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Question

Laptop question for the Proffitt.

Aug 1, 2016 12:35PM PDT

Mr. Proffitt:

I have talked about my 7 year old Dell Vostro 1510 laptop for too long on here but today a new problem has started; the screen will suddenly start to flickering like crazy and I've never dropped it since I've had it.

Would you recommend I shop for another Dell laptop on Dell.com; a different brand of laptop on Amazon.com or take a look at some laptops on Best Buy.com?

I don't know what kind of processor I should go with; Celerons seem to be the cheapest and they go up from there. I wouldn't need more than a 500GB HD since all I do on this old unit is web surfing and some email.

Memory wouldn't have to be that much either. I would want to be able to use it wirelessly here in the house like I can do with my current one. Do you have any recommendations or other brands of laptops I need to look at besides Dell? Finally I'd want a new laptop with a monitor of at least 15"; this one has a 15.4" monitor.


Big Steve
08/01/16

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Can you get by with less disk space?
Aug 1, 2016 12:51PM PDT

Why I ask is that these 240GB SSD drives give a huge boost for the money. I have this 2006 Dell Inspiron 1505 with 2GB RAM and for the HDD we slipped in the 120GB 35 dollar SSD and took the W10 upgrade offer.

This old iron boots and gets on the web with a google search result in 35 seconds from power on.

So that tells us the bottlenecks are not RAM or CPU in today's machines.

Sure you might find an Atom or old single core CPU to slow down a machine but sure, pick out a dual or more core CPU but given the off the cliff fall in SSD prices, the 240GB is seem all the time for under 50 bucks.

Why not a new Inspiron?

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Re: Can you get by with less disk space?
Aug 1, 2016 1:22PM PDT

I probably could but just for your information here's the configuration on my Dell Vostro 1510 which one of my brother's lieutenants out in Texas had Dell build for me; details below. Also do you recommend that I stay away from any Celeron processor? Thanks for the post.


Dell Vostro 1510 Configuration - January 2009

Intel Core 2 Duo T5870, 2.0GHz, 800MHz FSB, 2M L2 Cache
15.4 inch Widescreen WXGA LCD
3GB, DDR2, 667MHz 2 DIMM
Intel Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
No UPEK Fingerprint Reader
Vista Home Premium Service Pack 1,w/Media,32 Edition
Image Restore,Vista,Dell OptiPlex,Precision and Latitude
Adobe Reader 9.0 Multi Language,for Dell Vostro
8X DVD+/-RW with double -layer DVD+/ -R write capability, with Roxio
Roxio Creator Dell Edition 9.0 for Dell Vostro
Integrated High Definition Audio 2.0
Dell Wireless 1395 802.11g Mini Card
Integrated 1.3 Mega Pixel Webcam and Digital Microphone
Web cam Software
McAfee Total Protection 15 - Month Subscription English
6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery for Vostro 1510
Microsoft Works Plus 2008 English
Warranty Support,Initial Year
Dell Hardware Limited Warranty Plus Onsite Service Extended Year(s)
Warranty Support,1 Year Extended
Basic Support: Next Business Day Parts and Labor Onsite Response Initial Year
Basic Support: Next Business Day Parts and Labor Onsite Response 1 Year Extended
Dell Hardware Limited Warranty Plus Onsite Service Initial Year
$ 722.00 + $ 50.53 sales tax = $772.53


Big Steve
08/01/16

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Re: Can you get by with less disk space?
Aug 1, 2016 1:31PM PDT

Mr. Proffitt:

Here's the processor which came configured with my Dell Vostro 1510.
Intel Core 2 Duo T5870, 2.0GHz, 800MHz FSB, 2M L2 Cache

Looking at all of the processors that Dell has to offer on their new Inspiron laptops that are not Celeron processors which processor that Dell offers now on their new Inspiron laptops would be pretty close to the processor that's in my 7 year Dell Vostro 1510 laptop now?


Big Steve
08/01/16

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Re: Can you get by with less disk space?
Aug 1, 2016 1:37PM PDT

Mr. Proffitt:

I forgot to ask this; what's the current Windows OS being offered on most of the new laptops? Windows 10 or Windows 10 Pro? Will either one of those OS's be a big change from my laptop's OS which is Windows Vista 32bit?


Big Steve
08/01/16

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Hmm 3 posts.
Aug 1, 2016 1:42PM PDT

I'll stick with your last post here since you asked far more than in your opening post. I also answered the CPU question so I'll stand by my first answer.

The current OS on most new PCs is Windows 10. It could be Home or Pro but when I ask why folk want the Pro version they don't know so either will do for them.

As to change, yes, things change. Just like Windows 1 to 2 and on, for me it's never been a big deal. That said, I am glad we no longer have any Windows Vista or 8 machines at the office or home.

