Dell Latitude C400 Notebook PIII 1.2ghz, 12.1", Dell Wifi, 20Gb, 128MB

[tjmaxwell]

I would, but no current coupons work on the Inspirons in Small Business.

 

[cnicol]

Hmm interesting deal!

For what i'm looking for I wouldn't need a CD-rom, but to install the OS. If I didn't order the cd/DVD Module what would be my options to install an os? Network install? Copy the CD onto the hard drive and install? Or is it stupid not to get the CD/DVD option for $79?

Also can you put 2 batteries in the unit to double the running time?

Basically i'm looking for a light laptop with a 12in screen....with the longest run time for the cheapest price. Would this be the best option?

 

[sundog29]

The X300 is a Latitude. Both the 10%, and the 15% (as in $1618 less $242), work. Ships ~4/7.

 

[onelove]

Originally posted by: cnicol
Hmm interesting deal!

For what i'm looking for I wouldn't need a CD-rom, but to install the OS. If I didn't order the cd/DVD Module what would be my options to install an os? Network install? Copy the CD onto the hard drive and install? Or is it stupid not to get the CD/DVD option for $79?

I had the same thoughts. Having done a network install of OS, I opted to just get the CDROM drive for $79. Dell says this one doesn't have a floppy drive, so I guess you then look to do a network boot? (I don't even have a clue how this would be done). Good luck and make sure to post if you reach a conclusion how this would be done.

 

[tjmaxwell]

Originally posted by: sundog29
The X300 is a Latitude. Both the 10%, and the 15% (as in $1618 less $242), work. Ships ~4/7.

I was told that the 10% and 15% coupons didn't stack. This still would be more than I wanted to spend on a laptop. I already have a good desktop, I just want a basic, light laptop for work and travel. I just ordered a C400 with lots of upgrades and a 3-year warranty for under $1000 shipped. I think that's a pretty good deal.

 

[sundog29]

Originally posted by: tjmaxwell

Originally posted by: sundog29
The X300 is a Latitude. Both the 10%, and the 15% (as in $1618 less $242), work. Ships ~4/7.

I was told that the 10% and 15% coupons didn't stack. This still would be more than I wanted to spend on a laptop. I already have a good desktop, I just want a basic, light laptop for work and travel. I just ordered a C400 with lots of upgrades and a 3-year warranty for under $1000 shipped. I think that's a pretty good deal.

The coupons don't stack. The 15 was hard to come by, but was good for another $80 off on the pricey X300. Why it almost covers a 512-meg stick of Crucial 2100 ($117).

It sounds like you'll be fine with the C400.

 

[cerebusPu]

Ive had a C400 since April 2002. Initial price at purchase was $1600. that includes 5 year warrantee and 3 year complete care. Ive already replaced the LCD screen once. ( i didnt like some smudges) It is definitely a ultra-portable. its fast enough for office work, spreadsheet work, web surfing, and any sorf of light business work. When i need to do gaming or programming i use my latitude D600. (bought for $2500 incidentally)

 

[timic]

where to get cheap compatible memory for C400? Is PNY 512MB PC133 SODIMM good with it?

 

[pillage2001]

Call in and try to get the coupon to stack. I've done it before.

 

[phantaszm]

werk: does the laptop boot off the USB port?


onelove:

Having done a network install of OS

did you do a Windows XP install off the network? It's really easy using linux, but I couldn't find any resources for Win XP. Do you have any websites that shows you how to do it?

 

[loup garou]

Originally posted by: phantaszm
werk: does the laptop boot off the USB port?


onelove:

Having done a network install of OS

did you do a Windows XP install off the network? It's really easy using linux, but I couldn't find any resources for Win XP. Do you have any websites that shows you how to do it?

I'm not sure, I purchased one dell dvd/cdrw module for my mother & sister to share for software installs.

 

[rasputinj]

Originally posted by: tjmaxwell
I can't decide if I should go with a slightly-upgraded Inspiron 600m for somewhere in the $1280 shipped range (with SXGA+ screen, 64MB video), or go for the c400 with 512 MB Memory, a 40 GB HD, DVD-ROM, and a 3-year warranty for around $1000 shipped. The only thing that worries me about the C400 is the external CD-ROM drive. I don't fancy the idea of having to hold the DVD drive in my hand while watching a movie on the plane. Plus, it seems that battery life on these things is only in the two hour range. This would mainly be used for general surfing and everyday use, though the ability to play a game on the road once in a while is tempting. Any thoughts?

I think you would be fine with the C400 which is now $921, instead of $821. But the 600M deal today with a 14" screen at $1049 might be a better deal for your needs. I do not like going down to a 12" screen myself. I like the 600M.

 

[onelove]

Originally posted by: phantaszm
onelove:

Having done a network install of OS

did you do a Windows XP install off the network? It's really easy using linux, but I couldn't find any resources for Win XP. Do you have any websites that shows you how to do it?

phantaszm: don't think you can boot from a USB floppy. The network install wasn't XP (don't own it).

