Looking at Dell notebooks

Does anyone know anything about these? Good Bad, what do I need. We are looking to use it just to go on internet, minor stuff on word/excel nothing crazy. Any thoughts???

Re: Looking at Dell notebooks

Well, I buy computers for my company for a living...so...

If you're only going on the internet, you definitely don't need anything too fancy. You can go with the cheapest one, if you want. Most important thing is how much memory the computer has. So you would want at lease 512mb of memory. If you're going to be doing anything with graphics, i.e. playing games, you'll want a better video card (64mb). Other than that, keep it simple!

Re: Looking at Dell notebooks

Would you look at another brand. I had nothing but problems replacing my parts machine, I mean my Dell.

Re: Looking at Dell notebooks

My mom has a Dell desktop, and it's been ok. We had problems with it at first and their service stinks... but if you just want it for minor stuff, I think Dell is probably a good bet, it's a major brand and they have very inexpensive laptops. I looked at them extensively when I bought my laptop last year, but I decided on the reliability of a Mac and couldn't be happier, but Mac comes with a hefty pricetag, and so it's not worth it, if it's just for surfing the net.

I agree, make sure you get enough RAM. It's a lot harder and more costly to add ram to a laptop than to a desktop. I REALLY wish I had gone for the 1gig of ran when I got my laptop (ETA: But I use it for games, photoshop, etc)

Message edited 11/16/2006 11:00:23 AM.

Re: Looking at Dell notebooks

I bought DH a Dell laptop last year and it's great. he's had zero problems. I didn't get the cheapest, but it was under $1000

Re: Looking at Dell notebooks

Re: Looking at Dell notebooks

I've bought new & refurbs for work, and bought my Dad a laptop 6 years ago for Christmas.

Dell's home support is in India which could me a major problem for some people. We've had to call them once in 6 years and although the phone call was annoying, the service tech who came out and replaced his system board was super.

No matter who you buy with, GET A GOOD SERVICE PLAN! It's a no-brainer. Things go wrong, you can't always explain it, that's just the way it is.

And ditto about not going nuts with the parts. Ram is important (512mb is a good place to start), and possibly a large hard drive if you have a lot of music or digital photos.

But don't get sucked into the higher speed processors. It's not worth it for what you're going to use it for.

And they usually have deals like a free CD burner or free shipping, etc.

I don't know much about their service, but IBM has a really good reputation for their laptops. They have the Lenovo series now which my company is buying refurbed and haven't had a problem yet.

Message edited 11/16/2006 11:13:31 AM.

Re: Looking at Dell notebooks

If your looking for basic laptops - here are two good deals
tiger direct

Also check out bestbuy and circuitcity, and walmart. They are always running a special for an under $500 laptop
Scott

Re: Looking at Dell notebooks

DO NOT EVER BUY FROM TIGER DIRECT!!

Sorry bout that, but I had to get your attention!

They have horrible ratings from the BBB, resellerratings.com, and from ME!

I have a lot of experience with their dirty dealings, rebate problems, salesman inadequacy, product quality, so if you want to know more, just FM me.

A lot people buy from them because they have good prices. But you are taking a huge risk.

NewEgg is my pick for the best computer vendor, I've had nothing but good experiences with them personally and professionally.

Re: Looking at Dell notebooks

I have never had a problem from tiger direct and I have bought numerous things from them. New egg is a great site to buy from.

Scott

Re: Looking at Dell notebooks

You're one of the lucky ones.

NewEgg's reseller rating profile versus TigerDirect's reseller rating profile

There's even a TigerDirects*cks.org website.

Here's the BBB page on them with their "unsatisfactory" rating

Re: Looking at Dell notebooks

oh well
try walmart