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Re: Hmm 3 posts.
Aug 1, 2016 6:55PM PDT

This is on Dell's Home Office website tonight:

http://www.dell.com/us/p/inspiron-15-3558-laptop/pd?oc=fncwc105sb&model_id=inspiron-15-3558-laptop

There's a laptop similar to the one above but it's on Dell's Small Business website which has an OS of Windows 7 Professional 64 bit:

http://www.dell.com/us/business/p/inspiron-15-3558-laptop/pd?oc=smi153w7pb105&model_id=inspiron-15-3558-laptop


Would Windows 7 be easier for me going from Windows Vista than going from Windows Vista to Windows 10?


Big Steve
08/01/16

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I'm the wrong one to ask that.
Aug 1, 2016 7:16PM PDT

The office and home over the last month hunted down every last PC that could get an upgrade to W10. We even took that 2006 Inspiron to W10 since students would scoff at it with an old OS. No interest at all.

Now that it boots and gets to the web in less than 35 seconds why would we go with an older Windows?

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That's a 329 dollar laptop.
Aug 1, 2016 7:24PM PDT

It has all the basics so it would be fine for 80 or more per cent of web users today.

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Re: change
Aug 1, 2016 2:11PM PDT

It depends on you if much changes.

Websurfing
If you browse and use Firefox and Chrome, that doesn't change at all, but you need to install those first. If you use Internet Explorer, it's now version 11, which might be a little bit different from IE 9 in Vista.
But if you use the default new browser Edge, it's very different!

Some mailing
If you use webmail in the same browser, it will be the same. If you use Thunderbird, it will be the same, after you installed it. If you use MS Outlook and reinstall that, it will be the same.
But if you now use Windows Live Mail and switch to the new Mail app, it's very different!
And even more so, the new version of the Mail app that comes with the Anniversary Update will be different again.

Using third party software (Firefox or Chrome and Thunderbird) seems the way to keep it the same. Using Microsoft software seems the way to have to change.

And, yes, logging in and logging out is somewhat different. But you'll get that soon enough. And you might consider to install Classic Shell to have more or less the old Start button in stead of the new Start screen.

In one of your posts above you asked Dell or Amazon or Best Buy.com.
Did you consider the option to buy in a local shop where they can help you to learn the machine, maybe install some programs and get you on the way of being a happy user? Amazon and Dell don't do that.

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Re: change
Aug 1, 2016 7:17PM PDT

I use Firefox for websurfing; I use my AT&T webmail for email; unfortunately there are no small independently owned computer sales and repair stores here in my area; only the big box brick and mortar stores like Best Buy; Walmart; Target; Office Depot and Sam's Club.

There was one computer repair shop here in my town but the owner suffered a heart attack a few months ago and his family decided to close his store. All he did was computer repairs; he wasn't into sales.

I saw 2 Inspiron models on Dell's website; one on Dell's Home site had an OS of WIN 10; the other laptop sold on Dell's Small Business site had an OS of WIN 7 Pro.

The laptop sold on the Dell Home site with WIN 10 sells for $279.00; the laptop sold on the Dell Small Business site with WIN 7 Pro sells for $329.00. Would moving from WIN Vista to WIN 7 Pro be an easier move between OS's than for me moving from WIN Vista to WIN 10?


Big Steve
08/01/16

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I'd go for Windows 10.
Aug 2, 2016 12:18AM PDT

It's good for many years to come.

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Re: I'd go for Windows 10.
Aug 2, 2016 12:44AM PDT

Kees_B:

Go wih an OS of WIN 10 and for the processor stay clear of a Celeron; select a better processor than a Celeron? Here are the different processors Dell offers for the Inspiron 15 3000; the processor selected reflects the final price as to what the laptop will cost from Dell; details below:

1. Intel® Celeron Dual Core™
2. Intel® Pentium Quad Core™
3. Intel® Core™ i3
4. Intel® Core™ i5
5. Intel® Core™ i7
6. AMD Quad Core

Here's the processor which came with my Dell Vostro 1510 seven years ago:
Intel Core 2 Duo T5870, 2.0GHz, 800MHz FSB, 2M L2 Cache



Big Steve
08/02/16

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Re: processor
Aug 2, 2016 1:06AM PDT

I'd go for the i3, if the price is acceptable for you.
If you want fast booting an SSD (if offered) is preferable to a HDD, but it will be somewhat more expensive also.

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Re: processor
Aug 2, 2016 2:11AM PDT

Kees_B:

So you would recommend that I select the i3 processor and go with the Windows 10 OS offered on the Inspiron laptop currently sold on Dell's Home Office website instead of the Inspiron laptop currently sold on Dell's Small Business website which comes with the Windows 7 Pro OS?

On a laptop that could cost me around $350.00 USD would you purchase an extended warranty on a $350.00 USD laptop from Dell or not? Are there any other laptop brands I should look at for the price I'm wanting to pay like an Asus or a Lenovo laptop or stay with Dell? Finally what's the difference between a regular HD and an SSD drive?


