How's this for a new laptop?

bikinpunk · 07-04-2007, 04:40 PM

My old one had the mother board go out so I'm looking at this to replace it.

I have no idea about this processor, so I'd appreciate advise on that mainly. For the most part, this computer seems like a steal at less than $650 shipped to my door.

We like Dell. So, don't start bagging it.

Here's the link to the computer without my options:
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellsto...e=ss&c=US&l=EN

My upgrades are highlighted below:

Inspiron 1501 AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 Dual-Core Mobile Technology TK-53
OPERATING SYSTEM(s) Genuine Windows Vista™ Home Basic
LCD panel 15.4 inch Wide Screen XGA Display with TrueLife™(glossy)
MEMORY 1GB DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz, 2 Dimm
VIDEO CARD ATI RADEON® Xpress1150 256MB HyperMemory™ (Integrated)
HARD DRIVES Size: 120GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
Network Card and Modem Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem
Adobe Software Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 7.08
Combo/DVD+RW Drives 8X CD/DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability
Sound Card Integrated Audio
Wireless Networking Cards Dell Wireless 1390 802.11g Mini Card (54Mbps)
Office Software (not included in Windows XP) Microsoft Works 8. DOES NOT INCLUDE MS WORD
Anti-Virus/Security Suite (Pre-installed) No Security Subscription (30-day trial)
Primary Battery 85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
Warranty & Service 1 Yr Ltd Warranty, 1 Yr Mail-in Service, and 1 Yr Tech Support
DIAL-UP INTERNET ACCESS 6 Months of America Online Membership Included
Miscellaneous Inspiron 1501
Purchase Intent Purchase is not intended for resale.
Labels Windows Vista™ Basic

***Izzy*** · 07-04-2007, 04:45 PM

The only I see wrong with it is Vista. Otherwise, seems to be a pretty good nick. The probably and most likely reason for this is that the new inspirons are coming out and they look about 1001001032103821093712094712874193x better than this one...

I have this Inspiron, though before they came out with Dual Core. It's a beast to carry around all the time, but it's good enough for menial photo tasks. According to specs, processor speed is about 1.7GHz.

***sgtpruitt*** · 07-04-2007, 04:54 PM

Good price and features for a budget laptop.. You can use your old 2.5 in the broken one for an external Hard drive. Just buy the enclosure. Skip the 120G HD and get more RAM. That just my opinion and what I would do.

bikinpunk · 07-04-2007, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgtpruitt

Good price and features for a budget laptop.. You can use your old 2.5 in the broken one for an external Hard drive. Just buy the enclosure. Skip the 120G HD and get more RAM. That just my opinion and what I would do.

Well, this would be my on-the-go computer. I have a tower at home I built last summer that's a beast and I do all my video editing with it. I just need something my wife can use to get on the internet from anywhere in the house and use whenever. This would more or less be "her" computer. I would just use it to surf the net and do some car audio measurements with occassionaly. This almost seems perfect for that. Just not sure about the processor.

youchasedafterme · 07-04-2007, 05:21 PM

I have an inspiron not configured like yours but try to make sure you get a good battery. I have a standard battery that was supposed to last me like 2.5-3 hours but now it is down to like an hour. It has only been a year too. Is that normal?

***sgtpruitt*** · 07-04-2007, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bikinpunk

Well, this would be my on-the-go computer. I have a tower at home I built last summer that's a beast and I do all my video editing with it. I just need something my wife can use to get on the internet from anywhere in the house and use whenever. This would more or less be "her" computer. I would just use it to surf the net and do some car audio measurements with occassionaly. This almost seems perfect for that. Just not sure about the processor.

The processor is way more than adequate for what you want to do. But 1G of ram for vista is like 512mb when XP came out. So it's gonna move slower. Another G and you'd have reliable, quick setup. I personally wouldn't buy like a $3K laptop. I'd go with something like this. Not to brag or anything but I'm a server and network administrator for the Army.

Firestrife · 07-04-2007, 05:51 PM

not a bad setup, for the price. But definitely up the Vista to home premium at least.

***Izzy*** · 07-04-2007, 06:11 PM

Ditch the Vista, and if you have your old Dell XP Reinstall CD, use that instead. :)

If you're really only going to use this for what you've mentioned, then go for it. Batteries degrade over time, so yeah, I would spring for the larger cell battery (if its not already included). Kill the HDD, and see if you can get an 80GB or something smaller to take off some cash, then add a stick of RAM. Then it would be an awesome go-to-places laptop.

bikinpunk · 07-04-2007, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Izzy

Ditch the Vista, and if you have your old Dell XP Reinstall CD, use that instead. :)

If you're really only going to use this for what you've mentioned, then go for it. Batteries degrade over time, so yeah, I would spring for the larger cell battery (if its not already included). Kill the HDD, and see if you can get an 80GB or something smaller to take off some cash, then add a stick of RAM. Then it would be an awesome go-to-places laptop.

Fair enough. We actually have an older inspiron that I killed off by being an idiot (long story).

