Ideas

[blue60007]

My mom's birthday is coming up and she says she's wanting to get a laptop...I have zero experience with choosing laptops. I was thinking Dell would be a good place to look at? Choosing the exact specs shouldn't be too difficult, but any ideas on where to just start? It'll just need to be a basic web surfer (w/WiFi) / word processing, etc. Nothing too skimpy on the specs, but no SLI graphics are needed. Also, I was thinking the Intel Core (Duo maybe) would be a good base. In terms of portability, it wouldn't have to be the lightest thing in the world, but not a 19" widescreen laptop. Price? Not sure, we'll just have to look at the options.

Thanks!

[glc]

Dell Inspiron E1405 or 1505 is the best deal going right now. Under $1000 should be no problem.

[blue60007]

OK, I took a look at those and they looked like a good deal.

I have a couple more questions.

1) I'm looking at their port replicators. I'm thinking I want her to be able to quickly hook up existing monitor (might get new LCD), keyboard, mouse, etc to the port replicator (ie, one plug, whatever that might be). I think their basic one would do....don't need the one with the stand since that would be the point of the seperate monitor. That sound right?

2) Would it be a bad thing to get Win MCE? It costs the same as Home. Would a user that justs surfs the web, word processes, maybe the occasional pic, notice the extra MCE features? Or would it be a better idea to go with Home?

3) I need help picking out warranties/accidental damage protection. What would be the best deal there?

4) Wasn't there a Dell Coupon website? I found a coupon that takes off 30% of a price (before instant rebates, etc) over $1000. If I understand correctly, that would take a $1000 (before instant rebates) (about the price of the config I was looking at) down to $700? The Dell instant rebates by default take it down to $800. If that's the case that sounds like a good deal. Tack on $220 for a 19" Dell LCD plus shipping, etc I might be able to squeak this in right at $1000 or a little over.

Thanks again!

[glc]

The replicator connects to the laptop with a single USB cable. I do NOT recall whether it has a VGA jack on it - I don't *think* it does. It does have a bunch of USB jacks along with a NIC and 5.1 sound. It's a Kensington product.

MCE does not get in your way until you run it. If you don't run it, it looks and acts just like Home.

[thefultonhow]

If you want a port replicator that connects via just one port, look at Dell Latitudes. They can be used with the Dell D/Port and D/Dock port replicators. The D/Docks are generally available for about $50 on eBay.

I would skimp on the performance specs and get an extremely good warranty with ADP. My mom's laptop is an Inspiron 700m with a 1.6 GHz Pentium-M, 512 MB of RAM, and a 40 GB hard drive -- she doesn't need any more. But it has a 4-year CompleteCare warranty.

The Dell coupon website is http://www.xpbargains.com/dell_coupons/.

[blue60007]

Thanks tfh...she didn't want to go the docking station route...just providing options.

We'll probably go with a 2 or 3 yr warranty. We tend to replace PCs every few years...regardless of whether they are broke or not.

The current coupons are no good...so we're just waiting for another.

[mairving]

Originally Posted by thefultonhow If you want a port replicator that connects via just one port, look at Dell Latitudes. They can be used with the Dell D/Port and D/Dock port replicators. The D/Docks are generally available for about $50 on eBay.

Don't buy one of the USB replicators. They are junk. The D-docks are quite nice. I have one right now hooked up. I have my NIC, mouse, PDA and external monitor hooked up in a dual monitor setup.

You can get a Lattitude for $350 off of a $1399 order. I don't think that one requires a coupon code. They also have a 15% off of refurbished Dell's with coupon code P5PD18N?W89SDT .

[thefultonhow]

Originally Posted by mairving Don't buy one of the USB replicators. They are junk.

Agreed. I had one when I had my XPS Gen 2 so I could hook up my parallel-only LaserJet, and it did not work well at all. I'm using a real port replicator with my ThinkPad and it works great.

[Mr.Ferrari]

core 2 duo would be excelllent, check newegg too they have some excellent deals on great lappies.

[blue60007]

That's what I figured - go to the business ones for a real port replicator....but, she didn't want to do that, so that's not an issue any more.

Mr. Ferrari, you mean Core Duo? Core 2 Duo isn't out yet. The one I'm looking at is a Core Duo.

[glc]

I've set up quite a few Dells with their Kensington USB replicator - haven't had any issues yet. They seem to work fine. The stand is quite nice too.

[Mr.Ferrari]

Originally Posted by blue60007 That's what I figured - go to the business ones for a real port replicator....but, she didn't want to do that, so that's not an issue any more. Mr. Ferrari, you mean Core Duo? Core 2 Duo isn't out yet. The one I'm looking at is a Core Duo.

Sorry intel has paid me to accidently mention conroe whenever possible . 30 cents a hour!! .

Ya core duo. Acer had some real nice ones on newegg when I checked a month ago (not sure if they are still there) with pretty beefy specs for the price.

Merom is conroe's mobile brother and should also bring prices down on core duo's when released. Just thinkin.

[thefultonhow]

Both Conroe and Merom will be very scarce on launch. Apple and Lenovo will have eaten up most of the first batch of Meroms.

[blue60007]

UPDATE: Went with the base E1404 (w/Duo) and 3yr warranty. A quarter short of $1000 after 30% coupon, not a bad deal. Also got a basic case & wireless mouse thru Newegg...

[blue60007]

UPDATE: Received the laptop today and accessories (nice timing) and UPS decided not to play kickball with it, so... Anyways, it's pretty slick. Just got done installing AV, Office, etc and uninstall the default McAcrapee and internet offers Seems pretty speedy compared to the other systems in the house...