700m

Hi, After a long debate over getting the 700m or the 12" powerbook, I'm getting the 700m with these specs!:
1.8, 1024 mb ram, 60gb hd

Any comments? I actually saw one at the dell kiosque...It was TINY!

 

Also, should i get that extended battery? I heard it awkwardly sticks out of the back...

 

Here's my input:

I just got the 700m in the same configuration with less ram. It is very stylish and weighs about as much as a thick magazine - very nice. I had the Compaq V2000 which weighs 1 pound more, but felt much heavier. I can lift the 700m with my four fingers splayed under the front and my thumb on top without a problem. With the compaq my wrist felt the strain and felt like I might drop it if not careful.

The screen is very good, but outside in the Florida sun I wish I could make it just a tad brighter. None the less I have worked on it outside using the wireless connection (also excellent) and haven't felt any real eye strain. I am 47 and just started using "cheater" glasses and must also admit that the font size is a bit troublesome to me when using its native resolution without glasses. When using a lower resolution the letters, numbers, etc. seem a bit grainy, but they are easier on my eyes. This is mostly due to the screen size as I didn't have this problem with the Compaq (14.3 screen). 99% of the time I have used it without the cheaters so I guess it isn't that bad.

I originally ordered it with the extended battery, but changed it after finding out it stuck out the back and added 6oz to the weight. When I travel with it I will be going for several days so I was going to have to carry the charger anyway so I didn't want to add the extra weight. Based on my first hand experience with the regular battery I'd say the amount it will stick out the back will not cause you any concern as it isn't going to change the size that much. One of the reviews here or via one of their links has pictures of both batteries installed. I have not really tested the lifespan of the regular battery so I won't make any comments on it.

The keyboard is smaller than normal (duh?) and in order to accomplish that they put the small period . key closer to the bottom middle of the keyboard than your fingers (for those of us who type) expect. Thus you have to get used to moving your finger back and in to hit it. Nothing critical, but it caught me the first few times. This is a grievous error on the part of Dell since this key is used so much.

That's all I can think of for right now. If you have specific questions I'll be glad to answer them if I can.

Good night.

Tom

 

Thanks !

I tried typing on it today when I saw it...it was do-able and I was getting used to it. I'm quite young and have very good vision! ...lol

The screen was perfect for me.

I saw the extended battery in the pictures, it looks awkward. But I have never seen/felt it in person.

 

If you want to do any kind of extended work on the 700M, the large battery is a must have. I'm using mine right now,it does stick out the back but in no way does it interfere with the screen and the battery has rubber feet for stability. Otherwise you're gonna get 2-2.5 hours on a standard battery max, while it's 4-5 with the exteneded depending how you use it.

 

Thanks .

I'm not really sure how muhc extended work i'll be doing, but I don't want to have to carry around the AC adapter. Also, is it 2 - 2 h 30 with wi-fi on ? Or off? What is the max amount of time you can get ?

 

Seriously for me ITS a must have!!! WHy because wahts the point of having a light portible notebook? If you can CARRY it like a magazene might as well add a 8Cell for longer lasting. REMMEBER what ever the spec say on the web about how its 3-4hr or something with basic 6cell thats JUST the basic word processing not movie or surfing on webs with flash and music and stuff... keep in mind anthing that requier CPU to prosses a lot DRAINS fast so I'd get the 8CELL if i were u and plus it cant be that bad you know if it was why the F would dell sell it eh?

 

Sold! I actually saw some pics of it on ebay (sopmeoen sellign it with the battery) and its not too bad, also iwth a 5 hr battery life, youcant go wrong!! THat's awesome !

 

I want to ask my question here again. thx
We know 700m has 2 SoDIMM slots (one user-accessible)
So, if I config the original memory come from dell at 256m, can I take this 256m out then add TWO 512m into it?
Or, the original 256m can't not be access. So, I can only add ONE 512m into the only sodimm?
Thank you. I need to make sure before I purchase it. thx