Considering a dell, plz post experience/advice/opinions

So im looking for a decent laptop to go back to school with and I always was one for high end gear, I have been looking for a while now and dell seems to be the only brand that offers basically everything I am looking for. I put together this inspiron 9400 on the canadian site.

Inspiron 9400 Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T7200 (4MB Cache/2.00GHz/667MHz FSB)
Operating System (Office software not included) Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition
LCD Panel 17 inch UltraSharp™ Wide Screen UXGA Display with TrueLife™
Memory FREE Upgrade from 1GB to 2GB DDR SDRAM- $90 Value
Video Card 256MB NVIDIA® GeForce™ Go 7900 GS
Hard Drive 120GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
Network Card Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem
Adobe Software Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 6.0
Combo/DVD+RW Drives 8x CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability
Sound Options Integrated Sound Blaster® Audigy™ HD Software Edition
Wireless Networking Cards Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 Internal Wireless
Office Software (not included in Windows XP) Microsoft Works Suite 2006- Includes MICROSOFT WORD plus much more!
Anti-Virus/Security Suite (Pre-installed) McAfee Security Center w/ VirusScan, Firewall and Privacy, 90-day trial
Batteries 53 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
Carrying Cases Large Backpack Carrying Case
Hardware Support Services 1 Yr Return to Depot Service with 1 Yr Tech Support
Internet Access No ISP Requested
Operating System Re-Installation CD Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition re-installation CD

TOTAL:$2,218.00

Now, I need some opinions from people who have owned dells in the past as I also come off as quite the perfectionist, and need to know if dell has a sturdy build and quality in this line, also advice on if I should include bluetooth for an extra $50 as well as get the extended 3 yr warranty.

Also, opinions on the total would be appreciated and if there is such a thing as canadian coupons would be greatly appreciated

So what does everyone think? Am I making a wise choice or am I walking into a trap here?

 

I think the 9400 line is one of the best consumer-line laptops dell has ever made. I've had three Dells over the last seven years, and the M1710 I have now is just *amazing*. My colleague has the 9400 and it's essentially the same laptop, except for the lights and the graphics card and a few details.

The build is very tough, not at all that plastic feeling like dell has been in the past.

Bluetooth - get it if you have a usecase for it. I personally don't.

I always buy warranty - Dell's service is after all pretty good, and laptop components tend to break after a few years.

If you plan to have the laptop for three years, and if you will use it regularly including travel, just get it... The difference with a desktop is that you can't just walk into any computer store and buy a new component if something breaks.

In my case the downtime caused by two weeks of service causes too much trouble, so I also got the Next Business Day service. You'll have to think about your situation for that one.

I don't think this will be a trap... with a Core 2 Duo and 7900GS you can have a lot of fun. Just make sure the size is right - 17" is nothing for a lot of time in a plane. I travel daily with my M1710, so that is certainly possible with a good case.

 

Oh - the 6 cell battery won't last you very long... get a 9-cell or two unless you're plugged in 100%.

 

yea I threw in the dell carrying backpack as well, Im hoping it wil have space for books and so on so I could just use that as my main bag while going around the school. You mentioned something of a usecase, what exactly is that?

Also, any idea on the difference in time between a 6v and a 9v battery?

 

Well, the 9-cell last 2 to 2.5 hours, so a 6-cell would be 1.5 - 2 hours at best, probably a bit less.

 

I just meant that if you plan to buy a bluetooth headset, or a bluetooth mouse, or plan to use a bluetooth cell phone with the laptop, you should get the bluetooth option. If you don't have a clear idea what you would use bluetooth for, you won't miss it.

 

If your going to school I think the 6 cell is fine. Unless you think your going to be on battery a lot. Another thing is that the 9400 would be too big for school. Im guessing your going to be taking this around to lectures and the library etc It might be too heavy.
If portability is not an issue for you, I think the 9400 would be good.

 

I'll throw out there that Dell customer service isn't so bad. I've used it twice (Key was broken off accidently once, second time my sound went nuts and the mobo had to be replaced). Beats the geak squad at Bestbuy. Onsite is worth every penny where I get to watch the guy every step of the way while playing with a steak knife. <<;

 

i have a e1705, basically the same as a 9400,with most of the same specs, definatley get 2 9 cell, with everyhting on (brightness etc..) and wi fi off i get maybe 3 hours. i find the 17 in. to be a bit big for carrying around alot, it just looks stupid exploding out of my back pack

 

Read this thread. This individual is a college student regretting buying the E1705 (9400)

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=72654

Hope this helps

 

I've owned a 9300, and now own a E1505, both awesome laptops with no issues.

