Laptop - Seems Like A Great Deal?

[InertGrudge 0]

I just bought me a new lappy from Dell. Inspiron E1505 dual core with every single upgrade imaginable. After all the rebates and such, it only cost me 1.5k.And I'm in love with it.

[NicksDad1970 0]

I just bought me a new lappy from Dell. Inspiron E1505 dual core with every single upgrade imaginable. After all the rebates and such, it only cost me 1.5k.And I'm in love with it.

Like I said I have a E1405 on the way (I should get it today). Pretty much fully loaded for 700 bucks. I had a 40% off coupon, a 35$ off coupon, and then a 2% off coupon.I'm almost starting to wish I got either the 1505 or 1705. If I would have got the 1705 I could 4 table w/o overlap. But either one of em have the 256mb vid card.But I know I got mine cheap enough I could sell it for at least what I have in it. My wife says I'm never happy as soon as I get something I'm shopping for the replacement. Next up replace the 37"LCD TV

[mrdannyg 274]

arg, time is really getting short. think i need to just bite the bullet and pick something up today.i'm thinking something like this:OPTION AInspiron 6400 Dual Core Date & Time: May 11,2006 10:35 AM CST SYSTEM COMPONENTS Inspiron 6400 Dual Core Qty 1 Intel® Core™ Duo processor T2400 (2MB Cache/1.83GHz/667MHz FSB), Genuine Windows® XP Home, English Unit Price $1,474.00 Dell Customers: Savings on your Online Purchase Expires May 12, 2006 Details - $250.00 Catalog Number: 70702 Module Description Show Details Processor - Inspiron 6400 Intel® Core™ Duo processor T2400 (2MB Cache/1.83GHz/667MHz FSB) Operating System Genuine Windows® XP Home, English LCD Panel 15.4 inch UltraSharp™ Wide Screen SXGA+ Display with TrueLife™ Memory Free Upgrade to 1GB DDR2 SDRAM at 533Mhz Video Card Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950 Hard Drive 80GB Hard Drive Network Card and Modem Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem Adobe Software Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 6.0 CD/DVD Burner 24X CD Burner/DVD Combo Drive Sound Card Integrated Audio Wireless Networking Cards Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 802.11a/g Mini Card (54Mbps) Office Productivity Software No productivity suite- Corel WordPerfect word processor only Click below to view Security Software options! McAfee Security Center w/ VirusScan, Firewall and Privacy, 90-day trial Click below to view Primary Battery options! 53 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery Carrying Cases Dell Nylon Deluxe Carrying Case Hardware Support Services 1 Yr Return to Depot Service with 1 Yr Tech Support Click below to view Backup & Recovery options! PC Restore recovery system by Symantec OPTION BSYSTEM COMPONENTS Inspiron 640m Dual Core Qty 1 Intel® Core™ processor Duo T2300 (2MB Cache/1.66GHz/667MHz FSB), Genuine Windows® XP Home Unit Price $1,309.00 Catalog Number: 70702 Module Description Show Details Inspiron 640m Intel® Core™ processor Duo T2300 (2MB Cache/1.66GHz/667MHz FSB) Operating System Genuine Windows® XP Home LCD Panel 14.1 inch WXGA+ UltraSharp™ TFT Display with TrueLife™ Memory Free Upgrade to 1GB DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz Video Card Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950 Hard Drive 60GB Hard Drive Network Card and Modem Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem Adobe Software Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 6.0 Combo/DVD+RW Drives 24X CD Burner/DVD Combo Drive Sound Card Integrated Audio Wireless Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 802.11a/g Mini Card (54Mbps) Office Productivity Software No productivity suite- Corel WordPerfect word processor only Anti-Virus/Security Suite McAfee Security Center w/ VirusScan, Firewall and Privacy, 90-day trial Primary Battery 53 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery Hardware Support Services 1 Yr Return to Depot Service with 1 Yr Tech Support Internet Service Please select an ISP subscription Operating System Backup & Recovery PC Restore recovery system by Symantec got the upgraded monitor so i can multitable. there's a $100 off coupon i think i should be able to use, so i'll call them before ordering anything.the other options include a Celeron processor, which I've been told should be a non-starter. It could save me 400-500 bucks though, so let me know if i should reconsider.it isn't as good as the E1405-E1705 deals, but I can't order those in Canada it seems without the potential for big customs hassles. i'm going to call them to see if i can order something from the stats without the problems.any thoughts appreciated

[Trustno1 0]

If you can upgrade the XP software from Home to Professional for not too much $ I would do that as well. Here are the differences between the two:http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/ho.../choosing2.mspxIf Dell is charging big bucks for the upgrade then it is a toss-up for the extra features/capabilities.Also check out http://www.techbargains.com for the latest Dell coupon codes.

