Re: [CGUYS] Dell laptops?
I agree with your laptop trade-off assessment but subjectively it's not a trade off that is worthwhile to me personally. That's probably because I have no large need for mobile computing. On a daily basis, I use a Palm TX (wifi) for carrying about data and when I travel I also bring along its similarly sized ultra compact IR folding keyboard and that takes care of my simple email, browsing and MS apps. needs. While I wouldn't want to do any major document editing on the TX, it fits hassle free into any pocket which is the part I really like. At some point I will probably upgrade to something new like the i-touch that does it all better. db Eric S. Sande wrote: I don't expect it to outperform a desktop or even equal it. I just have trouble with how under performing most average laptops are these days. (Even WITH adequate RAM) Well, you can buy a pretty fast "laptop" with a honking processor and a better than average video subsystem. These are generically known as "gaming laptops". Problems are that they are heavy and they burn through a battery charge in a very short period of time, typically about an hour. Also they are expensive. These are pretty much "desktop replacements" in actual fact. If you keep them tethered to the wall they do fine, but that pretty much kills the whole point of a portable computer, doesn't it? Chip technology (die size) has to come down and battery technology has to improve (very slow progress on this) before there will be a revolution in laptop performance. Displays and memory also need to become more efficient, power-wise. For right now it's accepted that the more power efficient CPUs and lesser graphics chips represent an acceptable compromise for laptops. You have to trade off somewhere if you want an acceptable battery life. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Dell laptops?
>I don't expect it to outperform a desktop or even equal it. I just have >trouble with how under performing most average laptops are these days. >(Even WITH adequate RAM) I'm finding performance is not a problem with iBooks running applications like InDesign and Photoshop. Even better, today Apple upped their processors to Intel Penryns at 2.1 and 2.4 GHz. The high-end MacBookPro now has an Intel Core 2 Duo at 2.6 GHz. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Dell laptops?
I bought a refurbed Vostro last year and I'm pleased with it. I highly recommend the Dell Outlet. > -Original Message- > You will not need the XPS for a student. > > One of the better Inspirons (not the entry level, but one of the > better ones) or an Insprion would be good. > > We got an Inspiron for our HS Senior for taking to school next > year. Dual processor with Vista Premium. > > I got myself a Latitutde with a Dual AMD processor and XP. (It is > dockable which is a must for me.) > > XPS would be a little bit of over kill. > > They also make the Vostro line which is a small business line which > you might want to look into. > > Their dell Auctions and Refurb line is not bad. Their prices are a > little high on the refurbs, but you can get their care packages with > them then. They are mostly off lease machines. Most of the banks > around here all use Dell equipment. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Dell laptops?
These are probably laptops still made with the s-l-o-o-o-w 4200 RPM hard drives. Stuff all the RAM you can in one of these laptops, it'll still be slow. I wouldn't get anything less than a 5400 RPM drive, but would try for the 7200 RPM drive. I've put 7200's in 6 year old P III laptops and effectively doubled their performance, if not more. Not rockets compared to what you can get today, but for less than $100, it's the best upgrade you can do to a laptop, bang for the buck performance-wise. > -Original Message- > Meaning SLOW processing whatever you are doing. Click and wait... > > I have experience this dogginess on new compacts Dell laptops (and > other > brands) running XP with 1 gb RAM. I could be wrong but RAM shouldn't > be > a factor until the point that it starts paging data / using the SWAP > file and that wasn't the case on my trials > > I just think the designers of current laptops are making processing > power trade-offs that most people just live with. I usually use > desktops and find a 6 year desktop that originally was a powerful > machine can outperform a lot of these new lower to mid range laptops. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Dell laptops?
I don't expect it to outperform a desktop or even equal it. I just have trouble with how under performing most average laptops are these days. (Even WITH adequate RAM) Well, you can buy a pretty fast "laptop" with a honking processor and a better than average video subsystem. These are generically known as "gaming laptops". Problems are that they are heavy and they burn through a battery charge in a very short period of time, typically about an hour. Also they are expensive. These are pretty much "desktop replacements" in actual fact. If you keep them tethered to the wall they do fine, but that pretty much kills the whole point of a portable computer, doesn't it? Chip technology (die size) has to come down and battery technology has to improve (very slow progress on this) before there will be a revolution in laptop performance. Displays and memory also need to become more efficient, power-wise. For right now it's accepted that the more power efficient CPUs and lesser graphics chips represent an acceptable compromise for laptops. You have to trade off somewhere if you want an acceptable battery life. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Dell laptops?
