Dell Inspiron 9400

[Adrian Wong]

Originally Posted by peaz

I've checked out the model myself yesterday. It does come default witha 3 year complete cover warranty. therefore, any physical damage within the 3 years are covered.

I've seen the older versions of the 9000 series before... man. huge and heavy. really heavy. i can even swear it was using 3.5" HDs... well, it sure had the size to accomodate it!

My thoughts... I'd rather get a SFF instead of this based on the pricing. I think an SFF can offer much better value for money. even the GPU is cheaper, and the HD space...

SFF config + 20" LCD + a good set of mouse and keyboard... SWEET and probably the same price too.

Actually, it comes with a 1-year CompleteCover warranty by default, although you can opt for 3-years CompleteCover.

I can't go for SFF because I travel quite a bit. Unfortunately, I need a pretty powerful system to do my work.

Thought of upgrading my current notebook from 1GB to 2GB, but DDR SDRAM is more expensive than DDR2. Although the processor's maxxing out everytime I do graphics editing. So, I might as well buy a new notebook.

Now, if only I can find the dough...

[Adrian Wong]

Originally Posted by strawroot

I have run through the specs
but i am never in favour of heavy stuff, imagining carry it everywhere
if they can pack those stuff into a 12.1" ...
its gonna burn a hole in my pocket

12.1" is too small to do much work.

Have to really squint to see anything. Hehe...

But if you want a good 12.1" notebook, Dell has the XPS 1210.

I used to own a Fujitsu mini-notebook. It's really compact and portable. Unfortunately, it wasn't fast enough to do much work on it.

[Adrian Wong]

Originally Posted by Chai

Yeah, I would never get a high end notebook. Short lifespan due to not able to upgrade, expensive, and risk of losing it, and can never be as fast as a good desktop.

Well, generally, my notebooks last me about 1.5 to 2 years before I find them too slow.

I would love to get a desktop as well, but I don't think I can afford even a notebook, much less both a notebook and a desktop.

Also, I do travel quite a bit. So, lugging a desktop is out of the question. Either that or not doing any work when I'm out of the house.

[Adrian Wong]

Originally Posted by peaz

You can get the ATI1400XL on it

Eh, I thought you can get the GeForce Go 7400 with it??

[Adrian Wong]

Originally Posted by Max_87

ATI X1400XL sux for gaming xD If you really want to game, get a desktop. I will never get a high end notebook for gaming. For me:

1) Those high end notebooks are too heavy. (Notebooks are meant to be carried around lol)
2) Gaming on the go with these notebook is er..... impractical. Their power consumption is too high and the battery won't last long. Maybe 2+ hours max? Spare batteries er..... see no.1
3) because of reason no.2, it means that most of the time u will be sitting at home or somewhere with a wall socket to game (which beats the whole purpose of this notebook).
4) like chai said, risk of it being stolen, unable to upgrade.
5) it is freaking expensive
6) it is very freaking expensive
7) it is very very freaking expensive



The good thing about this notebook is that you can brag and make ppl

Well, I don't think you can seriously game for hours using just a battery. No matter what kind of notebook you use, you definitely need to bring a power brick or spare batteries.

But gaming on a notebook is quite possible, I can assure you. Hehe.. But it depends on whether your notebook comes with a good GPU or not.

Power consumption is continuously going down. The GeForce Go 7900 GS uses only about 20W. What may be a problem is the heat output. If the heat can be expelled from the notebook without affecting the contact areas, then it will be okay.

Actually, the Dell Inspiron 9400 is relatively cheap for what it offers. Branded notebooks are even more expensive, with slower processors and GPUs. Ultra-portables are worse.

Yeah, notebooks are easy to steal. Their biggest advantage is also their biggest problem.

The weight of the 9400 will likely be a problem for me too... as well as any potential thieves. I used to lug the Toshiba Satellite M30 which weighed about 3kg. That was heavy! Sigh.. The 9400 probably weighs about 4kg.

[Chai]

Is there a need to game on notebooks?

I find it much more comfortable gaming on big screen, proper mouse with proper keyboard.

[Adrian Wong]

You do not have to game on a notebook, but why not? At least you can do it wherever you are, instead of only at home.

[Chai]

I rather spend the additional money that you spend on expensive graphics card on desktop. Plus you don't have to replace everything when you upgrade your desktop.

[Adrian Wong]

Originally Posted by Chai

I rather spend the additional money that you spend on expensive graphics card on desktop. Plus you don't have to replace everything when you upgrade your desktop.

Agreed. But the key issue is still mobility.

[Max_87]

Originally Posted by Adrian Wong

Well, I don't think you can seriously game for hours using just a battery. No matter what kind of notebook you use, you definitely need to bring a power brick or spare batteries.

Which is why I definitely won't game on notebooks

Originally Posted by Adrian Wong

But gaming on a notebook is quite possible, I can assure you. Hehe.. But it depends on whether your notebook comes with a good GPU or not.

I know, I was refering to X1400XL Go 7900GS is a very good GPU.

Originally Posted by Adrian Wong

Power consumption is continuously going down. The GeForce Go 7900 GS uses only about 20W. What may be a problem is the heat output. If the heat can be expelled from the notebook without affecting the contact areas, then it will be okay.

Power consumption rating is one thing, but how long does the notebook could actually last during gaming is another issue and also the most important thing to consider and yeah, heat is another problem too.

Originally Posted by Adrian Wong

Actually, the Dell Inspiron 9400 is relatively cheap for what it offers. Branded notebooks are even more expensive, with slower processors and GPUs. Ultra-portables are worse

Hm.... true. However desktops are still much cheaper. Which is why I still prefer to spend money on a gaming desktop, a lot cheaper and you get better performance. Of course, for those who MUST game whenever they go, go ahead for these notebooks For me, it just doesn't worth it.... so much more cons compared to pros and I don't mind to wait until I reach home to game.

Originally Posted by Adrian Wong

The weight of the 9400 will likely be a problem for me too... as well as any potential thieves. I used to lug the Toshiba Satellite M30 which weighed about 3kg. That was heavy! Sigh.. The 9400 probably weighs about 4kg.

Another reason why I won't buy these notebooks.

Originally Posted by Chai

I find it much more comfortable gaming on big screen, proper mouse with proper keyboard.

Same here