desh ([personal profile] desh) wrote2006-03-01 06:53 pm

laptops

Researching 12-inch laptops. Which do you think looks best?

Note: I'm not looking for a Mac/PC holy war. I'm looking at value for the money, both in terms of features listed here and in terms of other things you may know about these computers. I'm also looking for key features you think I might have forgotten to include. Stuff like that.

Apple 12.1" iBook G4Dell Inspiron 710mDell Latitude D410Dell Latitude X1
Default weight4.9 lbs.4.1 lbs3.8 lbs.2.9 lbs!
Screen12.1" conventional12.1" widescreen12.1" conventional12.1" widescreen
Processor1.33 GHz G41.70 GHz PM 7351.73 GHz PM 7401.10 GHz ULV PM 733
HD40 GB40 GB40 GB30 GB
RAM1 GB1 GB1 GB768 MB
CDDVD / CDRWDVD / CDRWCD-ROM (external!)CD-ROM (external!)
Keyboardfull sizenot quite full sizeno idealooks full size, I think
Bluetoothyesnoyesyes
base cost$1099$999$1179$1284
cost w/ 3 yr warranty$1349$1239$1179$1284
cost w/ warranty I'd want$1349$1159$1179$1284

[identity profile] peneli.livejournal.com 2006-03-02 01:59 am (UTC)(link)
Yup.

It's going to take that long to get Mac OS/Intel versions of everything, in my estimation. Also, my basic rule with technology: NEVER EVER under any circumstances EVER buy the first generation of significantly new technology. It always has stupid bugs that get ironed out in the second generation. I'm waiting at least a year to get an IntelMac, unless my laptop (which is for the record a 2001 12" iBook, 500mhz PPC G3, 640MB RAM) stops working, which so far looks unlikely.

Also, just cuz it's a Mac doesn't mean you shouldn't take any security precautions.

For what they have/cost the Inspiron seemed like the best deal, unless you care about bluetooth or having a Mac.