I'm not a fan of vista, myself. Wonder if I could get dell to drop vista and have xp put in?...

If not, what's the difference between the vista that comes pre-loaded and the upgrades?

***Izzy*** · 07-04-2007, 06:36 PM

I just think that Vista is still too young overall, plus it hogs resources like a vacuum cleaner in a Feather Factory.

People have called customer service to get it switched with XP, so you may want to try that.

I always do a full reinstall when first buying a new comp/laptop, since I want to get rid of all the fluff that I don't need anyway..

bikinpunk · 07-04-2007, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Izzy

I just think that Vista is still too young overall, plus it hogs resources like a vacuum cleaner in a Feather Factory.

People have called customer service to get it switched with XP, so you may want to try that.

I always do a full reinstall when first buying a new comp/laptop, since I want to get rid of all the fluff that I don't need anyway..

I wonder if we have the install cd from our first inspiron. It's xp home edition. I actually have an xp pro disc I could use...hmmm...

***sgtpruitt*** · 07-04-2007, 06:42 PM

I have not met a person that likes vista. But really that's the way everything is going to be eventually. If you don't have a licensed copy of xp you need to buy it. But then when Vista takes over you'll again buy another licensed copy of software. So I'd say keep vista vs buying it again eventually. Unless you like to hack (not crack, there's a difference) then it will work out for you.

edit:^^ If you have a licensed copy then I'd put xp on there for now.

***Izzy*** · 07-04-2007, 06:45 PM

Yeah, I'm absolutely stoked and use my XP Pro and it's like my treasure, since I purchased it for 12$ and it's legit. Ahhh, MS Retail Employee site...too bad I don't work at Best Buy anymore...

***sgtpruitt*** · 07-04-2007, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Izzy

Yeah, I'm absolutely stoked and use my XP Pro and it's like my treasure, since I purchased it for 12$ and it's legit. Ahhh, MS Retail Employee site...too bad I don't work at Best Buy anymore...

I got the hookup at my job too.

***Cybergypsy*** · 07-04-2007, 06:47 PM

Macbook all the way!!!

***sgtpruitt*** · 07-04-2007, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cybergypsy

Macbook all the way!!!

**truflip** · 07-04-2007, 06:56 PM

can u get windows XP pro on it? i wouldnt go vista. personally tested the OS and it has a lot of problems with drivers... just too much for everyone to catch up to i think

RJJensen · 07-04-2007, 09:01 PM

b4 u buy it check out the inspiron e1505...more money but a better value IMO..the 1501 has a matte screen fyi...for me thats a no no but could be ok for u...otherwise the 1501 is a good stripped down machine but should be priced cheaper..also there is no dvi, s-video or fire wire ports

bikinpunk · 07-04-2007, 11:58 PM

Heck, after looking around, it appears that for the money, HP & Gateway offer better products. Never had either of those, excpet for the HP laptop I use at work...which is a bare bones system. Any opinions with doing this?

I have a BB card, and could just go with the 3 mos. no interest deal.

***sgtpruitt*** · 07-05-2007, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bikinpunk

Heck, after looking around, it appears that for the money, HP & Gateway offer better products. Never had either of those, excpet for the HP laptop I use at work...which is a bare bones system. Any opinions with doing this?

I have a BB card, and could just go with the 3 mos. no interest deal.

HP!! O God. Theres a reason why they are cheaper right now.

Gateway is not so great either just do me a favor and stay away from HP anything. Toshiba makes a fantastic product, especially for the money. Check it out.

07-04-2007, 04:40 PM	#1 (permalink)
bikinpunk Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Age: 26 Posts: 3,183 Erin iTrader: 3 / 100%	How's this for a new laptop? My old one had the mother board go out so I'm looking at this to replace it. I have no idea about this processor, so I'd appreciate advise on that mainly. For the most part, this computer seems like a steal at less than $650 shipped to my door. We like Dell. So, don't start bagging it. Here's the link to the computer without my options: http://configure.us.dell.com/dellsto...e=ss&c=US&l=EN My upgrades are highlighted below: Inspiron 1501 AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 Dual-Core Mobile Technology TK-53 OPERATING SYSTEM(s) Genuine Windows Vista™ Home Basic LCD panel 15.4 inch Wide Screen XGA Display with TrueLife™(glossy) MEMORY 1GB DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz, 2 Dimm VIDEO CARD ATI RADEON® Xpress1150 256MB HyperMemory™ (Integrated) HARD DRIVES Size: 120GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM) Network Card and Modem Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem Adobe Software Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 7.08 Combo/DVD+RW Drives 8X CD/DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability Sound Card Integrated Audio Wireless Networking Cards Dell Wireless 1390 802.11g Mini Card (54Mbps) Office Software (not included in Windows XP) Microsoft Works 8. DOES NOT INCLUDE MS WORD Anti-Virus/Security Suite (Pre-installed) No Security Subscription (30-day trial) Primary Battery 85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery Warranty & Service 1 Yr Ltd Warranty, 1 Yr Mail-in Service, and 1 Yr Tech Support DIAL-UP INTERNET ACCESS 6 Months of America Online Membership Included Miscellaneous Inspiron 1501 Purchase Intent Purchase is not intended for resale. Labels Windows Vista™ Basic

07-04-2007, 06:47 PM	#15 (permalink)
*Cybergypsy* Resident Caraholic Join Date: Apr 2006 Age: 48 Posts: 8,099 iTrader: 3 / 100%	Macbook all the way!!! __________________ I would rather be judged by 12, than carried by six!

