Cheapo Dell laptop advice needed please...

... if you'd be so kind :)

I'm looking at the laptops on Dell at the mo, prices seem to be ok just now and I need one sharpish. It's a pressie for the missus but I'll be using it more than her most likely.

This fella in particular (without warranty obv, but with 2250 CPU) http://configure.euro.dell.com/dells...l=en&oc=N03642

Coupla questions...

Screens- The one I've selected comes with the bog-standard 1280x800. Seems a bit low but it's really only for net use and keeping me occupied when I'm away from me desk ! Would it be worth £50 for 1440x900 ? Also, what the bejesus is truelife, do I need it, and is it worth £25 ?

Battery- is £23.50 a wise investment in the 85w battery rather than the 65w ?

Wireless-Dell 1390 for free, Pro 3945 for £12 or N-version for £23 ?

Ta muchness !

I've got the 1680x1050 res 15.4" WS, and its worth it, but the truelife isn't (shiny coating).

8 or 9 Cell battery is worth it if away from desk for a while, I get anywhere between 4 and 6 hours use off it.

(Spec in My System)

Ohhh, going to have to disagree with you there Dave :)

I really like the truelife coating, makes colours much better IMO .

As for the other questions - I would get the 85w battery. The resolution depends entirely on what your using it for :)

I've got it, and as much as I like the increase in colours, the shiny screen makes the laptop a pain to use in bright sunlight :(

Very true. Guess it depends on where its going to be used.

I mainly do graphics work, so I find things like this a no-brainer in my field :)

I must admit, when watching DVDs you do notice the difference, but I don't do that much on graphics work, so that bit doesn't affect me :)

Oh, just noticed the question on Wireless, I opted for the 3945, only because Intel's wireless is top notch, and has support for 802.11a.

No experience on the pre-N one though.

Cheers for the quick response folks :)

Regarding what it'll be used for... not much ! Mainly just net/email, with the odd bit of photo editing.

The main reason for buying it is so the missus can use it wirelessly in the living room while I hog the wired desktop upstairs.

Also, I'm off work at the mo, and I stay with my folks during the day while the missus is at her work. Although my folks are good cooks, their conversation leaves a lot to be desired, so the laptop would mean I could at least go online and have something a bit more interesting to do :mrgreen:

Also, it'd be handy to take on holiday, save all the arsing about looking for internet cafes and the like. So really, nowt that intensive.

Think I might go for the glossy screen though, I have a NEC glossy monitor and I rather like it.

Ta !