That is partially it. Also by using lower rated CPU's. Very often the Discount laptop you see advertised is the bottom end processor of the bunch. I have an old Inspiron 1150 that had a 2.6 Ghz processor in it. Top end was 2.8 plus a variety of Celerons. (This was before they started using the M processor which used again a separate numbering system) And yes they can cycle back the processing speed for power consumption. Some of this can be tweaked in your power consumption section. Like I said I have AMD (dual core) laptops right now and am quite pleased with them. I find they out perform the Intel laptops. Stewart At 09:42 PM 2/25/2008, you wrote: I don't expect it to outperform a desktop or even equal it. I just have trouble with how under performing most average laptops are these days. (Even WITH adequate RAM) And from talking to people who know about these things it's because of the power consumption issue. Fast processing capability consumes power so basically they design new "power saving" (read wimpy..) processors in laptops to extend battery life. Are there any chipset wonks out there who know about these things.I only know what I have heard via the gravevine... db Rev. Stewart A. Marshall mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Prince of Peace Ozark, AL SL 82 * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Dell laptops?
I don't expect it to outperform a desktop or even equal it. I just have trouble with how under performing most average laptops are these days. (Even WITH adequate RAM) And from talking to people who know about these things it's because of the power consumption issue. Fast processing capability consumes power so basically they design new "power saving" (read wimpy..) processors in laptops to extend battery life. Are there any chipset wonks out there who know about these things.I only know what I have heard via the gravevine... db Rev. Stewart Marshall wrote: That is entirely possible when they start putting in the bottom end processors. I have an AMD dual core processor in my laptop and it is nice. However I do not expect it to act like my desktop which is a Dual core 2 Ghz, 3 GB of ram and over 500 md of HD space. I do not expect a laptop to outperform my desktop. Stewart At 07:34 PM 2/25/2008, you wrote: Meaning SLOW processing whatever you are doing. Click and wait... I have experience this dogginess on new compacts Dell laptops (and other brands) running XP with 1 gb RAM. I could be wrong but RAM shouldn't be a factor until the point that it starts paging data / using the SWAP file and that wasn't the case on my trials I just think the designers of current laptops are making processing power trade-offs that most people just live with. I usually use desktops and find a 6 year desktop that originally was a powerful machine can outperform a lot of these new lower to mid range laptops. db Rev. Stewart A. Marshall mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Prince of Peace Ozark, AL SL 82 * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Dell laptops?
That is entirely possible when they start putting in the bottom end processors. I have an AMD dual core processor in my laptop and it is nice. However I do not expect it to act like my desktop which is a Dual core 2 Ghz, 3 GB of ram and over 500 md of HD space. I do not expect a laptop to outperform my desktop. Stewart At 07:34 PM 2/25/2008, you wrote: Meaning SLOW processing whatever you are doing. Click and wait... I have experience this dogginess on new compacts Dell laptops (and other brands) running XP with 1 gb RAM. I could be wrong but RAM shouldn't be a factor until the point that it starts paging data / using the SWAP file and that wasn't the case on my trials I just think the designers of current laptops are making processing power trade-offs that most people just live with. I usually use desktops and find a 6 year desktop that originally was a powerful machine can outperform a lot of these new lower to mid range laptops. db Rev. Stewart A. Marshall mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Prince of Peace Ozark, AL SL 82 * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Dell laptops?
