Inspiron 8600 vs. HP/Compaq z5000/r3000

I'm shopping for my first laptop and I've got a few questions. If any of
you can answer any of these I would appreciate it. I'm not looking for a
gaming machine, but a desktop replacement machine that might do a little
video editing and various multimedia tasks. Ok, I see that Dell Small
Business has a low end 8600 for $949 and I've been looking at HP/Compaq
zv5000z/r3000z configured right around that price. The HP/Compaq looks
stellar on paper (I'm opting for the 64 bit processor and lots of bells and
whistles) in comparison to the low end 8600, but I'm not really impressed
with the feel of the HP/Compaqs that I've looked at in stores. I take it
that the 8600 is a higher level of laptop - build wise, as far as durability
and such. Is this true?

If I get the Dell with entry level wireless (.b) is there going to be a mini
PCI slot to upgrade in the future? Does the Dell DVD-ROM read DVD+RW? Are
there aftermarket 7,200 rpm drives that fit the Dell? What all can go into
the modular bay (extra battery, floppy, anything else)? I hear that the XGA
screen
on the Dell isn't all that great?

Am I going to be sorry that I didn't go with 64bit? I'm a bit disappointed
that I hear the video card for the HP/Compaq's doesn't support Direct X9 and
that will be a requirement for full Longhorn Aero Glass (but that's not
really a deal breaker if true).

Specs - (the HP has already dropped the free hard drive upgrade offer, so
I've gotta make this decision pretty quick) :
Compaq Presario R3000Z series customize notebook
- Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Home Edition
- AMD Athlon(TM) 64 3000+ 1.80 GHz
- 15.4" WXGA Widescreen (1280x800)
- 64MB NVIDIA(R) GeForce(TM) 4 440 Go +1394 & 5-in-1
- 256MB DDR SDRAM (1x256MB)
- FREE Upgrade from 40GB to 60GB 4200 RPM Hard Drive
- DVD/CDRW Combo Drive
- FREE Upgrade to 54g(TM) Broadcom 802.11b/g WLAN !!
- Microsoft(R) Works/Money
- 12 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
- hpshopping in-box envelope

+ $1 Backpack



HP Pavilion zv5000z series customize notebook
- Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Home Edition
- AMD Athlon(TM) 64 3000+ 1.80 GHz
- 15.4" WXGA Widescreen (1280x800)
- 64MB NVIDIA(R) GeForce(TM) 4 440 Go +1394 & 5-in-1
- 256MB DDR SDRAM (1x256MB)
- 30 GB 4200 RPM Hard Drive
- FREE Upgrade from 8X DVD to DVD/CD-RW Combo Drive
- 54g(TM) 802.11b/g WLAN w/ 125HSM/SpeedBooster(TM)
- Microsoft(R) Works/Money
- 12 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
- hpshopping in-box envelope



Inspiron 8600

Intel® Pentium® M Processor 715(1.50A GHz/400MHz FSB) 15.4 WXGA

Operating System

Microsoft® Windows® XP Home

Memory

256MB DDR SDRAM 1 Dimm

Video Card

32MB DDR NVIDIA®GeForceT FX Go5200 AGP 4X Graphics

Hard Drive

30GB Hard Drive

Power Adapter

AC adapter - 65w, 19.5v

Floppy Drive and Additional Storage Devices

No Floppy

Network Card

Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem

CD ROM/DVD ROM

8X Max DVD ROM

Wireless Networking Cards

Intel® PRO/Wireless 2100 Internal Wireless (802.11b, 11Mbps)

Bundled Software

Productivity Pack including WordPerfect®

Security Software

McAfee Security Center w/ VirusScan, Firewall and Privacy, 90-day trial

Digital Music

Dell Jukebox - easy-to-use music player and CD burning software

Primary Battery

72 WHr Primary Battery

Limited Warranty, Services and Support Options

1 Year Basic Mail-In Plan (No Rebate offered with this Plan)

Installation Services

No Installation

Dial-Up Internet Access

6 Months of America Online Membership Included

Digital Imaging or Digital Photography

Paint ShopT Pro® Trial plus Photo AlbumT Starter Edition

Mail- In Rebate

None

Dell Media Experience

Dell Media ExperienceT

Purchase Intent

Purchase is not intended for resale.

Free printer or Palm Zire


--
A sickened mind and spirit
The mirror tells me lies
Could I mistake myself for someone
Who lives behind my eyes
Will he escape my soul
Or will he live in me
Is he tryin' to get out or tryin' to enter me

THX 1138