What Do you Experts Think?

nebben · #1 08-09-2005, 02:32 PM

I have designed a computer for college. I was wondering if anyone would be willing to comment on my specs? Are they too much or too little for a college student hoping to use the computer for at least 4 years?

Any input appreciated.

Dell inspiron 9300 notebook.

Intel Pentium M Processor 740 (1.73 GHZ/ 2MB Cache/ 533 MHZ FSB)
XP Pro
17 Inch Ultra Sharp UXGA Display with Tru Life
1 GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533 MHZ 2 DImm
100 GB HD
256 MB NVIDA Geforce GO 6800
9 Cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery

wh1t3bread · #2 08-09-2005, 02:40 PM

[ QUOTE ]
I have designed a computer for college. I was wondering if anyone would be willing to comment on my specs? Are they too much or too little for a college student hoping to use the computer for at least 4 years?

Any input appreciated.

Dell inspiron 9300 notebook.

Intel Pentium M Processor 740 (1.73 GHZ/ 2MB Cache/ 533 MHZ FSB)
XP Pro
17 Inch Ultra Sharp UXGA Display with Tru Life
1 GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533 MHZ 2 DImm
100 GB HD
256 MB NVIDA Geforce GO 6800
9 Cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery

[/ QUOTE ]

The XPS is a great laptop. Good choice. This will do you fine for 4 years. The only thing I can think of is maybe add the DVD burner?

Before I went to college about 7+ years ago. I never thought I would need a CD burner - zip disks were cool. Haha. I regretted my decision about 2 months later.

wh1t3bread · #3 08-09-2005, 02:42 PM

Look for a coupon here for that laptop.

Maulik · #4 08-09-2005, 02:54 PM

Dell has been having reliability issues with newer laptops. Get something else.

nebben · #5 08-09-2005, 03:28 PM

Maulik can you please elaborate?

nebben · #6 08-09-2005, 03:30 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Dell inspiron 9300 notebook.

Intel Pentium M Processor 740 (1.73 GHZ/ 2MB Cache/ 533 MHZ FSB)
XP Pro
17 Inch Ultra Sharp UXGA Display with Tru Life
1 GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533 MHZ 2 DImm
100 GB HD
256 MB NVIDA Geforce GO 6800
9 Cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery

[/ QUOTE ]

Is there anything here that is excessive?

wh1t3bread · #7 08-09-2005, 03:46 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Dell has been having reliability issues with newer laptops. Get something else.

[/ QUOTE ]

I can't disagree more. I've purchased 2 within the last year and both have been fine. I know about 10 other people who have purchased them without a problem as well.

Do you have a link to a consumer report or something?

wh1t3bread · #8 08-09-2005, 03:51 PM

[ QUOTE ]

Is there anything here that is excessive?

[/ QUOTE ]

If you are planning on being a normal college student. And using this laptop for papers, projects, pr0n, music, video downloads, poker, etc. These specs should be fine for 4 years.

Even though I trust Dell laptops alot, I always get a 2-3 year warranty with Complete Accidental Care. It is definitely worth it for a dorm/college situation. A beer will be spilled on that laptop. It's guaranteed.

nebben · #9 08-09-2005, 04:42 PM

Do you think I really need the Trulife display? Its costing about 100 extra? Would you get it?

wh1t3bread · #10 08-09-2005, 04:56 PM

I would get the True Life screen. This screen will give you much more real-estate. 1920 x 1200 vs. 1440 x 900.

Also, if you plan on ever multi-tabling (with no overlap) you will need the 1920 x 1200 resolution.