Meaning SLOW processing whatever you are doing. Click and wait... I have experience this dogginess on new compacts Dell laptops (and other brands) running XP with 1 gb RAM. I could be wrong but RAM shouldn't be a factor until the point that it starts paging data / using the SWAP file and that wasn't the case on my trials I just think the designers of current laptops are making processing power trade-offs that most people just live with. I usually use desktops and find a 6 year desktop that originally was a powerful machine can outperform a lot of these new lower to mid range laptops. db Judy Cosler wrote: "doggy" meaning iffy/wonky??? db wrote: Pentium processors are more powerful and expensive. Celeron processors are less powerful, less expensive alternatives for the home market. Pentiums/ more professional/ more expensive machines are probably no more expensive in the long run. More powerful processors and machines have a longer lifespan and involve transitioning between machines less often although buying a gaming machine would be overkill if you aren't a gamer. Laptops can be "doggy" because they are trying hard to extend battery life. A less powerful processor saves power. So inexpensive laptops can really be doggy... db db Rev. Stewart Marshall wrote: Inspiron is the basic level home computer. XPS is a gamers system to a pro system. Depends on your needs. I prefer the Latitude systems as they are more business oriented, more ports (serial/Parallel) plus a separate and more advanced Video system. The difference between Celeron and Regular Pentiums is a little more elusive. Most of the Intels in laptops are M processors which are mobile processors meant to run cooler. Cache size tends to be the biggest difference between a Celeron and regular processor. That is all I can remember aobut them I am sure there is more. Stewart At 01:52 PM 2/25/2008, you wrote: what is the difference betweeen Inspiron & XPS computers? between Intel Pentium processor & Intel Celeron Processor? Rev. Stewart A. Marshall mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Prince of Peace Ozark, AL SL 82 * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Dell laptops?
Here is a Dell that Walmart is offering. http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=7810485&povid=cat4070-env7711-module81592-rLink6 This is a pretty good model. The only thing it is lacking is a firewire port. This is almost identical to what we got my son. Stewart At 04:21 PM 2/25/2008, you wrote: You will not need the XPS for a student. One of the better Inspirons (not the entry level, but one of the better ones) or an Insprion would be good. We got an Inspiron for our HS Senior for taking to school next year. Dual processor with Vista Premium. I got myself a Latitutde with a Dual AMD processor and XP. (It is dockable which is a must for me.) XPS would be a little bit of over kill. They also make the Vostro line which is a small business line which you might want to look into. Their dell Auctions and Refurb line is not bad. Their prices are a little high on the refurbs, but you can get their care packages with them then. They are mostly off lease machines. Most of the banks around here all use Dell equipment. Stewart Rev. Stewart A. Marshall mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Prince of Peace Ozark, AL SL 82 * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Dell laptops?
Well depends on what you are talking about. In computers doggy means slower than it is supposed to be. Most of this comes from inadequate memory. I run 2 GB's in my laptop and would recommend a minimum of 1 GB. Many come with 512 MB or maybe even 256! Not a chance. I added 1 GB of ram to my new laptop from Office Depot for 29.95 plus tax. Stewart At 05:37 PM 2/25/2008, you wrote: "doggy" meaning iffy/wonky??? db wrote: Pentium processors are more powerful and expensive. Celeron processors are less powerful, less expensive alternatives for the home market. Pentiums/ more professional/ more expensive machines are probably no more expensive in the long run. More powerful processors and machines have a longer lifespan and involve transitioning between machines less often although buying a gaming machine would be overkill if you aren't a gamer. Laptops can be "doggy" because they are trying hard to extend battery life. A less powerful processor saves power. So inexpensive laptops can really be doggy... db Rev. Stewart A. Marshall mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Prince of Peace Ozark, AL SL 82 * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Dell laptops?
"doggy" meaning iffy/wonky??? db wrote: Pentium processors are more powerful and expensive. Celeron processors are less powerful, less expensive alternatives for the home market. Pentiums/ more professional/ more expensive machines are probably no more expensive in the long run. More powerful processors and machines have a longer lifespan and involve transitioning between machines less often although buying a gaming machine would be overkill if you aren't a gamer. Laptops can be "doggy" because they are trying hard to extend battery life. A less powerful processor saves power. So inexpensive laptops can really be doggy... db db Rev. Stewart Marshall wrote: Inspiron is the basic level home computer. XPS is a gamers system to a pro system. Depends on your needs. I prefer the Latitude systems as they are more business oriented, more ports (serial/Parallel) plus a separate and more advanced Video system. The difference between Celeron and Regular Pentiums is a little more elusive. Most of the Intels in laptops are M processors which are mobile processors meant to run cooler. Cache size tends to be the biggest difference between a Celeron and regular processor. That is all I can remember aobut them I am sure there is more. Stewart At 01:52 PM 2/25/2008, you wrote: what is the difference betweeen Inspiron & XPS computers? between Intel Pentium processor & Intel Celeron Processor? Rev. Stewart A. Marshall mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Prince of Peace Ozark, AL SL 82 * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Dell laptops?
