dude i need to get a dell

[mazda]

Ok, so the fun starts in a few weeks and I need a new laptop.  Let's assume I will get a Dell.  I'm on a budget, of course.  I want everything I need and nothing that I don't.  I don't plan on putting any games on it.  What should I get?

[Ginatio]

an $800 avaratec from buy.com is what you should get. f dell. dell sucks.

[twilght68]

i agree. dell customer service is horrible and the quality of the computers is sh*t. i got rid of my dell and bought a powerbook - it's more expensive but much, much better than a dell (and prob. most windows-based computers)

[mazda]

Thanks for the advice.  What I am most interested in finding out is what specs I need. 

[Ginatio]

the law school you'll be attending more than likely has this information posted online somewhere. i'd suggest you seek it out. otherwise, i think a safe bet would be to get a processor faster than 1GHz, 512mb of memory or more, at least a 30gb hard drive, a DVD/CDRW drive, and whatever screen size you're comfortable with... and since you'll be carrying it around with you quite often, I'd also suggest getting one less than 5lbs.

Thanks for the advice.  What I am most interested in finding out is what specs I need. 

[thinknpositive]

i agree. dell customer service is horrible and the quality of the computers is sh*t. i got rid of my dell and bought a powerbook - it's more expensive but much, much better than a dell (and prob. most windows-based computers)

I really liked the Dell I had in undergrad and as a result I just bought a new 600m. So far I'm more than happy with it.  Dell has great deals too. This summer alone they've had two 20% off sales. Just make sure you get the extended warranty.

[grahamers]

Use the handy search feature of this site and find the 1,000 other threads on this topic where we have posted many many answers to this same question.

:-)

[superiorlobe]

I am buying the Averatec 3225 today.

$1,049
12.1" screen
small enough to fit in your back pocket, yet big enough to use.
2.00 GHz Athalon
4.2 lbs
CD-RW/DVD
512 MB
nicer keyboard than the 3100 series.

[mazda]

but what about that screen size?  if you have to stare at it all day, isn't that going to drive you crazy?

[flecktone]

I am buying the Averatec 3225 today.

$1,049
12.1" screen
small enough to fit in your back pocket, yet big enough to use.
2.00 GHz Athalon
4.2 lbs
CD-RW/DVD
512 MB
nicer keyboard than the 3100 series.


I saw that on buy.com.  It says "UP TO 512 MB DDR."  Does that mean it's really a 256 but can be expanded for extra cost?  Also, do you know when it will be available?