Okay, I'm looking to get a new laptop. Help me.

[iMsoLucky0]

I am looking to get a new laptop that will enable me to 4 table w/o overlap. I don't use my laptop for much more than poker related activities, web browsing, and AIM chatting.

Through reading alot of threads, I have found that the general consensus is to get a Dell 8600. So I started reading up on it some, and customizing one on the dell web page. I have also found that a Dell 6000 will support my needs (and be a little cheaper).

Would anyone care to look at these two models that I have customized and recommended some changes to them, or recommmend which one I shold get?

8600 - Link

6000 - Link

Also of note, I have found some decent coupons for these on www.techbargains.com, and the 8600 will be $1047.00 and the 6000 will be $899.00 (shipping included on both)

What about the 8600 makes it worth $150 more?

Also, one last question: How big/heavy are these things? I have seen a few complaints that these laptops are too big. Will they both be small enough that I can lay in bed and have it sitting on my lap comfortably?

Thanks for the help.

[iMsoLucky0]

Looks like those links weren't permanent so they are dead now. I also didn't save my shopping cart earlier, so I lost all the specs I had picked out.

Here are the specs that seem important (most are customizable to some extent)


8600:
1.40 GHz/400MHz FSB 15.4 WUXGA
1 yr ltd Warranty, 1 yr Mail-In Service and 1 Yr Technical Support
512 MB DDR SDRAM 2 DIMMs
128 MB Video Card
24x CD Burner/DVD Drive
60 GB Hard Drive @7200 RPM
Intel PRO Wireless 22100 802.11 b/g 54 Mbps

6000:
Celeron Processor 370 (1.5 GHz/1MB Cache/400MHz FSB)
15.4 inch ultraSharp WUXGA LCD Panel
No Extended Service, Support, Ltd Warranty
512MB Shared DDR2 SDRAM 2 Dimms
Integrated Intel® Media Accelerator 900 Graphics (basic)
60 GB Hard Drive
24x CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive
Intel PRO/Wireless 2915 internal Wireless 902.11 a/b/g 54Mbps


The updated prices with all of these are the 6000 at $903 and the 8600 at $1111.

Any advice on changing these specs or which I should get would be great.

[BusterStacks]

I like the 8600 for that price. if it's only for poker, go with the 6000.

[Blackjack]

Dell laptops rock. Get the one with 1600x1200

[iMsoLucky0]

[ QUOTE ]
Dell laptops rock. Get the one with 1600x1200

[/ QUOTE ]

LoL, they both have 1600x1200. I am looking for advice on all of the other aspects that I hardly understand at all.

[IndyCar Dude]

Well, since you're only using it for poker, browsing and AIM, the 6000 would be all right...the 6000 sports a Celeron processor, which brings the price down. The Celeron isn't on par with other processors, but since you aren't doing anything besides what you've mentioned you're going to use it for, the Celeron will do just fine for ya.

Good luck!

[iMsoLucky0]

What actual difference does the processor make? What would I have to use it for to where it would become something that I should be concerned with?

Just tryin to learn.

[hate]

Celeron's Intel's cheap [censored] low-cache processor. I would really suggest you go for the Pentium-M in the 8600. Better battery life, and far superior processor. I don't care if your grandma's the one using it, if she has to plug it in every 3 hours and replace the battery every 3 months she'll be arthritically beating the [censored] out of you. I'd suggest a ThinkPad personally, but Dell's stuff is ok.

[iMsoLucky0]

Well the computer will be plugged in about 95% of the time I'm using it.

I actually already have a thinkpad (kinda). In fact, it is the computer I am on right now. I bought one of the newest models for my fiance in December. She's in pharmacy school, but I have constant access to it if I need it.

But like I said, the main reason I am getting a new laptop is to have one that supports 1600 x 1200 resolution so I can 4 table with no overlap.

[Blackjack]

Honestly, for sole use of poker and other low intensity apps. get the cheaper one.