Rasputin: yah, hope the 12" screen isn't too scrunched after looking at 17" and 19" all the time. The 600m is a better/newer setup w/ CDRW included and bigger screen, bigger keyboard, bigger hdd (30g vs 20g), DDR memory, Centrino (instead of P3-M) and better graphics w/ the radeon 9000 chip *nice* These are all cool features.

downside is the $250 price difference (and weight, if 2lbs means anything to you - not so much for me) & shorter standard warranty (1yr vs. 3yr) - the warranty is something I actually sort of care about w/ a laptop that I use a lot. Not sure if the Dell warranty means much anymore, but at least it could cover you if you get a lemon.

just some stuff I pondered in considering whether to cancel & get this.

 

[phantaszm]

Hmm... just a thought on the 3 year warranty.

If my system dies after 2 years, Dell will most probably not have parts for this model anymore and will definitely have to replace it with a then-current model. Won't that be nice.

 

[onelove]

that would certainly be my position. Dell would likely dig into the refurb bin and try to find you a nice replacement keyboard though...

 

[Theophilus]

Cancelled my order because comparing it with other laptops, the only thing going for it is the fact that it is small and light. Yes, it costs a little less as well. But when you come down to it, technology changes so quickly that this thing is going to be a dinosaur in no time. Most people keep their laptops for an average of 2 years. With this one, I'd say a little shorter.

 

[Winchester]

I ended up not ordering as well.

 

[sundog29]

Originally posted by: Winchester
I ended up not ordering as well.

Same-o. For all the same reasons. And not being able to shake the itch, went with the petite X300 instead. AKA a bulky PDA/MP3 player on (Centrino) steroids that can double as a laptop.

 

[rasputinj]

Originally posted by: onelove

Originally posted by: phantaszm
onelove:

Having done a network install of OS

did you do a Windows XP install off the network? It's really easy using linux, but I couldn't find any resources for Win XP. Do you have any websites that shows you how to do it?

phantaszm: don't think you can boot from a USB floppy. The network install wasn't XP (don't own it).

Rasputin: yah, hope the 12" screen isn't too scrunched after looking at 17" and 19" all the time. The 600m is a better/newer setup w/ CDRW included and bigger screen, bigger keyboard, bigger hdd (30g vs 20g), DDR memory, Centrino (instead of P3-M) and better graphics w/ the radeon 9000 chip *nice* These are all cool features.

downside is the $250 price difference (and weight, if 2lbs means anything to you - not so much for me) & shorter standard warranty (1yr vs. 3yr) - the warranty is something I actually sort of care about w/ a laptop that I use a lot. Not sure if the Dell warranty means much anymore, but at least it could cover you if you get a lemon.

just some stuff I pondered in considering whether to cancel & get this.

Better deal today on the 600M with 10% coupon code now $1014..

 

[Abhi]

Originally posted by: phantaszm
Hmm... just a thought on the 3 year warranty.

If my system dies after 2 years, Dell will most probably not have parts for this model anymore and will definitely have to replace it with a then-current model. Won't that be nice.

hehe...

yes it wud.... *me looks at my 8500 with 2 yr warranty*

 

[tjmaxwell]

Originally posted by: sundog29Same-o. For all the same reasons. And not being able to shake the itch, went with the petite X300 instead. AKA a bulky PDA/MP3 player on (Centrino) steroids that can double as a laptop.

I cancelled my order as well. I still think it's a really good deal for an ultra-portable notebook, and I probably would've kept it if the DVD drive was internal.

Sundog, that's exactly what I want a laptop for too. A bulky PDA/MP3 player that doubles as a laptop. I just bought an iPod for almost $500 after tax/warranty/accessories. I can't help but feel that I can get a lot more use for about twice the cost. Sure it's bigger, but under normal circumstances, it will work fine for me. Can't afford the X300, but I'll probably get a 600m now.

 

[SDOG34]

You guys should take a look at the 300m. It is basically the inspiron version of the x300 and is somewhat cheaper. I actually have one on the way from Dell for $1000 all inclusive through my university :Q

 

[onelove]

if anybody bought this w/ the stock ram (128), you'll need more. CircuitCity has a 512mb module for $110 ($4 less than kingmax from newegg). Nice to buy memory locally so you don't have to wait/pay restock if it doesn't pass memtest. I found a PC133/CL2 BGA module that I snapped up.

Centon 512MB PC133/100 SDRAM SODIMM Notebook Memory
Brand/Model: MEI 512MBLT133

 

[sundog29]

Originally posted by: onelove
if anybody bought this w/ the stock ram (128), you'll need more. ...

And if they upgraded through Dell, they probably won't admit it here. Anyway, thanks for the reminder; my toy shipped today and I'm going with Crucial.

 

[sundog29]

[Unforeseen consecutive post.]

Orders arriving, already. What 3-5 day shipping? Next day, baby.

Woot/schweat/etc.



Package Progress:
Date Time Location Activity

Mar 30, 2004 9:05 A.M. NASHVILLE, TN, US DELIVERY
12:15 A.M. NASHVILLE, TN, US OUT FOR DELIVERY
Mar 29, 2004 11:06 P.M. US BILLING INFORMATION RECEIVED
6:20 P.M. NASHVILLE, TN, US ORIGIN SCAN