I'm about to buy a Dell laptop, but I can't decide between two models. I'm pretty clueless when it comes to computer components, so I was wondering if some of yall could help me out. I can't decide between the Inspiron 600m and the Inspiron 6000.

1) Overall, which is the better computer?

2) Is the 6000's higher price tag due only to its bigger screen, or are the components better too?

3) What's the difference between a Celeron and a Pentium Processor?

4) What's the difference between DDR memory and Shared DDR2 memory?

5) Does anybody have either of these computers?

THANKS!!!!! Please feel free to suggest a better computer if it's in the same price range.

12/20/2005 11:25:54 PM

ive tested both and each has its positives and negatives.

the 600m is more portable

the 6000 has a really nice screen for dvds, looks better, but is alot heavier and bigger to carry around

if you can afford it go with the pentium unless you dont put your laptop under alot of stress
rams not a big deal, just get 512mb

12/21/2005 12:04:11 AM

how do the graphics cards compare? and should I be concerned about graphics cards?

600m - 32MB ATI Mobility Radeon 9000 Graphics card
6000 - Integrated Intel Media Accelerator 900 graphics

12/21/2005 12:16:55 AM

you should wait for a month (beginning of January, really) to see if Apple releases the Intel iBooks/Powerbooks.

^ Both of those are pretty much crap graphics cards, I wouldn't expect too much from either of them though.

[Edited on December 21, 2005 at 12:26 AM. Reason : ]

12/21/2005 12:25:56 AM

not an Apple kind of guy. thanks for letting me know about the graphics cards

12/21/2005 12:42:17 AM

Anyone with a different opinion on the two laptops?

12/21/2005 4:42:04 PM

I have a 600m and take it to class every day. I got it in April when Dell had a $750 off $1500 promotion. I haven't had any major problems with it and I use it a lot. I have that 32MB mobile radeon card but I don't really play games on my laptop. It will play older games though and I've gotton Civ IV to run on it, albeit it runs pretty slow/choppy.

I have 512 mb of ram. I run way too many programs at once but the system seems to handle it fine enough. I am actually going to reformat it soon to get rid of all the Dell crap.

It's a pretty good product, really, though the battery length is not as long as I would like. It has that type of built in mouse that's like a flat thing that you run your thumb across. I really hate laptops without the trackpoint in the keyboard so I sometimes use a wireless mouse. That would be my one complaint.

Good luck with your choice.

[Edited on December 21, 2005 at 7:00 PM. Reason : .]

12/21/2005 6:59:44 PM

dont buy a laptop with over 15" screen, and dont buy a laptop weighing more hten 7 lbs

i didnt read anything else in this thread

12/21/2005 7:33:38 PM

I'm really pleased w/ my Toshiba... if I buy another laptop someday, it'll be a Toshiba too

12/21/2005 9:50:01 PM

innova

What are you going to be using the laptop for? What's the prime reason, what do you want the ability to do?

Work?
Movies?
Games? If so what kind? Heavy 3D ups the price etc...

12/22/2005 6:58:10 AM

I had a 700m, but returned it for the 6000. Between the undersized keyboard and the low resolution of the screen, I was much happier with the 6000.

For graphics what do you really want to do with it? Everyone will spew out numbers for games and such, but in general gaming with a laptop is a waste. Use a desktop for that.

I had the Media accelerator 900 on the 6000 and it was just fine. The t42 I have now (also new this year) has a Radeon mobility 7500. Not the height of performance.

Try for a P-M and skimp on the ram from dell. You'll find it much cheaper elsewhere. Get the larger battery too.

IMO, I feel the opposite about weight. Originally went for the 700m because of weight, but books end up weighing more. You get used to hauling stuff around anyhow. I typically carry a bunch of crap around and the differnce between say 6 pounds and 8 pounts is really not that big of a deal. It may seem like it, but just grow some more backbone.

[Edited on December 22, 2005 at 8:33 AM. Reason : .]

12/22/2005 8:27:17 AM

i, too, agree that toshiba offers the best value of any laptop i've ever used (i'm on my fourth laptop)...go with something centrino on sale (you can get them for less than $1000 after rebates)

12/22/2005 10:46:03 AM

I'm not much of a gamer when it comes to computers. I have a PS2 for that. I just need something I can take between work, grad school, and home. I mainly use the MS Office suite, internet, and a couple memory/cpu hogging programs at work. Thanks for all the help! Keep it coming!

12/22/2005 11:02:33 AM

$850 (instant savings, no mail-in)

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7478632&type=product&id=1125466411854&ref=10&loc=01

12/22/2005 12:01:07 PM

http://www.techbargains.com/laptopcomputernotebookreview.cfm check those deals out before you buy any dell

12/22/2005 9:37:19 PM