Cheapo Dell laptop advice needed please...

[bigblue]

... 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 !

[dave87]

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)

[Agent]

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

[dave87]

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

[Agent]

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

[dave87]

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

[dave87]

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.

[bigblue]

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

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 !