Posted on 05/31/2009 3:15:59 PM PDT by Netizen
I understand... TigerDirect also builds you system for scratch but I have had minimal problems with Dell, compared to the monstrous migraines HP gave me. BTW, the life expectancy of a laptop is 2-3 years before it croaks...then again, my brother who is has a degree in comp sci also has a Compaq computer that he still uses from...2002.
My trump card for Dell? One of my friend-girls is Filipina and because Dell call centers are in the Philippines, she just smooth talks them into handing over upgrades and to quicken the turn-around for repairs.
You might want to go to Dell online and get a laptop through them directly if the model the school offers is less than acceptable. Unless they are offering a Dell too. But then, it could be the Vista that is the problem. You could get one through the school with Vista and then wipe it and install XP. Just sayin'.
It seems that the Dell Latitude that the school is pushing is getting less than favorable reviews and some people in the reviews have been asking Dell to go back to the D series, which is what you have I think. Which would explain the difference. :)
I’ll chime in.
MSi is a company that makes high powered DIY laptops. Basics of the laptop are assembled and you choose a few components.
Do a google search for “MSi DIY laptop” or something similar. There are even DIY laptop sites.
Bigger question. Are you going to shell out for .... Windows?
Does this guy sell bridges and swamp land too?
Ok, new questions. First question is 32 bit vs 64 bit?
Next, I’ve been told that a large Hard Drive, over 250GB, has a tendency to break and that I should avoid a 320GB and 500GB.
Any thoughts on this?
The system we are looking at has Windows EX Pro as the OS.
Can you tell me if there is a larger chance of Hard Drive failure rates for HD’s over 250GB?
There is a slightly larger chance at this time, but over the long haul, I'd rely more on my 1.5tb drives than my 250gb drives.
In any case, backups are essential for critical information, photos and the like.
The thing is you don't need anything bigger than a 250gb drive unless you're handling video files. And even then, adding hard drive space is a simple and inexpensive expansion - external 1tb drives are around $100 right now, internals are about $90.
I personally prefer the newer generation drives, as they're far quieter and remain cooler in the case, and are slightly faster.
What about a 500GB?
Well, the computer I’m replying on has 4gb. Anything above 160gb should be fine.
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