You will not need the XPS for a student. One of the better Inspirons (not the entry level, but one of the better ones) or an Insprion would be good. We got an Inspiron for our HS Senior for taking to school next year. Dual processor with Vista Premium. I got myself a Latitutde with a Dual AMD processor and XP. (It is dockable which is a must for me.) XPS would be a little bit of over kill. They also make the Vostro line which is a small business line which you might want to look into. Their dell Auctions and Refurb line is not bad. Their prices are a little high on the refurbs, but you can get their care packages with them then. They are mostly off lease machines. Most of the banks around here all use Dell equipment. Stewart At 03:54 PM 2/25/2008, you wrote: I need to get a college student a laptop. Not the low end, not the high end, would the XPS be a starting point at the low end of that line? The student is taking nursing classes, nothing extensive in graphics, networking, etc, just the standard bloat of the stuff they have at the schoolany solid leads? I was considering the outlet with a refurb for the first one, then as others queue up better as the use is refined... John Mealey Rev. Stewart A. Marshall mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Prince of Peace Ozark, AL SL 82 * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Dell laptops?
I need to get a college student a laptop. Not the low end, not the high end, would the XPS be a starting point at the low end of that line? The student is taking nursing classes, nothing extensive in graphics, networking, etc, just the standard bloat of the stuff they have at the schoolany solid leads? I was considering the outlet with a refurb for the first one, then as others queue up better as the use is refined... John Mealey -Original Message- From: Computer Guys Discussion List [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Rev. Stewart Marshall Sent: Monday, February 25, 2008 3:59 PM To: COMPUTERGUYS-L@LISTSERV.AOL.COM Subject: Re: [CGUYS] Dell laptops? Inspiron is the basic level home computer. XPS is a gamers system to a pro system. Depends on your needs. I prefer the Latitude systems as they are more business oriented, more ports (serial/Parallel) plus a separate and more advanced Video system. The difference between Celeron and Regular Pentiums is a little more elusive. Most of the Intels in laptops are M processors which are mobile processors meant to run cooler. Cache size tends to be the biggest difference between a Celeron and regular processor. That is all I can remember aobut them I am sure there is more. Stewart At 01:52 PM 2/25/2008, you wrote: >what is the difference betweeen Inspiron & XPS computers? >between Intel Pentium processor & Intel Celeron Processor? Rev. Stewart A. Marshall mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Prince of Peace Ozark, AL SL 82 * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Dell laptops?
Pentium processors are more powerful and expensive. Celeron processors are less powerful, less expensive alternatives for the home market. Pentiums/ more professional/ more expensive machines are probably no more expensive in the long run. More powerful processors and machines have a longer lifespan and involve transitioning between machines less often although buying a gaming machine would be overkill if you aren't a gamer. Laptops can be "doggy" because they are trying hard to extend battery life. A less powerful processor saves power. So inexpensive laptops can really be doggy... db db Rev. Stewart Marshall wrote: Inspiron is the basic level home computer. XPS is a gamers system to a pro system. Depends on your needs. I prefer the Latitude systems as they are more business oriented, more ports (serial/Parallel) plus a separate and more advanced Video system. The difference between Celeron and Regular Pentiums is a little more elusive. Most of the Intels in laptops are M processors which are mobile processors meant to run cooler. Cache size tends to be the biggest difference between a Celeron and regular processor. That is all I can remember aobut them I am sure there is more. Stewart At 01:52 PM 2/25/2008, you wrote: what is the difference betweeen Inspiron & XPS computers? between Intel Pentium processor & Intel Celeron Processor? Rev. Stewart A. Marshall mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Prince of Peace Ozark, AL SL 82 * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Dell laptops?
Inspiron is the basic level home computer. XPS is a gamers system to a pro system. Depends on your needs. I prefer the Latitude systems as they are more business oriented, more ports (serial/Parallel) plus a separate and more advanced Video system. The difference between Celeron and Regular Pentiums is a little more elusive. Most of the Intels in laptops are M processors which are mobile processors meant to run cooler. Cache size tends to be the biggest difference between a Celeron and regular processor. That is all I can remember aobut them I am sure there is more. Stewart At 01:52 PM 2/25/2008, you wrote: what is the difference betweeen Inspiron & XPS computers? between Intel Pentium processor & Intel Celeron Processor? Rev. Stewart A. Marshall mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Prince of Peace Ozark, AL SL 82 * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