 

The size issue did concern me, but the power that you get out of it seems like more of a deal sealer for me, weight isnt much of an issue as usually im lugging around 15pds worth of weight on my back as it is, so another 2 or so on top of a regular 15.4 wont kill me.

You mentioned about the backpack not being able to properly carry the 1705 and that it sticks out? Or is this a different type of carrying bag?

Also how are the screens measured? Im guessing the numbers we see is the screen from the top left corner to the bottom right? Just trying to get an idea on the general size.

Please keep up your opinions people, i would love to hear more about the screen itself as well as the paint job and wear on it.

 

The screen is measured diagonally. The actual laptop itself does not exceed 17 inches in any dimension. It's something like 15.5 inches by 11.3 inches by 1.6 inches. As far as getting a backpack, the backpack manufacturer will generally tell you what dimensions it can accomodate.

 

basically its just the backpack thrown in with the laptop purchase itself, it says something about being deluxe but its not really specific on any dimensions, im assuming it could fit it just out of common sense, but sometimes things can be deceptive

 

Are you going to be taking lecture notes on this notebook? If so, the 9400 will be too big to fit on the small desk.
I have the Dell back pack. It can fit your comp but in terms of textbooks and binders...I doubt it can carry all of them at the same time. If you want I can take a pic and put it on here

 

The desks we have are pretty big, not the old auditorium type so that shouldnt be too much of an issue, and yea it would be great to see a pic of the backpack and preferbly with its carrying space and so on

 

Here you go
If you would like any other angles dont hesistate to ask

 

Hrm, yea it doesnt look like there will be too much room for books and so on when everything is said and done, perhaps ill get the side bag and just a regular backpack as well. Im guessing you have a 9400 yourself? I was wondering if maybe you could get a few pictures of it beside some other objects so i can get a feel for the size of it, also do you ever carry it around yourself?

 

Im sorry, I dont have the 9400. I have the 640m or otherwise known as the
E1405. Im not planning on using the Dell backpack once school starts. It was a promotional item when I bought the system a few weeks ago. I was thinking about portability when I bought the 640m. Im not a strong guy nor am I a gamer so this laptop suited me perfectly. Im sure you can look somewhere on the forum for a pic or google or otherwise there are dimensions specified on the dell website

 

You can always check the CNet video review here:

http://reviews.cnet.com/Dell_Inspiron_E1705/4505-3121_7-31631866.html

 

Could use more suggestions/ opinions!

 

Read the review on this site

http://www.notebookreview.com/revie...lastBrandID=4&currentPage=0&callingPage=&cmd=

 

Jun85 has a point if you take alook at the thread he has provided if portablity is an issue for you I would recommend buying something else.I own a i9400/e1705 and it's a good rugged notebook,haven't had any problems with thus far and will be upgrading the gfx card soon.Good luck

 

I'm a big Apple fan but I have yet to pick them over Dell for my laptop of choice. No one else offers a great warranty (On-site, Next day) along with EVDO integrated which I need. I HATE having any external devices plugged in when I am working so this is a big plus.

Also, they seem to last quite a while as I yet needed to order anything for any of my personal computers.

 

Dells a good choice for first purchase, look how inexpensive they are?

 

I personally am a college student with an e1705 and I love it. You rarely need your computer in class (at least at my school). I used my old desktop first year of college and only got a laptop because shipping (my 60lb pc) was costing me 100+ for the round trip. My laptop fits in my backpack easily with other books and is portable enough to bring to meetings or class. Besides, your computer will be a powerhouse and thats what is important, right?

And who wants a bunch of books in a backpack with a 10lb laptop? Gawd, that would be heavy.

 

I just ordered an e1705 (another name for the 9400) and so I hope it will be fine for college... I don't take notes much so I won't need it in my classes I guess... unless to play a bit of Oblivion or something! (kidding.)
Do you think it would be smart to get a coolingpad?

 

Im with you all the way dude. Notes are overrated (and since when have we not been able to handwrite notes?). If you like peace of mind and a cool underside of your laptop, GET ONE. I love mine, the Pacific Breeze one from Newegg. It has come in really handy cooling down my external HD also! (My room is 110 degrees during hot summer days and my homemade external runs real hot). Its only $20 + shipping and I think its worth that peace of mind.