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I've been looking at the Inspirons. Two of them have 4 USB ports, rather than two, it sounds like 4 would be better, not sure why exactly, but I might need more someday, so I am looking more closely at those two.
The computer I have now is over 4 years old, is NT with 128 RAM. I'll mostly use it for web development, including some photoshop and flash work, maybe something music related. I tend to have lots of applications open at once. I'd like to have it last a long time too, like the current one has.
Processors/batteries:
What's this whole Hyper-Threading Technology about? Is it worth it? What's the difference between a Pentium 4 at 2.8, 3 and 3.2 GHz and a Pentium 4 with Hyper-Threading Technology at 3.40 GHz? Is the speed itself that big of a difference or is the Hyper-Threading Technology that much better? And M Processors, they supposedly are better for batteries? Anyone have experience with this? In general, are laptop batteries rechargable? How expensive are they? Couldn't you just buy one or two extra to use while the others are recharging?
Displays:
What's the difference between WUXGA (1920x1200), WXGA (1280x800) and WSXGA+ (1680x1050)? It seems like just the number of pixels. Does it really make a noticable difference between using one or the other? And what is the difference between '64MB' and '128MB' DDR ATI® MobilityTM RADEONTM 9700?
CD/DVD drives
what I really just need is a way to write data to a CD as a backup, rewritable CD's and anything with DVD's would just be a bonus feature for me. Unless I'm missing something, and maybe I would really use more. The choices I'm seeing on the Dells I was looking at are:
1 Internal modular bay is configurable:
Standard: Combo Drive - 24x/10x/24x CD-RW and 8x DVD
DVD+RW: Optional: 4x DVD+RW/+R6
or:
DVD+RW: Standard: 4x DVD+RW/+R6
I don't understand some of the abbreviations they are using, and they don't explain it on the site either. The '+R6' is actually a superscripted 6. What in the world is an 'R' to the 6th power anyway?
Floppy drives:
I would like to have one, but what is the difference between these options:
Optional: External USB floppy drive
Optional: 16, 64, or 128 MB USB Memory Key
Optional: Modular USB floppy drive
Optional: 64, or 128 MB USB Memory Key
What is a Memory Key?
And finally:
What is the difference between an difference between:
an Integrated 10/100 Ethernet
and an
Integrated 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet?
Any advice would be appreciated, four years ago there wasn't as much to choose from and it was much easier to make a decision.
That all depends on what you are using the laptop for.
<<I tend to have lots of applications open at once.>>
You will probably want to go with 512mb of memory(Or more)
<<What's this whole Hyper-Threading Technology about?>>
"Hyper-Threading Technology enables multi-threaded software applications to execute threads in parallel. This level of threading technology has never been seen before in a general-purpose microprocessor. Internet, e-Business, and enterprise software applications continue to put higher demands on processors. To improve performance in the past, threading was enabled in the software by splitting instructions into multiple streams so that multiple processors could act upon them. Today with Hyper-Threading Technology, processor-level threading can be utilized which offers more efficient use of processor resources for greater parallelism and improved performance on today's multi-threaded software. "
<<Is it worth it?>>
If you will be doing a lot of multitasking.
<<What's the difference between a Pentium 4 at 2.8, 3 and 3.2 GHz and a Pentium 4 with Hyper-Threading Technology at 3.40 GHz?>>
Hyper-Threading Technology offers a boost in performance allowing you to multitask more effectively.
<<are laptop batteries rechargable?>>
Yes. They recharge automatically while the laptop is plugged in.
<<How expensive are they?>>
Around $40.00 on pricewatch.com
<<Couldn't you just buy one or two extra to use while the others are recharging?>>
Yes, if you do a lot of traveling.
<<What's the difference between WUXGA (1920x1200), WXGA (1280x800) and WSXGA+ (1680x1050)? It seems like just the number of pixels>>
That is the maximum resolution.
<<Does it really make a noticable difference between using one or the other?>>
Check your resolution in the display properties on your current computer. If you do not require a display over 1280x800 go with that.
<<what is the difference between '64MB' and '128MB' DDR ATI® MobilityTM RADEONTM 9700? >>
Depending on what you will be doing. For gaming and other graphic intense activities I would go with 128MB.
