M1330 ? Need help choosing one

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everybodylovesfebs

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Topic # 20210 16-Mar-2008 22:31
I'm so close to getting a dell m1330, i basically use it for uni purposes, not into gaming, just occasional dvds. My current configuration : Processor : T9300 2.5ghz 6mb cache, OS : Vista Ultimate Display : Tuxedo Black WLED slim Display ( I couldn't see the PRODUCT RED) Memory : 4gb 667mhz RAM (2 x 2gb) HDD : 320gb 5400rpm SATA hdd Optical D : DVD-RW Video Card : gforce 8400m GS 128mb dedicated gddr3 Audio Card : Sound blaster Audio advanced hd sound software WLAN : Intel Wireless N mini card Bluetooth :Dell 355 bluetooth module Warranty : 1 Year warranty ( I need advice, is it really worth it to pay 200 more for 2 yrs??) Battery : 6 cell battery Power : 65W light weight power adapter Softwares: Microsoft works 9.0 McAfee 15 months OEM Nylon sleeve bag Total: 2582.25 Is that too much? I need a portable practical laptop. I was considering a macbook air or any stylish light weight ones. I'm looking for the cheapest yet most value for money configuration. Please help :) That processor upgrade deal (from 8300 to 9300) and Mcafee 15 months is only till Monday 17 March. Or else it would come up to somewhere around $380 more. Cheers

scottjpalmer

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Reply # 117019 16-Mar-2008 22:43
Yeah highly recommend it. Mine came to $2800 but that was with the 3 year everything covered everywhere warranty and bonus speakers and some other unnecessary stuff :-) I'm looking for the cheapest yet most value for money configuration. I believe it to be good value for money if you want high spec, if midrange would do the job then you should get something as equally good value for money for under $2000.

everybodylovesfebs

192 posts

Master Geek

Reply # 117021 16-Mar-2008 22:48
Sweet...I don't know for some reason T9300 looks better than 2.0ghz versions...I use a lil bit of video editing, dvd ripping etc...Ok so 2800 including 3 years warranty....but you're one is product red right? That should cost more isnt it? Hmm mine is just a black one and it costs the same...hmm?

scottjpalmer

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Reply # 117022 16-Mar-2008 22:51
Mine was some sort of package deal they had advertised on NZHerald online. Product RED shouldn't be that much more, all it is is a logo by the keyboard, a red lid and a few red wallpapers and Vista gadgets (and the most important bit, the donation to the project). I didn't add anything to the advertised, default configuration and the promo expired the day after I ordered.

everybodylovesfebs

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Master Geek

Reply # 117023 16-Mar-2008 22:58
Sweet. I was also considering an Apple macbook, being a student I could get a 2.4ghz 13.3inch for 2000 shipped. Are they any good? Which one would be more practically portably stylishly powerful option?

scottjpalmer

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Reply # 117026 16-Mar-2008 23:05
Stylish is a matter of opinion, practical depends on your use - if you have to use OS specific applications then that should form a large part of your decision (unless you want to install Windows on the Mac as well etc). Which OS do you prefer? I looked at Macs but a) didn't like the look of them and b) it just wasn't "familiar" feeling like windows is (for obvious reasons)

everybodylovesfebs

192 posts

Master Geek

Reply # 117027 16-Mar-2008 23:09
I use it basically for internet, watching movies, converting some avis to dvds, connecting to uni network via wlan etc etc. If its really overkill specs, i'll probably downgrade to 2.0ghz...but will that run vista ultimate flawlessy on an m1330? Or in case of macbook, obvioulsy i'm not at all familiar with it, but i can learn, is there any programs for mac where i can convert avis to dvds etc pretty quick? i think vista ultimate will be too much sophisticated for my daily use??

CYaBro

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Reply # 117028 16-Mar-2008 23:09
Don't worry about the extended warranty. They are a con! You are protected under the Consumer Guarantees Act. Computer Repairs Whangarei Remote Support

everybodylovesfebs

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Reply # 117029 16-Mar-2008 23:12
Sweet. I've heard heaps about this consumer guarantee act but never actually been in a situation where I needed to use it....

scottjpalmer

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Reply # 117031 16-Mar-2008 23:13
Consumer Guarantees Act isn't going to get you sorted when you are out of NZ or when you drop your machine or spill something on it like my warranty is. When you have an issue 2 years down the track good luck with the Consumer Guarantees Act, sure it should work in theory but the bunfight to get satisfactory action could be a pain in the a$$.

everybodylovesfebs

192 posts

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Reply # 117032 16-Mar-2008 23:18
haha thats what i thought!! i mean i wont be using the same laptop for 1 year anyway...i'll probably change it like 6 months maxx or maybe 8...the reason i cant decide on a macbook is..its all white and i can't really see why people call it white and sexy...it just looks like a whitewashed normal boxy laptop, with apple logo, i mean come on...macbook air loooks way cooler but macbook is just looks boxy...i might be wrong...

scottjpalmer

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Reply # 117034 16-Mar-2008 23:21
I've heard heaps about this consumer guarantee act but never actually been in a situation where I needed to use it.... It isn't the magic get out of jail free card that the people that bandy it around think it is. Sure it is nice to have a legislative backup (even though it is airy fairy at times) but the company you buy from should have a customer service policy in place to stop it getting to that stage. This is where Dell COULD be an issue, I don't know but at least with a local retailer you can hit them up face to face if need be, someone in Malaysia isn't going to care so much and the battle may not be worth the end result other than the principle of the matter.