[mrdannyg 274]

If you can upgrade the XP software from Home to Professional for not too much $ I would do that as well. Here are the differences between the two:http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/ho.../choosing2.mspxIf Dell is charging big bucks for the upgrade then it is a toss-up for the extra features/capabilities.Also check out www.techbargains.com for the latest Dell coupon codes.

thanks for the links - they're charging $90, but doesn't look like i'd use too many of those options. some might be a bit useful, but not $100 worth.

[Trustno1 0]

thanks for the links - they're charging $90, but doesn't look like i'd use too many of those options. some might be a bit useful, but not $100 worth.

In case you didn't see these Dell codes for Inspiron notebooks from that website here they are:$300 off Select Inspiron Notebooks $999+ (Excludes XPS)Code: ZMF9SLM??8H3CS Exp 5/18 5:59am CT or after 4000 uses$450 off Select Inspiron Notebooks $1499+ (Excludes XPS)Code: 328H?JD45VCD1W Exp 5/18 5:59am CT or after 4000 uses$750 off Select Inspiron Notebooks $1999+ (Excludes XPS)Code: DHVNPQVH294STT Exp 5/18 5:59am CT or after 4000 uses

[NicksDad1970 0]

arg, time is really getting short. think i need to just bite the bullet and pick something up today.i'm thinking something like this:OPTION AInspiron 6400 Dual Core Date & Time: May 11,2006 10:35 AM CST SYSTEM COMPONENTS Inspiron 6400 Dual Core Qty 1 Intel® Core™ Duo processor T2400 (2MB Cache/1.83GHz/667MHz FSB), Genuine Windows® XP Home, English Unit Price $1,474.00 Dell Customers: Savings on your Online Purchase Expires May 12, 2006 Details - $250.00 Catalog Number: 70702 Module Description Show Details Processor - Inspiron 6400 Intel® Core™ Duo processor T2400 (2MB Cache/1.83GHz/667MHz FSB) Operating System Genuine Windows® XP Home, English LCD Panel 15.4 inch UltraSharp™ Wide Screen SXGA+ Display with TrueLife™ Memory Free Upgrade to 1GB DDR2 SDRAM at 533Mhz Video Card Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950 Hard Drive 80GB Hard Drive Network Card and Modem Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem Adobe Software Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 6.0 CD/DVD Burner 24X CD Burner/DVD Combo Drive Sound Card Integrated Audio Wireless Networking Cards Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 802.11a/g Mini Card (54Mbps) Office Productivity Software No productivity suite- Corel WordPerfect word processor only Click below to view Security Software options! McAfee Security Center w/ VirusScan, Firewall and Privacy, 90-day trial Click below to view Primary Battery options! 53 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery Carrying Cases Dell Nylon Deluxe Carrying Case Hardware Support Services 1 Yr Return to Depot Service with 1 Yr Tech Support Click below to view Backup & Recovery options! PC Restore recovery system by Symantec OPTION BSYSTEM COMPONENTS Inspiron 640m Dual Core Qty 1 Intel® Core™ processor Duo T2300 (2MB Cache/1.66GHz/667MHz FSB), Genuine Windows® XP Home Unit Price $1,309.00 Catalog Number: 70702 Module Description Show Details Inspiron 640m Intel® Core™ processor Duo T2300 (2MB Cache/1.66GHz/667MHz FSB) Operating System Genuine Windows® XP Home LCD Panel 14.1 inch WXGA+ UltraSharp™ TFT Display with TrueLife™ Memory Free Upgrade to 1GB DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz Video Card Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950 Hard Drive 60GB Hard Drive Network Card and Modem Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem Adobe Software Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 6.0 Combo/DVD+RW Drives 24X CD Burner/DVD Combo Drive Sound Card Integrated Audio Wireless Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 802.11a/g Mini Card (54Mbps) Office Productivity Software No productivity suite- Corel WordPerfect word processor only Anti-Virus/Security Suite McAfee Security Center w/ VirusScan, Firewall and Privacy, 90-day trial Primary Battery 53 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery Hardware Support Services 1 Yr Return to Depot Service with 1 Yr Tech Support Internet Service Please select an ISP subscription Operating System Backup & Recovery PC Restore recovery system by Symantec got the upgraded monitor so i can multitable. there's a $100 off coupon i think i should be able to use, so i'll call them before ordering anything.the other options include a Celeron processor, which I've been told should be a non-starter. It could save me 400-500 bucks though, so let me know if i should reconsider.it isn't as good as the E1405-E1705 deals, but I can't order those in Canada it seems without the potential for big customs hassles. i'm going to call them to see if i can order something from the stats without the problems.any thoughts appreciated