<<What in the world is an 'R' to the 6th power anyway>>
no idea
The USB memory keys are pretty handy but I would still get the internal floppy as well. The external floppy is just more to lug around IMO.
<<What is the difference between an difference between:
an Integrated 10/100 Ethernet
and an
Integrated 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet? >>
The 10/100/1000 is 10x faster.
Steve
[edited by: madman21 at 10:23 am (utc) on Mar. 20, 2004]
Why do you want a laptop? Seriously, ask yourself this, because there are 2 big issues here. If you're looking at a desktop-replacement that will rarely travel, and will usually be plugged into the mains, then weight and wi-fi aren't necessarily going to be key issues - you might even want to look at one of the Dell docking-stations.
If, however, you travel a lot and will lug your laptop with you, then you might want to look at a Centrino (Pentium M) Latitude - long battery life and built in wireless-connectivity. Standard modem for when there are no wireless hot-spots nearby. Buying a second battery is always wise, just for peace of mind, but the battery life with Centrino machines really is pretty impressive.
Forget Hyper-Threading, but if this machine is to last a long time, as you say, then spring for the fastest processor you can. For graphics work you should go for a minimum of 512K of RAM, but 1 Gig is always nice.
I'm out of touch with the screen technoligies, but , yes, they are pixel screen resolutions. The 64 and 128 refer to the amount of dedicated memory that the graphics card has - 128 would be better for games and heavy graphics work.
The CD/DVD options are simple CD/DVD readers or a combination of this and/or CD and DVD writing functionality. The numbers are the speeds at which the unit will write to the various types of DVD media.
Floppy - are you sure you need one. If yes, then you're unlikely to use it often and would be best of going for an external USB one that you just plug in when needed. Memory keys are USB storage devices - AKA key-drives or pen-drives. Useful for backing up and carrying around data on something that you can drop in your pocket or wear around your neck.
The ethernet options refer to the speed of the built-in network card - you're not likely to need 1 gig networking unless you're regularly plugging into a high-speed network and transferring some very large files.
Now if I can only remember what I just wrote a few minutes ago. I may break down my reply into parts, so I don't take a chance of screwing it up again.
Ram - I thought I'd go with 512, because of the price. Can laptops be easily upgraded with more ram?
<<2 usb ports or 4?>>
I figured between a printer, scanner, eventually a digital camera and who knows what else, more ports would be better
Hyper-Threading - one advice is that it is important the other says its not. I'll have to think about that one some more.
The battery thing seems pretty reasonable.
I save this and finish with a new reply.
Check your resolution in the display properties on your current computer. If you do not require a display over 1280x800 go with that.
I just looked up what I had before, and don't feel like doing it again. I use mine at 1024 by 768, I don't know what the maximum mine goes up to is. When I am at home, most of the time I will probably connect the laptop to my current monitor anyway, but I want something usable for like photoshop work when I'm away too.
Depending on what you will be doing. For gaming and other graphic intense activities I would go with 128MB.
I don't do any gaming, just some photoshop and flash work. What about playing DVD's on it? I may not do that anyway, but thought I should ask.
The 10/100/1000 is 10x faster.
As for as the floppy drive goes, between internal or external, what difference does it actually make besides being heavier if its built in and having to connect it to use it if its not?
I guess I need to reconsider the thing about the number of USB ports. I figured the more the better, so I had been looking at laptops with 4 rather than 2. But what I wasn't considering is that now scanners and printers tend to come combined, so I would only need one port for that instead of 2. I'd still need one someday for a digital camera though. And maybe if I wanted one of those fancy photography like printers that come with them too. Not sure how all that works though.
The Dell guy said something about 'port replicators', I think that is what he called it. I did a search on 'port replicators'. Still not sure exactly what all they can do.
Do they allow you to plug more things in, so that I'm not limited to just having two things plugged into the two USB ports?
<<As for as the floppy drive goes, between internal or external, what difference does it actually make besides being heavier if its built in and having to connect it to use it if its not?>>
I don't think it makes much of difference at all.
Its up to you. Less to lug around if its internal though.
Ram can be upgraded. The usb issue is your call. I use one usb port on my laptop and that is for a mouse.
