioned it would be cheaper to buy a DVD burner for a desktop if you have one.

Again my thanks to the original poster.

[beta1607]

I talked to my coworker who is into computers and he said the 600 is still legit and for the price you can not beat it, according to him so I just bought one with a gang of upgrades for like 1300 after the rebate. The only negative is the graphics card is not as good but I only use my computer for poker and email so who cares.

[skunkworks]

[ QUOTE ]
forgive my ignorance, but can you explain how this is possible? i'm embarassed to be a cs major that knows nothing about computer hardware.

[/ QUOTE ]

Clock speed is really not a good stat to benchmark performance. The mobile Pentium CPUs have a pretty beefy cache now (2 MB), and I'm guessing that they also have a very efficient pipeline that allows it to do more calculations in fewer clock cycles. That last statement is a bit of conjecture on my part -- I haven't been keeping up with new hardware lately.

Don't worry about not knowing this stuff as a CS major; if you're in a half-decent program, you'll get around to digital logic design and other hardware subjects shortly.

Edit: btw, P-M is the only CPU you should consider if you care about battery life. It's a great performer as well as a power miser. I'm normally an AMD guy, but I love my IBM T42 Thinkpad (Pentium-M 1.7 GHz).

[GottaDeal]

Dell just notified us that as of 6pm CST, the coupon will no longer be valid on the 600m and 5160 models. The offer will remain available on Dell Inspiron 1150 and Inspiron XPS systems.

Just a heads up...

Brad @ GottaDeal

[sluttysteve]

[ QUOTE ]
Don't worry about not knowing this stuff as a CS major; if you're in a half-decent program, you'll get around to digital logic design and other hardware subjects shortly.

[/ QUOTE ]

Unfortunately, I've already graduated. It's prolly just because I didn't really pay attention in class.

[sluttysteve]

30% off last week, $750 off this week...

Realistically, what are the chances of the same or better deal coming along in the near future? I'm already kicking myself for not jumping all over this one.

[liquidboss]

[ QUOTE ]
30% off last week, $750 off this week...

[/ QUOTE ]Don't forget 40% desktops last week... Dell is going crazy!!!

[Hydro]

i hear its because they need to reach their quotas (sell x amount of y in z time) /images/graemlins/confused.gif

[yct]

I'm glad I got in on the 8600 w/ 15.4" WUXGA screen. It's such a good deal and I should've max out my CC and bought a few more to sell them on egay.

kudos to the person who posted this deal...

[BreakEvenPlayer]

Yeah I stayed up until 6 AM CST last night to buy one because I knew they would pull this deal soon enough...

Thanks again Poppin and GottaDeal (even though we're hooking you up lol)

[yct]

Yeah I stayed up until 6 AM CST last night to buy one

strong... i went to bed didn't even bother to set alarm clock... i figure if by the time i get up, the deal is over, well, i just save myself $800. but i actually got up early at 5:30am, so i'm down $800... well this is going to be coming out from my poker bankroll... /images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Puffin]

Awesome deal. I bought one for myself and one for ebay!!!

God I love these forums.

[GottaDeal]

[ QUOTE ]
Thanks again Poppin and GottaDeal (even though we're hooking you up lol)

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah, we're probably selling a lot through the site, but Dell is cheap and only pays 1% commission. I'll make more from PartyPoker this month than Dell, and that's with only a few signups, lol.