I like option A. If that HD is 5400 rpm I'd see if they offer the 7200 rpm one.

[mrdannyg 274]

In case you didn't see these Dell codes for Inspiron notebooks from that website here they are:$300 off Select Inspiron Notebooks $999+ (Excludes XPS)Code: ZMF9SLM??8H3CS Exp 5/18 5:59am CT or after 4000 uses$450 off Select Inspiron Notebooks $1499+ (Excludes XPS)Code: 328H?JD45VCD1W Exp 5/18 5:59am CT or after 4000 uses$750 off Select Inspiron Notebooks $1999+ (Excludes XPS)Code: DHVNPQVH294STT Exp 5/18 5:59am CT or after 4000 uses

unfortunately i'm using dell.ca, and most of those don't work. actually, i can't even get the dell.ca coupons to work, so i'm going to give them a call. thanks though.

I like option A. If that HD is 5400 rpm I'd see if they offer the 7200 rpm one.

good call, i'll doublecheck that.

[Ouch-8s 4]

I'd be looking at option B - smaller and lighter. I'd not bother with the 7200 RPM HD (sucks battery life, and you aren't loading BF1942 levels here) and I'd look at the higher res monitor, esp if you have good eyes.

[mrdannyg 274]

I'd be looking at option B - smaller and lighter. I'd not bother with the 7200 RPM HD (sucks battery life, and you aren't loading BF1942 levels here) and I'd look at the higher res monitor, esp if you have good eyes.

uh oh, disagreement from my two main sources. portability is not my main concern. i will be carrying it and travelling with it often enough to use a laptop, but generally its going to be just sitting in my room or around my house.my eyes are good, but i thought A had the better monitor resolution?QE: both options have HD's at 5400. if i'm using a 2GB PT database and running multiple poker programs, is this a problem?

[NicksDad1970 0]

Although it's obvious Ouch knows quite a bit I'd still go for the 7200rpm HD. I just think faster is better. But especially if yo usay it'll be used most at home. My assumption is if you have it at home it'll be plugged in.Either one of them will work fine. If it is only for poker then I guess it really doesn't matter which one you get.Also I'd say my expertise falls more under getting good prices. Ouch might be someone better to depend on specs.

[mrdannyg 274]

Although it's obvious Ouch knows quite a bit I'd still go for the 7200rpm HD. I just think faster is better. But especially if yo usay it'll be used most at home. My assumption is if you have it at home it'll be plugged in.Either one of them will work fine. If it is only for poker then I guess it really doesn't matter which one you get.Also I'd say my expertise falls more under getting good prices. Ouch might be someone better to depend on specs.

the 7200 is another $270 or so, so i'll have to shop around a bit if i decide to go for that. going to call them up soon and see if i can get some of that US stuff, since the E-series seems a lot better value.

[Ouch-8s 4]

Although it's obvious Ouch knows quite a bit I'd still go for the 7200rpm HD. I just think faster is better. But especially if yo usay it'll be used most at home. My assumption is if you have it at home it'll be plugged in.Either one of them will work fine. If it is only for poker then I guess it really doesn't matter which one you get.Also I'd say my expertise falls more under getting good prices. Ouch might be someone better to depend on specs.

