Gayle Madwin ([info]queerbychoice) wrote,
@ 2008-03-03 18:48:00
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Current mood: stressed
Current music:radio commercials

Emergency Computer Replacement
My computer has taken to shutting itself down at random moments and displaying warning messages telling me that its hard drive is on the brink of death. So it looks like I need to buy a new computer. I think I'm going to buy a laptop instead of a desktop. Specifically, I'm thinking of buying a Dell Inspiron laptop with these specifications:

  • 120GB Hard Drive (5400RPM)
  • RAM: 2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz
  • Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo T5450 (1.66GHz/667Mhz FSB/2MB
    cache)
  • Glossy, widescreen 15.4 inch display (1280x800)
  • CD writer / DVD player (Combo Drive)
  • Dell Wireless 1395 802.11g Mini Card
  • 56Whr Lithium Ion Battery (6 cell)
  • Belkin 15.4" Messenger Case
  • Included 3 GB DataSafe Online Backup for 1Yr
  • Windows XP(TM) Home Edition (which I will upgrade to Windows XP Professional Edition with my existing disk, because I need XP Professional to telecommute)
Is there anything else you think I would be likely to need or want that isn't listed? And does $780 seem like a good price for it?

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[info]electronblue
2008-03-04 03:16 am UTC (link)
I think that's all you'll need based on what you use your computer for. And yes, that's an excellent price.

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[info]safiiru
2008-03-04 04:16 am UTC (link)
I'm a bit too out of it with regards to current technology to know whether that's a good deal or not, but I've known a lot of people in "I need a replacement machine right now, so I'll just go with the cheapest Dell laptop with the specs I need" circumstances, and these laptops seem to spend a lot of time either at least partially broken or in the shop for repairs. Which is not to say that yours necessarily will, but you might want to do some Googling for reports on just how reliable your particular model / its parts might be.

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[info]hansel25
2008-03-04 03:05 pm UTC (link)
I think you should get a DVD writer instead of a CD writer. A DVD writer writes both CDs and DVDs, plus a DVD can hold up to 4.4G of info while a CD can only hold 700MB and they cost the same.

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[info]archimedes314
2008-03-04 06:16 pm UTC (link)
I have basically the same machine as what you've listed. Someone recommended to me when I bought mine that I upgrade the display to the 1680x1040 (or whatever it is...)... and I'm very glad I did so. It was an extra hit, but I look at this screen so much every day that I'm really glad I have a larger desktop, high resolution and slightly better contrast and colors. It's easier on my eyes than other laptop screens I've used.

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