Buying a refurb Precision M4400

I'm planning on buying a refurb M4400 soon, and I'm wondering if the user community has any input for me. Are there any features I should make sure to get (backlit keyboard is good, I hear)? Are there any features I should be sure to avoid? Are there any problems commonly experienced that I should look out for once I get the system?

I haven't ordered it yet, but so far I think I'm looking at the T9400 cpu, 4GB RAM, FX770M gpu, CCFL WUXGA screen, ~250GB@7200RPM HD (could be 160GB or 320GB, depends on what's available). Up for debate still are 6 vs 9 cell battery, fingerprint reader (none, internal, FIPS), OS (if I can get 64-bit Vista Ultimate that'd be great, otherwise XP Pro w/ Vista Business license).

The intended usage here is software development (mostly Java, some C/C++) and gaming (Far Cry 2, CoD4/5, maybe Crysis?).

I'd greatly appreciate any input anyone has for me. Thanks in advance!

 

well avoid the FX1700 gpu, its a power hog and isnt much better than the FX770. 6cell vs 9cell its up to you, some people cant stand a protruding battery, for me i dont care, it dosent look that bad and i need the extra battery life. (4-5hrs vs 3-4hrs)

i like the fingerprint reader because when i logon/resume frm sleep to show people something on my laptop, swiping my finger is good, since they cant see me typing in my password, also its more convenient.

i think the UPEK fingerprint reader is more than enough, you just need the FIPS for certain govt functions etc i reckon thats why they made it an option.

i have the UPEK one and its much more accurate than others i've tried.

 

I've never had a system with a fingerprint reader before, so this may come across as a stupid question, but... is it just another way to log in, i.e. I could type my password OR swipe my finger? Or if I set it up, will I always HAVE TO use the fingerprint reader?

 

you can use password as well

 

ok cool, thanks.

 

Any reason you're picking the CCFL WUXGA over the RGB LED one? I'm just curious because I'm debating those two screens for an upcoming M4400 purchase as well. I haven't seen the RGB LED version in the outlet yet, so maybe that's part of your reasoning? Thanks for sharing!

 

I haven't seen one in the outlet yet either, but mostly it'd be the cost. Unless the LED one is available within my budget, it's just not an option. If I do find one within my budget, I probably would try to get it.

 

the RGBLED display needs some callibration to look its best, also other than being brighter than the already very bright 2ccfl display its hard to tell the difference unless they're side by side.
for normal use, other than the brightness, you wont notice any difference. however, if you work with projects where colour accuracy is very important, it may be worth the extra money.

there are already a few threads debating this. check them out for further info

 

Based on what I've seen so far, the 2CCFL actually would be preferable to me... I like the matte finish and rather dislike the glossy, and color accuracy isn't much important, as I'm colorblind anyway.

But good luck to anyone else wanting to find an RGBLED in the outlet

 

other notebooks screens look plain bad next to mine. (2ccfl screen)

i never realised how yellowish the whites were on my mum's inspiron and my friend's acer.....

it just looks so much more vibrant...i wonder how mine would look like next to an RGBLED display :S