All true.

uh oh, disagreement from my two main sources. portability is not my main concern. i will be carrying it and travelling with it often enough to use a laptop, but generally its going to be just sitting in my room or around my house.my eyes are good, but i thought A had the better monitor resolution?

oops, sorry misread the specs there. you're right.

QE: both options have HD's at 5400. if i'm using a 2GB PT database and running multiple poker programs, is this a problem?

no. if you're not concerned about battery life, go with the 7200 (budget allowing)

[NicksDad1970 0]

the 7200 is another $270 or so, so i'll have to shop around a bit if i decide to go for that. going to call them up soon and see if i can get some of that US stuff, since the E-series seems a lot better value.

WOW! For that amount I wouldn't worry about upgrading the HD. I think it was 60$ more to go from a 5400 to 7200 for me.

[mrdannyg 274]

WOW! For that amount I wouldn't worry about upgrading the HD. I think it was 60$ more to go from a 5400 to 7200 for me.

yeah it seemed like a pretty bad deal.just talked to dell support, and turns out i can't order anything from dell.com, so that leaves me with not much choice.i think i'm going to go with the 6400, which i've been told is similar to the E1505:Inspiron 6400 Dual Core Date & Time: May 11,2006 2:58 PM CST SYSTEM COMPONENTS Inspiron 6400 Dual Core Qty 1 Intel® Core™ Duo processor T2400 (2MB Cache/1.83GHz/667MHz FSB), Genuine Windows® XP Home, English Unit Price $1,474.00 Dell Customers: Savings on your Online Purchase Expires May 12, 2006 - $250.00 Catalog Number: 70702 Module Description Show Details Processor - Inspiron 6400 Intel® Core™ Duo processor T2400 (2MB Cache/1.83GHz/667MHz FSB) Operating System Genuine Windows® XP Home, English LCD Panel 15.4 inch UltraSharp™ Wide Screen SXGA+ Display with TrueLife™ Memory Free Upgrade to 1GB DDR2 SDRAM at 533Mhz Video Card Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950 Hard Drive 80GB Hard Drive Network Card and Modem Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem Adobe Software Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 6.0 CD/DVD Burner 24X CD Burner/DVD Combo Drive Sound Card Integrated Audio Wireless Networking Cards Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 802.11a/g Mini Card (54Mbps) Office Productivity Software No productivity suite- Corel WordPerfect word processor only Click below to view Security Software options! McAfee Security Center w/ VirusScan, Firewall and Privacy, 90-day trial Click below to view Primary Battery options! 53 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery Carrying Cases Dell Nylon Deluxe Carrying Case Hardware Support Services 1 Yr Return to Depot Service with 1 Yr Tech Support Click below to view Backup & Recovery options! PC Restore recovery system by Symantec so here's my final question list:1 - i get an Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950 [included in Price]. is that a big difference from:128MB ATI MOBILITY™ RADEON® X1300 HyperMemory™ [add $100 or $2/month1] OR 256MB ATI MOBILITY™ RADEON® X1400 HyperMemory™ [add $150 or $3/month1 considering i'll be playing a lot of online poker?2 - battery: currently have the 53 WHr 6-cell80 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery [add $40 or $1/month1] - i'll be mostly at home, but does a better battery make a big difference?3 - we'll have an internet connection in the apartment. i also get the 802.11 a/g card. does it make any sense to get:D-Link DI-524 Wireless G Router [$49 or $1/month1] or one of those, or can i get a Wireless Router cheaper in a few months when I might need one.4 - do i need this?90 Watt Spare AC Adaptor add $0 5 - Ouch recommended an extended warrantee:1 Yr Return to Depot Service with 1 Yr Tech Support [included in Price] 3 Yr Return to Depot Service with 3 Yr Tech Support [add $130 or $3/month1] 1 Yr Return to Depot Service with 1 Yr Complete Care and 1 Yr Tech Support [add $99 or $2/month1] 3 Yr Return to Depot Service with 3 Yr Complete Care and 3 Yr Tech Support [add $299 or $7/month1] 3 Yr Limited Warranty with 3 Yr NBD Onsite Service and 3 Yr Tech Support [add $230 or $5/month1 - do any of these make sense?anything else i should consider? questions/comments?thanks again folks. when i get it, i'll send everyone who helped me some porn passwords or something for their help :DQE: Total comes to $1224 CDN. plus tax and shipping its $1407.

