[dba-Tech] Laptop Recommendation

Hi Rocky

Where did you see the Inspiron 600M for $700?  Just checked Dell's site and
for home/home office it's $1362 for that model and about the same for small
business.  That doesn't include the upgrade to 15" screen and XP Pro that
you probably should opt to include.

Mobile technology is optimized for mobile communication but there still is a
need for a device to communicate with.

Most of Dell's specials only last for a couple days so you have to jump
quick to take advantage of them.

We have 3 Latitude D500 which I'm very pleased with other than the screen
crispness isn't what I would like to have.  Should have gone for the SXGA
rather than XGA.

I have a Systemax that I use at home which I like very well also.  The
prices are fairly comparable to Dell's and you can also configure to get
what you want.  (Disclaimer - I sell these so I was able to get it at
"wholesale" which influenced me some on this one.)

Perry Harold

-----Original Message-----
From: dba-tech-bounces at databaseadvisors.com
[mailto:dba-tech-bounces at databaseadvisors.com] On Behalf Of Rocky Smolin -
Beach Access Software
Sent: Thursday, June 03, 2004 10:15 AM
To: Discussion of Hardware and Software issues
Subject: Re: [dba-Tech] Laptop Recommendation


Dell is offering their Inspiron 600m for $700.  Pentium M at 1.5GHz, Intel
PROWireless 2100 802.11b 11Mbps Mini-PCI Wireless Card (I thought with the
mobile technology you didn't need a card), Win XP Home, 5123MB RAM, 40GB HD,
14.1 inch XGA TFT Display, CD Burner/DVD Combo, includes serial and parallel
ports.

Fry's has the Sony Vaio for $1200:  P4, 2.8GHz, CD-RW/DVD, 512MB RAM, 15
inch XGA TFT display, 40GB HD, Integrated WiFi, 10/100 NIC, modem, memory
stick slot, WIN XP Home.

Any opinions?

Rocky

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jon Tydda" <Jon.Tydda at alcontrol.co.uk>
To: "'Discussion of Hardware and Software issues'"
<dba-tech at databaseadvisors.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 03, 2004 6:54 AM
Subject: RE: [dba-Tech] Laptop Recommendation


It's an Intel thing - decreases the amount of power used by your laptop when
it's running on battery power.


Jon

-----Original Message-----
From: Rocky Smolin - Beach Access Software [mailto:bchacc at san.rr.com]
Sent: 03 June 2004 14:53
To: Discussion of Hardware and Software issues
Subject: Re: [dba-Tech] Laptop Recommendation


Jon:

What is speedstep technology?

Rocky

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jon Tydda" <Jon.Tydda at alcontrol.co.uk>
To: "'Discussion of Hardware and Software issues'"
<dba-tech at databaseadvisors.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 03, 2004 6:35 AM
Subject: RE: [dba-Tech] Laptop Recommendation


Rocky

Speaking in my capacity as a techy/notwork guy/fiddler, you'll need 512mb
RAM as a minimum for any pc now. The mobile chip is up to you - I got an
11mb PCMCIA wifi card for $10 from Ebay, so that costs nothing in
comparison. Starcraft runs on my p3-500 pc, so anything over that will suit
Max, but if he's going to upgrade his games, you might want to consider a
vaguely hefty graphics card - really anything with 128mb of RAM on it will
do.

The speedstep technology is good though - increases battery life and
performance through using less power etc when the laptop isn't plugged into
the mains.

Through looking to buy a "cheap" system on the internet, I've found that you
can't build a pc for much cheaper than £600, because they stop selling the
low end chips... I wanted to get a "cheapish" motherboard and P4 (ie a 1.4
or so) to upgrade my pc, spending about £150-200, but you can't buy them
anymore... so stupid... I don't want to spend £600 on a new pc yet.


Jon

-----Original Message-----
From: Rocky Smolin - Beach Access Software [mailto:bchacc at san.rr.com]
Sent: 03 June 2004 14:21
To: Discussion of Hardware and Software issues
Subject: Re: [dba-Tech] Laptop Recommendation


Francisco:

Well, sorry, finally getting back to this thread.  I have two boys 7 & 14
and they share a machine right now - a rather pokey Celeron tower.  The big
guy, Max, starts high school in September and it's time for him to have a
machine of his own.

He'll just be doing mostly word processing, email, and internet research.
Likes to play Starcraft on line but he can use the other box for that.

Although I've resisted it (I work at home and DON'T WANT to be able to work
anywhere), I'm thinking a laptop would have some uses for me as well as my
wife, the writer.

So it's got to be powerful enough to do Access development, although I'll
only be using it when I travel which is not much.

The idea of the mobile chip is attractive because you can sit down in a
coffeehouse anywhere and be on the internet.  But I suppose you can just get
a PCMCIA Access Point and that will do the same thing?

Fry's was pushing the Sony Vaio the other day for about $1200 with 512mb
RAM, DVD, etc.

Dell looks like they've got some good deals now.

So that's the motivation and the needs.  What's everybody think?