07-04-2007, 06:56 PM	#17 (permalink)
truflip Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Ottawa, ON Age: 22 Posts: 9,132 iTrader: 11 / 100%	can u get windows XP pro on it? i wouldnt go vista. personally tested the OS and it has a lot of problems with drivers... just too much for everyone to catch up to i think __________________

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07-04-2007, 04:45 PM	#2 (permalink)
*Izzy* Supreme Pizza! Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Azusa, CA Age: 25 Posts: 11,935 iTrader: 5 / 100%	The only I see wrong with it is Vista. Otherwise, seems to be a pretty good nick. The probably and most likely reason for this is that the new inspirons are coming out and they look about 1001001032103821093712094712874193x better than this one... I have this Inspiron, though before they came out with Dual Core. It's a beast to carry around all the time, but it's good enough for menial photo tasks. According to specs, processor speed is about 1.7GHz.

07-04-2007, 04:54 PM	#3 (permalink)
*sgtpruitt* VIP Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Spooner Street Posts: 3,089 Tim iTrader: 7 / 100%	Good price and features for a budget laptop.. You can use your old 2.5 in the broken one for an external Hard drive. Just buy the enclosure. Skip the 120G HD and get more RAM. That just my opinion and what I would do.

07-04-2007, 05:21 PM	#5 (permalink)
youchasedafterme Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 284 iTrader: 0 / 0%	I have an inspiron not configured like yours but try to make sure you get a good battery. I have a standard battery that was supposed to last me like 2.5-3 hours but now it is down to like an hour. It has only been a year too. Is that normal?

07-04-2007, 05:51 PM	#7 (permalink)
Firestrife Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Gainesville, FL Age: 20 Posts: 3,443 Keenan iTrader: 9 / 100%	not a bad setup, for the price. But definitely up the Vista to home premium at least.

07-04-2007, 06:11 PM	#8 (permalink)
*Izzy* Supreme Pizza! Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Azusa, CA Age: 25 Posts: 11,935 iTrader: 5 / 100%	Ditch the Vista, and if you have your old Dell XP Reinstall CD, use that instead. :) If you're really only going to use this for what you've mentioned, then go for it. Batteries degrade over time, so yeah, I would spring for the larger cell battery (if its not already included). Kill the HDD, and see if you can get an 80GB or something smaller to take off some cash, then add a stick of RAM. Then it would be an awesome go-to-places laptop.

07-04-2007, 06:36 PM	#10 (permalink)
*Izzy* Supreme Pizza! Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Azusa, CA Age: 25 Posts: 11,935 iTrader: 5 / 100%	I just think that Vista is still too young overall, plus it hogs resources like a vacuum cleaner in a Feather Factory. People have called customer service to get it switched with XP, so you may want to try that. I always do a full reinstall when first buying a new comp/laptop, since I want to get rid of all the fluff that I don't need anyway..

07-04-2007, 06:42 PM	#12 (permalink)
*sgtpruitt* VIP Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Spooner Street Posts: 3,089 Tim iTrader: 7 / 100%	I have not met a person that likes vista. But really that's the way everything is going to be eventually. If you don't have a licensed copy of xp you need to buy it. But then when Vista takes over you'll again buy another licensed copy of software. So I'd say keep vista vs buying it again eventually. Unless you like to hack (not crack, there's a difference) then it will work out for you. edit:^^ If you have a licensed copy then I'd put xp on there for now.

07-04-2007, 06:45 PM	#13 (permalink)
*Izzy* Supreme Pizza! Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Azusa, CA Age: 25 Posts: 11,935 iTrader: 5 / 100%	Yeah, I'm absolutely stoked and use my XP Pro and it's like my treasure, since I purchased it for 12$ and it's legit. Ahhh, MS Retail Employee site...too bad I don't work at Best Buy anymore...

07-04-2007, 09:01 PM	#18 (permalink)
RJJensen Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: NJ Posts: 917 iTrader: 0 / 0%	b4 u buy it check out the inspiron e1505...more money but a better value IMO..the 1501 has a matte screen fyi...for me thats a no no but could be ok for u...otherwise the 1501 is a good stripped down machine but should be priced cheaper..also there is no dvi, s-video or fire wire ports

07-04-2007, 11:58 PM	#19 (permalink)
bikinpunk Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Age: 26 Posts: 3,183 Erin iTrader: 3 / 100%	Heck, after looking around, it appears that for the money, HP & Gateway offer better products. Never had either of those, excpet for the HP laptop I use at work...which is a bare bones system. Any opinions with doing this? I have a BB card, and could just go with the 3 mos. no interest deal.