[NicksDad1970 0]

yeah it seemed like a pretty bad deal.just talked to dell support, and turns out i can't order anything from dell.com, so that leaves me with not much choice.i think i'm going to go with the 6400, which i've been told is similar to the E1505:Inspiron 6400 Dual Core Date & Time: May 11,2006 2:58 PM CST SYSTEM COMPONENTS Inspiron 6400 Dual Core Qty 1 Intel® Core™ Duo processor T2400 (2MB Cache/1.83GHz/667MHz FSB), Genuine Windows® XP Home, English Unit Price $1,474.00 Dell Customers: Savings on your Online Purchase Expires May 12, 2006 - $250.00 Catalog Number: 70702 Module Description Show Details Processor - Inspiron 6400 Intel® Core™ Duo processor T2400 (2MB Cache/1.83GHz/667MHz FSB) Operating System Genuine Windows® XP Home, English LCD Panel 15.4 inch UltraSharp™ Wide Screen SXGA+ Display with TrueLife™ Memory Free Upgrade to 1GB DDR2 SDRAM at 533Mhz Video Card Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950 Hard Drive 80GB Hard Drive Network Card and Modem Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem Adobe Software Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 6.0 CD/DVD Burner 24X CD Burner/DVD Combo Drive Sound Card Integrated Audio Wireless Networking Cards Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 802.11a/g Mini Card (54Mbps) Office Productivity Software No productivity suite- Corel WordPerfect word processor only Click below to view Security Software options! McAfee Security Center w/ VirusScan, Firewall and Privacy, 90-day trial Click below to view Primary Battery options! 53 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery Carrying Cases Dell Nylon Deluxe Carrying Case Hardware Support Services 1 Yr Return to Depot Service with 1 Yr Tech Support Click below to view Backup & Recovery options! PC Restore recovery system by Symantec so here's my final question list:1 - i get an Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950 [included in Price]. is that a big difference from:128MB ATI MOBILITY™ RADEON® X1300 HyperMemory™ [add $100 or $2/month1] OR 256MB ATI MOBILITY™ RADEON® X1400 HyperMemory™ [add $150 or $3/month1 considering i'll be playing a lot of online poker?2 - battery: currently have the 53 WHr 6-cell80 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery [add $40 or $1/month1] - i'll be mostly at home, but does a better battery make a big difference?3 - we'll have an internet connection in the apartment. i also get the 802.11 a/g card. does it make any sense to get:D-Link DI-524 Wireless G Router [$49 or $1/month1] or one of those, or can i get a Wireless Router cheaper in a few months when I might need one.4 - do i need this?90 Watt Spare AC Adaptor add $0 5 - Ouch recommended an extended warrantee:1 Yr Return to Depot Service with 1 Yr Tech Support [included in Price] 3 Yr Return to Depot Service with 3 Yr Tech Support [add $130 or $3/month1] 1 Yr Return to Depot Service with 1 Yr Complete Care and 1 Yr Tech Support [add $99 or $2/month1] 3 Yr Return to Depot Service with 3 Yr Complete Care and 3 Yr Tech Support [add $299 or $7/month1] 3 Yr Limited Warranty with 3 Yr NBD Onsite Service and 3 Yr Tech Support [add $230 or $5/month1 - do any of these make sense?anything else i should consider? questions/comments?thanks again folks. when i get it, i'll send everyone who helped me some porn passwords or something for their help :DQE: Total comes to $1224 CDN. plus tax and shipping its $1407.

Most people say that an extended warranty is a must with a lappy. I kind of agree, but I didn't get one with my newest lappy. I may end up regretting it.The difference from the first vid card and the other 2 are the 2nd 2 are dedicated cards. Ouch and others can correct me if I'm wrong but the I understand it is the dedicated vid cards run off their own ram. So they aren't depleting your resources. I feel confident there's some other differences. As far as online poker if it's more than say 75 $ above the reg one I'd pass.it looks like a good machine though, GL.