He was probably refering to a usb hub. They are fairly inexpensive.
memoryWhen I got my Dell laptop it was a whole lot cheaper to get memory from Crucial. Check the prices there. I got the minimum memory and then upgraded to 1GB for a fraction of what Dell would have charged. (this was a few years ago)
USBAs long as you have at least 2 you're OK. You can add USB hubs later. A hub would allow you to plug in several more USB devices using one of your USB ports.
DVDGet the DVD writer if you can afford it. You'll be thankful when it comes to backup time.
Don't let the Dell guy steer you anywhere. He is just trying to make a sale.
You're probably right, although he did seem nice. The models I had been looking at though, which are real new, have a build time of 21 days. I don't know if I can wait that long. The 5150 has a build time of only 5 days so that may be more reasonable.
I seems most of the floppys I was looking at are actually modular rather than built in internal or external. Modular seems like it might actually be better.
I'll keep that in mind about Crucial if I upgrade later.
As long as you have at least 2 you're OK. You can add USB hubs later. A hub would allow you to plug in several more USB devices using one of your USB ports.
Thanks, this is important. And something I was really wanting to understand better. The number of USB ports was one of the main reasons I was considering one of their newer models over the 5150.
Get the DVD writer if you can afford it. You'll be thankful when it comes to backup time.
Ok, here's a silly question - how is a DVD writer different from a CD writer?
I didn't bother to get a DVD burner - I bought an external one so i could use it on multiple machines in my office. I also didn't worry about a floppy drive internal or external. I already owned a 256 MB "jump drive" which I bought at amazon cheaper than their 128 MB one cost.
The laptop is heavier than several other options I looked at, but I would rather get an extra hour or two of use from it in exchange for lugging around a pound or so more.
You can see my frustrated rant here:
[webmasterworld.com...]
anyhow, good luck - with your parents and your laptop.
Added: a DVD burner can create DVD roms - which hold 4.7 GB of data, compared to a CD ROM which can hold about 700 MB of data - about 6 CD ROMs worth of data fit on a DVD ROM.
[edited by: PatrickDeese at 7:59 pm (utc) on Mar. 21, 2004]
If I think I will need the laptop in a hurry, I will go with the 5150. If I have more time to wait before I will be out of town more, I will consider one of their newer models which take longer to ship.
Thanks for all the help so far - I may have more questions when I get back.
I STRONGLY RECCOMEND the 4 year on-site service and parts warrantee.
Either that or get a Latitude (heavier duty - business class gear!).
My Inspiron has had 3 keyboards, 2 screens, and several other reasons for the nice Dell technician to come to my home and replace things -- for FREE.
Other than that, yes, the more RAM the better. 2 USB's should be good enough - as you can always get a splitter if you need more.
Screen - no need to really splurge their either.
Hard disk - the bigger the better.
CD (get the burner - not the DVD unless you're working with DVD professionally) - expect these to break as well - so see above on Extended warrantee.
If you need to use a firewall, don't expect their internal LAN card to work - numerous techs tell me the internal ones are "junk".
I'm now on my 3rd PCMCIA LAN card - I guess I use a computer pretty hard these days!
Take care,
Chew
from PatrickDeese:
good luck - with your parents and your laptop.
DVD burner can create DVD roms - which hold 4.7 GB of data, compared to a CD ROM which can hold about 700 MB of data - about 6 CD ROMs worth of data fit on a DVD ROM.
I actually never knew what a DVD burner was for, other than copying movies maybe. So they can be used in place of a CD to backup data then? Only they can hold more? Are blank/empty DVD a lot more expensive than CDs?
chewy:
Good luck with your Dad
I am planning on getting the 4 year on-site service thing.
"If you need to use a firewall" ... I use Zone Alarm now and like it, were you referring to a hard ware firewall that could cause problems with their internal LAN card?
Now I've got to go back over to the linux forum. I didn't mention it here, but I also want to have linux installed on this computer and I started a thread there asking questions specific to that.
With only 256M or RAM, it can get slow at times, especially since I'm running a full dev environment with 2 Apache servers, MySQL, PHP, Tomcat and editing software. Like Bill, I'd recommend comparison shopping for memory- but don't procrastinate like I did :)
As far as screen resolution, I did splurge, and do not regret it. At 1600*1200, text can be a bit small on websites, but I can also have many more windows open at once, which is very handy when comparing files, output in different browsers or even having several consoles open side by side.
A good screen also means less eye strain and headaches, and you can read faster. All around, an excellent investment.
