I'm planning to buy a Precision M4400 this week, anything I should know?

I got my M4400 from Dell outlet last month so it was cheaper but I couldn't configure anything. Not sure if its older or not, but mine has an intel 5300 card in it. I have the 1920x1200 CCFL, I havn't noticed it being grainy at all. My only issue is that it runs hot during games like Left4Dead. When I'm using it for non-graphic intensive tasks it runs great. I don't know the max battery life, but mine lasts atleast an hour and 15 minutes during class on wireless, mostly RDP'd into server and it says it has another 45-60 minutes remaining. I'm running Vista Ultimate 64-bit and have ran into some programs not wanting to work with a 64-bit OS. I'm planning on installing XP on a Virtual machine just for the occasional 32 bit app. Like the above posts mention, the P-series processors are available, or atleast I saw some in the outlet when I got this.

 

• Get the Intel 5300 Wifi, not the 5100 one.
• The 9-cell battery sticks out.
• The backlit keyboard is a must have, it makes typing more comfortable even in bright rooms. Right decision to get it.
• Fingerprint readers aren't nearly as secure as they seem to be, so if you don't think that it's "cool" or whatever and don't have to lock the operating system very often in places with many people when you're walking away from your computer there's hardly any benefit in it.

 

The FIPS-compliant fingerprint reader that is offered for the Precision is as secure as they come, as it adheres to the most stringent US DOD standards. So I wouldn't say it is not 'as secure'. You may clarify your statement to say that the standard reader offered is not as secure, however.

 

While from what I can remember fingerprint readers in Dell laptops are pretty hard to fool, it is by no means impossible. Most people think that unless either they are forced to put their finger on the reader or the attacker has millions of dollars it is impossible for anyone to trick fingerprint readers, therefore relying on them heavily which is a huge mistake. It's wrong, fingerprint readers are not secure. Sure, some are better than others, but none of them is really secure. At least I have not yet heard of one. (one that has been tested, I don't rely on any companys security promises)

Well, the only thing I wanted to make sure here is that everyone knows that by owning a fingerprint reader alone your data isn't secure. I personally would like to see this laptop vein scanner finished and tested somewhen in the near future.


Okay, back to topic I guess, nemt said that he doesn't need a fingerprint reader anyway

 

You are referring to ordinary fingerprint readers, which I agree, are prone to hacking. The Precision offers the standard and the higher-level FIPS reader. The FIPS-compliant unit is in a different class and hence a $99 upgrade. I assure you that anything that meets NIST standards cannot be compromised with the ease demonstrated in the clip you linked.

Ultimately, all systems can be compromised if you dedicate enough resources to the effort. It's just a matter of brute force and time. Casual hacking is what most of us want to avoid. It's important to make the distinction on the products that are offered.

FIPS info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIPS_140-2

 

How would you brute force a fingerprint scanner? Herd a bunch of people to the scanner and test them all? It's moot anyway, like I said it's not a feature I'm interested in. I would much prefer a P series to a T series, so I'll probably call in my order.

A question about draft-n: do 802.11n signals interfere with 5.8ghz cordless phone communication? Should I buy one of those DECT 6.0 phones if I get the 5100/5300 wireless card? Also when it says it's a "mini card" does that mean it's an actual card in one of the PCMIA slots or something like that, or is it all internal?

 

I'll pass on the vein reader, as retinal scanners on laptops are right around the corner

 

It is unlikely that you will be facing problems because of interferences here.

It is internal. "Mini card" refers to the fact that it is an internal mini card, therefore it is internal yet exchangeable.

 

there are numerous software and bios issues with the M4400, just thought you should beware before buying. its a lovely system, i just feel a little cheated that all the software issues havent been put to rest yet.

 

Does 64 bit XP break 16 bit apps ? If not, go for Vista 64 bit downgrade 64 bit XP.

It would be a shame to restrict your laptop to 3GB or so of ram, when in a year or so you could upgrade to 8GB of ram inexpensively