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Is this a decent laptop?

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javeryh:
Haha - I love overkill!!  I'm not paying for it so what the hell, right?   >:D

I will probably play MAME on it from time to time and maybe a few other emulators and simpler games like Peggle or whatever but I'm not really into hi spec cutting edge computer games.  I do want to "future proof" as much as possible.  This laptop is replacing our primary computer (also a Dell laptop) which we bought in 2004 so I'm hoping this one will also last me 5+ years.  I guess I'll pull the trigger on the 64bit OS. 

Thanks!

MrMojoZ:
If you DID want to play highend games we'd be recommending a diffrent graphics setup, so that system with the 64bit OS should be perfect for you.

clok:
I might be in the minority here but DONT GET A LAPTOP unless you have an actual use for it. A desktop is normally 1/2 the price for 1/3rd more power, i know you stated you where not paying for it, but a $1000 (whatever price) laptop that sit on a shelf and is never turned on is worth $0.  Everybody seems to want a laptop, but when you get it and find out the screen sucks in all those "not at the desk" areas (outside with the SUN! (some of us are not sure it exsists, but the rumors might be true), under bright lights in store/eating areas/etc) The keyboards suck compared to a "real" keyboard. Sitting them on your lap and working, they get warm and it can be annoying. In 1 to 2 years it will be worth nothing (so will the desktop, but you pay alot less for them and you can use the LCD/mouse/keyboard/speakers over.

Of course if you have an actual use for a laptop (like 2% of the population actually does) then that one looks pretty good, lacking in the video card dept (but as you say, not looking to Hardcore game on it). I also agree with the 64 bit OS (but I would use XP before Vista for another year).

Get the best battery you can, most come with a pretty average battery, the step up option is alot nicer. Dell laptops are pretty solid machines if a bit heavy. Im a service tech for our company and we have hundreds in the field (in the field really, crop adjusters) and they hold up pretty good, mostly HD fails from rough use (is my guess).  Also see soem fails on USB ports but again, its from rough constant use im guessing.

Clok

CheffoJeffo:
That's a pretty skewed view of notebooks, but does touch on what I think are some important points -- I only buy notebooks now and the only reason I can come up with to buy a desktop is for a high-end gaming rig, which I'll likely never get around to playing anyway.

Having said that, nice screens and decent keyboards are an absolute must for everyday use -- beefy specs takes a backseat to both of those.

Oh, and +1 to going 64-bit.

javeryh:
Thanks guys.  I guess I'm in that 2% who use laptops all the time.  My house is so small that I don't have room to set up a desktop (no desk!) so we use the laptop exclusively.  Whenever I need to do something for work I plug in a USB mouse and keyboard and work at my dining room table.  For normal everyday computing I usually do it on the couch in front of the TV.

I placed the order and I went with the 64-bit OS.  I also upgraded the battery and the hard drive to 500GB.  The total with shipping and tax was $1,400 and I'm out of pocket on this thing $0!!!  Can't beat that!   :cheers:

EDIT: I should add that the price includes the 4-year in-home warranty which was very expensive but has saved me several times in the past.

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