Dell Outlet Purchases

Some of you might remember me, but almost 2 years ago I was on here because I purchased an XPS M140 from the Dell Outlet. Well here I am 1 year and 9 months later after having zero problems, and it appears that my motherboard is shot. The screen goes pink, blank, pink and does the same with an external monitor about 40% of the time when I'm using it at completely random times. I've tried re-installing windows checking connections to no avail.

Anyway, I'm here because I don't have much of a budget to buy a new computer (under 800 shipped) and the Dell Vostro line seems to be the best bang for the buck. I am considering purchasing from the Outlet again, just with a 3 year extended warranty (no complete care since I don't see the need for it at this point). I have this machine in my sights (there are about 20 of them in the outlet right now that are configured identically to this one):

Vostro 1400
Intel Core 2 Duo T5470 (1.6ghz)
2gb DDR2 SDRAM
120gb SATA 5400rpm HDD
Intel X3100
8x DVD+/-RW
1390 Wireless Card
Bluetooth 2.0 EDR
14.1" WXGA+ TrueLife Screen
9 cell battery
3 year NBD On-Site Warranty
Inlcuding Tax and Shipping: $768

My Question is this: Does this seem like a reasonable deal? I have also seen on occasion $499 machines popping up that are identical, but have the T5270 processor (1.4ghz). Would I notice much performance difference between the two? Would you recommend waiting it out and trying to get a good deal new?

Part of the problem is that I am in a bit of a time crunch, because I this current laptop crashes on me constantly during classes when I'm taking notes.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Thanks!
Alex

 

This config works out to 799 before tax + you get a $100 gift card from Dell.
Make sure you include this coupon ZD6CDQC3$?QQ3$ for systems over $949.
If you system is valued at $999 and above before tax, you get the $100 gift card, if 749-998, you get the $50 gift card.


Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T7250 (2.0GHz/800Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Basic Edition
Glossy, widescreen 15.4 inch display (1280x800)
256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT
1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz
Size: 120GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
CD writer / DVD player (Combo Drive)
Dell Wireless 1390 802.11g Mini-Card
No Webcam Option
56Whr Lithium Ion Battery (6 cell)
High Definition Audio 2.0

Ram is much cheaper if you buy and install it yourself.
Corsair 1 GB ram @ 24.99, with $10 rebate that's 14.99. Buy a pair for just $29.98.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145012

If you're not going to be playing games, you can switch around the configurations more.

 

dtwn83,

Thanks for your quick response. I've been playing with configurations a bit like you said and so far have come close with different factors varying. One thing I should note is that I am looking at the Vostro 1400 only- I need something of that size since I'm carrying this around campus with me all day and 15.4 is a bit bulky for that.

Thanks for your suggestion!
Alex

 

bump.

Any other suggestions??

Thanks!

 

If you want to bring it to class, why not look at a m1210?

I bought one for that purpose, from the outlet, a couple months ago and absolutely love it.