looking into new Dell notebook

KvPhoto

With the upgrade of my camera my computer is quickly drowning in files and software. I am looking into upgrading my laptop wit Dell in the next couple of months. I know I want max hard drive and a fast processor but I was wondering if anyone could give any other reccomendations to what to get and what I can do without. I tend to run 2 or 3 programs at a time.
TIA

jay

KvPhoto wrote:

With the upgrade of my camera my computer is quickly drowning in files and software. I am looking into upgrading my laptop wit Dell in the next couple of months. I know I want max hard drive and a fast processor but I was wondering if anyone could give any other reccomendations to what to get and what I can do without. I tend to run 2 or 3 programs at a time.
TIA

ahh intel core 2 duo mackbook pro

jdryan3

jay wrote:

ahh intel core 2 duo mackbook pro

Yep, I agree. Many threads here and on Fred Miranda from me on PC specs. Decided to make the switch about the middle of June. It screams with only 2GB RAM and the 2.2Ghz processor, but I did do a special order and get the 160GB 7200prm Hard Drive.

Richard

KvPhoto wrote:

With the upgrade of my camera my computer is quickly drowning in files and software. I am looking into upgrading my laptop wit Dell in the next couple of months. I know I want max hard drive and a fast processor but I was wondering if anyone could give any other reccomendations to what to get and what I can do without. I tend to run 2 or 3 programs at a time.
TIA

I am in the same position. I am looking at Dell and HP, mainly. Here are my core requirements:

Processor: Core 2 Duo, at least 2Ghz.
Memory: 2 GB
Disk: Size not important as long as it's > 80 GB, as I will add an external drive for archiving, backup, etc. 7200 RPM preferred.
Screen resolution: at least 1600 x 1000.
Optical drive: 2 layer DVD burner, the faster the better
Price < $US 2000

Things I prefer: XP rather than Vista (Dell is about the only vendor that has this option still)

Things I don't need: Graphics card (I don't play games or edit video); Web cam; Bluetooth; fingerprint reader; trial versions of a bunch of software I don't want.

The Dell Latitude D830 and the HP DV 9500t both came in at around $1500 when configured to my taste, but these things change from day to day. Fortunately, they just keep getting cheaper. The HP is especially interesting because it contains 2 100GB hard drives, which I don't recall seeing before in a laptop. This would be great for Photoshop, as I could have a separate swap drive at internal bus speed.

Regards,

stuffjunkie

KvPhoto wrote:

With the upgrade of my camera my computer is quickly drowning in files and software. I am looking into upgrading my laptop wit Dell in the next couple of months. I know I want max hard drive and a fast processor but I was wondering if anyone could give any other reccomendations to what to get and what I can do without. I tend to run 2 or 3 programs at a time.
TIA

I've been using Dell Latitudes for several years. Currently, I'm typing this on aet D600. The new ones are faster! They seem like good durable machines. I carry mine around a lot and have had little problem. They are laptops and I would strongly suggest a long (3 year) warrenty with any laptop you get. Get a big drive! Get 2MB of memory to start (fill the slots) Get a spare battery if you go unplugged, or travel much. They new Dell travel charger is quite thin, half that of the std. Dell also makes a travel charger that plugs into a 12V car outlet (maybe the same now as the thin travel charger)

Have fun!

RogersDA

KvPhoto wrote:

With the upgrade of my camera my computer is quickly drowning in files and software. I am looking into upgrading my laptop wit Dell in the next couple of months. I know I want max hard drive and a fast processor but I was wondering if anyone could give any other reccomendations to what to get and what I can do without. I tend to run 2 or 3 programs at a time.
TIA

Join NAPP and you can get some pretty good discounts on hardware including Dell computers and Apple computers. Plus, you get access to all that great information (actions, techniques, tools) that other members get. wink

claudermilk

KvPhoto wrote:

With the upgrade of my camera my computer is quickly drowning in files and software. I am looking into upgrading my laptop wit Dell in the next couple of months. I know I want max hard drive and a fast processor but I was wondering if anyone could give any other reccomendations to what to get and what I can do without. I tend to run 2 or 3 programs at a time.
TIA

A dual-core processor is almost a must now. Max out the RAM as well. I'd also budget for multiple external drives, for both expanding storage space and backups.

I'll just ignore the tired "get a Mac" chorus.

denisegoldberg

I recently replaced my home computer - replacing a 5-year-old Dell laptop with another Dell laptop. I went with an Inspiron 17nn (they keep changing the numbers...). 2 gig of RAM, the highest quality screen, and the fastest disk drive that they offered (after reviewing my proposed order with one of the techies at my office). The fastest drive is not the largest drive, but I have an external drive too.

The speed difference between old and new is pretty incredible, and I'm happy I went with the larger screen since this is my only computer (at home).

I'm very happy with it. My recommendation is to spec the computer at the high end from a performance standpoint, don't take the lower end (and cheaper) offerings.

--- Denise

rdlugosz

First, I'll say that it doesn't matter much whether you get a PC or a MAC. At the end of the day it truly doesn't as long as you can produce images. I love the Mac OS as much as the next UNIX geek, but I just can't justify the additional cost. ... But they are sweet.

A a Dell Inspiron 8500 owner (it's about 4 or 5 years old) I can say that it's an alright system. A little bulky, but plenty fast and I haven't had any major issues.

Screen: The highest-end Dell screen is 1920x1200, IIRC. I've got it and while it's nice for imaging text can be a major eye strain. Next time I may get one step lower. Also, you should get the (normal) matte screen instead of the glossy True Life screen - at least, that's what I think I've been told.

