Need laptop recommendation...

[fastlane]

Dell Latitude D830 is 'on sale' for $859... is it worth it or does one of you have a better suggestion. I have a Latitude D610 for work and like it - but don't want to get hosed...

Work will soon be requiringg that we remove all personal files and then the laptops are going to be encrypted...so I'll need something to replace that and my home PC is cranky...

http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/latit_d830?c=us&l=en&s=bsd

Recommendations are GREATLY appreciated...

Faye

[Duner]

Off target on the question, but maybe you can use a usb drive with firefox in the work pc during lunch and breaks.

This will keep any browsing files and personel files off the workstation pc.

[fastlane]

Somebody said something like that recently and it went right over my head. Linky please?

And a detachable hard drive was also suggested...:huh:

[Lizzi]

Somebody said something like that recently and it went right over my head. Linky please?

And a detachable hard drive was also suggested...:huh:

Yeah, I was going to suggest that too. I have found it to be an inexpensive solution, yet a pain.

BUT regarding the Dell laptop, if you are going to have to have two, why not go light weight on the personal one. I have been looking at the XPS 1330. Small, light and plenty for the average Jane.

I also would consider buying in internal hard drive for the Latitude you will be using. You can basically copy your home PC onto it and swap the drives out whenever you are done working. ( a bit of a pain also )

[Duner]

Eric can point you in the best direction, but a flashdrive would be best.

pm him. :)

[don2070]

I would personally stay away from Dell. Some people have had great experinces with them, but I have found their products and their customer service to be sub par...just my :2cents:

[Headlight]

There are a multitude of ideas out there, not the least of which is just building a custom pc at home. That way there is no well I like these features on this and those on the other. As far as a personal laptop there are tons of small form factor ones out there, one of the guys here at work has a Sony that is tiny, Asus just released one. If they encrypt the laptops moving your app to a thumb drive may not work because in many application instances there is still files that get copied to the hard drive. All depends on what kind of security your company starts using.

[flamingemu]

I've been using Dell laptops for around 10 years and I have nothing but praise for them. I just picked up a Inspiron 1525 for my wife and she likes it a lot. I would suggest staying away from the Latitudes as they are business oriented and thus are heavy, the stock battery is kind of crappy, etc, etc. For the $859 you're willing to spend, you could get a nicely equipped Inspiron.

The encryption they are employing on your machine won't affect a USB drive most likely, so that is by far the easiest and cheapest way to go. The portable edition of Firefox others are talking about will allow you to maintain a separate browser on the USB drive with separate links, pop-up blocker, etc. You can read up on it here: http://portableapps.com/apps/internet/firefox_portable

[Lizzi]

Sony does have a bass ad little notebook. Under 3# and the solid state drive. I am super paranoid about temperature BUT the price is extreme. Very nice though! I have been happy with all my Dell PCs and laptops but I wouldn't hesitate to buy Sony either. Actually, I would also entertain a Mac.

[fastlane]

Ditto. I would also entertain a MAC if I had the patience to learn how to use it properly...which I don't. :squid2:

[Duner]

The encryption they are employing on your machine won't affect a USB drive most likely, so that is by far the easiest and cheapest way to go. The portable edition of Firefox others are talking about will allow you to maintain a separate browser on the USB drive with separate links, pop-up blocker, etc. You can read up on it here: http://portableapps.com/apps/internet/firefox_portable

Or she could use a bootable app. if needed, off the flashdrive.

[flipf4ipilot]

BUT regarding the Dell laptop, if you are going to have to have two, why not go light weight on the personal one. I have been looking at the XPS 1330. Small, light and plenty for the average Jane.


We just got one of these for my wife to replace the HP laptop we had. Works well for what we need it for.

[flamingemu]

Or she could use a bootable app. if needed, off the flashdrive.

Yep, all kinds of options, but I was trying to keep things simple for her. She isn't 18 anymore and these "darn computers" need to be easy to use. :laughing:

[Duner]

Yep, all kinds of options, but I was trying to keep things simple for her. She isn't 18 anymore and these "darn computers" need to be easy to use. :laughing:

I also have the Portable Apps setup on one of my flashdrives.
Very nice stuff.
This would probably be easiest for her.

Nothing says a big "F.U." to managment lika lappy or external to bypass company policies....:laughing:


I think it still writes a few files, and the bottom line would be whatever the server allows, but a small company, she should be easy peasy lemon squeezy and in the zone.:)

[fastlane]

I've been using Dell laptops for around 10 years and I have nothing but praise for them. I just picked up a Inspiron 1525 for my wife and she likes it a lot. I would suggest staying away from the Latitudes as they are business oriented and thus are heavy, the stock battery is kind of crappy, etc, etc. For the $859 you're willing to spend, you could get a nicely equipped Inspiron.

The encryption they are employing on your machine won't affect a USB drive most likely, so that is by far the easiest and cheapest way to go. The portable edition of Firefox others are talking about will allow you to maintain a separate browser on the USB drive with separate links, pop-up blocker, etc. You can read up on it here: http://portableapps.com/apps/internet/firefox_portable

Cool...thank-you

[fastlane]

I also have the Portable Apps setup on one of my flashdrives.
Very nice stuff.
This would probably be easiest for her.

Nothing says a big "F.U." to managment lika lappy or external to bypass company policies....:laughing:


I think it still writes a few files, and the bottom line would be whatever the server allows, but a small company, she should be easy peasy lemon squeezy and in the zone.:)

I have the FedEx Corporation's firewall to work with - not such a small company. I like the laptop idea - nothing like this is worth getting fired for...:eek:

[fastlane]

Yep, all kinds of options, but I was trying to keep things simple for her. She isn't 18 anymore and these "darn computers" need to be easy to use. :laughing:

:sissy:

How did I miss this! Of course you are right...and I need a big screen for large font too.
:laughing:

[Duner]

I have the FedEx Corporation's firewall to work with - not such a small company. I like the laptop idea - nothing like this is worth getting fired for...:eek:


:eek:FedEx?

