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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 |
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