[mrdannyg 274]

Most people say that an extended warranty is a must with a lappy. I kind of agree, but I didn't get one with my newest lappy. I may end up regretting it.The difference from the first vid card and the other 2 are the 2nd 2 are dedicated cards. Ouch and others can correct me if I'm wrong but the I understand it is the dedicated vid cards run off their own ram. So they aren't depleting your resources. I feel confident there's some other differences. As far as online poker if it's more than say 75 $ above the reg one I'd pass.it looks like a good machine though, GL.

i've never dealt with dell before. am i better off getting the basic 3-year warrantee or the good 1-year one?

[Ouch-8s 4]

The difference from the first vid card and the other 2 are the 2nd 2 are dedicated cards. Ouch and others can correct me if I'm wrong but the I understand it is the dedicated vid cards run off their own ram. So they aren't depleting your resources. I feel confident there's some other differences. As far as online poker if it's more than say 75 $ above the reg one I'd pass.

Used to be part of the truth, now not even that is true.Integrated video (in a desktop) means it is soldered onto the motherboard and cannot be changed. It usually also uses main system RAM, which is slow and depletes the avail amount. The technology is usually not very good, although there have been newer chipsets that drag integrated video out of the muck and onto the bottom rungs of the ladder. Basically, it is suited for office use only and not at all for 3D games. Poker falls into the office use categories and NOT 3D games. Doom, FarCry, Half Life - these require a dedicated video card.Dedicated video cards are separate cards that plug into PCIe slots (or AGP slots on older machines). They have the newest technology and are a huge improvement FOR GAMING. They used to also have their own, dedicated on-card memory.Now the ATI hypermemory cards have come out, combining newer technology and the ability to use main system RAM instead of (or as well as) dedicated VRAM. NVidia probably has a comparable tech, but I can't remember what its called if so.With a laptop, the video solution is (usually) soldered onto the motherboard. Even if it isn't, it is no small feat to change it. The upgradability of the video is mostly moot. So you are looking for the tech and the RAM.ATI hypermemory is an improvement if you are playing 3D hames, but not a huge one. It will still use system RAM. I don't recomend it from a poker playing perspective.And get the Complete Care warranty - that is the one that will give you a new laptop if you break yours, basically no questions asked.

[mrdannyg 274]

Used to be part of the truth, now not even that is true.Integrated video (in a desktop) means it is soldered onto the motherboard and cannot be changed. It usually also uses main system RAM, which is slow and depletes the avail amount. The technology is usually not very good, although there have been newer chipsets that drag integrated video out of the muck and onto the bottom rungs of the ladder. Basically, it is suited for office use only and not at all for 3D games. Poker falls into the office use categories and NOT 3D games. Doom, FarCry, Half Life - these require a dedicated video card.Dedicated video cards are separate cards that plug into PCIe slots (or AGP slots on older machines). They have the newest technology and are a huge improvement FOR GAMING. They used to also have their own, dedicated on-card memory.Now the ATI hypermemory cards have come out, combining newer technology and the ability to use main system RAM instead of (or as well as) dedicated VRAM. NVidia probably has a comparable tech, but I can't remember what its called if so.With a laptop, the video solution is (usually) soldered onto the motherboard. Even if it isn't, it is no small feat to change it. The upgradability of the video is mostly moot. So you are looking for the tech and the RAM.ATI hypermemory is an improvement if you are playing 3D hames, but not a huge one. It will still use system RAM. I don't recomend it from a poker playing perspective.And get the Complete Care warranty - that is the one that will give you a new laptop if you break yours, basically no questions asked.

well i wish i'd read this a bit sooner, but appreciate the help nonetheless.i ended up going with the Inspiron 6400 (comparable to the E1505. I got both upgrades - the dedicated video card (128MB) and the extended warrantee (though i got the 3 year basic tech support and service instead of complete care). i also got the upgraded monitor as discussed.basically, i got everything i needed to multitable, and the dedicated video card was kind of a splurge, though i rationalized that it might be helpful if i ever want to set up a second monitor (though i may be wrong). i definitely overspent, but i didn't want to miss anything since laptops are so unupgradeable, and i had very few options since i could only use dell.ca.its supposed to come in another week and a half, so i'll be very bored until then, though will probably casino it up a bit.i appreciate everyones help in this thread and others, especially nell789, Ouch and Nicksdad. You guys really gave me a lot of valuable advice and definitely helped me make a better decision.Cheers