Yeah,
In that case I doubt you'll be hacking into web usage via workstation or parkinglot wifi...:squid2:

Ouch...
Lappy, it is.:laughing:

[Headlight]

Here's 2 examples of the mini laptops I was referring too.

http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/08/22/acer_us_cuts_aa1_price/

http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/06/17/review_eee_pc_901/

[fastlane]

Here's 2 examples of the mini laptops I was referring too.

http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/08/22/acer_us_cuts_aa1_price/

http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/06/17/review_eee_pc_901/

Thanks Eric, I'll check these out tonight...

[flipf4ipilot]

Here's 2 examples of the mini laptops I was referring too.

http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/08/22/acer_us_cuts_aa1_price/

http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/06/17/review_eee_pc_901/

jumping in on this... question for the techy guys. I see that these run on Linux Operating Systems, what does that mean if i want to run MS Office products?

[Headlight]

jumping in on this... question for the techy guys. I see that these run on Linux Operating Systems, what does that mean if i want to run MS Office products?

Well I doubt they would come with Linux in the US. I haven't actually looked at ordering one yet but they would probably have Vista or XP if your lucky.

[flipf4ipilot]

Well I doubt they would come with Linux in the US. I haven't actually looked at ordering one yet but they would probably have Vista or XP if your lucky.

cool thanks! $400 sounds like a deal

[shadowart]

faye you can also use your mp3/ipod as a hdd to keep personal files on. that what i do for work:) or i have a older hp laptop that has a few problems i can just give you and you can see how much it would be to fix.. save you some trackday money:) it doedsnt turn on and has no hdd ( i have it just need to clean it ) let me know.

[flamingemu]

Here's 2 examples of the mini laptops I was referring too.

http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/08/22/acer_us_cuts_aa1_price/

http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/06/17/review_eee_pc_901/

Although those laptops are cool, they aren't very practical for the average person. They do in fact come with Windows if you want, but max out at 1GB of memory which really sucks if you have any aspirations of running Vista. Here are the detailed specs of the Acer machine:

http://tinyurl.com/5vn8rg

Unless you had a specific need to hide it from "the man", you're better off going with a traditional machine. If you want to create a portable DVR with a web cam for "up the skirt shots", go with the mini Acer! :icon14::eyebrows:

[flamingemu]

:sissy:

How did I miss this! Of course you are right...and I need a big screen for large font too.
:laughing:

Someone on this forums needs to cover your back. Between people bitching about you getting out of racing and "pulling a Faye", someone needs to look out for you. As for the large font, you could try this instead: http://magnifier.sourceforge.net/ :laughing:

[Lizzi]

Sooooo..... what are you leaning toward Faye?

[fastlane]

I'm leaning towards your suggestion Lizzi...that will suit my needs and has a couple more fun things installed as compared to the Dell Latitude version. I'd like to be far more portable. I need to check out Nelson's idea - for the Inspiron (not the super-huge magnifying suggestion).

I'll have to do that later though because I think some Redline hooligans are about to show up at my house. Maybe you can make the next ride...

Peace ~

[Lizzi]

I'm leaning towards your suggestion Lizzi...that will suit my needs and has a couple more fun things installed as compared to the Dell Latitude version. I'd like to be far more portable. I need to check out Nelson's idea - for the Inspiron (not the super-huge magnifying suggestion).

I'll have to do that later though because I think some Redline hooligans are about to show up at my house. Maybe you can make the next ride...

Peace ~

Sounds good! I wish I could have came. I flew in late (LATE) last night and am off again so the kids came first. I am using your idea from MidOhio. I will follow the ex by bike to the zoo so I will get some riding in.
I think they may carry the XPS at Best Buy if you want to get a real feel for it. I am sure you probably get a discount online through your company and will order through there?

I hope you all have a fabulous (and safe) ride! I wish I were there! NEXT TIME

~Peace

[Lizzi]

(Big hug to Webb for me!!! he thinks I am dissing his emails :bs: )

[fasterbusa]

Thank you!
We missed you on the ride!

[xboxdynasty]

fastlane a couple of sugestions/considerations

Do you really just want the laptop for the internet, or do you run any demanding apps/games? Even that laptop is overkill for just surfing. If that is all you want a $599 dell would work. Or maybe HP, I prefer. They are comprable in price and in my experience reliable and durable.

I've got two options to help you out:

1. We have a HP laptop that we were just going to donate as we have new ones. It runs Windows ME, which everybody says sucks. I got used to it and was nice because no one bought it and thus not to many viruses around for it anymore.

So FREE:
HP Omnibook XE3
Intel Pentium(R) III 850mhz
128MB RAM, can expand to 256 cheaply
Integraged Video/Sound
I thinks a 30gb HD
Integrated network card
and free slot Wireless B card (still works on g and n)
Windows ME and Install disks
Charger and Battery Decent life still

This means it will run firefox nicely and windows media player 9. So surfing flash videos and downloaded music are fine.

For like 20 bucks I would wipe it for you like new.

OR

2. http://redlinesuperbike.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1134

My laptop I'm on now. Its really nice and better than the Dell performance wise. Just not the right graphics card for me to run new games on it. I'm on the verge of getting a receipt and a return so probably at the $916, or if I get screwed then 850.

Hope this helps.

Ed