Big Steve
08/02/16

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Re: HDD versus SDD
Aug 2, 2016 10:50AM PDT

An SSD uses less power (so the laptop lives longer on a battery when it's not connected to a power outlet) and it's faster and makes less noise. And there is no need to defrag it; in fact, that's considered harmful.

The hits on the first page of https://www.google.com/?#q=difference+ssd+hdd
explain it.

The speed difference is especially noticeable when booting or starting a program. it doesn't make much - if any - difference when using a browser.

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Re: HDD versus SDD
Aug 2, 2016 11:13AM PDT

Kees_B:

Thanks for explaining that and sharing the link. This monitor's screen is going crazy today; flickering; jumping around; as I mentioned in my OP I've never dropped this laptop since I've had it; what could be causing that?


Big Steve
08/02/16

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Re: screen
Aug 2, 2016 11:57AM PDT

I think it's just an old laptop.

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Re: screen
Aug 2, 2016 12:13PM PDT

Kees_B:

I had trouble signing in just now; when I did attempt to do it the first time I was redirected to a page which said ERROR CODE 404 and a pic of a guy crying. I had to login to CNET Downloads before I could get to here. Was another MOD attempting to block me?


Big Steve
08/02/16

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Re: blocking
Aug 2, 2016 12:21PM PDT

I'm 100% sure no one was trying to block you. Mods even can't. Only the big boss (Lee Koo) can do it. And he has no single reason to block you since you're a quite well-behaving member.
Consider it a fluke.

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Re: blocking
Aug 2, 2016 12:31PM PDT

Kees_B:

Well I'm back but it happened again; I had to login to CNET Downloads before I could get to here. So you would rate that Asus laptop I posted a link from Best Buy on as good as or better than the Inspiron laptop from Dell? Would you purchase an extended warranty on a < $300.00 USD laptop or not?


Big Steve
08/02/16

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Re: screen
Aug 2, 2016 12:19PM PDT
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Re: Asus
Aug 2, 2016 12:24PM PDT
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Re: Asus
Aug 3, 2016 12:04AM PDT

In an effort to save money should I be looking at some tablets or will I not have the same user experience in what I've been use to for years when using a laptop if I suddenly decided to start using a tablet?


Big Steve
08/03/16

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Re: tablet
Aug 3, 2016 1:20AM PDT

Certainly a tablet or a smartphone can be used to run a browser, so be used for browsing Internet and webmail. Why not ask a friend with a smartphone a demo?

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Re: tablet
Aug 11, 2016 5:37AM PDT

Man this Dell laptop of mine is going crazy this morning; it's got to be a monitor issue. Right now I'm having to put pressure on the upper left hand corner of the screen just to keep the screen from rolling; flickering and everything else that it's doing.

Mr. Proffitt if you're out there should I be looking at some Chromebooks if all I'm doing is web surfing and web based email? I remember once you posted that you were not a big fan of Chromebooks; you told me to stay with a laptop. Is that still your opinion today?


Big Steve
08/11/16

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Regarding Chromebooks.
Aug 11, 2016 7:31AM PDT

The office owned 2 but we decided not to develop for the Chromebook. It does the basics right but it's such a small market we could not get the numbers to work.

While it's a great thing, for the same money you should find with some searching a regular laptop.

Why would you want a Chromebook? I can't tell you this.

Post was last edited on August 12, 2016 9:34 AM PDT

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Re: Regarding Chromebooks.
Aug 12, 2016 12:15AM PDT

Main reason is cost; something not too expensive. I still have $300.00 in Best Buy gift cards which my brother sent to me the last week of December 2015 to use to buy a new HDTV which I bought myself the first week of December 2015; could I use those $300.00 in Best Buy gift cards to put towards a good entry level laptop or should I consider looking at some laptops on Amazon.com instead? I know you're a big fan of Amazon.com.


Big Steve
08/12/16

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Amazon has that top selling models.
Aug 12, 2016 9:35AM PDT

Which are top selling for reasons. As to BB, start a new post with the model you like for members to comment.

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Re: change
Aug 1, 2016 7:22PM PDT
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Re: change
Sep 15, 2016 9:08PM PDT

I sent my brother 2 configurations for a Dell Inspiron 15-3000 series labtop a few weeks ago; both configurations were identical except one had a Celeron processor and Windows 10 while the other one had an i3 processor with Windows 7 Pro 64 bit.

I received an email from Fedex last night informing me that a package was on the way from Dell Computers. This morning Dell told me the laptop being shipped to me was the Windows 7 Pro 64 bit with the i3 processor; not a Windows 10 system. How much longer will Microsoft provide support for Windows 7 Pro or has support already ended? Fedex is scheduled to deliver the new laptop tomorrow.


Big Steve
09/15/16