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General discussion

Student Ready to Purchase - Just a Few Last Questions

Jul 26, 2004 5:17AM PDT

I'll be buying a Dell i8600 tomorrow.

I was considering the WUXGA processor, but after doing some research decided the cheaper WSXGA+ was probably a good medium. I'm still not sure about the Ghz though. I've been told 1.6 is probably enough, but I'd be willing to shell out $180 more for the 1.8 if absolutely necessary. I'll be doing a fair amount of digital movie editing for school as well as some DVD viewing, a lot of music, and the occasional games of course. I plan to buy a wireless mouse, and possibly a wireless keyboard, later. After a 20% discount, taxes, free shipping, no additional software, etc I'm looking at about $1,800, which is within my range. I just don't want to go over 2,000.

Here are the Specs as they currently stand:
Processor: Intel

Discussion is locked

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Re: Student Ready to Purchase - Just a Few Last Questions
Jul 26, 2004 10:46PM PDT

hope this reply isn't too late.
well, if you do buy the WSXGA+ screen, it will be ok. i say this because the WUXGA is geared more towards spreadsheet users...it makes it easier to compare two spread sheets side by side. the 1.8 ghz processor sounds a little better for running software intense work. also, if you are going to be doing a lot of video editing, i would advise getting the better video card in case you will be using 3d software in the future (as well as more video editing). 128 will work great. Im not sure what type of networking your school has, but most are now equipped with G (54mbs) APs so the intel 2200 is recommended.

also, DO NOT BUY RAM FROM DELL! they charge a lot! buy from crucial.com or kingston...crucial is great when it comes to compatability. they have an awesome no questions asked policy for around 30 days(?). so if you do chose to upgrade in the future, get it from one of those two places.

not to mess with your head or anything, but if you are seriously into video editing and such, did you check out the apple powerbooks? a friend of mine has one and im astonished by what she can do with her video editing software. just wondering.

good luck

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Re: Student Ready to Purchase - Just a Few Last Questions
Jul 27, 2004 1:51AM PDT

Thanks for the advice.

I did decide to go with the 128MB video card since it was within my price range. I kept the 1.6Ghz processor though, even though I want the 1.8Ghz a little more, but it's too much money unfortunately. I'll keep the memory tip in mind when I upgrade.

My school advisor also said Apples are great for video editing, but most of the in-coming students will have PCs, so I'm getting a PC also so I can swap software and such. I might consider an buying an additional Apple next year if necessary though.

Thanks again for the help.

- Crush