Dell Latitude E4200 Info

Absolutely. I would go with 4GB even, and have Vista 64-bit to unlock the full potential of your CPU and use the 4GB or more GB of RAM. (32-bit OS will only use 3.2 to 3.5(depends on your config) of your RAM AND have a slow down as it performs hacking technics to support the 4GB and not have any BSOD's) And to top things over you get to use 64-bit codecs (which mean a little bit more battery life when watching videos) and ability to run 64-bit software. Now you could get Vista 64-bit if you don't have 4GB of RAM, there is no problem here. But Vista requires 2Gb to start taking advantage all of it's feature (ie: Superfetch (pre-loads your most used apps before you do (looks at memory, not application names), which means significantly faster startup time)

Why 4GB? My experience in computers suggest that even thus you don't use the 4GB now, you might needs it later in life (remember a laptop should last you about 4 years... that's A LONG time), and that software start using more and more fancy stuff and feature, and gets less and less optimized (as people have more powerful computer and memory), meaning more system resources used. Think about this: 2 years ago, 2GB was WAY more then enough for anyone... now it's a requirement to get Vista (and possibly Windows 7) to like you. 3 years ago form today, 1GB was way more than enough. Now daily software makes you need more, let's not even talk about Vista here, I am talking about under XP (Vista was not out yet). On the plus side, you get the advantage of disabling page file. Doing so, allows to have all your application always ready to be used, even if it's a big application minimized for hours (which usually make Windows put the memory section of that application on the page file). I would have said that you also could save few minutes of battery life as it doesn't need to spin back the HDD... but you have a SSD HDD. Pfff, lucky!

The rest of the questions I don't know for sure as I don't have the machine. But I THINK the optical drive is external using USB to power and transfer data. And the 6 cell battery should give you 6 hours I THINK. You can ask Dell via chat for those details. Now remember that the battery life will go down after few months. So consider that when you pick your machine. If long battery life is important and you use the battery every day and almost fully, expect to replace the battery in a year and half to 2 years after the day of purchase, as at that time it might not give you enough hours which follows your needs.

 

Hi,

if you want to use E4200 with Vista, please upgrade to 3GB.

I would order Intel WLAN 5300, it is much more better than 5100. The result is, with the 5300 there is nearly no difference in akku time between switching wlan on or off. (about 10 min)

6 Cells is the big akku, it overhangs. You have about 5 to 6 hours, perhaps more.
4Cells is fitting in the notebook, but you have only 3 hours workingtime.

DVD is external.

phil

 

Your options are either 2GB , 3GB or 5GB due to 1GB embedded to the board. I have 3GB on mine and I recommend 3GB. 5GB is difficult to get right now because 4GB DDR3 module is hard to find & expensive. Later on, you can definitely upgrade it yourself.

DVD is external. I never used it since I bought the computer. I get all my stuff over the network or USB.

I am getting 5.5 hours with 6 cell in average. 2.5 hours with 4 cell.

 

Hi, I'm new to the Dell E4200, is it possible to use a 1.8" or 2.5" hard drive instead of the SSD? The SSD isn't enough space for me.

 

Well, the laptop I'm getting is being offered to me, so i am going to have to buy the RAM myself. I think i'm going to buy a 2gb stick and put it in myself. Is that difficult or a problem?

Also, i will not be able to change the wifi to the 5300.

and what is "akku," phil83?

 

Do you think the processor of only 1.40Ghz is fast enough? That sure seems slow. Is it because the hard drive is solid state and so it doesn't need to be so fast?

Also, what is the true weight? Is seems Dell says "starting..." but when you get it and weigh it I get a different answer.

 

true weight does come in around 2.2-2.3 with 4 cell. there is not much variance because there is no option for hard drive or choice of screens.

 

1.8" maybe
2.5" definitely not. I tried it and won't fit.

 

They are different devices with different functions.
- Faster HDD such as SSD or higher RPM, will make applications, load files, and boot Windows start faster
- Faster CPU, allows you to execute software functions, startup large software which require processing power, boot windows faster (until it's as fast as it can and something else is slowing it down, i.e Hard drive)

Personally i would go with the 1.6Ghz, but that follows my needs. If you just type text in word or something and surf the web, and the faster CPU option is way to expensive for you, then stay with what you have. My laptop is teh E6400 and I know I can upgarde the CPU... it should be the same for your laptop as well. But, that is from deduction that it is from the same series, so don't take my word for it, I am just guessing!

 

Can anyone find out about this? Many systems that offer SSD drives offer them with 1.8" drives as well. Do they use the same slot or whatever? 128 GB SSD is simply not enough (and way too expensive) for me.