DISK: Get a 7200 RPM disk, even if it's smaller. The performance benefits will be worth it & for extended storage you can just plug in a USB drive.

Memory: Buy as little memory as you can from Dell (or Apple, et al for that matter) and purchase your own RAM from a 3rd party. The OEMs seem to put a ridiculous markup on their system RAM and it's extremely easy to install yourself.

entropysedge

claudermilk wrote:

A dual-core processor is almost a must now. Max out the RAM as well. I'd also budget for multiple external drives, for both expanding storage space and backups.

I'll just ignore the tired "get a Mac" chorus.

+1

I got a HP earlier this year and did exactly the above. Once I worked with it for a bit, I got used to Vista.

Ric Grupe

Getting XP Pro was a must for me. I'm not reinvesting in software when I have everything I want and need already.

The XPS/2.0 Core Duo, 17" Ultrabright, 160GB 7200 RPM, etc.

KvPhoto

Thanks so much guys!

I just had to go and buy a new external hard drive since I maxed out my portable Saturday. I got the Western Digital The Book 500gb yesterday.

I thought you could not add RAM to a laptop?

I even considered just getting a new larger hard drive but my processor is only 1.8 so I think I should just start saving for a new one. Besides, I would need a second laptop to transfer everything to the new drive!

Please keep the suggestions coming! I definitly want to stick with Windows XP, I have seen that a lot of programs are not compatible with Vista yet. A headache I do not want to deal with!

KvPhoto

rsinmadrid wrote:

I am in the same position. I am looking at Dell and HP, mainly. Here are my core requirements:

Processor: Core 2 Duo, at least 2Ghz.
Memory: 2 GB
Disk: Size not important as long as it's > 80 GB, as I will add an external drive for archiving, backup, etc. 7200 RPM preferred.
Screen resolution: at least 1600 x 1000.
Optical drive: 2 layer DVD burner, the faster the better
Price < $US 2000

Things I prefer: XP rather than Vista (Dell is about the only vendor that has this option still)

Things I don't need: Graphics card (I don't play games or edit video); Web cam; Bluetooth; fingerprint reader; trial versions of a bunch of software I don't want.

The Dell Latitude D830 and the HP DV 9500t both came in at around $1500 when configured to my taste, but these things change from day to day. Fortunately, they just keep getting cheaper. The HP is especially interesting because it contains 2 100GB hard drives, which I don't recall seeing before in a laptop. This would be great for Photoshop, as I could have a separate swap drive at internal bus speed.

Regards,

Dell is only offering XP on the Inspiron 1501 which is not good for photoshop, the graphics card can not be upgraded, so now I don't know what to do. Dell suggested getting a system without an OS sinstalled and purchase XP seperatly and install it myself.
I also want to look into selling the old laptop, which is perfectly fine, the bottom shows some wear is all. Nothing is broken or missing on it and it may even come with an extra battery ( have to find it!) Any suggestions on what would be a good price to ask? I paid $1500 for it 2 years ago. I would most likely wipe the hard drive clean so they would have to purchase Windows on their own. I would have some extra programs to put with it though, Excel, Outlook, Works 8, etc. Any thoughts?

Richard

KvPhoto wrote:

Dell is only offering XP on the Inspiron 1501 which is not good for photoshop, the graphics card can not be upgraded, so now I don't know what to do. Dell suggested getting a system without an OS sinstalled and purchase XP seperatly and install it myself.
I also want to look into selling the old laptop, which is perfectly fine, the bottom shows some wear is all. Nothing is broken or missing on it and it may even come with an extra battery ( have to find it!) Any suggestions on what would be a good price to ask? I paid $1500 for it 2 years ago. I would most likely wipe the hard drive clean so they would have to purchase Windows on their own. I would have some extra programs to put with it though, Excel, Outlook, Works 8, etc. Any thoughts?

Have you looked at Dell's Latitude line? They are meant for corporate users, who are the ones that have demanded XP to avoid the Vista hassle. Last time I looked--about a month ago--XP was an option on several models. Look in the small business section of their Web site. Regarding the graphics card, if you are only doing photos, the low-end, on-board option is all you need. Anything more powerful is only needed for video.

Regards,

Quicklebe

Inspiron e1505
I purchased a Dell Inspiron e1505 several months ago. The computer works great for my photography applications. I have a Nikon and use the Capture NX software. I have 2 gb of memory and a dual core processor and I can process several photos at once without slowing up.

The laptop is fairly well built. I've dropped it once and it keeps working just fine.

I would reccomend using XP instead of Vista. The applications I use for photography work well under Vista. However I have unrelated problems using the laptop for business and maintaining a VPN connection. Also Vista drains the battery quicker than XP.

If I had to purchase the laptop again I would get a similar Dell but with XP instead of Vista.

~Jan~

KvPhoto wrote:

I thought you could not add RAM to a laptop?

You can--to some. Some are sold maxed out already, but on my most recent laptop (which died shortly after) we doubled the RAM.

Richard

~Jan~ wrote:

You can--to some. Some are sold maxed out already, but on my most recent laptop (which died shortly after) we doubled the RAM.

Laptops have two slots for memory cards, but (as in cameras) there are different sizes of cards. A laptop with both slots full can't accept more cards, but you do have the option of replacing one (or both) of the existing cards with a higher capacity one. The downside is the cost--and the fact that you are wasting the original memory cards. Unfortunately, 2GB memory cards are still quite expensive, which is why most people end up with two 1GB cards.