About Lauren Bennett Expertise I am a computer science major and my dad is an Electric Engineering, so my life has revolved around computers. For as long as I can remember, I have been buying and selling computers. I tend to travel a lot, so I have always had a laptop. I have bought 5 of them for myself, and bought around 30-40 for friends and family. I have dealt with the good and the bad of various version and brand names. If you are in need of buying a laptop, feel free to contact me and I'm sure I will be able to guide you into purchasing the laptop that will be the best fit for you. I will custom build you computers for you to choose from so you can get an exact idea of what to go and buy when you do it yourself and so that you have an exact price. However, I am in the USA and am only knowledgeable about computers here in the US. I do not know about foreign currency or the quality of computer brand names outside the US.
Experience B.S. in Computer Science. Buying and selling for years. Assisting friends/family.
Question QUESTION: I have a Dell Inspiron 6000, with 15.4 in. screen and 1GB of RAM. It has integrated speakers and a DVD/RW drive. I think the processor is an AMD. 60GB HDD. I'm looking for another Dell. It does not have to be new, but should come from Dell. I'm looking to keep costs down, but want to upgrade to 2GB of RAM and 80GB of storage. It would be nice if it runs the newest wireless standard, but not essential. I'd like to keep the cost under $1,000 if possible. Can you help me sort through the options for a Dell PC that is a good value, a step up from the Inspiron 6000, but not top of their line?
ANSWER: I would highly recommend buying a computer with 1GB of RAM and upgrading it yourself - they charge around $125 to upgrade from 1GB to 2GB. You can buy 2GB of RAM for around $60 and sell the 1GB that came with the computer for $20 or so. That is one good way to keep the costs down and Dell has a step by step manual online for changing RAM - it is super easy on every Dell I have done it on.
Here is what I came up with (Dell Inspiron 1520)
- Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T7250 (2.0GHz/800Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
- Genuine Windows Vista® Ultimate Edition (gives you the entertainment side of Vista and the Business side of Vista
- 1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz (i can help you buy 2GB of RAM)
- High Resolution, glossy widescreen 15.4 inch display (1440x900)
-128MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8400M GS
-120GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)( it was only $25 more from the 80GB)
- CD / DVD writer (DVD+/-RW Drive) (a DVD burner is a great way to back up your computer)
- Dell Wireless 1505 Wireless-N Mini-card
- 85Whr Lithium Ion Battery (9 cell)
- 2Yr In-Home Service, Parts + Labor, 24x7 Phone Support
Final price: $1,034.00 + tax
If you don't want a warranty, that is a quick way to drop the cost down. You do, however, have to keep the price before discounts at $1299 or higher to utilize the $400 off coupon. Currently, it is at $1,434.00.
Here is the coupon code: 8XGG8GL7Q$019B
It expires on the 21st.
Let me know what you think and we'll go from there.
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QUESTION: Wow! An exceedingly fast, thorough, and amazing response. If I may ask just two more questions: I don't want the glossy screen. Does this model come with a flat finish? Secondly, do you suggest purchasing this or a similar configuration on Dell Outlet, if such can be found?
Answer The Anti-glare, widescreen 15.4 inch display (1280x800) is not glossy. However, you do get used to the glossy screen and this one is high definition as well. The glossy screens do have their downfalls. I can't really take my laptop out on the back deck anymore because I can't see the screen with all the light.
I looked around on Dell Outlet and I didn't see anything really worthwhile. If something was a similar configuration and significantly cheaper - yes no harm in doing so. However, the prices seem to be very similar which is probably because of that $400 off coupon. If you aren't going to be saving a big chunk of change, I'd just get a 100% brand new computer.
